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04/15/2008 09:04:35 PM · #1 |
In the thirty or so months that I have been a DPC Member, I have yet to meet and shake hands with another DPC Member,...other than myself. (Of course, I don't really need to shake hands with myself, except when the "air-towel" in the Men's bathroom doesn't work.)
Therefore, I am forced to accept by faith that DPC Members (other than myself) actually do exist. Yet, what evidence do I have to support this argument?
1. If I choose to believe that Honesty is still relatively universal, then there is a better-than-average chance that the Word of DPC Member Profile Bio-Statement is True! (Ergo, I may believe what a DPC member says about himself or herself.)
2. If the DPC member is well-known and has been personally meet by another (or many other) DPC members who can in fact vouch for their existence, then credibility increases, but only if I choose to believe the multiple accounts of multiple alleged DPC Members (none of whom I have personally met.)
3. If the supposed DPC Member posts jpegs to challenges, I personally see them, and am somehow able to personally verify the existence of uniquely created photos through the EXIF information, credibility may increase if I choose to believe the information "as is".
4. If there is a profile photo, that might prove something, but how do I know that it is a photo of the DPC Member and not a composite of three or four people in order to add security or on-line privacy.
5. For THAT matter is there really evidence for the existence of The Langdon. To date I can only remember one comment that he has ever made on one of my photos, but does it mean that he doesn't exist if he doesn't communicate with me ever (or often?) Apparently the SC (i.e. his inner circle/disciples) have regular contact with him, but the only proof I have of his existence and theirs is through the digitized transmissions I receive that are couched in binary "ones and zeros."
Computers are relatively reliable, but viruses, worms, and spyware consistently keep us skeptical as to whether the transmission received was the transmission sent.
Bottom Line? Mind-set is more important and germane to a subject's credibility than are the alleged facts.
I believe in the existence of God because my mind is accepting toward such a belief and the facts confirm my belief to whatever degree I need them to do so. However, those same facts scrutinized by ones who do not believe in God, also, confirms that mind-set to whatever degree needed.
If we are to remain in communication across the Great Divide of World-Views (i.e. Viewpoints about life as it really is,) on both sides of the issue of God are brilliant minds who can look at one fact and see two very different interpretations. We, then, walk away from the facts, write brilliant tomes, and "Preach to the choir!" (or people who already believe as we do.)
Allow me to offer one "olive leaf". I believe we have often shown strong skills mentally at using the evidence available and some degree of looking at evidence while removing a little bit of our biases. While we may each respect the other's logical skills, the disagreement (to the best of my ability to understand it) occurs in the area of credibility of evidence as defined by the other side.
To those of us who believe in God, He is just as Self-Evident as the existence of the Members of DPC. To those who do not believe in God, the evidence is just as glaring that no such Sentient Being exists.
I keep on writing in hopes that throughout my lifetime, one soul will find his or her home in Heaven because of something the LORD has allowed me to say. I hope that someone will be you. :) (This is intended to be "soft-sell", not overly influential. It's all a matter of viewpoint.)
We ALL see Life through glasses of some color other than clear. It's the human condition. |
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04/15/2008 09:26:13 PM · #2 |
Bartender, can I have one of whatever he's drinking? ;o)
~Terry
Message edited by author 2008-04-15 21:26:28.
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04/15/2008 10:22:49 PM · #3 |
Yikes...... maybe I'm just a figment of my own imagination !!!!!!
Now I'm starting to worry that the sky might fall on my head :-) |
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04/15/2008 10:34:02 PM · #4 |
| Put the Bong Down MAN....... |
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04/16/2008 12:28:20 PM · #5 |
777STAN,
Are you currently taking or supposed to be taking any sort of doctor-prescribed medication?
I would feel uncomfortably awkward making a snarky reply to your post only to find our later you’re under some kind of medical supervision.
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04/16/2008 12:51:28 PM · #6 |
| Um, I think I may be on whatever he's on. I thought I had read this thread a few weeks ago but when I got to the bottom and read Milo's post the first thing I thought is "Ok, where is the new post that bumped this thread?" It was like I had already read it. So I went back to the front page and it said he posted 18 minutes ago. I could have sworn I read your post and the rest weeks before. I must be losing it! |
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04/16/2008 10:05:11 PM · #7 |
Thanks so much! When an opposing viewpoint has nothing to offer, except calling into question an author's state of mind, then it is a beautiful thing indeed!
I am not surprised that you don't understand this line of reasoning. Maybe you need assistance.
I have merely applied the same logic that atheists used for refuting the existence of One Very Real Almighty God Who is Self-Existent, and does not bother to "jump through all the hoops" that humans demand...any more than DPC Members need to prove themselves to an "apparently self-deluded writer" who has taken the time to write in biting sarcasm to point out the sheer illogic of arguments that God cannot exist.
Let's see...so far I have been called (basically,) "Drunk, on marijuana, insane, in-need-of-anti-psychotic drugs..." by those who oppose my viewpoint. Thank You for such great compliments! When seen the right way, you have told me that I am "sober, clear-minded, totally sane, and in the best of health!"
I am indebted to you for your continued grace! May the LORD continue to worry you about the weakness of your viewpoint, and ultimately give your the Grace that He has for you! :)
Message edited by author 2008-04-16 22:06:38. |
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04/16/2008 10:19:26 PM · #8 |
Originally posted by 777STAN:
May the LORD continue to worry you about the weakness of your viewpoint |
Sorry, but you truly are deluding yourself if you believe that your LORD worries me..
Ray |
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04/16/2008 10:43:48 PM · #9 |
Originally posted by RayEthier:
Originally posted by 777STAN:
May the LORD continue to worry you about the weakness of your viewpoint |
Sorry, but you truly are deluding yourself if you believe that your LORD worries me..
Ray |
Ditto Ray, now I think I'll join Terry for a drink at the bar!!! |
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04/16/2008 11:25:54 PM · #10 |
dude, now you are just coming across as egotistical. Not cool.
I am probably one person that most people wish I where a figment of their imagination.
Edited to add: I'll have a large gin and tonic with some peanuts please.
Message edited by author 2008-04-16 23:26:29. |
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04/17/2008 05:35:19 AM · #11 |
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04/17/2008 06:36:18 AM · #12 |
Originally posted by RayEthier:
Originally posted by 777STAN:
May the LORD continue to worry you about the weakness of your viewpoint |
Sorry, but you truly are deluding yourself if you believe that your LORD worries me..
Ray |
Thank You, Ray, for your honesty...I am really not so deluded. I am convinced that you are not worried by the LORD. I just wish that you were for reasons that I know to be of universal importance, but obviously you are not so convinced.
This is the nature of grace! One Man offers what He considers to be good to another Man. If it is received, Good! If not, then the Giver is no less in any way.
However, on the believing side of the issue, you make an excellent example for why I do not believe in "Name It! Claim It!" preachers! I can speak what I consider to be good words "until I am blue in the face," but you nor anything else I speak (i.e. wish for) will happen in all cases.
I believe in God being Truly God! He will not "jump through Christian 'hoops'" any more than he will through atheist "hoops"! The God Who is Truly God has the right and the ability to make all the rules, and call all the shots! We humans, Don't!
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04/17/2008 07:22:36 AM · #13 |
Why don't you do with DPC members as you do with your god, have faith that we exist. If you have faith, you don't need proof, right? Isn't that what you preach, sir?
And I want the name of your supplier please. I would love to elevate myself above others as well so send me a pill or two if you will. thanks.
edit to add
Your god doesn't call my shots. I, as a human being who is in total control of his surroundings and his existence call the shots. I am the man, just as you are. You're being manipulated by ghosts from 2,000 years ago. Let go man....let go...
Message edited by author 2008-04-17 07:25:17. |
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04/17/2008 09:05:45 AM · #14 |
Never Mind......
Message edited by author 2008-04-17 09:08:02. |
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04/17/2008 09:11:07 AM · #15 |
| Is there a ribbon for the weirdest thread of the year? |
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04/17/2008 09:14:36 AM · #16 |
| I came here as one of the unwashed masses, but then I took a shower. I had a vision of great photos- usually several- on the front page and had faith that I could shoot a few of those, too. The road was difficult, the path was lonely (anybody wanna GTG?), but after many months ISO the light in a flash. When my sight returned, I aimed the flash the other way and over time learned to take some decent pictures. I continue here so that I and others might learn the ways of photography, for it is through our images (and Google) that we might live on forever. While I'm here, I'll read a few Rants for comic relief, too. ;-) |
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04/17/2008 09:22:51 AM · #17 |
i think i figured out what he was saying.
Do you think there is a trillion dollars, yes
Why do you belive in a trillion dollars if you can not see it
i think that is what he is trying to say.
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04/17/2008 09:25:38 AM · #18 |
Originally posted by scalvert:
When my sight returned, I aimed the flash the other way and over time learned to take some decent pictures. |
THAT made me laugh. A tribute to those who say they finally see the light only to find out they've been blinded by it! |
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04/17/2008 10:38:56 AM · #19 |
Originally posted by scarbrd:
Originally posted by scalvert:
When my sight returned, I aimed the flash the other way and over time learned to take some decent pictures. |
THAT made me laugh. A tribute to those who say they finally see the light only to find out they've been blinded by it! |
SCALVERT... YOU OWE ME A LAPTOP CLEANING. I should know better than to read some of your comments while drinking coffee.
Too funny,
Ray |
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04/17/2008 06:16:49 PM · #20 |
This is intended to be the wrap-up of this thread. For that purpose I have quoted myself from the first post of this thread in order to change a few words here & there to give the real meaning behind this intentionally ludicrous thread.
I am a creative writer who will use as many literary tools as necessary to achieve a chosen end. My chosen end here (as always) was the consideration (albeit often momentary) of a thought. Hearts are just as reflexive as certain muscular pressure points. If the philosophy of movie-makers is to be believed (Disney is especially good at this,) then anger, tears, and laughter are all indications that "a heart has been opened." (Not a direct quote from Disney, but is the thought of creative person that I heard a few years ago. Not at my fingertips, but could be retrieved if necessary.)
It is my heart-felt belief that growth comes when hearts consider personally-held as well as opposing points of view. We either grow stronger in our beliefs or away from them.
You've heard of mental gymnastics? Well, THAT would make me your trainer! :}:}:}:}:}:}:}:}:}:}:}:}:}:}:}:}:}:}:}:}:} As if...
The original paragraph was obviously not very well understood, because it was written in a second language for me, Atheisteese. Yet, was offered as a perspective on the very ludicrous way that atheists "come across" to people who would consider themselves to be, like me, highly committed Christians who (in your apparent viewpoint I will grant you) "ought to be committed." :}
The following editted version of the original is the portrait of an atheist as "comes across" to me.
Originally posted by 777STAN:
"In the thirty or so years that I have been an atheist, I have yet to meet or observe God in action.
Therefore, I have had it forced upon me (as if) to accept by faith that God actually does exist. Yet, what evidence do I have to support this argument?
1. If I choose to believe that Reliability is possible, then maybe the Word of God is True! (Do I believe what God says about himself? Not hardly!)
2. If God has been personally in contact with other human beings either now or in the past, humans who can allegedly vouch God's existence, then credibility might increase, but only if I choose to believe the multiple accounts of multiple humans who have allegedly seen him (none of whom I have personally met.)
3. If the supposed God posts examples of His creativity throughout the universe (that I accept as real,) credibility may increase if I choose to believe the information "as is". (Creations? Hmmm...Human beings, animals, birds, plants, the Earth itself, the exact chemical composition of breathable air, and the exact tilt of the Earth's axis? Rrrrrrrrright!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
4. If there is a source that "paints" for me some sort of mental picture of Who He is, that might prove something, but how do I know that it is an original source and not a composite of three, four, or more people's accounts who passed it down by word-of-mouth for a few hundred years before it ever got written down for the first time.
5. For THAT matter is there really evidence for the existence of God. He doesn't communicate with me ever. Apparently Christians have have some sort of alleged contact with him, but the only proof I have of His existence is through the things that they tell me...like I'm gonna believe THAT!
Human minds are relatively reliable, but why would any God choose to use human minds to speak Truths about himself and in so doing keep us skeptical as to whether the transmission received was the transmission sent. Wouldn't it be better to show Himself 'once and for all', to speak His mind personally, and to clear things up quickly for all the viewpoints of world populus?
Bottom Line? Mind-set is more important and germane to a subject's credibility and personal belief in that credibility than are the alleged facts about His credibility (or supposed lack thereof.)"
To those of us who believe in God, He is just as Self-Evident as the existence of the Members of DPC. To those who do not believe in God, the evidence is just as glaring that no such Sentient Being exists. |
Being a creative writer I can image the scene in Heaven's computer lab, The LORD Jesus shouts, "Hey, Dad! Those photographers down there have a thread (actually a bunch of them) going that says we don't exist!" God, the Father calls back, "Better look out, Jesus! I'm just a figment of my imagination! Or more specifically, since I'm in living color, THAT would make ME a pigment of my imagination!"
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04/17/2008 06:35:59 PM · #21 |
I vote this thread a 10.
Makes me laugh. |
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04/17/2008 08:41:40 PM · #22 |
Stan,
After reading your posts (here and in other threads) then checking out your bio page, I highly recommend you remove the following from your bio because you obviously have no intention to honor it .
Originally posted by 777STAN's bio page:
8. No one knows more experientially than I how polarizing & divisive the subjects of religion & politics can be. I give much thought to choosing my words. Rarely, will I step into either arena in a professional setting such as DPChallenge. |
I'm not passing judgement on the veracity of your statements, just pointing out the irony.
;-) |
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04/17/2008 09:56:34 PM · #23 |
Originally posted by scarbrd:
Stan,
After reading your posts (here and in other threads) then checking out your bio page, I highly recommend you remove the following from your bio because you obviously have no intention to honor it .
Originally posted by 777STAN's bio page:
8. No one knows more experientially than I how polarizing & divisive the subjects of religion & politics can be. I give much thought to choosing my words. Rarely, will I step into either arena in a professional setting such as DPChallenge. |
I'm not passing judgement on the veracity of your statements, just pointing out the irony.
;-) |
Thank You, Friend, for an opportunity to admit that I am wrong. As to Truth in Advertising, I have been very wrong this time for not updating my profile in way too long. (That was corrected just before this post!) Thank You for being right and doing so in a gracious way!
When I came here I was way too obsequious, THAT, also, has been corrected! I used to think that i could avoid the two areas of religion and politics, but now I know I can't, nor should I want to do so! It's who I am! :)
Message edited by author 2008-04-17 21:57:44.
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04/18/2008 02:30:33 PM · #24 |
A friend of mine has a co-worker, and that person is incredibly... unusual. He has been in trouble with his employer numerous times, for things like sexual harassment / stalking, proselytizing incessantly, making a nuisance of himself repeatedly, and generally has a LOT of people very scared for there eventual safety. Everyone recognizes that he is a serious liability, but no one is courageous enough to fire him for fear of retribution.
I've talked to the guy on several occasions, due to my own dealings with the company.
Your posts scare me more than he ever could. |
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04/19/2008 12:28:31 AM · #25 |
Originally posted by rossbilly:
A friend of mine has a co-worker, and that person is incredibly... unusual. He has been in trouble with his employer numerous times, proselytizing incessantly, making a nuisance of himself repeatedly, and generally has a LOT of people very scared for there eventual safety. Everyone recognizes that he is a serious liability, but no one is courageous enough to fire him for fear of retribution.
I've talked to the guy on several occasions, due to my own dealings with the company.
Your posts scare me more than he ever could. |
GOOD! I hope I scare YOU (and others) out of Hell! Your words indicate that you think that I am a personal threat which is proof that YOU are the one who is eternally deluded...SAD! :(
Message edited by author 2008-04-19 07:27:49.
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