All of this end of the world shit has me seriously freaked.

[TheMightyFavog]

One of my biggest phobias that I have is the fear of the end of the human race and that it would come within my lifetime. With all this talk of the effects of the upcoming oil crash, coupled with the rapture-mania we see in the fundies, and with all of the goings on about this St Malachy pope prophecies, The whole End of time according to the Aztec Calendar, all this shit coupled with Bush's antics has me seriously freaked right now. It's afecting me, It's affecting my work, I can't even get a moment's peace without the whole worry thing kicking in.

This really sucks.

[mhr]

1. Relax - We Are All Going To Die When The Time Comes

eom

[thecai]

27. There's Nothing To Fear...

...but fear itself. It's true, we WILL all die when the (our) time comes. In the meantime, we should enjoy the time we DO have.

[Dookus]

2. sigh

prophecies are crap - ALL of them.

[ScreamingMeemie]

6. Oh come on...Can't we keep the teensy wheensy one about the locusts?

I like that one. :hide:

[LiberallyInclined]

7. i had a vision that you would respond that way-

but by the time i went to post it, you already had...:shrug:

[thecai]

28. They're All Coming True...

...right before our eyes. Only a few more left...

[Dookus]

34. Nope

there's a prophecy out there for any eventuality. The beauty of prophecy is that they're all so vague that one can shoe-horn any result into it.

It's all crap.

[thecai]

36. LOL!

You have the free will to believe that, too.
Prophecy written over 2,000 describes helicopters, radiation effects, and plenty more for you to disbelieve...

[Dookus]

37. and you're free to believe

whatever claptrap makes you happy.

But it's still crap.

[thecai]

42. Are You Always So Rude?

Or just to Christians?

[Dookus]

43. awww

did your feelings get hurt on a political messageboard?

I'd apologize, but I'm not sorry.

Prophecy is bullshit. And I had no idea you're a christian. But I know it's become quite the hobby for christians to claim repression. Is that fun for you?

[thecai]

46. My Feelings Don't Get Hurt

And my hobbies do not include repression, although I DO hold back on berating and belittling unbelievers. It's not my job.
I AM allowed to disagree with antiChrist "crap" though.

[Dookus]

47. That was almost coherent....

good job.

[thecai]

51. Whad'ja Do?

Switch screen-names to attack me? Or are there actually 2 people like you on DU?

[Dookus]

53. LOL

No, I didn't switch names. If you read up, you'll see it's "Dookus" who has replied to you. I don't know what you're talking about.

[thecai]

117. LOLer

YOU brought up political messageboard.

[Bouncy Ball]

58. anti-Christ crap?

Where and when was he talking any anti-Christ stuff? I must have missed it.

[thecai]

73. If You've Ever Read The Bible

You wouldn't have missed it. The Bible is filled with prophecy, which most have already been fulfilled... Calling prophecy "crap" is anti-Bible/anti-Christ. Simple.

[kick-ass-bob]

104. Are you serious?

That's quite a leap of faith there. :eyes:

Dookus is right - prophecy is crap, because it is just someone's interpretation of what someone else has "forecasted". They make it fit into situations that they see arising around them. And when the next step doesn't happen the way the prophecy says it will, they twist it until it does (much like your leap from prophecy disbelief to anti-Bible.)

And then BINGO! The end of the world is here.

[thecai]

107. "AreYou?"

That's quite a leap of doubt there, KAB. I'm really supposed to believe "Dookus is right" and The Bible is wrong?
I don't think so.

[kick-ass-bob]

108. Excuse me, but YOU brought the Bible into this.

My first thoughts before you spouted the above post were Nostradamus and those wacky rapture folks that make something out of anything.

You apparently can turn anything into an anti-Christian stance.

Look - my telephone has 3 6's on it. The end is near.

And, sorry, the Bible has never been proven to be accurate. It's still a book with authors. Did people not write with metaphors back then?

Yes, it has good teachings, but to me it seems silly to try to take specific events from a book and try to match them up to what is happening today.

[thecai]

110. What Is Happening Today

Is exactly what The Bible explains. It's silly to you, but go look.
IMHO-The Bible is factual, based upon my interpretation and my life's experiences. You can't change my mind.

[Tektonik]

112. Prophecies are crap

Have fun being scared while the rest of us are living happier lives :)

[thecai]

115. Prophecies Are Not Scary

...when you know the Truth.

[kick-ass-bob]

114. What is happening today

is what has happened for hundreds of years. And will happen for hundreds more. The reason they wrote about stuff is probably because they saw it happening when they lived, and had the insight that these sort of things would happen again, in one form or another.

War? Check, got 'em. Drought? Check, got 'em. Famine? yep, that one too. Locusts? Every 17 years.
They happen now, they happened then, and they will happen again.

[thecai]

119. In The Last Days

knowledged is increased
men will travel to the four corners of the earth
wars and rumors of wars
disasters and perilous times the world has never seen
descriptions of helicopters, the affects of radiation, the affects of depleted uranium, pollution...
changes in human behaviour
corruption and exposure of corruption
fascism (evil)
false christs and false prophets (always in the world)
false doctrines
science
cloning

just a few Bible reminders "when you see the signs, you'll know the time is near".

[RevCheesehead]

125. (flipping through numerous bibles)

Please give me book, chapter, and verse references for the following:

helicopters
radiation
depleted uranium
science
cloning

I am certain those topic weren't covered in Seminary (unless they covered it when I was hung over).

[thecai]

140. Read Daniel, Isaiah, Matt, Mark, Luke, John, Revelations, et al

"The wise shall understand".

[RevCheesehead]

142. Nope, done that several times.

I need chapter and verse.

[kick-ass-bob]

126. thank you for proving my point.

All of these have happened before and will happen again.
And the depleted uranium line, this again is the twisting of what was written into what one sees at a given time.

[beyurslf]

138. The Bible is fact? That would be an interesting topic all on its own. LOL

[beyurslf]

137. Many prophesies come from places other than the Bible. Only Xians

believe they have a copyright on all prophecy. Saying prophecy is crap is not an attack on the Bible. It is an attack on all prophecy. Jeez!

[thecai]

139. Correct, Many Prophecies Come From Other Places, Christians...

...should remember Jesus said "In the last days there will be an outpouring of the Holy Spirit...our sons and daughters shall prophesy"...

[Beware the Beast Man]

59. I'm a Chirstian, and I think it's speculative as well.

You can read anything into a prophecy. And yes, I'm usually the first to get spooked by such things, but then again I have an anxiety problem.

[thecai]

102. Christians Aren't Supposed To Get Spooked

And Jesus said be anxious for nothing, BTBM. There is no faith in fear, and without faith it is impossible to please GOD. Most prophecies are plain and clear.
BTW-you have a cute sense of humor! Seriously.

[Beware the Beast Man]

113. I wasn't being funny- I really do have an anxiety problem.

[thecai]

122. I'm Sorry!

Don't Worry, Be Happy!
Worry doesn't help anything, it only deprives you of strength to deal with things. Believe me, I know.
We're here to enjoy life!

:hug:

[sendero]

144. Nonsense..

.... the Bible is so self-contradictory it is impossible to take seriously. It says everything and it says nothing. The old testament is totally at odds with the new. Its fiction.

http://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/

[thecai]

156. It's Never "Contradicted Itself" To Me

...rather the opposite, to me it corroborates and confirms....Jesus did add 2 more Commandments: Love GOD and Love One Another. All the laws hang on these 2.

But you're entitled to your own opinion or belief. GOD said so.

[leftofthedial]

3. the only thing freaky

is the number of religiously insane wack jobs who want it to happen in their lifetimes.

[TheMightyFavog]

5. That's what has me freaked....

That these people are doing their damndest to try and bring it about...

[serryjw]

9. Just in case.............

Please wear a condom.Practicing safe sex is important!

[leftofthedial]

13. not "Get freaky"

just "freaked"

oh, I see . . .

:evilgrin:

[Beware the Beast Man]

61. I have a strage theory about those type of people-

Im my mind, it's against God's will to bring about the end times. I liken it to suicide- a slooooww, painful one.

[LiberallyInclined]

4. don't fear it- ride the wave.

if it's going to happen(it's not...or is it??), and it's pre-ordained there's nothing you or anyone else can do about it, so why worry?
go out and do something you've always wanted to do!
(but just in case it's NOT the end of the world, i wouldn't suggest anything that carries a lengthy prison term)

[lenidog]

8. Don't worry about it

the end of the world hasn't come about yet. Even though there have been countless prophets telling us it will for centureis. Though Bush is rather disconcerting the world has seen far worse. As for oil will come to our senses sooner or latter. Besides we still have the bitumen sands of Canada and the oil shale of the west to tide us over to we get our heads out of our asses.

[punpirate]

10. Only one solution for this...

... get drunk, and get laid.

It'll give you a whole new perspective on life. :)

[SlowDownFast]

100. Eat, drink and be merry....

for tomorrow we die!

[thecai]

103. They Will Be Eating, Drinking, and Marrying

that's prophecy, utopiansecretagent. Thank you!

[punpirate]

129. Or, perhaps...

... all those worrisome problems in the external world take on less significance when waking up hung over and with the clap.

:)

[Nevernose]

11. We're all already dead

And whether this is heaven or this is hell dependes entirely upon your perspective. I call it "born again," but not in a Southern Babtist type of meaning.

Learn from yesterday.
Plan for tomorrow.
Live for today.

Also, try for an absurdist outlook on things: So the world ends tomorrow -- what's the worst that could happen?

[Heidi]

12. So, the Campaign of Fear is working?

Any entity that can make us afraid also has the power to control us.

[Floogeldy]

14. Have you considered taking up collecting butterflies?

[Robeson]

15. ..Its the end of the World as we know it (And I feel fine).....

...B-)

[fujiyama]

35. I was about to post that

but ya beat me to it!

[democracyindanger]

16. Don't sweat what you can't control

Have you read "Fingerprints of the Gods?" Now that's some freaky stuff.

http://www.grahamhancock.com/library/fotg/default.htm

[Floogeldy]

17. Are you hearing the serenity prayer?

B-)

[TheMightyFavog]

18. Serenity now?

:shrug:

[democracyindanger]

19. If the world ends while I'm around,

I just want it to end in the freakiest way possible. I want to say, "Waitaminute. All that crazy shit was for real? Awesome."

I mean, if you gotta go, you know, go.

[Lilyhoney]

20. Then you definitly don't want to start reading the Left Behind

Series. I had horrible nightmares while reading it.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

21. Hi there, Lilyhoney!

WELCOME TO DU! This is a very cool, and mostly fun place! Esp. the Lounge...Stick around, keep posting and have some fun...



:hi:


:kick:

[Seabiscuit]

23. Personally? I'd start brushing up on The Da Vinci Code.

[TheMightyFavog]

55. Won't even pick them up

Just because of what I have heard about the writing alone....

:puke:

[Seabiscuit]

22. "Sometimes you just have to go... so... I went." - Forrest Gump (?)

[BelleCarolinaPeridot]

24. If and when the end of the world comes ...

You better believe that everyone of us will be in front of our computers posting in the DU Lounge as it happens LOL . I just find this whole end of the world / Rapture / Armaggeddon stuff funny . It affected my childhood because of the fundies in my area but now that I am older , I realize that all that hailfire and brimstone stuff was just a bunch of Hollywood imagery . I think everyone has there own meaning as to how the world will end . Maybe it won't end all bad , maybe the world that we know will end and a good peaceful period of time will come , you never know ...

[Huckebein the Raven]

25. LOL. That's where I will be more than likely

:D

[MsConduct]

26. Hey, nobody gets out of here alive (quoting Jim Morrison I believe).

They've been talking about the end of the world since civilization began. Humankind had been brought to the edge of distinction more than once I'm sure. You have no control, you can't stop it. Relax and enjoy what you have right now. Worry changes nothing, action does. ;-)

[thecai]

29. It Doesn't Mean It's Getting Further Away

...just because "they've been talking about the end of the world since civilization began". All the prophesies have not been fulfilled, but could be real quick!

[MsConduct]

30. Live in misery and worry, or live in Joy, your choice. n/t

[thecai]

32. And Don't Live In Fear

Fear gives power to the enemy.

[MsConduct]

56. I agree and living in fear is not living. n/t

[Dookus]

41. There's no such thing as prophecy....

seriously.

[thecai]

44. The He77 You Preach

seriously.

[Dookus]

45. well

double heck ass poop.

Prophecy is crap. Look into it.

[thecai]

50. I Should Have Remembered

Not to give that which is Holy to the dogs, nor cast my Pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet and turn and rend me. Matt. 7:6
Jesus was right about THAT, too.

[Dookus]

54. You call these pearls?

Interesting take.

[Bouncy Ball]

62. That's disgusting.

Why would you say something like that to someone? You are calling Dookus swine????

[thecai]

72. I'm Quoting Jesus

I had been making attempts to comfort those fearful of the end times. If the shoe doesn't fit, Dookus doesn't have to wear them. But he (she?) "attacked" me every time I quoted scripture. I find THAT disgusting.

[Bouncy Ball]

63. The He77?

Is that some kind of satanic code?

[thecai]

75. I Don't Know How To...

...type "L"'s upside-down. I see lots of people cussing and flaming in these forums, but if I say ANYTHING that certain posters don't like, they hit "alert", have my posts removed, and get threads locked. Just like on rw forums.
Anything else?

[Bouncy Ball]

98. You can say "hell" here.

Are you in the second grade or something?

[thecai]

105. Can't Say "Keep talkin outta the side of your neck" In DU

...the flamers will hit "alert" and get threads locked.
I've seen much worse than what I wrote stay for days.

[Melynn]

69. Nobody knows the future

Some people think or want you to think that they do.

[thecai]

77. Correct

Only GOD knows when the end will come...
But Jesus said not to fear, trust The Lord, and rejoice, for our redemption draws near.

[fleabert]

90. I think this is the type of post that gets you into hot water.

sounds like witnessing to me. It comes across as condescending.

I have a mother who talks like this, and it does nothing but piss me off. I know that is not your intention, just as it isn't my mothers, but it is really really really grating to those who do not share your beliefs.

Just an fyi, since you seemed upset that others get upset with you. if you maybe tone down the witnessing language, perhaps you will get less irritated responses.

(not trying to be hurtful, just helpful. my mom knows now not to speak to me this way, as it upsets me, and she respects that.)

[thecai]

93. Thank You Fleabert

...but actually I'm not the least bit upset. I'm sorry if I come across that way. Especially sorry I come across as "condescending".
I understand your feelings about "grating", but I did not start this thread, I simply meant to let JonathanChance know that we have no need to fear. I didn't see him request no Christians respond.
I also respond to the posts directed towards myself and my beliefs, as well as towards the posts that steer away from the Truth according to The Bible, in hopes of comforting the people in fear.
Sorry so many of you hate my beliefs, sorry you don't like my style, but I didn't write The Bible. It's what I believe based upon my interpretaion and my life's experiences, I find GOD'S Word is most credible. I recommend reading The New Testament (KJV), for more information. Matthew, Mark Luke, John...Galations, Ephesians...Revelations, Proverbs, et al are comforting, informative, enlightening for this day and age. IMHO. I Love you all.
But am I not allowed to participate here?

[Bouncy Ball]

99. LMAO

she just gave you good advice about toning down the witnessing and at the end of that post, you did it again. Only more so this time.

:rofl:

[thecai]

106. Who Said I Have To Take Everyone's Advice?

Not everyone's advice is right for me.
Not that I don't appreciate it.

[fleabert]

146. I know, infuriating isn't it?

:mad: Witnessing is the one of the worst aspects of certain types of Christianity, one of the big reasons I don't identify myself as one.

[fleabert]

120. I don't hate your beliefs.

I have read the bible. I grew up in a very Christian household.

of course you are allowed to participate here.

I don't find your words comforting, am I not allowed to express that without it being interpreted that I "hate beliefs"? I have a personal, private spirituality; it doesn't involve me trying to convince others to believe or find comfort in what I believe.

to each his own, you seemed bothered by the fact that others found your posts offensive, I was only trying to explain- based on my interpretation and my life's experiences. My mother and I went round and round about this, until I made it clear that I would not speak to her if she continued to witness to me; I find it very offensive, and condescending.

[thecai]

124. Then Sorry You Hate My Style

I'll rephrase it all for you, Fleabert, et al;

Don't let it freak anyone out.
I'm a Christian and I find Comfort and Joy in The Lord. I find the answers in The Bible (KJV is my preference) Live a good life and be blessed. Love your neighbors, pray for your enemies, help the poor, the nnedy, the prisoners, fear no evil, overcome evil with good, because

GOD Is Love
Love Never Fails.

Just my opinion, based upon my interpretation, and my life's experiences.

[Allenberg]

31. The way I see it

by the time the sun explodes and the animal/human population of this planet is wiped out, we'll all be nothing but sub-atomic particles.

Don't sweat it. :D

[Borgnine]

33. The only thing that I'm looking at is December 23rd 2012...

...with the end of the Mayan calendar. However, it doesn't mean the end of the world. It's actually intepreted as a great change, maybe even the first contact with extraterrestial life or a great enlightenment.

As far as the Rapture crap, it's exactly that... crap. It's not even church canon... it was invented by a bunch of crazy people over a century ago.

Peak Oil might be troublesome, but we'll get over it. We always find a way. Maybe that's a bit too optimistic of a view for these parts, but hell, we got through Y2K, didn't we?

[thecai]

38. It Was Given The Title "Rapture" Over A Hundred Years Ago

But prophecy about it was given over 2,000 years ago.

BTW- For about the past 25 years, a publisher has offered $10,000 to whomever could prove The Bible is false. No one has claimed the money yet.

[Bouncy Ball]

64. LMAO!!!!

Ok hey I'll offer $10,000 to anyone who can prove the Bible is TRUE. Every last word.

How's that?

:rofl:

It works both ways, lady.

[thecai]

78. Those Who Seek A Sign In Order To Believe...

...will not receive a sign. Keep your money. You wouldn't believe anyway.

[Bouncy Ball]

97. Joke's on you, I'm a Christian.

Now, $10,000 if you can prove every word in the Bible is true.

[thecai]

109. Then You Should Know Better...

...than to challenge GOD'S Word. Especially for money.
Like I said, you keep it.

[kick-ass-bob]

116. Again, you introduce something and twist

and turn it around on others. You brought in the money piece of this, you can't turn around and try to use it against someone else.

You brought the money, but someone cannot use the same example as you in reverse?

Nice way to avoid the question.

[thecai]

141. I'm Not Interested in Tainted Money

The Bible is Truth to me, even though man interpreted it. I haven't found a single lie as of yet...

[Bouncy Ball]

153. Prove it.

[Bouncy Ball]

154. I know better than to shut down my brain.

Somehow I just don't think God would like it if I stopped using the brain He gave me.

YOU introduced money into this equation, not me. I simply turned it around to show you how ridiculous your statement was.

[Dookus]

49. Why do you believe

the Mayans had special insight into this?

[Borgnine]

52. I don't.

But besides Jan. 1 2000, 2012 has been the most heavily bandied about "end of the world" date. I'm looking towards it because once it's over, we won't have anymore exact Doomsdays to look towards. I don't even think they really had insight into it... I'm just offering alternate explanations for what it might have meant to their culture. A great enlightenment of sorts, instead of raining fire and killer asteroids.

[icymist]

135. The Mayan calender ends 2012 because they ran out of rock to carve it on!

There aren't any more 'doomsday' prophecies after these ones because the Prophets ran out of paper to write them on!

[fujiyama]

39. Get away from the TV for some time

and read something light...

Don't watch 'prophecies' or other such nonsense. Apoaclyptic visions, prophecies and what have you are quite ridiculous, whether they be religious or secular. They don't make much sense.

Also, while there is certainly some truth to Peak Oil, many of the "true believers" also have a story to sell (and some are making $ with lectures and books).

Don't delude yourself into believing everything is 'just alright', because things are definetely a mess (domestically and internationally), but I'd read a bit of history and get some perspective.

Remember humans (homo sapiens) have only existed for a few thousand years. It took millions of years for dinausars to go extinct.

OK, say that I'm wrong though and we're at the edge of an imminent cataclysmic event that will kill millions (WWIII for example). That still wouldn't mean the end of the human race. Species have a terrific ability to adapt. Barring a drastic climate change like that of an ice age or a huge meteor/asteroid crashing into earth, I don't see the end of the human race. A nuclear war would no doubt cause great damage and destruction. It could possibly kill you, and it could possibly kill me...but the human race? not quite.

You have a better chance of being struck with lightning or getting hit by a semi tomorrow riding home from work. Now if you want to let that start freakin' ya out, go right ahead, but I don't think that's a very nice life to live.

[NoodleBoy]

40. I don't get it about the Aztec calender thing

I mean, has it ever occured to anyone that they simply ran out of room on their massive calender dishes?

just seems odd to go "OH MY GOD THE AZTECS KNOW WHEN THE WORLD WILL END BECAUSE THEIR CALENDER ENDED ON THIS DATE!"

It's like looking at your wall calender and deciding the world will end on December 31st because your calender doesn't go beyond that day.

[democracyindanger]

48. Exactly. Maybe the stone carvers said

"Well, we're set for calendars for the next couple hundred years. Let's take a break and get started on those eagle-headed leopards."

[RevCheesehead]

127. ROFL

:rofl: seriously, I'm wiping the tears from my eyes!

[WI_DEM]

57. It will probably be some big meteor which collides with the earth

[Bouncy Ball]

60. The Biblical and Pope stuff doesn't bother me in the least.

The oil stuff HAS given me pause occasionally.

[tinfoilinfor2005]

65. My deceased grandmother used to tell this story...

she was a little girl when a comet was nearing the earth, and at the same time prophets and gypsies alike were all taking about the "signs" indicating that the world was about to end. The evening of the "end of the world" everyone in her town dressed up in white clothing and went to a high hill overlooking the city. Speeches were given, prayers were said, tears were shed. The comet came. And went. At daybreak, the mothers and fathers picked up their sleeping children and went home to start another day. She lived to be 93.

[Lorien]

66. For what it's worth

every generation has feared that it was living in "the end times". Aside from our destruction of the environment, we have less to fear than most of our predecessors.

[zippy890]

67. how old are you

if you don't mind my asking.

because if you look at history, all the calamities and catastrophes, even with asteroids killing off dinasours, 'n plagues 'n things of a horrible nature, some people will make it, and some animals and insects, and on it goes.

life is change, we're in a scary cycle right now, but if you believe in the basic goodness of people, the good will win over the evil.

cause its stronger, stronger even than all the bombs and bigotry out there.

believe in your own capacity for love, in the end thats what matters

my favorite Emily Dickinson poem

IF I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.

[evlbstrd]

68. After the Rapture, can I have your car?

[Schema Thing]

70. I spent 36 years as a Jehovah's Witness

If I can look the future in eye w/o even a twinge of appocalyptic expectation, then anyone can.

Don't be a slave to irrational, mythology based beliefs. We may indeed all die in a cataclysm :toast:, but if so, it will be because of future coincidence, not past prophecy.

[Maestro]

71. The end of the Earth at this point is 877 years from now

That is when a 1km asteroid will impact Earth. It is on a direct path for us as we speak. Other than that, don't worry about it. If it happens sooner, I can almost guarantee it will not be an act of God but an act of stupid freepers with their fingers on the button or some other extremist cult.

[thecai]

79. That's Sort Of What The Bible Describes

....similar to a nuclear blast. But even the freepers cannot do it until GOD decides when.

[Maestro]

92. Could be

Point is, no one knows. Even if there is a God, I would not expect him or her to end it without exlpaining why. It's least I could expect. ;)

[thecai]

95. He Did Explain Why

I found the answers in The Bible. The Truth is Comforting.
:bounce:
Just saying.

[bettyellen]

74. if it was true, you'd kick yourself for not living to the max, which you

should be anyway. but it's not, true, so whew, kick back, and live to the max starting tommorrow.
see how that works?

[AlienGirl]

76. We'll have front-row seats to the best show since the Big Bang! n/t

[RummyTheDummy]

80. Here's my prophecies for April 20,2005.....

1-I will take a dump...probably in the afternoon when Saturn is in the seventh house yada yada yada.

2-I will keep up with my fantasy baseball team and obsess about my weakness at 2nd base.

3-At some point in the day I will probably scratch my balls. Sorry ladies.

4-I will log on to DU and laugh hysterically at all the silly people who believe in prophecies. Poor things.

Those are my prophecies..amino domum plurum miss itnoonan eplirebus unum and da-da-de whatever the hell else you wanna throw in there.

[thecai]

83. "Silly People...Poor Things"

...don't interfere with your free will to die laughing.

[RummyTheDummy]

85. Right.....I do have that freedom

Which is a lot more than I can say for people who are shackled to prophecies, antiquity and the ritualistic baloney that permeates God Inc. these days.

Enjoy your fantasies. Whatever comforts you.

[thecai]

86. It's FREEDOM, Not Shackles

And Peace and Comfort that "the world" could never provide nor comprehend.
But it is unnecessary for you to flame believers, just because you don't believe.

[RummyTheDummy]

87. Who said I didn't believe?

I never said that. I just don't believe in prophecies....of any kind. So what makes a Catholic prophecy more accurate than one from another religion? Is it because it's Catholic?

Oh that's right, your opinion and ONLY your opinion makes it so. Interesting take on the truth isn't it. Rather one sided some would say. The old my religion can whip your religion docy-doe.

But as I said, I have no problem with your beliefs...just dont ask me for any fucking money.

And oh by the way, I don't suppose it's possible that over the many centuries these so called prophecies have existed someone might have altered them in any way. Even from a cursory internet research on the subject ive already found several refrences to forgeries alterations etc. of these "prophecies" over the years.

[thecai]

88. Selective Belief

I'm not Catholic, I'm Christian, I believe what the Bible tells me. I don't pick and choose the scriptures that suit ME, I choose ALL Christ's teachings. Even Christ's birth was prophecy fulfilled. You claim "you believe", ("except prophecy"), that's fine. Even the devils believe, and tremble. Your insults and language do not corroborate your claim of believing.

Who asked you anything about MONEY? I'm not a whoe and neither is God!

I've never insulted you nor disrespected you, yet that's all you know how to do to me, simply because I believe in prophecy. I don't attack those who disagree with what I believe, I RARELY even defend myself against attacks on me. I don't NEED to. This isn't about ME, this is about GOD. I told you, you have the free will to believe what you choose. You denied ME that freedom, calling me "silly...poor things", for believing The Bible. I'm not even offering my OPINION, I'm offering scripture for those who are fearful of the end times.
So crucify me.

[fleabert]

91. do you know that CAPS= shouting? hard to read. nt.

[thecai]

94. (Sorry to hurt your cyber-ears. I use capps for emphasis and GOD)

:hi: O8)

[fleabert]

121. IT'S REALLY ANNOYING,

I THINK IT HURTS god's EARS.

:hi:

:sarcasm:

[Tyrone Slothrop]

96. Do you believe ALL the gospels?

(AKA the gospel of Thomas, gospel of Phillip, gospel of Truth, the other Dead Sea Scrolls, etc.)Or just the ones that were hand-picked to be included in the actual Bible?

Not trying to offend or anything, I'm just curious as to what you meant by "ALL Christ's teachings"...

[thecai]

111. Yes I Do

I only listed a few to "help get started" that are easier to read and comprehend. I do have lots of favorites.

[Tsiyu]

151. Do you believe only the KJV is "real"

or acceptable? It's not the one Jesus read, y'know.

[Bouncy Ball]

155. Crucify you? How ironic.

And btw, Catholics ARE Christians. How insulting to say "I'm not Catholic, I'm Christian" as if Catholics AREN'T.

Hmmm.

[Tsiyu]

150. rofl

:rofl:

[UdoKier]

81. You need to make peace with your own mortality.

The world will never end. It will change, maybe dramatically at times, but it will not end. In 10,000 years, the human race may be extinct, but thousands of other species are extinct, and more will rise to take our place.


What are you REALLY worried about? The end of humanity? Unlikely to happen in our lifetimes.

The discomforts of living in a "Soylent Green" world of scarcity, violence, and stuggle? It may happen, but we'll all do our best to get by, and people do have a way of helping each other out in adverse times.


Or is it your own death you really fear? Rest assured, that WILL happen - all the more reason to make the most of the here and now. Live a good life, be good to yourself and build a good future. That's all any of us can do.

[AlienGirl]

89. I'm secretly *terrified* of ego-death

My dearest wish, the thing I've wanted to do since I was a toddler, is find a way to make myself remember this lifetime after I die and move on. :shrug: I'm scared I'll forget myself.

Tucker

[UdoKier]

101. I'm not scared of that. Scared of returning to non-existence.

As an atheist, I find the notion of an afterlife very unlikely. My "life-force", or at least the fluids and electrical charges that comprise it, may return to the biosphere to nourish new life, but *I* will no longer be.

Of course there will be no "me" to be sad or agonized about it at that time, so there's really no point in sweating it. The dead do not suffer.


But I do enjoy life, nature, family, being alive. Sucks that it's finite.

If it were an option, I would probably be one of those heads on "Futurama"

[AlienGirl]

130. Basically amounts to the same thing, doesn't it? n/t

[UdoKier]

152. I guess I like to split hairs...

nt

[AntiCoup2K4]

82. If the future is going to be Diebold machines, fascism......

....and wars based on lies, in which nobody to the left of Hitler will have a voice, then bring on the end of the world, because I can't take another 40-50 years of this shit.

[thecai]

84. LOL!

That's a good post AntiCoup!:applause:

[demnan]

118. Jesus said, "No one knows the day of my coming"

from the Bible. (I love quoting the Bible to believers).

[thecai]

134. I Love Hearing Quotes From The Bible n/t

[Lerkfish]

123. On the apocalypse and upcoming tea party

(I wrote this 8 yrs ago when someone was panicking about the endtimes.


------

On the apocalypse and upcoming tea party...

Posted by Lerk, reasonably sane, as long you stand me next to someone nuttier... I'll wait.


"would that be one lump, or two?" *Mad Hatter pounds on the dormouse's head*


A previous thread by someone fearful that we are sliding into apocalypse of,
well, apocalyptic proportions, has impelled me to share this with you
all.... just a way of looking at the end of world that involves less
screaming, marmalade and crumpets.


First: The assumption is that the end of the world will be the end of things as we know it.


Actuality: We will all face Armageddon, whether on a global scale, or a
personal one, to wit: we are all finite in an infinite universe. It matters
not whether we limp along until the big "A" and experience it directly, or
simply pass in our sleep, the end result and resulting question is exactly the same:


-- What did we do with the time we DID have?


Oh, sure, you can gripe that your parents weren't rich, or pretty, or even
sentient, or any other host of circumstances, but ultimately, at some point
your life will be measured and it's value determined. Regardless of your
religious beliefs or lack thereof, How will you be remembered? For positively
affecting those around you? That would be nice, and please pass the jam.


If there is a looming cataclysm, there's naught you can do about it, but there is something you can do in the meantime.


1. cause someone to smile


2. treasure a friendship


3. give of yourself without thought of return


4. give to a charity of your choice, either time, or money


5. hug someone who least expects it.


6. act on an increasing percent of "good" impulses, and a decreasing percent of "bad" impulses.


7. As much as you are able, live at peace with most people you deal with.


8. compliment someone who needs it, rather than someone who deserves it.


9. leave your heart's door open, and lose the key.


10. set your pains on the shelf, but take down and handle your joys every night before sleep.


11. stand straight and tall and self-reliant, in all things kind and good be giant


12. Be your own hero, do things that you would look up to in others.


13. stop someone from harming themselves.


14. offer a favor to someone once a week. Follow through with it.


15. strive to understand that darkness is only the absence of light, not the opposite of it. Try to leave your "lights" on.


I contend, that even if the end comes to the world or to you personally, if
you do these and other kind things, it will not be a worry to you, because
you will look back on your time here as a blessing. Beyond that, there no
more we can hope for. None of us are immortal in these frames, but all of us
are gods in what we do.

[thecai]

132. Great Post, Lerkfish!

:applause: :woohoo:

[keithjx]

128. This is a really nutty thread.

About the only good advice I've seen responding to JonC's concern is, "try not to worry so much." You've all given a variety of reasons, which I think speaks volumes about how we all try to deal with the prospect of our mortality and, on a grander scale, those we love, care about, or the entire race.

So here goes my response.

The question really becomes, "what is it that is freaking you out so much?" Is it your own end? Or is it what can happen to you between now and you finally do die? Is it what's gonna happen after you die? Or is it broader than that? What's gonna happen to my friends, my family, our planet?

As thecai has brazenly stated, christianity offers some comforting answers to these questions. Whether those answers are correct or not, no one can prove. We'll just have to wait and see on that one. There are plenty of other religions that offer similar comforts. There's also science, which tells you that it can all end with some confluence of random events, and when yer dead, yer dead. In it's own way, this is comforting too.

As for what you have to endure between now and when you keel over, a fair part of that depends on what you choose to believe. Because whatever peace you seek re: the end of the world, it's gonna come down to what YOU believe.

Yeah, I'm a Christian like others on this board, and if you want to know more about it, I'm open to talking about it. But it's your call. I wish you the best of luck and that you find the peace you seek.
:toast:
KJ

[crispini]

131. Well, FWIW,

the Tibetan Buddhists have prophesied (sorry, I can't find the link right now), that sometime in the next 10 years or so, the aliens are going to land in order to save us from ourselves, because we are in fact fucking ourselves over environmentally and we need to get a grip because we are actually a cool and special race and the aliens (who are good aliens) need us to get a grip.

I like that prophecy, so I'm goin' with it. :7

[YellowRubberDuckie]

133. We've been through worse.

It'll all be ok. :hug:
Duckie

[beyurslf]

136. I figure if the raprtue comes at least we all know we have 7 years left

to finish whatever plans we have. Travel the world and live it up... and why bother paying debts? Only 7 years left anyway! Kind of puts that 50 years of credit card debt in perspective. :)

[Deja Q]

143. Not affecting me. When it happens, it happens.

Do the best you can but remember, it'll get everybody eventually.

[Jamastiene]

145. Relax dude.

Yer freaking for nothing. Seriously. Some of us will survive anything. If you keep your wits about you, maybe by the luck of the draw, you'll be a survivor, or not, depending on how you look at it. :P

[qnr]

147. On the positive side, if you're working on something you really like,

you'll know that it lasted through the end of time. {random thought}

[GoddessOfGuinness]

148. "I can't even get a moment's peace.....the whole worry thing kicking in"

Your problem isn't the worry. Your problem is not getting a moment's peace.

If you spend the rest of your life worrying, all you will have accomplished is a great amount of worry. Is that what you want?

Of course not!

Enjoy this moment, right now. Regardless of Aztecs, Dumbyass, Mother Nature's fury, etc, this moment could be your last. I suggest you live it as such.

Listen to birdsong while it's still here. Enjoy a walk while you still have legs. Breathe in deeply before the air is full of volcanic ash.

Peace...

[Tsiyu]

149. Jonathan Chance

You did well coming here, and remember this:

The person who controls your thoughts, ideas, motivation and focus is you. There is no one living anywhere who will get out of this place alive. Do your best to enjoy what you have, family, friends, nature, city streets, music, and live so you can get up and look yourself in the eye and be happy with the person you see.

The people who are preaching the End Time really want this to come about. In my opinion, these folks are sick. They just "know" they are better than anyone else and that the Rapture will prove the foolishness of the "nonbeliever" ( as if Christianity were the only belief out there.) Not all Christians are into this hooey, only the freaky ones who wouldn't know the Beatitudes from a butt boil.

Paul, not too many years after Christ's death, preached that the Second Coming was imminent; in fact, he advised the "true" believer to stay single and celibate. Now, imagine if all humans had taken this "prophecy" as Rock Solid Fact? You n' me wouldn't be here.

So the bible is not fact. The FACTS are that much of the Old Testament was written is the Jewish traditions of fable and legend ( and the Hebrew word for that escapes me) and the Gospels were written quite a few years after Christ's death and do not jibe with one another. Revelations may have been predicting the downfall of Rome ( Rome ruled Jerusalem in Jesus' time).

So just understand that none of us can predict the future. Instead of worrying or panicing about the future, make a list of things you want to do before your time comes. Get started on doing one of those things on the list.

Give of yourself and you get back a whole bunch. :hug:

[thecai]

157. Update For JonathonChance

I hope you have found peace within by now. You have not responded lately to your own thread, so you must be doing all right.
My point is "don't be afraid, there's nothing to fear but fear itself". Just some advice from a Christian, (not a fundie...)
Take Care! PEACE!

[TheMightyFavog]

158. The reason that I have not resopnded...

Is that I didn't know that I'd set off a flamewar with this thread.

Sort of embarassed myself with setting off such a flamewar.

[melnjones]

159. no worries

at least it was an entertaining flamewar:-)