Rant and Rave Think Tank 2

[SharA2]

If they overturned Roe vs Wade it would then be up to each state to make up their own minds as to how they see the issue on abortion?

That is already the case for controversial issues like the death penalty, same-sex marriage, or medical marijuana, where there is no general consensus. By delegating these kind of decisions to state legislatures, the issues are removed from the federal level altogether.

At the same time, and referencing the 14th amendment to the U.S. Constitution, it should be made clear that the right to have an abortion is protected by federal law.

Would that not cause so much upheaval and threats? So you feel it is broke? That old saying if it ain't broke don't fix it, does it need fixing?

Growing up in California, abortion is as natural to me as palm trees and smog. My concern is rather with the principles of our republic and the ability for local populations to form their communities (within a constitutional framework). And such a changeable plurality of lifestyles, religions, and laws forms a strong counterforce to both individual uniformity and cultural conformity.

I think each state should probably be permitted to make up their own minds, what plays well deep in the bible belt would not play as well in the bigger cities across America-- least that is my opinion. Although California did not want gay marriages, I think they are trying again in 2012? That surprised me that of all states to deny that right, California was one. Did that surprise you?

[SharA2]

Here are my thread contributions for the week, to whomever would like to answer, hopefully a few of you.



Little things seem to make me happier than bigger ones, unexpected events that make you smile, light up, or giggle.

And Write a Haiku about your dream life

Haikus if you don't know follow this pattern... write 3 lines, which don't need to rhyme, containing 5,7, and 5 syl­lables.

I am as bad at Haiku's as I am with Limericks But here is my attempt.

Sleeping not so sound
Tormented visions in head
Let me wake up now!

I am still very inquisitive. To me it has served me well-- to others it is an annoyance.

My Haiku: I chose to write it about my dreams.
Cats, cats, everywhere
Symbolism, do I dare
Rest in peace and sleep.

I tried one for you too, Nostalgic:
Sweet little baby
Peaceful in his slumbering
Appreciation.

On the topic of the antichrist and is that real. I think the antichrist could just be the evil of mankind and that is what is meant by that, I do not think it will be a lone man that destroys the earth on his own, it will be mankind. Our lack of humanity. It is a scare tactic as well-- they went on to make money off the idea in several movies ( horror movies) it plays on people's fears.

[mynameisleo]

Well Bibically (too lazy to google the spelling) speaking, the Antichrist is supposed to be to the devil what Jesus is to God, and is supposed to come to earth in the midst of the apocalypse in the form of a world leader who will tempt much of mankind into joining his ranks. in the end he is supposed to do battle with the army that jesus will gather, and lose. I've never really thought of the Antichrist in terms of anything more than a figure in a religious text or really thought of it as having an effect in the midst of our lives.

[SharA2]

I found this information if anyone is interested and has beliefs.

“Antichrist” means “against (or instead of) Christ.” So in its broadest sense, the term refers to all who oppose or lyingly claim to be the Christ or his representatives. (Luke 11:23). John further explained in his day “many antichrists went out from us, but they were not of our sort [...].”—1 John 2:18, 19 so this group of class of people do have a link with Christian worship but pervert and change its teachings to mislead many. (see 2 Timothy 2:16-18; Ephesians 2:1-5; John 5:28, 29)

So the antiChrist a) had its roots in true Christianity b) subverted and corrupted its teachings c) spreads RELIGIOUS (no scientific) lies d) and persecutes those that stand for true Christian worship.

“Young children, it is the last hour [evidently the end of the apostolic period], and, just as you have heard that antichrist is coming, even now there have come to be many antichrists.”—1 John 2:18.

“Who is the liar if it is not the one that denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, the one that denies the Father and the Son.”—1 John 2:22.

“Every inspired expression that does not confess Jesus does not originate with God. Furthermore, this is the antichrist’s inspired expression which you have heard was coming, and now it is already in the world.”—1 John 4:3.

“Many deceivers have gone forth into the world, persons not confessing Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist.”—2 John 7.

[KRSTYSTLCLR]

Interesting Shar,
So do you think they were talking about the Jews at that time? Or Romans or just anyone who did not accept The Father God and his son Jesus? Or are you saying it applies to anyone who does not follow the teachings of Jesus to the T?

[Dorn]

Although California did not want gay marriages, I think they are trying again in 2012? That surprised me that of all states to deny that right, California was one. Did that surprise you?

Yes, it surprised me. I never thought liberal ethnic minorities (Hispanics and African-Americans predominantly) would coalesce with conservative Christians to remove equal rights for same-sex couples. Moreover, from June to November 2008, California was the only place in the U.S. where same-sex marriages were granted full marriage licences; that is, until Proposition 8 overruled the law.

Strangely enough, Proposition 8 was deemed unconstitutional by a district judge in 2010, but the ban will remain in place until after a new referendum in 2012.

[JeremyM]

The AntiChrist, is it.

The theories on who it is to me is the hilarious part. Last one they claimed was Prince William, wasn't it?

And some claim that all the world leaders who throw up the devil fingers are in power due to some covenant with Satan and they are obligated to greet him that way. lolz. It just gives loons something to conspire about.

[AWs]

"Anti-christ" comes from the Greek compound word Antee'- Kristos. Kristos meaning "the anointed". However, Greek "Antee" does not translate "Anti" as was done (the Greek word "Kata" translates to "against- as in opposition" which is closest to the English "anti").

Here is Use of the Greek word "Antee" (#G473) throughout (20 total) the NT of the Bible -
Mat 2:22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room ofG473 his father...
Mat 17:27 ...........take, and give unto them forG473 me and thee.
Mar 10:45 ......and to give his life a ransom forG473 many.
Luk 1:20 ..... becauseG473 thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.
Luk 11:11 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he forG473 a fish give him a serpent?
Luk 12:3 ThereforeG473 whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness.....
Joh 1:16 ... and grace forG473 grace.
Eph 5:31 For this causeG473 shall a man leave his father and mother.....
Etc etc .........

There are MANY, "IT" is a spirit of.....that deceives all the world, all the nations, all the Time(since first Century). In the name of God "It" does this.
and "it" wears the "name of blasphemy" - How many "Names of God" are there ? (rhetorical)

[JeremyM]

Wondering why there are so many conflicting theories on this topic, if you google it alot of nonsense comes up.

"The annointed" doesn't sound as evil. lolz

Think it was jojo asking about the number 666 before. With a quick search this came up, true or not. Must be other theories on why 666.

[1]Did you know that the number 666 was connected to Solomon? (1 Kings 10:14) Yes, 666 talents of gold was sent to Solomon each month by none other than the King of Tyrus. King Solomon left many articles which proved his blatant idolatry, such as King Solomon's Mirror, King Solomon's Comb, and the six-pointed star, which became known as the Seal of Solomon in the witchcraft and occult world. Solomon also laid down the foundations of the Craft (Daniel 8:25) which later became known as Freemasonry., and the six-pointed star features prominently in Masonic rituals.

[2]King David was Solomon's father, but he was never an idolater. He made it absolutely clear that God Himself was his shield, not only in Psalm 3:3 but in Psalm 28:7, Psalm 119:114, and Psalm 144:2.
From Egypt to Solomon, to Arab magic, and witchcraft, to Druid uses, to freemasonry, to Mayer Amschel Bauer, who in the 17th century changes his name to depict the red six-pointed star which hung on his door in Germany, and thus began the family of "Rothschild" (meaning red shield).
The Rothschild family incorporated this symbol in their Court of Arms. The research traced the six-pointed star through the Cabala, to astrology, to Hitler and his putting a yellow six-pointed star on Jews during the holocaust, to the Zionist symbol, and finally to the flag of the State of Israel and beyond.

[3]Because this symbol is comprised of a six within a six within a six (i.e. 6 points, 6 triangles, 6 sides of the inner hexagon) the research also includes a look at the 666 prophecies in the Book of Daniel etc., regarding the "willful king" (anti-Christ) and the "mark of the Beast." Included too, is the Scriptural significance of the number seven, and the Biblical description of the real Messiah, and the seven-branched Candlestick (Menorah), which God gave to the children of Israel as an everlasting Covenant, which is also mentioned in the New Testament and the Book of the Revelation.

[AWs]

Point is Jeremy, " Antee "- "the anointed" (antee-kristos), does not translate "ANTI" Christ, it translates - "Pro" Christ

Greek "antee"-
in the room of
for the cause of
In place of
For


regarding 666, it is the mark of the Beast (not so called antichrist). But yes, connection is the organization which "gives power unto the Beast" ...but also the number "is the number of a man" (and likely where the "He" antichrist was derived). There are 666 laws written by the Levites(priests), they were not Gods laws (10). also when a man is numbered - his fate is sealed.

Men of the cloth (when ordained), are anointed on the hand, everyone else(baptized) - on the forehead.

[parousia]

there is a religious forum set aside for this stupid bullshit

[Dorn]

"Antee" does not translate "Anti" as was done (the Greek word "Kata" translates to "against- as in opposition" which is closest to the English "anti").

Ass backwards.

Anti-, ἀντί in Ancient Greek, means "against." Cf. cata-, κατά in Ancient Greek, which means "down(wards)"; e.g., catalog.

[JeremyM]

Got it now, AWs.

there is a religious forum set aside for this stupid bullshit

From my understanding of what this thread is we can discuss anything any section of the forum is discussing. So that could be, relationships, religion, science, and news.

If you don't like the topic, ask a new question and then the old topic will fall back. Isn't that how that usually works?

I read in the thread we can post dreams?
I don't have a question I want to ask but if anyone would like to interpret my dream I'd appreciate it.

Started out with my dad and I going fishing one early am. It was one of those misty mornings where you can barely see in front of you, we loaded up our boat and went out to a spot we heard was a proven area and waited.

The sun was trying to work its way through the mist and clouds and we could see alot more around us. There was a big rock not far in the distance and we noticed a bald eagle land on it.

My dad was most impressed, we cracked open 2 beers and cheers to its presence. Then a large group of ducks came out of a marsh area and flew past, spooking the eagle and having it take flight with them.

In that commotion shots rang out, alot of them. It was hunters waiting for the ducks and dropping from the sky was our friend the bald eagle, it landed between both of our feet. We stared at it and then at each other in shock, wtf. My dad cried out " YOU BASTARDS "

[tropicalheatwave]

heres something to play around with. what do you think of the education system in your country?
i think it's useful only to a limit. you need basic reading, writing, and math to function in the world and you also need to deal with different people. but i also think schools go to far.
it seems like schools try to get you to become a slave to the expectations of society. it starts from the very beginning. you are given a test and if you don't pass or follow the expectations of your teacher, they'll make you feel like a failure. and if you do pass or follow their standards then they'll boost your ego by making you feel good. thats why they have honor roll and all that crap. and this will continue in almost everything whether it be at work, school, family, religion, etc. because of this i feel most people are afarid of failure and not living up to other peoples standards.

[Nostalgic]

I'm not certain but I think French schools are better than nz ones.
I left just after I turned 15, the teachers were crap,

I think there's something to what your saying above. I myself have a fear of failure

[tropicalheatwave]

yeah i had some mean teachers. but i remember when i use to go to a catholic school. it wasn't the teachers that were mean but the nuns. they were mean as hell.

[physco kid]

I think the school system where i was at were retards no make that lower then that At my old school i got bullied told anyone that was an adult. what did they do? Nothing but blame it on me when they were sitting on their fat arse 's and call me a screw up not even bothering to ask round. I got hurt endlessly. and mentally. They were stupider then a cow with no brains! my imprint on there i left a note at my desk saying "This town is dying fools! live with it!" they would judge me because i had come from middle class while they were rich most of the kid and families! good god the school systems are growing screwier by the minute! (oops turned it to bullying matter ).

[JeremyM]

Started out with my dad and I going fishing one early am. It was one of those misty mornings where you can barely see in front of you, we loaded up our boat and went out to a spot we heard was a proven area and waited.

The sun was trying to work its way through the mist and clouds and we could see alot more around us. There was a big rock not far in the distance and we noticed a bald eagle land on it.

My dad was most impressed, we cracked open 2 beers and cheers to its presence. Then a large group of ducks came out of a marsh area and flew past, spooking the eagle and having it take flight with them.

In that commotion shots rang out, alot of them. It was hunters waiting for the ducks and dropping from the sky was our friend the bald eagle, it landed between both of our feet. We stared at it and then at each other in shock, wtf. My dad cried out " YOU BASTARDS "

No help on my dream? Where are all the interpreters? I'll wait, maybe it is a tricky one.

[JeremyM]

heres something to play around with. what do you think of the education system in your country?
i think it's useful only to a limit. you need basic reading, writing, and math to function in the world and you also need to deal with different people. but i also think schools go to far.
it seems like schools try to get you to become a slave to the expectations of society. it starts from the very beginning. you are given a test and if you don't pass or follow the expectations of your teacher, they'll make you feel like a failure. and if you do pass or follow their standards then they'll boost your ego by making you feel good. thats why they have honor roll and all that crap. and this will continue in almost everything whether it be at work, school, family, religion, etc. because of this i feel most people are afarid of failure and not living up to other peoples standards.

The USA isn't exactly excelling amongst other countries when it comes to education, we do have some of the top rated universities in the world but that appears to be where our education glory ends.

This image is from 2009[end of] but I guess 2011 doesn't look that much different. If anyone can pull up a more current to compare, do.

You can see where the USA ranks against other countries.

[KRSTYSTLCLR]

I found the following account in a book by Carol Tavris and Elliot Aronson in a book called Mistakes were Made (but not by me) Why We Justify Foolish Beliefs, Bad Decisions and Hurtful Acts.


In the1970's,psychologists Harold Stevenson and James Stigler became interested in the math gap in performance between Asian and American school children.
By the 5th grade, the lowest scoring Japanese classroom was outperforming the highest scoring American classroom. To find out why, Stevenson and Stigler spent the next decade comparing classrooms in the U.S., China and Japan. Their epiphany occurred as they watched a Japanese boy struggle with the assignment of drawing cubes in three dimensions on the blackboard. The boy kept at it for 45 minutes, making repeated mistakes, as Stevenson and Stigler became increasingly anxious and embarrassed for him. Yet the boy himself was utterly unselfconscious, and the American observers wondered why they felt worse than he did. " Our culture exacts a great cost psychologically for making a mistake,"Stigler recalled, "whereas in Japan, it doesn't seem to be that way. In Japan, mistakes, error and confusion [are] all just a natural part of the learning process." (The boy eventually mastered the problem, to the cheers of his classmates.)

The researchers also found that American parents, teachers, and children were far more likely than their Japanese and Chinese counterparts to believe that mathematical ability is innate; if you have it, you don't have to work hard, and if you don't have it, there's no point in trying. In contrast, most Asians regard math success, like achievement in any other domain, as a matter of persistence and plain hard work. Of course you will make mistakes as you go along; that's how you learn to improve. It does not mean that you are stupid.

Making mistakes is central to the education of budding scientists and artists of all kinds, who must have the freedom to experiment, try this idea, flop, try another idea, take a risk, be willing to get the wrong answer.

Thomas Edison once said to a reporter or assistant, "I have not failed, I successfully discovered 10,000 elements that didn't work."

Most American children, however are denied the freedom to noodle around, experiment, and be wrong in ten ways, let alone 10,000.

The focus on constant testing, which grew out of the reasonable desire to measure and standardize children's achievement, had intensified their fear of failure.
The story goes on for a few more sentences, but the study its self was interesting as well as the findings.

[physco kid]

I read in the thread we can post dreams?
I don't have a question I want to ask but if anyone would like to interpret my dream I'd appreciate it.

Started out with my dad and I going fishing one early am. It was one of those misty mornings where you can barely see in front of you, we loaded up our boat and went out to a spot we heard was a proven area and waited.

The sun was trying to work its way through the mist and clouds and we could see alot more around us. There was a big rock not far in the distance and we noticed a bald eagle land on it.

My dad was most impressed, we cracked open 2 beers and cheers to its presence. Then a large group of ducks came out of a marsh area and flew past, spooking the eagle and having it take flight with them.

In that commotion shots rang out, alot of them. It was hunters waiting for the ducks and dropping from the sky was our friend the bald eagle, it landed between both of our feet. We stared at it and then at each other in shock, wtf. My dad cried out " YOU BASTARDS "

To see your father in your dream symbolizes authority and protection. It suggests that you need to be more self-reliant. Consider also your waking relationship with your father and how aspects of his character may be incorporated within yourself.
If someone else kills an eagle, then it indicates that your fame, fortune and power will be ruthlessly taken from you.
to see a duck in your dream suggests that you are setting yourself up or being set up for the kill as associated by the phrase "sitting duck".

Your dream indicates you are not having much faith in yourself and hence where you feel threatened and your power slowly drains and someone may be setting you up or yourself for a situation.

lol i do occasional dream help

[Dorn]

@physco kid: Not bad.

@Jeremy M: Consider the following interpretation as a supplement to the above, especially with regards to the immanent conflict with the paternal authority figure.

You and your dad are bonding (going fishing). The boat on the water, with hunting gear, displays the careful and meticulous manner in which you approach this unclear situation (mist). However, as the sun breaks through the clouds--"lightening up," as it were--your recollection (vision) clears up and a "new dawn" is made present. Clarity replaces the muddled thoughts.

The bald eagle landing on a big rock is a condensation (compound metaphor) rife with symbolism: it marks your heritage (national symbol), foundation, source of pride, even "Morning in America" (in all its naive ambiguity) when conjoined with the break of dawn. This moment is then rounded off with each of you cracking open beers--in other words, the male bonding is realized and the wish for reconciliation fulfilled.

Then comes the anticlimax. A large group of ducks appear out of nowhere, rapturing the dream's texture--that is, they are instances of chaos breaking out of your unconscious. And in the midst of the turbulence the hunters--displacements of you and your dad--end up killing and thereby shattering the very thing which ties you together (the bald eagle).

In conclusion, the message is quite harsh. Whatever separates you and your dad is irreconcilable and cannot be mended.

[physco kid]

@ Dorn ty

[tropicalheatwave]

thanks jeremy and krstystlclr for that interesting information. but what is your opinion on the education system? i'm not concerned about the statistics or what some book says but curious about your feeling towards it.

[KRSTYSTLCLR]

Tropicalheatwave,

I agree that there is testing that is excessive and cannot fully measure the potential of students. I think this country needs to use a variety of media including text books, computer programs, exposure to the arts instead of slashing the arts, lab work and real life experience on college campuses and trade school campuses before high school students choose their path of further education. I think the Constitution and Bill of Rights of the U.S. should be taught more thoroughly in Jr. High and High school, and if possible by a Constitutional Scholar. Maybe a full month of training in the area with mock cases and mock ballot initiatives that either make it to becoming a law, (theoretically and in a school setting.) And mock situations of civil rights violation cases. I'm not talking about lecture and role play, I'm talking about giving students a chance for a real hands on experience.

I have talked to several community college students that felt they are not learning what they expected to learn and there is so much time spent just figuring out the enrollment process and what happens if you drop a class etc., pre- admission testing, grant applications etc. By the time they get to the classroom, they are already confused to the point of saying to heck with this and want to quit.

I think that teacher Unions are too powerful and we need to promote teachers that show success in the classroom rather than the old seniority rules. People learn is such different ways and have differing natural talents. Methods of teaching, and this country has not really caught up with the notion that one style does not fit all. I agree strongly with the article that I quoted in the area of students should expect to work hard whether a subject is easy or difficult and be allowed to make mistakes in order to learn. I think that attitude has to start in the home. There are some "Alternative" schools that set a great example of what can be achieved when you step out of the box of traditional education.

There is an old saying that states "That which is the hardest to attain is that which we retain the longest."

I don't now if that was the answer you were looking for, but that is how I feel. I also think that kindergarten should be predominately socialization skills and a smaller amount of academics and no busy work for homework. Actually no homework for kids in kindergarten would be my preference. I have seen kids set apart from classroom activities in kindergarten because they are hyper or don't pay attention, and its really sad what that sense of exclusion does to a small child.

It's a tough subject I'm glad you brought it up.
By the way heatwave, I love your Thai Fighter, do you practice the sport/art?

[tropicalheatwave]

I don't now if that was the answer you were looking for, but that is how I feel.

i'm not looking for a specific answer just curious of how people feel. and thanks for your reply.

By the way heatwave, I love your Thai Fighter, do you practice the sport/art?

yeah, i got back into it on march. before that i had a knee injury for 6 months (having an injury when your completely alone without a car is no fun). then in the summers i did some traveling. so since september i've been going to the gym regularly. my speed is excellent but my defense sucks.

[KRSTYSTLCLR]

Awesome that you went back. It's the best all around workout IMO.

[jojo]

It is funny that a minister wrote the article I quoted. Of course he would grant God the ability to defeat such evil and come out victorious.

That reverend appears to be a zealot of the first degree. I'll make sure to remember the PRCA for future references, if a fundamentalist were ever to cross my path.

So you are saying that you feel that the antichrist is just an exaggeration and not a real person that will come into power and destroy/control us?

It is an invention of the writer--or writers--of the epistles of John, which were written around 100 AD. He/they may have intended the antichrists to literally be "against" (anti) the teaching of Christ--sectarians, as it were.

Just another religious view of satan and evil? A religious boogeyman.

Not even that. It's a pop culture meme. A religious bogeyman would at least reoccur in the text.

lol is he a crazy religious nut? How much did he get right in his article?

So to them if you worshiped anything or anyone outside of Christ you were an antichrist or AC follower? thinking of it as a meme is funny.

What date was the Antichrist supposed to come into power?

Its interesting to me that you brought up this subject today. My kids and I were discussing the end of time as we know it and all the talk about 2012. We touched on the subject of religion and creation as well. I believe the Antichrist is made up to scare people into doing good. I think it is and always was a control mechanism to keep people in line. Notice in the old testament, God was Good and delighted in good and he was wrathful to those who did not follow his rule. Every organized religion that I can think of is blistered and burnt with tradition and ritual that was made and thought up by man...

Do you think the 2012 end of world theory and the antichrist tie together?

Do you think it is to scare kids to behave, or act better when older because they hold the knowledge of this? How many little kids stay with religion when old enough to decide?
I read this about the antichrist:

Antichrist will be handsome, fair, prudent, wise, humanitarian, but all this will be a hypocritical behavior.
He will try to deceit all of us in order to become the global governor. Afterwards he will show us his real person, but then it will be very late. This is the reason of the existence of the book of Revelation. To inform everybody to avoid to take the mark of the Antichrist and to inform us that we must not live in the society of the Antichrist, to inform us that he is going to make us believe him as a God.

[jojo]

Suicide... This one is tough. I have many of friends who have passed this barrier and have gone into the next life without me. I hate suicide, and want to be against it because i envy them, I am greedy and want them back! They left me and i am filled with anger over it.
However, my closest friend had shrapnel in his body that the doctors could remove. He had metal in one of his knee joints, wedged through his sternum and in his heart, and one more in his neck. He couldnt walk without pain, he couldnt eat or breath without pain, and if his heart rate got too high, the shrapnel in his heart would tear at his vital organ. He couldnt take the pain anymore and did away with it.

Suicide is something i WANT to be against, i want to fight it, and save everyone. However that isnt possible. Suicide is a way out for some...For others, its about finally being pain free. It will always be around i fear, and we must all become more vigilant against it to stop those who CAN be saved, and support those who cant.

Were you as angry at your friend who was in so much pain that he ended his pain for good? Horrible what happened to him, ambushed by a mine?

Cold is underplaying it imo. It was a bitch move on her part.

I would have taken the baby, my parents would have helped too, after losing my brother they were sad about what she did too. Her parents were never told by her.

She had the abortion because she didn't want it, it wasn't a kind gesture towards the baby at all on her part. I'm not saying women who have abortions are selfish I am saying SHE was selfish.

She probably knew you would fight her on the abortion and her parents too and that was why she hid it. Did you break up after that, was something like that an ending it moment?

I hate to say but some women shouldn't have babies, no matter what age it is not a calling for them at all, I think everyone knows a few people they can look at and say that about. You need to put the child before you if you accept having a baby, you can't be selfish then.

heres something to play around with. what do you think of the education system in your country?
i think it's useful only to a limit. you need basic reading, writing, and math to function in the world and you also need to deal with different people. but i also think schools go to far.
it seems like schools try to get you to become a slave to the expectations of society. it starts from the very beginning. you are given a test and if you don't pass or follow the expectations of your teacher, they'll make you feel like a failure. and if you do pass or follow their standards then they'll boost your ego by making you feel good. thats why they have honor roll and all that crap. and this will continue in almost everything whether it be at work, school, family, religion, etc. because of this i feel most people are afarid of failure and not living up to other peoples standards.

It sucks! lol Teachers and students are both uninterested. I read that chart JeremyM posted, look where we stand. That is horrible.
I wonder how home schooled students rank against public schooled ones.

[Dorn]

lol is he a crazy religious nut?

Well, crazy or cynical. It's hard to tell the difference in his case. Most crazies don't write as orderly as he does, but there're always exceptions to the rule.

How much did he get right in his article?

The biblical citations are accurate yet misplaced. Beyond that, nothing.

So to them if you worshiped anything or anyone outside of Christ you were an antichrist or AC follower?

Yes, but that is according to John the Evangelist (to whom it is commonly attributed), the only one to ever mention an "antichrist." However, these writings are among the Catholic epistles, which are considered apocryphal in the Lutheran tradition.

thinking of it as a meme is funny.

I meant meme in the strict dictionary sense, but sure, why not.

^ Der lustige Totentanz des Antichrist

What date was the Antichrist supposed to come into power?

The what? You're quite mired in that pop culture. I read the New Testament once a year and there is nothing of the sort to be found therein.

Another common misconception is to think of the Apocalypse--"the unveiling"--as the literal end of the world.

[KRSTYSTLCLR]

Hi Jojo,

I just found out about the Mayan calendar ending next year. (Don't know where I'v been ) Anyway, I don't know what to say. If there is some kind of natural catastrophic event, all we can do is plan ahead and have food water and emergency supplies.(in Cali we hear that all the time) Im not worried about it, but my curiosity is piqued.

As for the Antichrist....Hmmm.....not a believer. I think is just an old idea that came along in some monks translation of the original bible or one of the later translations. Like Dorn said something about it being popular in Catholic religion. (sorry Dorn if I strayed a little from your words) Probably made to frighten church folk from sinning or moving to a different faith as they might be afraid to try another religion because its leader might be the (Antichrist) and a false leader sending them to their dooms IDK Jojo, IRDK

I probably makes for good television for all those church shows on Sunday. Not all but some.

[Guardian7347]

Another common misconception is to think of the Apocalypse--"the unveiling"--as the literal end of the world.

The unveiling is the end of the world. If you look at revelations, it is the time of the final judgement. Granted, it's not a one week event. Instead it is spread out over a prolonged period of time, but it is final in every sense of the word. As for the AntiChrist himself....it's hard to judge whether he's symbolic of an organization or he's an individual world leader. It's not a concept that's solely popular in Catholicism, but one that most protestants embrace as well.

Yes, but that is according to John the Evangelist (to whom it is commonly attributed), the only one to ever mention an "antichrist."

John the Revelator actually. While the "John" in question is frequently presumed to be the disciple John, there is growing belief that they are actually two separate individuals. While John is the only one to identify the Antichrist by a name, Daniel speaks much about him and his rule in the old testament.

So to them if you worshiped anything or anyone outside of Christ you were an antichrist or AC follower?

No. If you worship anything/one other than Christ you are not saved, but that does not make you either an AC or a follower of one. There is a distinct difference. Being a sinner is easily redeemable. Accepting the mark of the beast is damning. It is something that will have to be done willfully, a conscious decision, as opposed to being a sinner, which can be accomplished simply by failing to make a decision.

[tropicalheatwave]

It sucks! lol Teachers and students are both uninterested. I read that chart JeremyM posted, look where we stand.

true, but do you think those scores really measure how smart you are? are you more better off in south korea then america? i always thought that intelligence should be measured more by actual experience rather then repeating what was taught to you. of course if you have both, experience and knowledge, then that maybe better.

[KRSTYSTLCLR]

Question

The Mark of the Beast is usually referred to as 666 right? So is there going to be an actual stamp, tattoo or burn to mark into its human followers?
What other Mark could there be? Is the Antichrist Himself supposed to be scarred with such a mark? ( all hypothetical of course.)

Reminds me of Voldermort in the Harry Potter movies.
Also kind of reminiscent of The Omen. The creepy kid sent to rule as evil would prevail. Didn't he have some kind of mark?

Tropicalheatwave:
I love the scene in Overboard where Goldie Hawn rips the teacher about intelligence tests and fails to recognize that the kids have poison oak. Classic Mom moment!

[St. Dymphna]

WILL SOMEONE PLESE PAY ATTENTION TO KRSTYSTLCLR

[KRSTYSTLCLR]

*

[Dorn]

Another common misconception is to think of the Apocalypse--"the unveiling"--as the literal end of the world.

The unveiling is the end of the world.

It is the end of the world and life as we know it as the tapestry of reality (calypse) is removed, uncovered, unveiled (apo-). However, when it comes to the exegesis of the seven seals, the four beasts, Death and Hades, or even divine judgment, there is an inexhaustible variety of possible interpretations.

If you look at revelations, it is the time of the final judgement. Granted, it's not a one week event. Instead it is spread out over a prolonged period of time, but it is final in every sense of the word.

That's the thing. I cannot logically approximate "final" if it is taken in every sense of the word. I have to approach it symbolically and supra-rationally for the message to take hold, and I can't quite communicate this sensation by means of language.

As for the AntiChrist himself....it's hard to judge whether he's symbolic of an organization or he's an individual world leader. It's not a concept that's solely popular in Catholicism, but one that most protestants embrace as well.

I wouldn't give the term "antichrist" any room since it isn't referenced a single time throughout the Book of Revelation. The traditional Catholic emphasis on John the Apostle as the sole author of the Gospel, the three epistles, and Revelation has engendered a sense of textual unity which has proliferated a specific signifier-chain of all things diabolical.

However, if one separates this signification from the other texts--which is most likely--then a different pattern emerges: "The great dragon was hurled down--that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him" (Revelation 12:9). This is contrasted by the writing in 1 John 2:18, "Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour" (emphasis added), which relates to a plural of false prophets.

Yes, but that is according to John the Evangelist (to whom it is commonly attributed), the only one to ever mention an "antichrist."

John the Revelator actually. While the "John" in question is frequently presumed to be the disciple John, there is growing belief that they are actually two separate individuals.

I've heard of three, leaving a fourth John (the Baptist) aside completely. John the Apostle/Disciple, author of the Gospel; John the Evangelist, author of at least two of the three epistles; and John the Presbyter, presumed writer of Revelation. But there are those who claim that John the Evangelist wrote all of them, whereas traditionalists stick to the Disciple as author.

While John is the only one to identify the Antichrist by a name, Daniel speaks much about him and his rule in the old testament.

The Book of Daniel is quite interesting, especially chapter 7 as it is the first written account of a dream interpretation in the history of literature. He forebodes the coming forth of the four beasts which also appear in Revelation. However, for there to be an Anti-Christ, there must first be a Christ--but on no account is the anointed one (Christ) relevant therein. The closest we get is that the fourth beast appears in the likeness of the "son of Man."

[Dorn]

The Mark of the Beast is usually referred to as 666 right?

It is written in Revelation 13:18, "This calls for wisdom [sofia, which may also mean knowledge, artfulness, or good taste]. Let the person who has insight calculate [arithmos] the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man [is humanity's number]. That number is 666."

Not to add disappointment but merely clarity, 666 is the result of the numbers used to calculate "the beast" (tou theriou in Greek) in numerology. It is self-referential; the number of humanity = the number of the beast = 666.

On a side note, six hundred sixty-six is transliterated hexakosioi hexikonta hex from the original Greek, which, although unrelated, coincides with "hex" and Hexe (German for witch).

So is there going to be an actual stamp, tattoo or burn to mark into its human followers?

It would be impolite of me to put a cap on your imagination.

Revelation 13:16
[The second beast] also forced all people, great and small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads.

Reminds me of Voldermort in the Harry Potter movies.
Also kind of reminiscent of The Omen. The creepy kid sent to rule as evil would prevail. Didn't he have some kind of mark?

I can't stand the Harry Potter franchise, but I'll give you a preferred soundtrack to The Omen.

are you more better off in south korea then america?

Frankly, no. Those who think children are better off in South Korea and Japan should consider social pressures and take a look at this list of countries by suicide rate.

[Guardian7347]

It is written in Revelation 13:18, "This calls for wisdom [sofia, which may also mean knowledge, artfulness, or good taste]. Let the person who has insight calculate [arithmos] the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man [is humanity's number]. That number is 666."

How do you translate "it is the number of a man" to "it is humanity's number"? It doesn't say it is the number of man or the number of mankind, but of A man. This is where the common tie-in to Nero come into play. Nero's name also translates numerologically into 666.

[Dorn]

How do you translate "it is the number of a man" to "it is humanity's number"?

It captures the ambiguity of the ancient Greek in which it was written. The word used is anthropos, which can relate to a man (individual), man (gender), or all of humankind at once. In the New International Version of the Bible there are footnotes highlighting this dimension.

This is where the common tie-in to Nero come into play. Nero's name also translates numerologically into 666.

Is that in Greek or Latin? Regardless, Nero's imperial rule predated the writing of the Book of Revelation by almost half a century.

[KRSTYSTLCLR]

Dorn,
Thanks for humoring me, I was getting a little silly about the whole thing.

[Nostalgic]

heres something to play around with. what do you think of the education system in your country?
i think it's useful only to a limit. you need basic reading, writing, and math to function in the world and you also need to deal with different people. but i also think schools go to far.
it seems like schools try to get you to become a slave to the expectations of society. it starts from the very beginning. you are given a test and if you don't pass or follow the expectations of your teacher, they'll make you feel like a failure. and if you do pass or follow their standards then they'll boost your ego by making you feel good. thats why they have honor roll and all that crap. and this will continue in almost everything whether it be at work, school, family, religion, etc. because of this i feel most people are afarid of failure and not living up to other peoples standards.

The USA isn't exactly excelling amongst other countries when it comes to education, we do have some of the top rated universities in the world but that appears to be where our education glory ends.

This image is from 2009[end of] but I guess 2011 doesn't look that much different. If anyone can pull up a more current to compare, do.

You can see where the USA ranks against other countries.

NZ can't be that high on the list

[jojo]

lol is he a crazy religious nut?

Well, crazy or cynical. It's hard to tell the difference in his case. Most crazies don't write as orderly as he does, but there're always exceptions to the rule.

How much did he get right in his article?

The biblical citations are accurate yet misplaced. Beyond that, nothing.

So to them if you worshiped anything or anyone outside of Christ you were an antichrist or AC follower?

Yes, but that is according to John the Evangelist (to whom it is commonly attributed), the only one to ever mention an "antichrist." However, these writings are among the Catholic epistles, which are considered apocryphal in the Lutheran tradition.

thinking of it as a meme is funny.

I meant meme in the strict dictionary sense, but sure, why not.

^ Der lustige Totentanz des Antichrist

What date was the Antichrist supposed to come into power?

The what? You're quite mired in that pop culture. I read the New Testament once a year and there is nothing of the sort to be found therein.

Another common misconception is to think of the Apocalypse--"the unveiling"--as the literal end of the world.

Less crazy in my internet readings the better. I assume hey they have it posted and it is a minister they must know what they are spouting. Maybe he was pushing his own agenda?

Is it like if you were to worship a false idol and you are condemned for breaking a commandment? the antichrist is seen as a false god.
The meme image is doing a jig

I don't really think there will be a end of the world like people predict or that they will be an antichrist, but some small grain of truth must come from all those writings.

Hi Jojo,

I just found out about the Mayan calendar ending next year. (Don't know where I'v been ) Anyway, I don't know what to say. If there is some kind of natural catastrophic event, all we can do is plan ahead and have food water and emergency supplies.(in Cali we hear that all the time) Im not worried about it, but my curiosity is piqued.

As for the Antichrist....Hmmm.....not a believer. I think is just an old idea that came along in some monks translation of the original bible or one of the later translations. Like Dorn said something about it being popular in Catholic religion. (sorry Dorn if I strayed a little from your words) Probably made to frighten church folk from sinning or moving to a different faith as they might be afraid to try another religion because its leader might be the (Antichrist) and a false leader sending them to their dooms IDK Jojo, IRDK

I probably makes for good television for all those church shows on Sunday. Not all but some.

If you live in Cali a big quake might get you first

This stuff makes me curious too, it is fun to go through it with others. I think you are right it makes believers and some non- believers stay on the path or get on the good path.

Question

The Mark of the Beast is usually referred to as 666 right? So is there going to be an actual stamp, tattoo or burn to mark into its human followers?
What other Mark could there be? Is the Antichrist Himself supposed to be scarred with such a mark? ( all hypothetical of course.)

I read this about the 666 mark:

Many Christians believe the 666 mark will be a biochip implant to create the cashless society of Revelation 13.

Here are the main verses on 666, the mark of the beast:
Revelation 13:16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
Revelation 13:17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
Revelation 13:18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six. (666)

Notice it says "in" not "on" their hand and foreheads.

[jojo]

It sucks! lol Teachers and students are both uninterested. I read that chart JeremyM posted, look where we stand.

true, but do you think those scores really measure how smart you are? are you more better off in south korea then america? i always thought that intelligence should be measured more by actual experience rather then repeating what was taught to you. of course if you have both, experience and knowledge, then that maybe better.

It gives a measure of it overall, or why do them?
It isn't about South Korea being the better place to live, they put out reports on that too and it is usually Scandinavian countries that top that list.

It is about those top countries being able to do something our country is clearly incapable of doing and maybe we should try to figure it out and help our kids to achieve more too.

You are talking about cleverness and street smarts? I agree that gets you further in life, then alot learned in school. The school of hard knocks teaches you lots!

[tropicalheatwave]

It is about those top countries being able to do something our country is clearly incapable of doing

like what?

[Nostalgic]

My sister wants to move city and school. They had an assembly the other day and parents turned up in their gang patches.
Mum was telling me this morning. Shit like that should be banned in school grounds. Not good examples. The kids are starting their own gangs.

[Dorn]

Less crazy in my internet readings the better. I assume hey they have it posted and it is a minister they must know what they are spouting. Maybe he was pushing his own agenda?

Very likely. And he wouldn't be the first. What annoys me is the literal reading of Scripture, as if it were a phone book or a calendar. Like dreams, biblical texts require a very different approach where you can never be quite certain regarding what is representative, symbolic, allegorical, metonymic, or in any other way hidden from immediate view.

Is it like if you were to worship a false idol and you are condemned for breaking a commandment?

There is no "breaking" of a commandment. Paul the Apostle explained it this way:

Romans 13:9-10
The commandments, "You shall not commit adultery," "You shall not murder," "You shall not steal," "You shall not covet," and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Love [agape, as distinguished from eros, storge or philia] does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

What distinguishes Christianity from Judaism is the concrescence of all commandments into one--agape.

the antichrist is seen as a false god.

Antichrists are referred to in the plural as living persons with breath/spirit (pneuma) who are deceivers, liars, and deniers of Christ; there is no passage in which they are presented divinely. See for yourself. They are mentioned in 1 John 2:18, 2:22, 4:3, and 2 John 1:7.

I don't really think there will be a end of the world like people predict or that they will be an antichrist, but some small grain of truth must come from all those writings.

I believe there is far more than a "small grain" of truth, and that is precisely why the Bible shouldn't be interpreted frivolously but with great care.

Notice it says "in" not "on" their hand and foreheads.

That's an idiosyncrasy particular to the King James translation. The Greek word epi, which is used in the original writing, means "on."

[Guardian7347]

As for the mark of the beast, there is good reason to lean more towards "in" rather than "on". RFID's. It's the great answer to everything and can easily be touted as being "for our own good". just imagine if you will, a chip they can implant just under the skin that can hold all your personal information, medical records, credit history and financial records. It could be touted as a way to prevent identity theft. All your data is in one place...under your skin. you wave your hand over a scanner at the store and the funds are automatically deducted from your account. If you get into an accident, they wave a scanner over your hand and can pull up all your medical records, including allergies and health conditions. These are already available for use on pets. They are used "in case your pet is ever lost, they can read the owners name and phone number off of this tag. Sounds wonderful until you think about how long it would take before what was optional became mandatory. First up would be federal employees and Social security recipients. "Do this or you can't get your money". It wouldn't take long before you couldn't trade or do business without the chip...the mark.

[KRSTYSTLCLR]

I can just imagine that chip placed under the skin in someones forehead. Someone should make a 5 minute short about that one.

[JeremyM]

To see your father in your dream symbolizes authority and protection. It suggests that you need to be more self-reliant. Consider also your waking relationship with your father and how aspects of his character may be incorporated within yourself.
If someone else kills an eagle, then it indicates that your fame, fortune and power will be ruthlessly taken from you.
to see a duck in your dream suggests that you are setting yourself up or being set up for the kill as associated by the phrase "sitting duck".

Your dream indicates you are not having much faith in yourself and hence where you feel threatened and your power slowly drains and someone may be setting you up or yourself for a situation.

lol i do occasional dream help

Hey thanks for the reply, physco kid.

My dad is still the type of guy that watches out for you even if your an adult, probably losing one son already made him over protective through the years.

We have a good relationship, as father and son and as friends. No issues there with us.

Wonder why my dad was witness to the killing too? Does that mean he will be affected also? We were sitting ducks in that boat too, they might have as easily shot us.

I believe in myself, not to the point of massive ego issues but I can see the setting up issues afoot.