you make a good point, but your logic falls apart when you say that any Christian has the same prophetic ability that Paul had. Understanding everything he went through and the drastic change of heart he received helps a little, though many Christians have been immensely persecuted as well as experiencing a drastic turn around. More than that though, he received clear visitations from God, not only on the Damascus Road but also when he was in prison. He says that God came to him to tell him that he would not die because God had other plans for him. As well as that, he was known to have healing abilities. When he was shipwrecked on an island, it was said that he healed many people's diseases and ailments. In assuming the validity of these facts (which could be argued either way) the question then is, does it matter that he had visitations from God or that he had healing powers? Does that give his writing precedence over the writing of popes or present day authors? Should we amend the Bible to include more than only first
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"Christians DO have much of the same prophetic ability Paul did"
How many Christians do you see healing diseases, speaking in tongues on a regular basis, being blatantly persecuted for their beliefs and being stoned, shipwrecked, and jailed? Maybe I'm just naiive, but I don't see that in America, though definitely in other countries. I do agree with you that if we are living out of our love for Christ our actions will echo that, but to say that we are all on the same level of faith that Paul was at is an exageration (though I'm sure you would disagree with that).
I'm glad you brought this up cause it's good to consider. :-)
ANY Christian has the same amount of FAITH that Paul did. Just because he was converted and shipwrecked does NOT mean that he was a more dutiful servent to God. As a matter of fact, Paul did not heal or speak in tongues on "a regular basis." Trust me when I say that most Christians will actually have the opportunity to speak in tongues at some point in their life. Paul even said himself that he was neither a greater a man nor a more deserving Christian because of his troubled life. So, if those words came from the pen of the man himself, why are we taking ALL of his words so literally?
Yes, like I said, we must take much of what Paul said literally, because he gave guidance to the church; not only for the first century, but also for future believers and congregations. In addition, he also spelled out in layman's terms what Jesus asked of us as believers. Paul's words are important. Just remember, that his opinions and observations are no more or less valid than any of ours.
1) yes i still read these cause i have no life. 2) go you for sticking up for what you believe in like you've done as long as i've known you. 3) i miss you!
Re: so about the bible...phantomuserNovember 14 2005, 16:42:07 UTC
Ok, so you probably got my other replies that I deleted in your mail, and you can laugh at them if you want. The bible was written by people who were not only Jewish, but most of them had very dark skin. But getting back to the original debate about homosexuality/gay marriage, I don't need the bible to know that it is right in most christian religions. In any christian religion you recognize that God created every person in his own image. If some one is gay, doesn't that kind of mean that there is a homosexual side to God? Or to steal a line from the movie saved "If God wanted us to be the same, why did He make us all so different?" Everyone is an individual, and the fact that some people prefer the same sex should simply show that God is wonderful. He created life, He created sexuality. Whatever, maybe I'm just smoking crack again.
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This reminds me of those disclaimers: "No animals were harmed in the making of this film"
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How many Christians do you see healing diseases, speaking in tongues on a regular basis, being blatantly persecuted for their beliefs and being stoned, shipwrecked, and jailed? Maybe I'm just naiive, but I don't see that in America, though definitely in other countries. I do agree with you that if we are living out of our love for Christ our actions will echo that, but to say that we are all on the same level of faith that Paul was at is an exageration (though I'm sure you would disagree with that).
I'm glad you brought this up cause it's good to consider. :-)
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Yes, like I said, we must take much of what Paul said literally, because he gave guidance to the church; not only for the first century, but also for future believers and congregations. In addition, he also spelled out in layman's terms what Jesus asked of us as believers. Paul's words are important. Just remember, that his opinions and observations are no more or less valid than any of ours.
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2) go you for sticking up for what you believe in like you've done as long as i've known you.
3) i miss you!
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um... they were actually Jewish. i don't think i really have the energy to analyze what else you said, sorry.
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