Conscience said:
Note the "duh," in his words. This is pretty much a no brainer. Is there any need to discuss this futher?
Kindest Regards, Conscience!
I see you need some work on your reading comprehension, still. Faithfulservant,
she, made the "duh" comment. So what you said means what???
The no brainer, is that the no brains
think they know something. As for the need to discuss further, that is the whole point and purpose of respectful dialogue. What? Do you sincerely believe your purpose here is to shout down everyone else? That this is a contest to see whose truth prevails, by sheer amplitude of insistence? That a temper tantrum somehow makes things so?
The FACT is, the subject of interpretation because of language mechanics is difficult under the best of circumstances. So this discussion actually could go farther, a LOT farther, among students of the Word. These are a far different breed than the more common parrot. The subject of Mary's virginity has a host of cultural nuances that you can't begin to fathom. All you see is the Shakespearean English translation before you, and project onto it your personal superstitions, and believe it the way you understand (that part is good, or at least OK, just like it is for everyone else). The bad part is the attitude. In order for you to be right, everyone else must be wrong. That is incorrect thinking. Besides the fact the
only proof you have that the path you are on is the right one, is because of your personal experiences. The little tinglies and feel-goods and/or whatever floats your boat. That is how God speaks to you, to everybody. But your proof is insufficient for anybody else. To anybody of a reasoning mind, your personal proof is hearsay evidence. It is unsubstantiated rumor. How do I know you, a fallible human, are not telling an untruth? Do I take you at your word? I've been burned before, what makes your version so special? Why should I trust my most precious possession, my eternal soul, to you and your teaching?
Likewise, I expect you to be asking these same questions of me. However, I asked here first.
Besides, I also have actions that demonstrate my fruit of the Spirit, here for any to see.
I realize some things are a stretch for some Christian denominations and sects to understand. First, you must understand your beliefs are not being threatened, overtly or covertly. Others, even Christians, have a God-given right to pursue their life, including their life-philosophy and religion, as the Spirit leads them. Each individual will answer only for him/her self when they stand at Judgement. Yes, you do well to help others avoid life's troubles, but this is not a disqualifier from heaven if you are not able to from time to time.
It is possible, that some people have deeper desires in the Word. The Bride of Christ, ya know? God's Word is pregnant with meaning, far above and beyond what the English can convey. There are subtleties in the Textus Receptus that do not convey well into English. I love the KJV, I will stand by it to my dying breath. But it is a
translation from the originals (or the closest "to the source" copies remaining). Paul, James, John, all them boys, did not write in Elizabethan English. Moses did not write in Elizabethan English. That is why I have begun including the Interlinear version. It is English, but it is translated
verbatim from the Hebrew, Chaldee and Greek of the original manuscripts.
So lighten up guys. Sit back and enjoy the conversation. There are some very studious people here who do like to study the deeper meanings in God's Word. I would really like to encourage such discussion, rather than shut it down with a jeering section.
It's just a gut feeling, and I trust my Heavenly Father to protect me where He leads.
