Welcome "Wiki Scholars". Please feel invited to read and contribute without modifying original posts. If you'd like to add a comment, please remember to submit your responses at the end of each section. Please Note: To ensure an orderly page layout, I reserve the right to remove clutter, ammend dialog format and delete frivolous additions. Comments left here will be responded to here, unless you request otherwise. Thanks for visiting! - HBCALI
Proponents of Biblical Integrity concede that Judeo Christian Biblical text has been divinely sustained and protected throughout the millennia. This belief is attributed to the continual presence and stewardship of God throughout human history.
"If God can create the Universe from nothing and continually sustain all creation, then surely He would have the power and ability to preserve a book. If you sincerly consider His Divine promises and authority, safe-guarding His own message would hardly seem to be an effort for an Almighty, All-Sovereign God”.-- HBCALI ( talk) 18:25, 28 May 2010 (UTC)
Setting aside our personal upbringing, how sovereign is God - really? Are his plans dashed by the failures of men? When in Biblical history did mankind ever get a single thing right? From Adam forward, mankind has attempted to turn the plans of God upside down and inside out. But nothing, not a single thing, has altered or muted the sovereign plans of God. So, even if deviant church groups or corrupt men decided to taint the Scriptures, would that confound God? Hardly. If God makes a promise, it's a sure bet He make good on it. So if God promised to preserve His word, how could he fail?
Judaism: Is considered by mainstream Christianity as the “elder statesman” of the Christian faith. More importantly, Judaism forms the foundation of the
New Testament (Καινὴ Διαθήκη) and sets the back-drop for all New Testament literature. Jewish and Christian Scripture are tightly woven together in a unique tapestry of cross-references and parallel writings. Additionally, New Testament authors utilized several hundred references from the Hebrew Scriptures to emphasize the relationship between the two co-dependent and unique literary periods.
Moreover, the original Twelve Apostles (שליח), especially the Apostle Paul (שאול התרסי), were Jews – and remained Jews – during the birth of the New Testament Church (30 – 100 CE). In turn, the Hebrew Scriptures are viewed by many Christians as the essential "framework" of God's purpose - with the New Testament unveiling the larger extent of God's intent and irrevocable love for all humanity. Ultimately, The New Testament brings the eternal plans of YHWH into sharper focus and broadens the relationship between all mankind and the One True God. Orthodox Christianity believes that the New Testament, along with the Old Testament, stands as the complete, irrevocable written revelation of God. In turn, the Orthodox Biblical Canon opens with the Book of Genesis (בְּרֵאשִׁית) and forever closes with the Book of Revelation (Ἀποκάλυψις Ἰωάννου). Subsequently, Orthodox and traditional beliefs maintain that additions to Scripture beyond the Biblical Canon are not divinely inspired and ultimately originate from mankind.
Unbeknown to many, Christianity does not emphasize a “new religion” separate and discriminatory from Judaism. Rather, it establishes a renewed relationship or “New Covenant” (ברית חדשה) between God and man. As such, from a New Testament perspective, Jewish believers in Yeshua ben Nazareth (Jesus) can simultaneously be considered “Christians” without any forfeiture of Jewish birthright, heritage or core belief.
"For the life of a creature is in the blood...it is the blood that makes atonement for one's life". (Leviticus 17:11)
The following are common questions asked by many people looking for answers to tough questions. Many of these questions are also common to Wiki users when posting edits or discussing Christianity with HBCALI ( talk). If you have further questions, leave me a post or check out topic-based issues on this website.
LDS "Inspiration"
During the time of the Apostasy the Holy Spirit continued to do what he has always done. He never departed or stopped influencing people to follow Christ and Christ's teachings. There really is not a reconciliation for LDS. Just thought I would answer your question. Cheers. -- Storm Rider 22:38, 23 June 2010 (UTC)
HBCALI Challange Reply
36,000 Denominations?
Primary sources, like the Holy Bible, are only useful if the meaning of the passage is indisputable. Generally, within the Bible, that's not the case. There are over 36,000 different Christian denominations and each of them hold up the same Bible, yet there are differences among all of them citation needed. For this reason it is better to quote an expert who clarifies the meaning you are seeking. Cheers. -- Storm Rider 20:36, 17 July 2010 (UTC)
HBCALI Response
Storm Rider Reply 1
I can't remember where the source was for 36,000, here is one that provides an explanation of a similar number. I concur with you thoughts; there are no division of peoples in Heaven. We are all God's children.-- Storm Rider 16:46, 19 July 2010 (UTC)
HBCALI Response
Storm Rider Reply 2
I think the definition of denomination is well defined and understood. It is not about how individuals believe, but what different, distinct church denomination teach. There is Orthodoxy and then there is orthodoxy. Walter Martindale was good at outlining what were required doctrines to be part of Christianity; however, the problem was that using his definition would exclude all the first apostles and most of the Ante-Nicene Fathers. Martindale's definition was/is simply not supported by the Bible.
HBCALI Response
Storm Rider Reply 3
There is not even agreement on what books belong in the Bible within Christianity. No agreement on gifts of the Spirit, baptism, Eucharist, priesthood, etc. The LDS Church has far more in common with the Catholic Church than almost all Protestant churches. However, the thing that binds them all is the belief that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and it is by Grace that all are saved. -- Storm Rider 21:11, 2 August 2010 (UTC)
HBCALI Response
Storm Rider Reply 4
Catholicism believes in a closed canon, but believes in Tradition, a significant point of conflict between it and the Protestant world. In addition, their canon is very different than the Protestant world. It is a common criticism that none shall take away or add to the Word of God, but that has obviously been violated in this case. Who holds the incorrect position, Protestants or Catholics? The Trinity is certainly the doctrine that is believed by the vast majority of Christians today to explain the nature of the Godhood, but it is not THE universal belief. There are millions of Christians today who do not accept it as there has been throughout history.
HBCALI Response
Storm Rider Final Reply
My intent is not to engage in a battle of wits, so much as engage in conversation. I view the Christian world as a diverse group of believers. Their purpose is their belief in the Son of God, the great Mediator of mankind, the sole doorway through which we may approach the Father, the Way, the Truth, and the Light. I acknowledge only one great truth that all Christianity depends upon and that is Jesus through whom all are saved and without his saving grace, none are saved. This belief is what unites Christians as a common brotherhood of Christ's disciples.
We can all learn from one another. It is difficult not to acknowledge the rich spiritual heritage we find in the lives of the Saints such as St. Francis, St. Catherine of Siena, Saint Teresa of Ávila, and St. John of Damascus. Even more value the writings of John Paul II; his writings, his life, was exemplary of wisdom and deep faith. The vitality of faith seen in some of the Protestant churches, the joy of the African and Latino Christians can teach all of us something. This list could go on and on because there are so many examples by which we can learn and have gratitude in all Christian churches. Let us all look for the good in others, but patient with their position on God's path and their growth. Thanks for the conversation and, as you say, we can close this talking point. -- Storm Rider 22:35, 8 August 2010 (UTC)
HBCALI Closing
Scripture and the LDS
I saw a question and then it was deleted, but still felt it was worth a comment. The Bible is viewed as the Word of God as long as it is "translated" correctly; however, interpreted correctly also applies. The importance of the Bible for LDS is that it is a record of God's dealings with those inhabitants around Jerusalem. LDS view it as vital; it is the first Testament that Jesus was the promised Messiah, the Son of God, and member of the Godhead that was in union without beginning or end.
The Book of Mormon is viewed as equally important because it bears the same witness of Jesus. It is the second witness that Jesus was the Christ and it concerns the ancient inhabitants of the Americas. It is believed by LDS that with these two witnesses it is beyond doubt that Jesus lives, that he was the Christ and no man can deny it having read the two together. I hope this helps. -- Storm Rider 06:28, 24 October 2010 (UTC).
HBCALI Reply
Your edits to The Watchtower have been removed, as your changes constituted an unsourced opinion.
Additionally, it appears that your User Talk page is being used primarily as a platform for stating your religious opinions rather than for discussion about article content or user behaviour. Most of the content here fits within the definition of "unrelated content" explained at WP:USERPAGE.-- Jeffro77 ( talk) 01:06, 13 February 2015 (UTC)
Welcome "Wiki Scholars". Please feel invited to read and contribute without modifying original posts. If you'd like to add a comment, please remember to submit your responses at the end of each section. Please Note: To ensure an orderly page layout, I reserve the right to remove clutter, ammend dialog format and delete frivolous additions. Comments left here will be responded to here, unless you request otherwise. Thanks for visiting! - HBCALI
Proponents of Biblical Integrity concede that Judeo Christian Biblical text has been divinely sustained and protected throughout the millennia. This belief is attributed to the continual presence and stewardship of God throughout human history.
"If God can create the Universe from nothing and continually sustain all creation, then surely He would have the power and ability to preserve a book. If you sincerly consider His Divine promises and authority, safe-guarding His own message would hardly seem to be an effort for an Almighty, All-Sovereign God”.-- HBCALI ( talk) 18:25, 28 May 2010 (UTC)
Setting aside our personal upbringing, how sovereign is God - really? Are his plans dashed by the failures of men? When in Biblical history did mankind ever get a single thing right? From Adam forward, mankind has attempted to turn the plans of God upside down and inside out. But nothing, not a single thing, has altered or muted the sovereign plans of God. So, even if deviant church groups or corrupt men decided to taint the Scriptures, would that confound God? Hardly. If God makes a promise, it's a sure bet He make good on it. So if God promised to preserve His word, how could he fail?
Judaism: Is considered by mainstream Christianity as the “elder statesman” of the Christian faith. More importantly, Judaism forms the foundation of the
New Testament (Καινὴ Διαθήκη) and sets the back-drop for all New Testament literature. Jewish and Christian Scripture are tightly woven together in a unique tapestry of cross-references and parallel writings. Additionally, New Testament authors utilized several hundred references from the Hebrew Scriptures to emphasize the relationship between the two co-dependent and unique literary periods.
Moreover, the original Twelve Apostles (שליח), especially the Apostle Paul (שאול התרסי), were Jews – and remained Jews – during the birth of the New Testament Church (30 – 100 CE). In turn, the Hebrew Scriptures are viewed by many Christians as the essential "framework" of God's purpose - with the New Testament unveiling the larger extent of God's intent and irrevocable love for all humanity. Ultimately, The New Testament brings the eternal plans of YHWH into sharper focus and broadens the relationship between all mankind and the One True God. Orthodox Christianity believes that the New Testament, along with the Old Testament, stands as the complete, irrevocable written revelation of God. In turn, the Orthodox Biblical Canon opens with the Book of Genesis (בְּרֵאשִׁית) and forever closes with the Book of Revelation (Ἀποκάλυψις Ἰωάννου). Subsequently, Orthodox and traditional beliefs maintain that additions to Scripture beyond the Biblical Canon are not divinely inspired and ultimately originate from mankind.
Unbeknown to many, Christianity does not emphasize a “new religion” separate and discriminatory from Judaism. Rather, it establishes a renewed relationship or “New Covenant” (ברית חדשה) between God and man. As such, from a New Testament perspective, Jewish believers in Yeshua ben Nazareth (Jesus) can simultaneously be considered “Christians” without any forfeiture of Jewish birthright, heritage or core belief.
"For the life of a creature is in the blood...it is the blood that makes atonement for one's life". (Leviticus 17:11)
The following are common questions asked by many people looking for answers to tough questions. Many of these questions are also common to Wiki users when posting edits or discussing Christianity with HBCALI ( talk). If you have further questions, leave me a post or check out topic-based issues on this website.
LDS "Inspiration"
During the time of the Apostasy the Holy Spirit continued to do what he has always done. He never departed or stopped influencing people to follow Christ and Christ's teachings. There really is not a reconciliation for LDS. Just thought I would answer your question. Cheers. -- Storm Rider 22:38, 23 June 2010 (UTC)
HBCALI Challange Reply
36,000 Denominations?
Primary sources, like the Holy Bible, are only useful if the meaning of the passage is indisputable. Generally, within the Bible, that's not the case. There are over 36,000 different Christian denominations and each of them hold up the same Bible, yet there are differences among all of them citation needed. For this reason it is better to quote an expert who clarifies the meaning you are seeking. Cheers. -- Storm Rider 20:36, 17 July 2010 (UTC)
HBCALI Response
Storm Rider Reply 1
I can't remember where the source was for 36,000, here is one that provides an explanation of a similar number. I concur with you thoughts; there are no division of peoples in Heaven. We are all God's children.-- Storm Rider 16:46, 19 July 2010 (UTC)
HBCALI Response
Storm Rider Reply 2
I think the definition of denomination is well defined and understood. It is not about how individuals believe, but what different, distinct church denomination teach. There is Orthodoxy and then there is orthodoxy. Walter Martindale was good at outlining what were required doctrines to be part of Christianity; however, the problem was that using his definition would exclude all the first apostles and most of the Ante-Nicene Fathers. Martindale's definition was/is simply not supported by the Bible.
HBCALI Response
Storm Rider Reply 3
There is not even agreement on what books belong in the Bible within Christianity. No agreement on gifts of the Spirit, baptism, Eucharist, priesthood, etc. The LDS Church has far more in common with the Catholic Church than almost all Protestant churches. However, the thing that binds them all is the belief that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and it is by Grace that all are saved. -- Storm Rider 21:11, 2 August 2010 (UTC)
HBCALI Response
Storm Rider Reply 4
Catholicism believes in a closed canon, but believes in Tradition, a significant point of conflict between it and the Protestant world. In addition, their canon is very different than the Protestant world. It is a common criticism that none shall take away or add to the Word of God, but that has obviously been violated in this case. Who holds the incorrect position, Protestants or Catholics? The Trinity is certainly the doctrine that is believed by the vast majority of Christians today to explain the nature of the Godhood, but it is not THE universal belief. There are millions of Christians today who do not accept it as there has been throughout history.
HBCALI Response
Storm Rider Final Reply
My intent is not to engage in a battle of wits, so much as engage in conversation. I view the Christian world as a diverse group of believers. Their purpose is their belief in the Son of God, the great Mediator of mankind, the sole doorway through which we may approach the Father, the Way, the Truth, and the Light. I acknowledge only one great truth that all Christianity depends upon and that is Jesus through whom all are saved and without his saving grace, none are saved. This belief is what unites Christians as a common brotherhood of Christ's disciples.
We can all learn from one another. It is difficult not to acknowledge the rich spiritual heritage we find in the lives of the Saints such as St. Francis, St. Catherine of Siena, Saint Teresa of Ávila, and St. John of Damascus. Even more value the writings of John Paul II; his writings, his life, was exemplary of wisdom and deep faith. The vitality of faith seen in some of the Protestant churches, the joy of the African and Latino Christians can teach all of us something. This list could go on and on because there are so many examples by which we can learn and have gratitude in all Christian churches. Let us all look for the good in others, but patient with their position on God's path and their growth. Thanks for the conversation and, as you say, we can close this talking point. -- Storm Rider 22:35, 8 August 2010 (UTC)
HBCALI Closing
Scripture and the LDS
I saw a question and then it was deleted, but still felt it was worth a comment. The Bible is viewed as the Word of God as long as it is "translated" correctly; however, interpreted correctly also applies. The importance of the Bible for LDS is that it is a record of God's dealings with those inhabitants around Jerusalem. LDS view it as vital; it is the first Testament that Jesus was the promised Messiah, the Son of God, and member of the Godhead that was in union without beginning or end.
The Book of Mormon is viewed as equally important because it bears the same witness of Jesus. It is the second witness that Jesus was the Christ and it concerns the ancient inhabitants of the Americas. It is believed by LDS that with these two witnesses it is beyond doubt that Jesus lives, that he was the Christ and no man can deny it having read the two together. I hope this helps. -- Storm Rider 06:28, 24 October 2010 (UTC).
HBCALI Reply
Your edits to The Watchtower have been removed, as your changes constituted an unsourced opinion.
Additionally, it appears that your User Talk page is being used primarily as a platform for stating your religious opinions rather than for discussion about article content or user behaviour. Most of the content here fits within the definition of "unrelated content" explained at WP:USERPAGE.-- Jeffro77 ( talk) 01:06, 13 February 2015 (UTC)