Insights, Snippets, Quotes, Epiphanies & All That Sort of Things

[DavidW]

The problem with most folk speaking about the Bible, is that they don't have much idea about what it actually says, or how to approach it.

That is a problem because whatever your beliefs are, I think that everyone should read it just for the tremendous impact it has had on western civilization.

[foxandpeng]

That is a problem because whatever your beliefs are, I think that everyone should read it just for the tremendous impact it has had on western civilization.

Agreed. Aside from its value as literature, poetry, history and the cornerstone of much Western law and philosophy, many folk have found it personally transforming. Whatever conclusions you subsequently draw, it is worth serious reading.

[Florestan]

Agreed. Aside from its value as literature, poetry, history and the cornerstone of much Western law and philosophy, many folk have found it personally transforming. Whatever conclusions you subsequently draw, it is worth serious reading.

In any case, you should beware of the Sola Scriptura principle, and especially refrain from starting a sect of your own. 

[foxandpeng]

In any case, you should beware of the Sola Scriptura principle, and especially refrain from starting a sect of your own. 

Haha. I love me those 5 Solas!

[Florestan]

Haha. I love me those 5 Solas!

I dread to think you love TULIP as well... 

[foxandpeng]

I dread to think you love TULIP as well... 

With great passion, my friend 🙂

[Florestan]

With great passion, my friend 🙂

Exactly as you say: we can still be friends. 

[foxandpeng]

Exactly as you say: we can still be friends. 

As it should be  . Our convictions can be deeply held, while respecting each other and enjoying what we hold in common - both creedally and musically 😁

There isn't enough of that spirit about, sadly...

[Florestan]

As it should be  . Our convictions can be deeply held, while respecting each other and enjoying what we hold in common - both creedally and musically 😁

There isn't enough of that spirit about, sadly...

Agreed on both counts. 

[foxandpeng]

Agreed on both counts. 

On the same subject, I read this recently and found it broadly helpful...

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/bavinck-critical-friendship/

[Florestan]

On the same subject, I read this recently and found it broadly helpful...

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/bavinck-critical-friendship/

Very nice. I never heard of them but I can certainly relate to their experience. I have never let religious, political and cultural differences stand in the way of my friendships. One of my best friends is opposed to pretty much everything I stand for politically, economically and culturally.

Still:

a liberal skeptic who later converted to Islam

strikes me as absolutely bizarre. It's exactly like me, a staunch believer in free will, converting to a passionate love of TULIP.     

[foxandpeng]

Very nice. I never heard of them but I can certainly relate to their experience. I have never let religious, political and cultural differences stand in the way of my friendships. One of my best friends is opposed to pretty much everything I stand for politically, economically and culturally.

Still:

a liberal skeptic who later converted to Islam

strikes me as absolutely bizarre. It's exactly like me converting to a passionate love of TULIP.     

Ha. The hope of certain flowers growing in new gardens, is a wonderful thing   

It is something I find regretful about the present zeitgeist - friendship can only flourish where complete ideological agreement exists. Like you, I value friendship where disagreements are in evidence. You will recognise the premise that, 'as iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend'.

 

[Florestan]

I dread to think you love TULIP as well... 

With great passion, my friend 🙂

I am a ROSE guy: Redeemer Offers Salvation to Everyone. 

[steve ridgway]

I am thinking more about if I were to create a universe, what would the purpose be, what properties would it have, and how much intervention would I do..

[foxandpeng]

I am thinking more about if I were to create a universe, what would the purpose be, what properties would it have, and how much intervention would I do..

I would be most concerned about how much intervention I would have to be involved with. As I get older, I'm less interested in labour intensive tasks...

[Florestan]

History clearly demonstrates that governing is a task that exceeds man's ability. — Nicolás Gómez Dávila

[Karl Henning]

I think this at times here on GMG.

[Dry Brett Kavanaugh]

"There are two things to aim at in life: first, to get what you want; and, after that, to enjoy it. Only the wisest of mankind achieve the second." -Logan Pearsall Smith.

[AnotherSpin]

"There are two things to aim at in life: first, to get what you want; and, after that, to enjoy it. Only the wisest of mankind achieve the second." -Logan Pearsall Smith.

Skip the first thing, and the enjoyment of what you have already will come naturally

[steve ridgway]

Skip the first thing, and the enjoyment of what you have already will come naturally

I am in the middle and try to focus my wanting on what I can reasonably have.