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@Mharman
Self improvement is a standard we all live by.
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@Lemming
"If God did not exist, it would be necessary to invent him."
But since god already exit, it was not necessary to invent him. Humans started following God from the beginning of time.
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@GnosticChristianBishop
Gnosticism presents a radical worldview due to its core dualistic beliefs, which fundamentally challenge conventional religious and philosophical thought [1, 2, 4].
Key radical aspects include:
- Dualism of Matter and Spirit: Gnosticism asserts a sharp distinction between a corrupt material world and a pure spiritual realm [4]. This view often portrays the physical body and the material universe as prisons or mistakes created by a lesser, ignorant deity (the Demiurge), rather than as good creations of a benevolent God [1, 2].
- Critique of the Creator God: The rejection of the traditional Old Testament creator god as a malevolent or ignorant figure is a profoundly radical theological position [1, 2]. Gnostics believed this figure mistakenly thought he was the one true God, while the true, ultimate Divine Being remained hidden and transcendent [1, 2].
- Emphasis on Secret Knowledge (Gnosis):Salvation in Gnosticism is not achieved through faith, good works, or adherence to religious law, but through direct, esoteric knowledge (gnosis) of one's divine origin and the true nature of the cosmos [4]. This knowledge is often available only to a select few, challenging the universal accessibility of salvation found in mainstream religions [1, 4].
- Rejection of Authority: Gnostic movements often rejected the need for church hierarchies, established rituals, and external authority, encouraging direct personal revelation instead [4]. This emphasis on inner experience over organized religion was a significant challenge to the emerging structure of early Christianity [1, 4].
- Unique View of Christ: Gnostic texts often portrayed Jesus as a spiritual messenger who came to impart secret knowledge, rather than as a savior who died for the sins of the world [1, 2]. Some Gnostics even denied that Christ had a physical body, viewing his human form as a mere appearance [1, 2].
These radical ideas led to Gnosticism being declared a heresy by early church fathers, and many Gnostic texts were suppressed until modern archaeological discoveries like the Nag Hammadi library in 1945 provided new insights into their beliefs [1, 2].
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@Lemming
Canon authority refers to
the power or legitimacy of a collection of texts, rules, or doctrines to serve as a standard of belief or practice, most notably in a religious context. It is the authority that makes certain writings or laws authoritative, such as the biblical canon for Christians, the canon of Western literature for scholars, or canon law for the governance of the Church.
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@GnosticChristianBishop
Gnosticism has a complex and varied relationship with messianic concepts and morality
. Gnostics generally reinterpret the idea of a Messiah, focusing on a spiritual "Illuminator" or teacher who provides gnosis(secret knowledge) for salvation from the material world, rather than a traditional redeemer figure who brings a future kingdom on earth. Gnostic morality is rooted in dualism and varied widely, often emphasizing asceticism or, in rare cases, moral nihilism.
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@Chirarry
How do I block my phone from watching adult content?
Enable Content & Privacy: Tap 'Content and Privacy Restrictions' to turn on the feature. Open Content Restrictions: Tap 'Content Restrictions', then 'Web Content' Choose Limit Adult Websites: Here, you'll see the 'Limit Adult Websites' option. By enabling it, your phone will block many adult websites automatically.
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@GnosticChristianBishop
Arguments that the
messianic concept is immoralgenerally stem from philosophical and secular critiques, as well as from internal religious disagreements about the nature of the messiah and human responsibility.
Key arguments include:
- Undermining Human Responsibility: A primary criticism is that the reliance on a future divine or divinely appointed figure to solve the world's problems can lead to a "lazy mental cop out" and discourage immediate human effort toward social justice and ethical action (known as tikkun olam in Judaism).
- Potential for False Hope and Ethical Transgressions: Critics argue that messianic expectations can lead to false hopes and, in some historical cases (such as the movement around Sabbatai Zevi), have been associated with ethical transgressions by leaders and followers amidst claims of prophecy.
- Political and Social Turmoil: Throughout history, messianic movements have often sparked political revolutions and uprisings against established authorities (e.g., Roman dominion), leading to violence and societal instability.
- Divinity Claims and Idolatry: From a traditional Jewish perspective, the Christian belief in Jesus as a divine messiah is considered a form of idolatry and fundamentally incompatible with the Jewish assertion that there is only one God who cannot be human.
- Division and Factionalism: Differing messianic expectations have been a core source of historical tension and division between religious communities (e.g., Jews and Christians), and within communities themselves (e.g., different Jewish denominations or Messianic Jewish groups), which some critics see as detrimental to unity.
- Focus on the Afterlife over Earthly Morality:Some philosophers, such as Ayn Rand, have criticized certain religious ethics associated with messianic figures (like Jesus' emphasis on eternal happiness) as morally confused, arguing they foster a "death cult" by devaluing earthly existence, reason, and joy in favor of an afterlife.
Conversely, many religious adherents and scholars view the messianic concept as a positive force for moral and social good, emphasizing that it provides hope, inspires resilience during hardship, and motivates individuals to work toward a future of peace, justice, and universal harmony. Some modern interpretations even view the messianic age as a symbolic goal of human progress and ethical evolution.
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@Lemming
Yes, math drills can be very helpful when used correctly, as they build foundational skills, speed, and accuracy, which in turn frees up mental energy for more complex problem-solving. However, they are most effective when balanced with conceptual understanding and not used in isolation.
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@GnosticChristianBishop
Gnostics are described as self-deceived
because of their belief that spiritual knowledge, or "gnosis," alone is sufficient for salvation, which led them to deny the reality of sin and the importance of a virtuous life. Early Christian writers like the Apostle John used the term "self-deceived" to counter Gnostic beliefs that the material world and the body were irrelevant or evil, leading them to extreme asceticism or licentiousness. This self-deception is rooted in the Gnostic denial of the physical incarnation and resurrection of Jesus, viewing him as a phantom rather than a fully human savior who died to atone for sins.
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Whether the universe operates on the principle of
freewill or is entirely deterministic is a profound philosophical question with no definitive, universally accepted answer. Both concepts have significant philosophical, scientific, and theological arguments supporting them [1].
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@Lemming
Reads more like a comprehension problem you have.
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The universe is neither friendly, hostile, nor evil, but a complex, indifferent, and non-sentient entity governed by impartial physical laws
. Concepts like "friendly," "hostile," and "evil" are human inventions based on morality and intent, which the physical universe does not possess. The universe is both capable of supporting and destroying life without any inherent malice or benevolence.
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Which are the 10 most read books in the world?
- The Bible. ...
- Quotations from the Works of Mao Tse-Tung (Mao Zedong) ...
- Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling. ...
- The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien. ...
- The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. ...
- The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. ...
- The Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer.
- Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchel
- Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
- The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
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@Mharman
You can always ask instead of guessing. I am an AI advocate.
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@Mharman
the Los Angeles Dodgers are the highest-payroll team in MLB and the Toronto Blue Jays are fifth, the disparity in payroll is significant. According to the sports business site Spotrac, the Blue Jays' payroll in 2025 is about $95 million less than what their National League opponents spend.
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Some argue that nihilism can be healthy by promoting freedom and personal responsibility, freeing individuals from the pressure of external values to create their own meaning. This view, often called active nihilism, can alleviate anxiety by helping people let go of trivial worries and focus on what they value.However, critics warn that unchecked nihilism can be destructive, leading to despair and a feeling that life is worthless, and that a healthy approach requires consciously creating personal meaning rather than completely rejecting all value.
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@Mharman
A grand slam first game victory for the Blue Jays is already in the record books.
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@Lemming
You admit you read little and you don’t actually know much about religion. That is an unrealistic pursuit of religion mixed with your political ideology.
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@Lemming
You must treat this as your daily exercise to stay fit.
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@GnosticChristianBishop
“whoever believes in me shall have eternal life and be free from sin," is a reference to John 3:16from the Christian Bible, which states, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life".
This verse is considered by many Christians to be a summary of the central message of the Bible, explaining that salvation is achieved through faith in Jesus Christ.
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@Mharman
Often, negative thinking comes from things like past experiences, anxiety, depression, or even just habit. It can feel like a cycle that's hard to break, but it's possible to shift the mindset with some effort. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can be super helpful in challenging and changing negative thoughts.
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@Mharman
That is the same random thought you had before. You are just repeating yourself.
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@GnosticChristianBishop
Key Gnostic distortions of Christian doctrine
- Nature of God:Gnostics believed the God of the Old Testament was a malevolent creator, or "demiurge," who created the evil material world.They proposed a higher, true God existed who was distant and unknowable to the material world.
- Nature of Jesus Christ:Gnostics denied the incarnation, believing Jesus was only a spiritual being who only appeared to be human (a view called Docetism). They rejected that he was born, suffered, and died as a human being, viewing his physical life as an illusion.
- Path to Salvation:Instead of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ and his atoning sacrifice, Gnostics taught that salvation is achieved through secret, spiritual knowledge (gnosis) that allows a divine spark within a person to escape the evil material world. This path is only accessible to an elite few.
- The Material World:Gnostics viewed the material world and the human body as prisons that trap the divine spark within us. This is in direct contrast to the Christian belief in the goodness of creation.
- Humanity's Problem:Gnosticism posits that the fundamental problem is not sin, but ignorance of one's true divine nature, which is trapped in the material world.
Contrast with traditional Christianity
The early Orthodox Christian Church viewed Gnosticism as a direct contradiction to the teachings of the apostles. The distortions of Gnosticism were so significant that the early church fathers fought against them, with early New Testament epistles directly warning against such teachings. The Orthodox view maintains that salvation is available to all who believe in the historical Jesus, not just a select few, and that the material world is a good creation that will be redeemed and renewed, not escaped.
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@GnosticChristianBishop
Key Gnostic distortions of Christian doctrine
- Nature of God:Gnostics believed the God of the Old Testament was a malevolent creator, or "demiurge," who created the evil material world.They proposed a higher, true God existed who was distant and unknowable to the material world.
- Nature of Jesus Christ:Gnostics denied the incarnation, believing Jesus was only a spiritual being who only appeared to be human (a view called Docetism). They rejected that he was born, suffered, and died as a human being, viewing his physical life as an illusion.
- Path to Salvation:Instead of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ and his atoning sacrifice, Gnostics taught that salvation is achieved through secret, spiritual knowledge (gnosis) that allows a divine spark within a person to escape the evil material world. This path is only accessible to an elite few.
- The Material World:Gnostics viewed the material world and the human body as prisons that trap the divine spark within us. This is in direct contrast to the Christian belief in the goodness of creation.
- Humanity's Problem:Gnosticism posits that the fundamental problem is not sin, but ignorance of one's true divine nature, which is trapped in the material world.
Contrast with traditional Christianity
The early Orthodox Christian Church viewed Gnosticism as a direct contradiction to the teachings of the apostles. The distortions of Gnosticism were so significant that the early church fathers fought against them, with early New Testament epistles directly warning against such teachings. The Orthodox view maintains that salvation is available to all who believe in the historical Jesus, not just a select few, and that the material world is a good creation that will be redeemed and renewed, not escaped.
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@GnosticChristianBishop
Gnostic Christianity is considered a distortion by traditional Christianity because its teachings fundamentally contradict core beliefs about God, Christ, and salvation.
Key distortions include the belief that the physical world is evil and created by an inferior god, Jesus was a spiritual being (not fully human), and salvation comes through secret knowledge ("gnosis") rather than faith and repentance.
This view rejects the necessity of Christ's physical incarnation, his death, and his resurrection, which are central to Orthodox Christianity.
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@GnosticChristianBishop
Gnostic Christianity is considered a distortion by traditional Christianity because its teachings fundamentally contradict core beliefs about God, Christ, and salvation.
Key distortions include the belief that the physical world is evil and created by an inferior god, Jesus was a spiritual being (not fully human), and salvation comes through secret knowledge ("gnosis") rather than faith and repentance.
This view rejects the necessity of Christ's physical incarnation, his death, and his resurrection, which are central to Orthodox Christianity.
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@GnosticChristianBishop
Both are seen as genocidal criminals. The worst the world has seen.
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@GnosticChristianBishop
If God had allowed jesus to continue his mission beyond just 3 years. The outcome might have been different. Moses was given 40 years to save the Jews from Egypt.
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@GnosticChristianBishop
In Christianity, the concept of forgiveness is central to the teachings of Jesus, who offered forgiveness to those who wronged him and taught that forgiveness is a divine command for his followers. Jesus demonstrated this by forgiving those who crucified him and by instructing his followers to forgive others, as he taught in the Lord's Prayer and through parables like the one about the unforgiving servant. Forgiveness is understood as a way to break free from past hurts and bitterness, and it is seen as a gift from God available to those who repent and are willing to extend it to others
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@GnosticChristianBishop
In Christianity, the concept of forgiveness is central to the teachings of Jesus, who offered forgiveness to those who wronged him and taught that forgiveness is a divine command for his followers.
Jesus demonstrated this by forgiving those who crucified him and by instructing his followers to forgive others, as he taught in the Lord's Prayer and through parables like the one about the unforgiving servant.
Forgiveness is understood as a way to break free from past hurts and bitterness, and it is seen as a gift from God available to those who repent and are willing to extend it to others.
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@Lemming
That would be cheating.
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@timothyl
The "Harvard case by Trump" refers to a legal battle between Harvard University and the Trump administration over federal funding. The Trump administration had threatened to cut billions in research grants after accusing the university of not adequately addressing antisemitism, while Harvard sued, arguing the demands violated its First Amendment rights.
A federal judge ruled the administration's funding freeze was illegal, though the administration vowed to appeal.
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@GnosticChristianBishop
Your poor brain can make you poor too.
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@Lemming
Eg adding more salt or over frying it could change the outcome totally.
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@GnosticChristianBishop
You confirmed my claim. God is not human but a spirit, as attested to by our Lord Jesus Christ written here in John 4:24: God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
Only a spirt can live in heaven, not flesh and blood.
You posted, “God must be spirit if God is to exist both inside and outside of us, omnipresent, as Jesus says he does.”
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@GnosticChristianBishop
You were wrong to claim, “That right and duty to forgive was to Jesus , not the father.”
The premise that "Jesus forgave sinners unlike God" is incorrect, as many interpretations of Christianity view Jesus and God as one, and believe Jesus's act of forgiveness is an act of God.
Jesus forgave sinners because he has the authority to do so, and he came to save them.
Furthermore, the Bible shows that God also desires to forgive and offers forgiveness to those who repent, and the message of forgiveness extends through God and Jesus.
God forgave our sins.
1 John 1:9. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Jesus forgave our sins.
Mark 3:28 "Truly I say to you, all sins shall be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they utter; Hebrews 10:12 but He (Jesus), having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, sat down at the right hand of God. (This means that forgiveness was finished on the Cross of Christ.)
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@GnosticChristianBishop
Allah is not pissed with the Muslims. Their numbers keep growing.
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@GnosticChristianBishop
The phrase "I was sent to bring salvation" is a central theme in the teachings of Jesus, directly referencing his mission to save humanity from sin and offer reconciliation with God.
This mission is described in the Bible as being sent by God the Father, with salvation being an act of delivering people from a state of being lost or sinful, culminating in eternal life for those who believe.
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@GnosticChristianBishop
Whether God should be blamed for Jesus's short mission is a matter of theological interpretation, not a factual question with a single answer.
Different theological perspectives exist, with some viewing Jesus's short mission as a necessary sacrifice for the salvation of humanity, while others see it as a tragedy that God chose or allowed.
But if Jesus hung around a bit longer he could have saved the Jews and destruction of their temple by the Romans.
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@Lemming
You are just short of suggesting identity theft.
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@GnosticChristianBishop
The Bible gives you a choice to believe or not to believe. Muslims have a choice too in the number of wives they can marry. Both religions offer a choice.
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@GnosticChristianBishop
Jesus saved us from our sins and death.
At the cross, God poured out His judgment on His Son, satisfying His wrath and making it possible for Him to forgive us. That's why Jesus shed His blood for your sins, my sins, and the sins of the whole world.
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@GnosticChristianBishop
God forgave our sins.
1 John 1:9. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Jesus forgave our sins.
Mark 3:28 "Truly I say to you, all sins shall be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they utter; Hebrews 10:12 but He (Jesus), having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, sat down at the right hand of God. (This means that forgiveness was finished on the Cross of Christ.)
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@GnosticChristianBishop
God is not human but a spirit, as attested to by our Lord Jesus Christ written here in John 4:24: God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
Only a spirt can live in heaven, not flesh and blood.
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@GnosticChristianBishop
Just the night before Jesus prayed to be spared from his suffering.
Luke 22:42
He said, “Father, if it's your will, take this cup of suffering away from me. However, not my will but your will must be done.”
When Jesus found himself about to be crucified he turned to God again asking him why he was being forsaken.
Matthew 27:46
About the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me
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@Lemming
Extensive use of GUND-ARMS resulted in pilots being crippled or even killed. In response, the Mobile Suit Development Council, led by the top mobile suit development companies, ordered an entire permanent ban on the GUND Format and all its applications.
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@GnosticChristianBishop
Islam and Christianity, while both monotheistic religions, have key differences regarding the nature of God, the identity of Jesus, and the path to salvation.
Christians believe in one God existing as a Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), with Jesus as the divine Son of God.
Muslims believe in a strictly singular God (Allah) and view Jesus as an important prophet but not divine.
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