eclipsenow said:

Do you have a sense of what has changed in the last 60 years? What used to belong to Congress but is now the Presidents? What new powers could be triggered?

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Being able to remember the last 60 years, yeah, I do.

I distinctly remember a time when a Republican controlled Congress would have told a Republican president, "No, Mr. President. We are the US Congress, not your lackey."

JosephZ said:

Below are some posts I made shortly after the October 7, 2023, terrorist attack where I gave my opinion on this.

Oct 12, 2023

Israel is not going to be able to destroy Hamas militarily.... The current approach is only going to exacerbate long-standing grievances between the Palestinians and Israel, and until those grievances are addressed, terrorist attacks against Israel will continue. With every Palistinian child, brother, sister, father, mother, or grandparent that is killed by Isreali forces, another potential terrorist is born.

...Until there's a comprehensive approach that addresses the grievances of not only the Palestinians but also those of the Israelis, the conflict between the two will continue.

Oct 15, 2023

Israel needs to focus exclusively on hunting down all of the terrorists responsible for the attack, including the leadership of Hamas, and holding them accountable. Israel also needs to stop the influx of outside funding from countries like Iran. Bombing Gaza and punishing everyone living there for the actions of Hamas isn't going to destroy Hamas or end future terror attacks against Israel. The current approach is only going to exacerbate long-standing grievances between the Palestinians and Israel, and until those grievances are addressed, terrorist attacks against Israel will continue.

To defeat Hamas, Israel has to make supporting and joining them less attractive to Palestinians and potential recruits. This can be done by Israel recognizing and respecting a Palestinian state and improving the lives of the Palestinian people. Israel will need to play a direct role in rebuilding Gaza and improving infrastructure once the dust settles from this most recent bombardment. This, along with supporting economic development and offering livelihood opportunities, would go a long way in changing the attitude and mindset of those who live in Gaza. If Israel can show that they care more about the Palestinian people than Hamas, then Hamas will lose the support of the Palestinian people and their primary recruiting tool. This is the only way to destroy Hamas. To make this happen, it will take a concerted effort by the Israeli government, the UN, NGO's, and the Palestinians themselves.

Oct 21, 2023

History tells us a couple of things; first, the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians isn't going to be resolved by war; and second, military force alone can't defeat a terrorist group like Hamas.

Oct 25, 2023

The IDF is not doing everything it can to prevent civilian casualties, and their response to the October 7th terrorist attack played right into the hands of Hamas. The IDF is making a grave mistake that will have negative consequences not only for Israel, but also the United States for many years to come.

Oct 26, 2023
Hamas knew that carrying out such a horrific attack on Israel would result in an overwhelming show of force and a devastating bombing campaign in Gaza. Terrorist groups exist and thrive when there is discord, chaos, injustice, and conflict; leveling homes, killing civilians, and destroying infrastructure is exactly what Hamas wants Israel to do in Gaza.

Nov 12, 2023

...It was a trap, and Israel fell right into it.

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I don’t know what kind of a trap are you talking about. The terrorists inflicted tremendous damage on Israel on October 7th and Israel responded in the only sensible way left, by force. A good portion of the civilian casualty comes from Hamas penchant of using the civilian population to hide behind which still continues. I guess Israel could evacuate Gaza completely, round up all terrorist jihadists and execute them, and destroy any remaining terrorist infrastructure left. That might save civilian lives.

ozso said:

That sounds like the swamp of paranoia and sensationalism over to the left.

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There's simplistic labelling to try and deal with your own cognitive dissonance.

Then there's knowing what on earth is actually going on!

I'm not just talking about Trump - but his personality disorder does make him the most dangerous President in recent history.

Carlin is talking about systemic power shifts and drift across a few generations of Presidents on both sides of the spectrum.

If you listen to Dan Carlin - maybe you would have a clue as to how many powers have shifted from Congress to the President?

And while he's no fan of Trump - his podcast is not about partisan politics.

To make that point he keeps asking both sides to ask this question ....

"I might like MY choice of President having that these new powers - would I like the OTHER guys getting their hands on these powers?"

EG: "Would you be happy if Kamala Harris got her hands on these new powers?"

See - as long as America is a democracy - there is always the chance the OTHER team gets their hands on these new powers?

Do you have a sense of what has changed in the last 60 years? What used to belong to Congress but is now the Presidents? What new powers could be triggered?

1Tonne said:

Happy to offer evidence when there's genuine interest, but just repeating "Evidence please" after every sentence isn’t a real argument. It shows a lack of respect. It's important to engage with the reasoning behind the claim, not just demand “evidence” without listening.
I’d rather spend time with the others in this discussion who are interested in actual conversation.

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So no evidence then? How surprising. If you actually had evidence you would be falling over yourself to present it rather than coming up with excuses for not presenting it: it's a very common strategy when one has no evidence.

You could prove us all wrong to our stupid fat faces but won't because I'm a meany?

SMH

Nithavela said:

The last nuclear accident in the USA that caused radioactive polution was in 2022.

Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant accident - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

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That was a leak in a pipeline. Not earthquake, flood or war

Nithavela said:

In 2010 there was one that cost 700 million dollars to clean up.

Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Plant - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

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Again a maintenance issue

I’ve driven from Berlin to Frankfurt. Seen the kilometers of wind farms.
Why does the country still have need of 72% of their electricity come from nuclear or coal fired sources?

Why did the wind electricity drop from 32% to 24% this year? Here is a hint - not enough wind.

Granted, it’s a novel approach to the problem. But a nuclear facility does so much better with so much less.

FaithT said:

It’s my understanding, and I could be wrong but I don’t think I am, that all books read for classes and programs at my church have to get the approval of our pastor.

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There are divisions in the Church - some pastors will approve some things that other pastors will not. This is a very sad and difficult reality, but "on the other hand" - it proves the necessity of the Cross, for Jesus and for those who follow Him as His Body on earth.

ozso said:

That's become a running gag.

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The rest of the world can see it is - but so many of the MAGA faithful chase every ball Trump throws out so regularly, and with such disdain for the intelligence of his audience. Either that or he really is getting early dementia

stevevw said:

To a degree there is an unwritten respect and authority with those been there longer and older as they probably know as much or more than some new upstart lol. They deserve respect and I think we see that we they become the go to person or come to be an mentor.

But I agree there is also this ethical principle playing out which is that regardless of authority and time honored everyone is equal worth as a human being in Gods sight from the CEO to the Janitor.

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First you deal them as authority. After a while, you're buddies.

Yes, many people do this as a matter of instinct, experience, what else. Even Jesus knew and applied the principle in John 15:15.

Jesus is specifically addressing his disciples, not the general public.

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Perhaps because the disciples knew something everyone else didn't because Jesus taught them things Jesus only told others in parables but revealed to His disciples plainly.

Knowledge.

Back in the time of Paul, men had more knowledge, more education, and more rights than women. So it makes sense that women would benefit being under the authority and of their husbands.

Women did not knew the business of their husbands due to oppression by society of their time. Just like in John 15:15 it places them under the authority of their husbands for their own good.

But now, in modern times, women can be just as educated and experienced as men in all things. They don't need to be under the authority of their husband as they are now perfectly capable of dealing with society, theology, and spiritual matters as men can.

Also note that John 15:15 would also apply to Christ's female disciples with special mention of Mary Magdalene. Though Mary may or may not be present when Jesus delivered the speech in John 15:15, the verse applies to her as well, in fact, it applies to her more than any of the other disciples. She knew the business of Jesus more than any of the other disciples!

If Jesus would regard His disciples as equals, including His female disciples then order or hierarchy is only temporary. The status of servant is not lifetime. Paul may have been dealing with a chaotic crowd or church(which he often did) and desperately in need of order. Because Jesus clearly regarded it as temporary. Remember, we can't pit the teachings of Paul vs Jesus. Context should be strongly considered.

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit
of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners now,
and at the hour of our death.
Amen

Phil G said:

If you want to know how it is possible for rockets to shoot through God's "firmament", then go to the original Hebrew word. That word is not so defined as to be able to say that it means something solid. It can mean "expanse".

And there absolutely no problem with a rocket shooting through God's created "expanse".

So, if you still believe the "firmament" to be solid, do you call Charles Duke a liar? A yes or no will suffice.

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Not sure, as it does say;

The firmament is portrayed as a vast dome created by God to separate the waters above from those below, symbolizing order and structure imposed by the divine on the chaos of the primordial world.​

In biblical cosmology, the firmament (raqia in Hebrew) is described as a solid, dome-like structure that separates the waters above from the waters below, acting as the sky. Some interpretations suggest it was made of a solid form of water or a hard, metal-like shell. It is depicted as a vast expanse or a vaulted dome, supporting the waters above and containing the sun, moon, and stars.

The two prominent representations of the firmament were that it was either flat and hovering over the Earth, or that it was a dome and entirely enclosed the Earth's surface. Beyond the firmament is the upper waters, above which further still is the divine abode.

The historical definition of “the water above the firmament” is, therefore, a veritable sea located above a solid firmament which is in turn located above the sun, moon, and stars.

In biblical cosmology, the firmament is the structure above the atmosphere of Earth, conceived as a vast solid dome. According to the Genesis creation narrative, God created the firmament to separate the "waters above" the earth from the "waters below" the earth.

NxNW said:

Biden's cognitive function was and is just fine. Nobody has presented legal evidence to the contrary.

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Then why did his own party force him out of a race?

Only a doctor can perform a cognitive test, but Biden refused every time.

Always in His Presence said:

Nuclear is 300% more reliable and effective than wind and doesn’t take up 15% of land needed for wind.

When was the last time in the United States that an earthquake, a flood or a war affected any of our nuclear plants?

By the way, the same can be said for wind. All you have to do is knock them over.

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The last nuclear accident in the USA that caused radioactive polution was in 2022.


In 2010 there was one that cost 700 million dollars to clean up.

Democrats primary one of their own for going outside the tribe in 3, 2, 1……..

Richard T said:

Nuclear is very expensive. It has a waste problem and still can be catastrophic. You can plan for many things but earthquakes floods a wars make it susceptible.

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Nuclear is 300% more reliable and effective than wind and doesn’t take up 15% of land needed for wind.

When was the last time in the United States that an earthquake, a flood or a war affected any of our nuclear plants?

By the way, the same can be said for wind. All you have to do is knock them over.

Xeno.of.athens said:

I wanted to come back to this post because there's one or two things that I didn't say that I think should be said.

First, you have every right to express your opinions. And I don't challenge that at all.

Second, If your opinions had been restricted to what you felt rather than to observing what you regarded others to be, there could be no challenging them.

So, had you observed that you felt lifeless when you were attending a Catholic Church, that would be fair enough, but to imply that The Catholic Church is itself lifeless is not fair, and that is not an opinion that you are entitled to hold, regarding other people. That kind of opinion is nothing short of bashing as I observed.​

And had you restricted yourself to saying, that you yourself felt as if you had no personal relationship with Jesus Christ when you were in The Catholic Church that too would be fair enough, but when you imply that no one or apparently no one in The Catholic Church has a relationship with Jesus Christ that too is bashing as I previously observed.​

​

If you did not intend to say either of the things that I made an observation about, all you need to do is clarify that you did not mean to imply those things. So, I ask directly, did you mean to imply those things?
There is no better way to find out what somebody means than to ask them what they mean.

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I never addressed the church et al. I shared my testimony.

As I said before your complaint is noted, but there is nothing more than your interpretation of what I said.

Go back reread and you’ll see. I’m not addressing the entirety of the Roman Catholic Church, but in fact what I personally felt.

I’m sorry you don’t like it And I’m sorry it bothers you but it’s not against forum rules and I’m not bashing anyone.

And you are becoming abusive in this.

NxNW said:

I'm not entrenched with any media source.

Only a doctor can diagnose dementia. Everything else is just opinion.

I guess you can't support your claims.

Still waiting for those facts you were talking about, but it seems all you can manage is an emotional outburst.

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One does not have to be a doctor to known when something is seriously wrong with someone. If you were his loved one and you saw what the rest of the world saw during the debate, and in videos during the four years leading up to it, I would hope you would express your concern as well.

My “emotional outburst” as you call it has nothing to do with Joe Biden, when he was aware of what he was doing, seemed nice enough, and had he been in his right mind, everything that other people forced through in his name wouldn’t have happened And the country wouldn’t be in position it’s in, because he truly was for law and order, and closed borders. It is mostly against the people around him who should have been concerned for him, and weren’t. As a nurse I find that truly despicable.

I know you don’t believe a word that anyone on the right says about anything, so you should read Jake Tapper’s book. (I never thought I’d be hearing myself say something like that.)

BelieveItOarKnot said:

Your choices here are limited in the example of Jesus being tempted by/of Satan in the desert.

Either Jesus was Satan, tempting himself in the desert OR Satan was a separate agent aka the tempter, the spirit of disobedience, the devil, the great red dragon, leviathan, the tare, the goat, etc etc.

God is not the author of confusion, yet confused the language of the people at the tower of Babel.

There is a line of distinction drawn between people and devils. They are not treated the same by God

The more interesting aspect of scripture is, it shows us these two distinct agencies occupy the same pair of shoes.

With one sole exception, of course.

Jesus was tempter. But without sin.

None of us have that distinction.

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So when do you believe someone gets their (literal) devil?

Thank you for your story and feedback. I have been bouncing around the bible and reading the church fathers really trying to fully understand. I have been reading Jeremiah, his story feels familiar. Thank you again for your time, may God bless your day!

BelieveItOarKnot said:

No one is sinless.

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Whoever stated that on this thread??

BelieveItOarKnot said:

Did you you sins are "NOT COUNTED" against people?

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And are you really going to continue with this lie when the rest of the word -for example Christ's Revelation to John tells us the exact opposite? Sins count.

Revelation 2:5 "Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent."

Revelation 2:7 "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

Revelation 2:16 "Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth."

Revelation 2:17 "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden man'-na, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knowth saving he that receiveth it."

Revelation 2:21 "And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.

Revelation 2:22 "Behold, I will cast her into bed, and them that commit adultery with her unto great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.

Revelation 3:3 "Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon you."

Revelation 3:5 "He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels."

Revelation 20:15 "And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire."

We see the condition in all of these verses -he who overcomes.

BelieveItOarKnot said:

? 2 Cor. 5:19, or did you deny that one? Don't recall.

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Paul states also that sins are counted against the people. Only those that are reconciled with God will not have their sins imputed.

First let's get this verse out of the way because the Judgement Seat of Christ is for people, not Satan and his angels who have already been judged to the Lake of Fire



II Corinthians 5:10 "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad."


Revelation 20:12"And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works."

Book of life is opened, why is that if all are saved at this point? Again, Satan and his angels have already been judged and are not in the book of life. This book of life that is opened is the very same book that is talked about in chapter 3 when it states he overcomes will not have his name blotted out of the book of life. So yes, as much as you want to deny this truth, it counts.

Revelation 20:13 "And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works."

Revelation 20:14 "And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death." The lake of fire "is" the second death.

We know from an earlier verse that people, yes people who don't take part in the first resurrection are in danger of the second death. To say otherwise would also be a denial.

Revelation 20:6 "Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years."

Revelation 20:15 "And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire."



I Corinthians 5:15 "And that He died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him Which died for them, and rose again."

Do you know what that means? God's will over our own.


I Corinthians 5:16 "Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we Him no more."

I Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore if any man be in Christ he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."

II Corinthians 5:18 "And all things are of God, Who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;"

Verse 19 is in context with these verses. It doesn't state all in that verse it states "us". Only those are given the ministry of reconciliation.

I Corinthians 5:19 "To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them, and hath committed unto us the world of reconciliation."

The ones reconciled with Christ will not have their transgressions imputed against them.

We see as I have posted with everyone will appear before the Judgement Seat of Christ. And all of the books are opened at that point.


II Corinthians 5:20 "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

Paul is praying that we be reconciled to God. Why would he pray in the very next verse if all are already reconciled regardless?? You are not making sense with your beliefs. Context matters.

And nice sidetrack of the verses I posted about "departing from evil"

Apple Sky said:

No, I just can't see how it possible for rockets to shoot through God's firmament ?

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The firmament that the sun, moon, and starts all move through? WHy would it allow them and not a rocket. Either the firmament is solid or it isn't. Take your pick.

Phil G said:

Do you want to go down that road again?

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No, I just can't see how it possible for rockets to shoot through God's firmament ?

timewerx said:

When I'm new at a job, I regard even those with same position and rank as myself as authority. Since they got in earlier, it's my way of treating them with respect.

It's also a way of fitting in so the old timers don't see you as threat because first impressions last.

But after a time, I start treating them as equals as they allow.

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I think the respect for some sort of authority or eldership is an inherent truth that is in us for God. God says to respect and obey the rulers as they are appointed by God as an institution.

Not that individuals or groups may abuse those institutions. But that they are themselves an institution that is for good and if the leaders respect God then they are brings more to God. But if they don't we pray that they do. But we don't tear down these institutions as they are put there by God.

So this inherent respect and even fear of rulers can filter down as a hierarchy within the institutions like law and order or just company management structures and levels of authority.

To a degree there is an unwritten respect and authority with those been there longer and older as they probably know as much or more than some new upstart lol. They deserve respect and I think we see that we they become the go to person or come to be an mentor.

But I agree there is also this ethical principle playing out which is that regardless of authority and time honored everyone is equal worth as a human being in Gods sight from the CEO to the Janitor.

timewerx said:

It's an unspoken order but of understanding and warmth. God did not say anything about it before Adam and Eve sinned because He knew they'd figure it out.

Even Jesus spoke of the temporary hierarchy. It' doesn't stay the same indefinitely. At some point:

John 15:15
I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.

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In John 15, Jesus is specifically addressing his disciples, not the general public. Jesus had much to say and teach the disciples before He left. I think this was in ference to a fig tree that was not bearing fruit on the road to Bethany.

I think if it was understood today that this made redundant all the verses referring to servant metaphors and real life examples during Christs time in which Christ Himself used. But more importantly the disciples still used the same examples after Christ. Then thiss is saying the disciples who should have known from the start that this was wrong.

I can't see the disciples who knew more than anyone else would not understand this simple thing. Rather I think the servant metaphor was a fundemental and radical idea and even Christ became that servant and subjected Himself. So in some ways being subject in one way or another is a central part of being Christlike.

But I think a destinction needs to be made which is that how modern ideas think of 'being subject or obedient' is like oppression can distort what this actually means as a divine disposition that is actually empowering. This same disposition has changed the world and nations.

timewerx said:

If Paul is trying to impose order. It's probably because of disorder and some still needing guidance. But things don't usually stay the same indefinitely. Things progress.

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There will always by a need for order within Gods marriage, family and church. When a large group of people get together it would be nice to think we could sprinkle some fairy dust over them and they would all be united and naturally fall into place.

But we are still fallen humans and Christ says even the elect within the church will be fooled. So we need some order to tell the false for the truth and the authority of the ministry which was handed down to the disciples from Christ and passed on to the bishops as overseeing the church.

Law and order is needed for any society to function and survive. Its not different to the church and families. In fact basic behavioural sciences tell us that the foundation of a strong and healthy society is a good marriage and family. I think its not too different for the church.

But the addition the church has it it can rise above this and shine Christ when everyone is unified in one spirit and mind regardless of the differents and authority as its all accepted and realised as not being about power but how difference can united under Christ. As opposed to secular ideas.