> Introductions, Announcements, and More of Ray's Teachings
Greetings from another New Forums Member
OBrenda:
Welcome to the Forum Christopher,
It's suprising to hear that those around you are accepting of the no hell teaching...
I think that is unusual, and wonderful.
Looking forward to your posts & fellowship...
Brenda
:)
You still in CA?
Douglas Wayne Thomas:
--- Quote from: OBrenda on September 19, 2008, 08:19:51 PM ---Welcome to the Forum Christopher,
It's suprising to hear that those around you are accepting of the no hell teaching...
I think that is unusual, and wonderful.
Looking forward to your posts & fellowship...Brenda
:)
You still in CA?
--- End quote ---
Personally I do not think people have as big of a problem accepting the no Hell part of the Bible as they do getting over the freewill thingy.
I usually explain the freewill falseness like this. People are effected by how they were raised from even before their birth. Studies have shown that mothers who sing and are happy during pregnancy have healthier babies. We develop many ideas about the world and our surroundings before we are even capable of making rational decisions. It is kind of like the legal age for drinking, at 20 years and 364 days old we can not handle alcohol, however 24 hours later all of a sudden we can. When does our freewill actually start? One day we can't make rational decisions and then all of a sudden we can? Our lives are being influenced constantly by forces outside of our control, we just have an illusion of freewill.
daywalker:
--- Quote from: Douglas Wayne Thomas on September 19, 2008, 08:34:39 PM ---
Personally I do not think people have as big of a problem accepting the no Hell part of the Bible as they do getting over the freewill thingy.
I usually explain the freewill falseness like this. People are effected by how they were raised from even before their birth. Studies have shown that mothers who sing and are happy during pregnancy have healthier babies. We develop many ideas about the world and our surroundings before we are even capable of making rational decisions. It is kind of like the legal age for drinking, at 20 years and 364 days old we can not handle alcohol, however 24 hours later all of a sudden we can. When does our freewill actually start? One day we can't make rational decisions and then all of a sudden we can? Our lives are being influenced constantly by forces outside of our control, we just have an illusion of freewill.
--- End quote ---
Hey Douglas,
I totally agree with you. Many people are/would be much relieved to know that Hell isn't real. But when it comes to their "free" will, they get very defensive.
I think the hardest part is understanding what "free will" really means. When we understand that it has nothing to do with "making choices", but rather the fact that our choices are "caused", can be altered/manipulated (i.e. circumstances, nature, mind-altered drugs, propaganda, deception, etc, etc.), and that many of the choices we make daily are more like "reactions" to circumstances around us, then it becomes clear. (Of course, can't leave out Divine Intervention, most important)
The most popular analogy I've heard in support of "free will" goes something like, "Well, I decided what food I ate today". But if you stop and think about it: Sure we decide what to eat, but the choice is BECAUSE of what foods we like/dislike (or for some, their "diet plan" can have some effect on their food choices). Also, has anyone ever "chosen" what foods his/her taste buds would agree or disagree with? We either like the taste of something or we don't. But we don't even get to "decide" which foods our taste buds will enjoy. We only know by eating it.
Anyways, great comments Douglas, looking forward to more from you.
Christopher
EKnight:
Hi Christopher,
I think Brenda was just replying to your post about your mother and sister never really believing in "Hell" when you told them of your newfound truths. She was just thinking that it was unusual for most Christians to readily accept that fact and that it is wonderful that they did.
Often times posts are misread. It happens all the time. In fact, maybe I misread both your and Brenda's post. ???
Eileen :)
Linny:
Hi Christopher! I am one of the ones still here unfortunately! :-\
But now I can welcome you to our group! :D
How exciting that you have shared with such a great response. That is so rare.
We just found BT about 6 mo ago (?) after being Christians for about 17 yrs. My husband and I both found truth at BT so I am very thankful. I have talked to only a few about this when they have questioned me and since they were sent by God to ask, it has also worked out fine.
For the most part, we don't share our new ideas. My BIL is a pastor and has his doctorate in theology. He would never hear it right now. :(
Many blessings and welcome!
Lin
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