Church considers making god gender neutral

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2018/07/06/episcopal-church-considers-making-god-gender-neutral.html


Quote:

The Episcopal Church formed a committee Wednesday to “provide a pathway” toward revising the Book of Common Prayer to include gender-neutral language. Church leaders called for immediate revisions to correct the “overwhelming use of masculine language” throughout the book, arguing that the language is now a hindrance to spiritual inclusion, according to the Episcopal Church website. “As long as ‘men’ and ‘God’ are in the same category, our work toward equity will not just be incomplete. I honestly think it won’t matter in some ways,” Wil Gafney, a professor of the Hebrew Bible and strong advocate for the edit, told the Washington Post The Episcopal News Service shared further concerns from church leaders that the current language has created a “barrier to evangelizing young people.”  Kathleen Moore, a seminarian from the Diocese of Vermont, said she tries to help the youth see that gendered language gets in the way of faith in God. “Let’s let God be God,” Moore told the religious news agency. A subcommittee was tasked with providing resolutions as part of a 12-year revision process, followed by a three-year “trial” period. Because revision of the prayer book is part of the church’s constitution, “adoption of a new book requires votes in two consecutive General Conventions to take effect, placing final approval on the agenda in 2030,” according to the church.

Spot

Weren't we taught the Lord's Prayer...
Didn't Christ teach us that Prayer and didn't he always refer to God the Father.
Doesn't it start OUR FATHER, who art in heaven?

You're right Grendel.  "God' must be male. Has to be.  We won't have any of this new fangled rubbish about a female being able to impregnate a married virgin woman.  Nah, just not on.

Aussie wrote on Jul 7^th, 2018 at 4:52pm:

You're right Grendel.  "God' must be male. Has to be.  We won't have any of this new fangled rubbish about a female being able to impregnate a married virgin woman.  Nah, just not on.

Married? Perhaps you meant unmarried.

Aussie =  Shoot self in foot...  every single time. ;D ;D ;D

Setanta wrote on Jul 7^th, 2018 at 5:56pm:

Aussie wrote on Jul 7th, 2018 at 4:52pm: You're right Grendel.  "God' must be male. Has to be.  We won't have any of this new fangled rubbish about a female being able to impregnate a married virgin woman.  Nah, just not on. Married? Perhaps you meant unmarried.

No, I meant 'married' as the term was then understood.

God: Male: Knowledge

Gaia: Female: Life

Both are 'entwined' like a strand of DNA.

A woman 'creates' a child.
A man 'evolves' a child.


To imply 'gender-neutral' is to dissolve, disagree, disengage from both of the above.
Basically, any Church who accepts 'Gender-neutral' is in fact, renouncing 'GOD' (as 'he' truly is).

There really is no such thing as a 'gender-neutral', unless its some freak-mutation of deformation ...which a very 'few' people experience with both male & female sexual organs at birth (parents did too much drugs & alcohol  ::)). But even then, the person exhibits only one of either sex in 'behaviour' and living.

Gender-Neutral?
Sounds more like people who just hate Men & Women.

Grendel wrote on Jul 7^th, 2018 at 6:12pm:

Aussie =  Shoot self in foot...  every single time. ;D ;D ;D

Really?

Just one link of many available.

Link.

wasn't my point....  but yet again you proved it. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

here's another CFMMEU remember Trolling me about that?  Wrong again weren't you? YEP...  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

there was another one in the last 24 hours but in all honesty I cant remember all of them without looking. ::)

As for your comment I was taught this...


Quote:

Mary was a 1st-century BC Galilean Jewish woman of Nazareth, and the mother of Jesus, according to the New Testament and the Quran. The gospels of Matthew and Luke in the New Testament and the Quran describe Mary as a virgin; according to Christian teaching she conceived Jesus while a virgin, through the Holy Spirit. The miraculous conception took place when she was already betrothed to Joseph.

Betrothed would be engaged, not married BTW. :D :D :D
Virgin would be, hadn't had sex yet. ::)

Betrothed/espoused.....all = married in those days.

Google it.

Aussie wrote on Jul 7^th, 2018 at 6:12pm:

Setanta wrote on Jul 7th, 2018 at 5:56pm: Aussie wrote on Jul 7th, 2018 at 4:52pm: You're right Grendel.  "God' must be male. Has to be.  We won't have any of this new fangled rubbish about a female being able to impregnate a married virgin woman.  Nah, just not on. Married? Perhaps you meant unmarried. No, I meant 'married' as the term was then understood.

They were not married until the bloody sheets were hung out after the the conjugal night.

Aussie wrote on Jul 7^th, 2018 at 7:21pm:

Betrothed/espoused.....all = married in those days. Google it.

So if they were betrothed they were married and could have sex?

Jewish Wedding Tradition

"5654 betrothal

The period of engagement preceding marriage; betrothal was a binding contract established between two families and sealed by the exchange of gifts. During this period the couple did not live together; sexual relations with each other at this stage was regarded as equivalent to adultery. "

https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/dictionary-of-bible-themes/5654-betrothal

Google is good.

Setanta wrote on Jul 7^th, 2018 at 7:27pm:

Aussie wrote on Jul 7th, 2018 at 7:21pm: Betrothed/espoused.....all = married in those days. Google it. So if they were betrothed they were married and could have sex? Jewish Wedding Tradition

Yes.......there are all sorts of ways they try to explain away the fact that 'God' snuck in while Joseph was at work.....and Mary was 'betrothed/espoused' to Joseph.

Aussie wrote on Jul 7^th, 2018 at 7:39pm:

Setanta wrote on Jul 7th, 2018 at 7:27pm: Aussie wrote on Jul 7th, 2018 at 7:21pm: Betrothed/espoused.....all = married in those days. Google it. So if they were betrothed they were married and could have sex? Jewish Wedding Tradition Yes.......there are all sorts of ways they try to explain away the fact that 'God' snuck in while Joseph was at work.....and Mary way 'betrothed/espoused' to Joseph.

If Jo was found to be porking Mary, both would have been stoned.

Let's stop beating around the bush.  My view is clear.

Jesus was not beget by God.  The whole story is crap.  Makes zero practical sense, and.....what is that expression......something about falsifiable?

Aussie wrote on Jul 7^th, 2018 at 7:46pm:

Let's stop beating around the bush.  My view is clear. Jesus was not beget by God.  The whole story is crap.  Makes zero practical sense, and.....what is that expression......something about falsifiable?

I can go with that, never happened. Why then play silly games rather than come out and say it? If you don't want to be called on what you say, stick to the facts and what you mean, your point. You sidetrack what your point is by meaningless shyte that can be shown to be crap, then try and control the damage with a bit of pedantry, or as you like to say tap dancing in custard...

Setanta wrote on Jul 7^th, 2018 at 7:57pm:

Aussie wrote on Jul 7th, 2018 at 7:46pm: Let's stop beating around the bush.  My view is clear. Jesus was not beget by God.  The whole story is crap.  Makes zero practical sense, and.....what is that expression......something about falsifiable? I can go with that, never happened. Why then play silly games rather than come out and say it? If you don't want to be called on what you say, stick to the facts and what you mean, your point. You sidetrack what your point is by meaningless shyte that can be shown to be crap, then try and control the damage with a bit of pedantry, or as you like to say tap dancing in custard...

I'm not a spoon feeder for infants. 

Aussie wrote on Jul 7^th, 2018 at 8:05pm:

Setanta wrote on Jul 7th, 2018 at 7:57pm: Aussie wrote on Jul 7th, 2018 at 7:46pm: Let's stop beating around the bush.  My view is clear. Jesus was not beget by God.  The whole story is crap.  Makes zero practical sense, and.....what is that expression......something about falsifiable? I can go with that, never happened. Why then play silly games rather than come out and say it? If you don't want to be called on what you say, stick to the facts and what you mean, your point. You sidetrack what your point is by meaningless shyte that can be shown to be crap, then try and control the damage with a bit of pedantry, or as you like to say tap dancing in custard... I'm not a spoon feeder for infants.

So what was your sojourn in aid of?

I travelled the language
I used words that meant nothing
I obfuscated and misled
All of this I did so I did not feed infants.

What I really mean is all infants should starve.

I hope that people of sound mind can work it out without me hammering them with a blunt object.  You do the same.....quite often with your cryptic comments.

Aussie wrote on Jul 7^th, 2018 at 8:15pm:

I hope that people of sound mind can work it out without me hammering them with a blunt object.  You do the same.....quite often with your cryptic comments.

Moi crypte?  :-/

Aussie wrote on Jul 7^th, 2018 at 7:21pm:

Betrothed/espoused.....all = married in those days. Google it.

No it didn't....

Grendel wrote on Jul 7^th, 2018 at 9:32pm:

Aussie wrote on Jul 7th, 2018 at 7:21pm: Betrothed/espoused.....all = married in those days. Google it. No it didn't....

It was in a way, it was that way in late medieval England too, Children were "married", put in a bed overnight but until the consummation were not considered man and wife. He's playing with words.

But not as we know it today Set...

Just so you know Aussie...  since it seems you don't and you seem to have confused past and present practices.

For Hebrews...

Until late in the Middle Ages, marriage consisted of two ceremonies that were marked by celebrations at two separate times, with an interval between.

First came the betrothal [erusin]; and later, the wedding [nissuin]. At the betrothal the woman was legally married, although she still remained in her father’s house.  The marriage at this stage was not consummated.

She could not belong to another man unless she was divorced from her betrothed. The wedding meant only that the betrothed woman, accompanied by a colorful procession, was brought from her father’s house to the house of her groom, and the legal tie with him was then consummated. ::)

Different from today's traditions.

Some recorded examples...

http://www.bible.ca/marriage/ancient-jewish-three-stage-weddings-and-marriage-customs-ceremony-in-the-bible.htm

   
Quote:

There were three states of a marriage in the Bible:         Stage 1: signing the "ketubbah" contract (Creating the marriage bond)                                                               i.      The bride would chose her husband and her father would sign a legal contract with him called a "ketubbah".                                                             ii.      Once this is signed the couple is 100% married but do not have sex yet.                                                             iii.      Young children were often married, (arraigned marriage) but did not consummate until of age.         Stage 2: The "chuppah": sexual consummation.                                                               i.      Up to 7 years later, the groom is able to raise the money as set out in the ketubbah contract and notifies the father of the bride, who then sets a date to consummate the marriage at the bride's home.                                                             ii.      The bride waits with her maidens, for the arrival of the groom and his companions.                                                           iii.      The couple enters the chuppah room and consummates the marriage while the companions of the bride and groom wait and celebrate outside or in the next room.                                                            iv.      The groom hands the bloodied "proof of virginity cloth" to the witnesses chosen by the bride's parents, who then give it to the bride for safekeeping.         Stage 3: The wedding feast                                                               i.      After consummation, the entire wedding party walks to the house of the groom in a procession for a wedding feast.                                                             ii.      At the conclusion of the wedding feast, the couple has completed the ancient ritual of marriage.

Quote:

Confusion over Jewish Betrothal: When the groom and the father of the bride signed the ketubbah, the couple was 100% legally married.   The couple was legally married, but sexual co-habitation has not yet begun until stage two up to a year later.     This is seen in the fact that although Mary and Joseph were betrothed, they had never had sex, even though they were 100% legally married.     Although called betrothal, it was not equivalent to our modern engagement today, which is nothing more than "monogamous promise dating" with no legal consequences if broken.

Grendel wrote on Jul 7^th, 2018 at 9:43pm:

But not as we know it today Set...

No not as we know it today by a long shot. In middle medieval England a promise of marriage signed by sexual intercourse was marriage. There were no over arching theatricals.

Good to see you back Raven.

Well if the god we know is male, there is probably a female god too.

After all god was originally called Elohim.

That's plural.

Setanta wrote on Jul 7^th, 2018 at 10:05pm:

Good to see you back Raven.

Thank you good sir.

Raven has been busy of late. Not much time to post

Raven wrote on Jul 7^th, 2018 at 10:06pm:

Well if the god we know is male, there is probably a female god too. After all god was originally called Elohim. That's plural.

Not sure your point Raven. Archaeology has shown there was a misses Yahweh, Asharte, Ishtar whatever you want to call Mrs Yahweh.

In fact El was the head of the pantheon of the Philistines. He was a god of the Levant.

For the Record...

God was formulated in the Middle-East (at the time where the likes of Europe, Asia & Africa were still cultural backwaters and considered something like the 'outer-suburbs' of fringe-dwellers).

God represents the 'all-powerful' Individualism of Religious expression.

...much like the Emperor is of Military might.
...much like the President is for Politics.
...much like the King is for Ceremonial Entertainment
...much like a Champion is for Sport

:Note:
Some 'industries' have attained Individual empowerment, but lack 'a people'.
While others are 'a people' but lack an Individual representative.

...but this is where the Southern Hemisphere comes into being.

Setanta wrote on Jul 7^th, 2018 at 10:10pm:

Raven wrote on Jul 7th, 2018 at 10:06pm: Well if the god we know is male, there is probably a female god too. After all god was originally called Elohim. That's plural. Not sure your point Raven. Archaeology has shown there was a misses Yahweh, Asharte, Ishtar whatever you want to call Mrs Yahweh. In fact El was the head of the pantheon of the Philistines. He was a god of the Levant.

Now funny you mention that word.
As for when Islam & Israel 'unite'.
It will be the 'star' between the Pillars of Faith
IstarI (Istari)
;)

...but it will take a few world wars before that.  :D

Raven wrote on Jul 7^th, 2018 at 10:06pm:

Well if the god we know is male, there is probably a female god too. After all god was originally called Elohim. That's plural.

Theres a point.

The book was written by men too in times that women were, well, a bit like muslim women in those days.

Spot

There are variations on a theme of the nature of God.  Even the Abrahamic "God" of Jews, Christians and Muslims.
Even within Christianity itself.
But one thing they all agree on is that God is "male" in the sense of being the Father of all things.

Grendel wrote on Jul 8^th, 2018 at 10:39pm:

There are variations on a theme of the nature of God.  Even the Abrahamic "God" of Jews, Christians and Muslims. Even within Christianity itself. But one thing they all agree on is that God is "male" in the sense of being the Father of all things.

You are astonishingly fixated on having 'God' as male.  Has me stuffed.

I reckon (alleged) creator is a better expression.  Why must the sky fairy be of any gender? 

Grendel wrote on Jul 8^th, 2018 at 10:39pm:

There are variations on a theme of the nature of God.  Even the Abrahamic "God" of Jews, Christians and Muslims. Even within Christianity itself. But one thing they all agree on is that God is "male" in the sense of being the Father of all things.

And he had a wife Ishtar(Inanna, Astarte).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inanna

Aussie wrote on Jul 8^th, 2018 at 10:49pm:

Grendel wrote on Jul 8th, 2018 at 10:39pm: There are variations on a theme of the nature of God.  Even the Abrahamic "God" of Jews, Christians and Muslims. Even within Christianity itself. But one thing they all agree on is that God is "male" in the sense of being the Father of all things. You are astonishingly fixated on having 'God' as male.  Has me stuffed. I reckon (alleged) creator is a better expression.  Why must the sky fairy be of any gender?

LOL
Nope just posting facts ...  HE is recognised in the literature as HE for example....  just in case the other points went over your head. ::)

Setanta wrote on Jul 8^th, 2018 at 10:57pm:

Grendel wrote on Jul 8th, 2018 at 10:39pm: There are variations on a theme of the nature of God.  Even the Abrahamic "God" of Jews, Christians and Muslims. Even within Christianity itself. But one thing they all agree on is that God is "male" in the sense of being the Father of all things. And he had a wife Ishtar(Inanna, Astarte). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inanna

Ah no..... ::) ::) ::)

Grendel wrote on Jul 8^th, 2018 at 11:48pm:

Setanta wrote on Jul 8th, 2018 at 10:57pm: Grendel wrote on Jul 8th, 2018 at 10:39pm: There are variations on a theme of the nature of God.  Even the Abrahamic "God" of Jews, Christians and Muslims. Even within Christianity itself. But one thing they all agree on is that God is "male" in the sense of being the Father of all things. And he had a wife Ishtar(Inanna, Astarte). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inanna Ah no..... ::) ::) ::)

Ah, very much yes. ::)

If you want to have this conversation, let's get a grounding. When do you believe the Jews became monotheist with no Mrs God?

Grendel wrote on Jul 8^th, 2018 at 11:48pm:

Setanta wrote on Jul 8th, 2018 at 10:57pm: Grendel wrote on Jul 8th, 2018 at 10:39pm: There are variations on a theme of the nature of God.  Even the Abrahamic "God" of Jews, Christians and Muslims. Even within Christianity itself. But one thing they all agree on is that God is "male" in the sense of being the Father of all things. And he had a wife Ishtar(Inanna, Astarte). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inanna Ah no..... ::) ::) ::)

How do you know? God is jealous of other gods so there must be more than one.

Psalm 82:1
God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods.

Why wouldn't he have a wife. They probably had a falling out which is why he is such a monster on the OT

Raven wrote on Jul 9^th, 2018 at 12:56am:

Grendel wrote on Jul 8th, 2018 at 11:48pm: Setanta wrote on Jul 8th, 2018 at 10:57pm: Grendel wrote on Jul 8th, 2018 at 10:39pm: There are variations on a theme of the nature of God.  Even the Abrahamic "God" of Jews, Christians and Muslims. Even within Christianity itself. But one thing they all agree on is that God is "male" in the sense of being the Father of all things. And he had a wife Ishtar(Inanna, Astarte). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inanna Ah no..... ::) ::) ::) How do you know? God is jealous of other gods so there must be more than one. Psalm 82:1 God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods. Why wouldn't he have a wife. They probably had a falling out which is why he is such a monster on the OT

Ishtar had many temples, how many did El have? Of course he was jealous. ;D

You need to read my short story on how Gabriel came to be an Archangel.. at the prompting of his wife.. aka God... but he didn't know they were married yet... but always had been...

Heavenly time is complicated.... all that is and will be and was.. is all the same....

Grappler Truth Teller Feller wrote on Jul 9^th, 2018 at 1:20am:

You need to read my short story on how Gabriel came to be an Archangel.. at the prompting of his wife.. aka God... but he didn't know they were married yet... but always had been... Heavenly time is complicated.... all that is and will be and was.. is all the same....

It seems heaven is not that different to earth. Both have wars and therefore the things that create them.
Revelation 12:7–10
War in Heaven
So much for God's prescience unless he planned all the evil and if that is the case he is the greatest evil, if not, he's incompetent, not prescient.

Setanta wrote on Jul 9^th, 2018 at 1:31am:

Grappler Truth Teller Feller wrote on Jul 9th, 2018 at 1:20am: You need to read my short story on how Gabriel came to be an Archangel.. at the prompting of his wife.. aka God... but he didn't know they were married yet... but always had been... Heavenly time is complicated.... all that is and will be and was.. is all the same.... It seems heaven is not that different to earth. Both have wars and therefore the things that create them. Revelation 12:7–10 War in Heaven So much for God's prescience unless he planned all the evil and if that is the case he is the greatest evil, if not, he's incompetent, not prescient.

Yeah - but in my story we settled things peacefully.. with a little deception... and God Herself chose the path of Free Will and allowed Lucifer to run his race, and only when he took illegal possession of Her home did she act ..... She's an honest God.... but that Heavenly Time thing can be so confusing... that all happened thousands of years ago but God is just now giving me the case to sort it out?  This all that is, was and ever shall be stuff is mighty confusing...

I published it somewhere online... some love it... but memory fades.. it's the air down here on Earth where we Archangels take a sabbatical and work in the slums for the good of all mankind.... and we don't remember that we always have been Archangels and are and always have been married to God - aka Jenny for Jenovah...

I should've paid more attention in Angel School... no wonder I was tenth in a class of twelve....

I just re-read it myself after a long break and I laughed....


Here it is:-

http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/Grapplersama/1878233/

I wanna hear Longie savage it... he writes teenage fiction, after all... (glurg)...

"Arya looked at the sun setting and knew the moon would soon rise.... and bring with it the dire situation of being alone again.... so alone.... mum and dad did not understand.... she was going to the Star Fleet regardless..."....(Ho-Hum).....

Jesus - Amazon bought two of my stories.... no publishing offers yet... just looked.

Grappler Truth Teller Feller wrote on Jul 9^th, 2018 at 1:59am:

Setanta wrote on Jul 9th, 2018 at 1:31am: Grappler Truth Teller Feller wrote on Jul 9th, 2018 at 1:20am: You need to read my short story on how Gabriel came to be an Archangel.. at the prompting of his wife.. aka God... but he didn't know they were married yet... but always had been... Heavenly time is complicated.... all that is and will be and was.. is all the same.... It seems heaven is not that different to earth. Both have wars and therefore the things that create them. Revelation 12:7–10 War in Heaven So much for God's prescience unless he planned all the evil and if that is the case he is the greatest evil, if not, he's incompetent, not prescient. Yeah - but in my story we settled things peacefully.. with a little deception... and God Herself chose the path of Free Will and allowed Lucifer to run his race, and only when he took illegal possession of Her home did she act ..... She's an honest God.... but that Heavenly Time thing can be so confusing... that all happened thousands of years ago but God is just now giving me the case to sort it out?  This all that is, was and ever shall be stuff is mighty confusing... I published it somewhere online... some love it... but memory fades.. it's the air down here on Earth where we Archangels take a sabbatical and work in the slums for the good of all mankind.... and we don't remember that we always have been Archangels and are and always have been married to God - aka Jenny for Jenovah... I should've paid more attention in Angel School... no wonder I was tenth in a class of twelve.... I just re-read it myself after a long break and I laughed.... Here it is:- http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/Grapplersama/1878233/ I wanna hear Longie savage it... he writes teenage fiction, after all... (glurg)... "Arya looked at the sun setting and knew the moon would soon rise.... and bring with it the dire situation of being alone again.... so alone.... mum and dad did not understand.... she was going to the Star Fleet regardless..."....(Ho-Hum)..... Jesus - Amazon bought two of my stories.... no publishing offers yet... just looked.

Umm, the sun setting does not mean the moon will rise, just saying. I might go and have a read tomorrow if it's free.

edit: Arya sat alone on the darkest of nights she could remember, it was so unfamiliar, so lonely. Never before had her inner fears weighed so heavily upon her as this, the darkest of nights. Somehow the moon refused to rise when the sun set, was it destroyed? Flung off into space? Hit by an asteroid? She did not know but she knew the fear in her was as unavoidable as it was dire.

Setanta wrote on Jul 8^th, 2018 at 11:49pm:

Grendel wrote on Jul 8th, 2018 at 11:48pm: Setanta wrote on Jul 8th, 2018 at 10:57pm: Grendel wrote on Jul 8th, 2018 at 10:39pm: There are variations on a theme of the nature of God.  Even the Abrahamic "God" of Jews, Christians and Muslims. Even within Christianity itself. But one thing they all agree on is that God is "male" in the sense of being the Father of all things. And he had a wife Ishtar(Inanna, Astarte). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inanna Ah no..... ::) ::) ::) Ah, very much yes. ::) If you want to have this conversation, let's get a grounding. When do you believe the Jews became monotheist with no Mrs God?

So YOU are an atheist and think any myth involving GODS is as relevant as another fine.  Don't ram your disbelief down my throat or use it to confuse the facts.

I quite like the Greek, Roman and Norse God stories... but to the majority of the world they are myths whereas a belief in a true God as per the Christian, Jewish and Muslim faith is not.

Someone said Yahweh was the sound of the earth opening up during an earthquake..... the shamans had to apply some reason to such an event, so they said it was Yahweh .... who became god, since an earthquake had to be an act of a higher power....

I mean - come on - these guys got lost between Egypt and Jerusalem for forty years... the Light Horse had to fight their way and they did it in a lot less time...  8-)

Grendel wrote on Jul 9^th, 2018 at 7:33am:

Setanta wrote on Jul 8th, 2018 at 11:49pm: Grendel wrote on Jul 8th, 2018 at 11:48pm: Setanta wrote on Jul 8th, 2018 at 10:57pm: Grendel wrote on Jul 8th, 2018 at 10:39pm: There are variations on a theme of the nature of God.  Even the Abrahamic "God" of Jews, Christians and Muslims. Even within Christianity itself. But one thing they all agree on is that God is "male" in the sense of being the Father of all things. And he had a wife Ishtar(Inanna, Astarte). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inanna Ah no..... ::) ::) ::) Ah, very much yes. ::) If you want to have this conversation, let's get a grounding. When do you believe the Jews became monotheist with no Mrs God? So YOU are an atheist and think any myth involving GODS is as relevant as another fine.  Don't ram your disbelief down my throat or use it to confuse the facts. I quite like the Greek, Roman and Norse God stories... but to the majority of the world they are myths whereas a belief in a true God as per the Christian, Jewish and Muslim faith is not.

Ram his disbelief? I see no ramming on his part. If it feels that way perhaps you need to look at what's causing the insecurity.

Spot

Grendel wrote on Jul 7^th, 2018 at 4:43pm:

Weren't we taught the Lord's Prayer... Didn't Christ teach us that Prayer and didn't he always refer to God the Father. Doesn't it start OUR FATHER, who art in heaven?

Well here's the thing....
Does God have genitals?

In John 4:24, Christ taught that God the Father is "spirit."
A spirit by definition does not have genitals and would not have the hormones that define male and female. In fact use of the word "father" could be purely a metaphor and not an indication of gender.

Grendel wrote on Jul 9^th, 2018 at 7:33am:

Setanta wrote on Jul 8th, 2018 at 11:49pm: Grendel wrote on Jul 8th, 2018 at 11:48pm: Setanta wrote on Jul 8th, 2018 at 10:57pm: Grendel wrote on Jul 8th, 2018 at 10:39pm: There are variations on a theme of the nature of God.  Even the Abrahamic "God" of Jews, Christians and Muslims. Even within Christianity itself. But one thing they all agree on is that God is "male" in the sense of being the Father of all things. And he had a wife Ishtar(Inanna, Astarte). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inanna Ah no..... ::) ::) ::) Ah, very much yes. ::) If you want to have this conversation, let's get a grounding. When do you believe the Jews became monotheist with no Mrs God? So YOU are an atheist and think any myth involving GODS is as relevant as another fine.  Don't ram your disbelief down my throat or use it to confuse the facts. I quite like the Greek, Roman and Norse God stories... but to the majority of the world they are myths whereas a belief in a true God as per the Christian, Jewish and Muslim faith is not.

What, exactly, is a "true God"?

Still no answer? I'm wondering too

Spot

Sir Spot of Borg wrote on Jul 9^th, 2018 at 12:19pm:

Grendel wrote on Jul 9th, 2018 at 7:33am: Setanta wrote on Jul 8th, 2018 at 11:49pm: Grendel wrote on Jul 8th, 2018 at 11:48pm: Setanta wrote on Jul 8th, 2018 at 10:57pm: Grendel wrote on Jul 8th, 2018 at 10:39pm: There are variations on a theme of the nature of God.  Even the Abrahamic "God" of Jews, Christians and Muslims. Even within Christianity itself. But one thing they all agree on is that God is "male" in the sense of being the Father of all things. And he had a wife Ishtar(Inanna, Astarte). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inanna Ah no..... ::) ::) ::) Ah, very much yes. ::) If you want to have this conversation, let's get a grounding. When do you believe the Jews became monotheist with no Mrs God? So YOU are an atheist and think any myth involving GODS is as relevant as another fine.  Don't ram your disbelief down my throat or use it to confuse the facts. I quite like the Greek, Roman and Norse God stories... but to the majority of the world they are myths whereas a belief in a true God as per the Christian, Jewish and Muslim faith is not. Ram his disbelief? I see no ramming on his part. If it feels that way perhaps you need to look at what's causing the insecurity. Spot

been going on here for years from particular individuals I suggest you drop the commentary on me eh....  or I may feel like being judgemental about you. ::)