[seeker1950]

I just realied this morning, DUH, that this forum is for support rather than debate. I apologize for posting controversial topics such as creation vs. evolution and the Rapture. I love discussing such subjects, but will refrain from doing so here.
Love
Patty

[seeker1950]

That's sweet, Thanks, Freewill!
Patty

[kimmydawn]

((((((((( seeker )))))))))

How kind of you!

What a "hero" (I'm referencing a thread regarding something I heard and how I believe that every relationship needs a hero). You're that right now.

KD

[bebop]

((((seeker))))

patty, you're a true giving lady.....always have been, always will be......xoxoxo pat

[seeker1950]

Thanks, Be, KD, and Pat. Y'all are cool.
Love
Patty

[(JD)]

Thanks seeker1950... that took something few are able to display, and I appreciate it much! I look forward to any discussion you wish, through PM

[seeker1950]

Thanks, Sky....
I got a bit too rambuctious and cynical there!
Sometimes I really am an "unbeliever," but then recall my past, my Christian upbring, eperiences which can't be denied, and so I am clearly conflicted.
Love
Patty

[bebop]

Patty I think that makes you a believer all the time. just confused/conflicted. I too was raised in church. I lived out in the world for many many years. things were always rough for me and still are but I don't worry about it as much now days. have you ever read the poem "footprints"? if not let me know and I will find it for you. it has always had great meaning for me.

[Rapunzel]

(((((( Patty ))))))))

Questioning things and reasoning it out for yourself is a necessary part of the process. There is the faith that children learn and pick up from their parents and teachers, and then there is the more mature faith that is based on your own questioning and struggling with it and praying to know for yourself. Others can help you and encourage you, but can never give that to you. And your belief may not be exactly the same as what you were taught, or what the people around you believe.

I think that I understood that you were seeking for answers in your threads. I didn't think that you intended to start a debate, etc., and I know that you meant no harm or disruption. Feel free to PM people if you want to discuss some of those topics more. There is nothing wrong with needing to work out your questions.

[seeker1950]

Thanks, Bebop and Rapunzel!
I do waffle quite a bit these days. At the same time, I want to share with you all here that I love the writings of the Apostle Paul...so human, so dedicated even while imprisoned and in chains! Perhaps I should start a post about this. Even with Paul there is controversy, and so I'm reluctant to post.
Patty

[bebop]

hon anytime religion is talked about there is controversy. go ahead. I am learning myself

[Rapunzel]

A large part of it is for everyone posting to remember that the forum is for support. You can post about what you love, or what you want to gain more understanding of. It is on everyone who continues the conversation to be supportive, and to know when to take it to PM. Controversies will happen here. We just need to all handle them appropriately.

[bebop]

I totally agree. so many times here I see things that should not be said in open forum. it saddens me to see people argue.

[LMo]

Excellent post, Rap. Should be a stickie.

[SeptemberMorn]

</font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>
seeker1950 said:
... I want to share with you all here that I love the writings of the Apostle Paul...so human, so dedicated even while imprisoned and in chains! Perhaps I should start a post about this. Even with Paul there is controversy, and so I'm reluctant to post.
Patty

</div></font></blockquote><font class="post">

Ut Oh!! The Apostle Paul is the one man I want to have an immediate talk with when I get to Heaven! I want to get in his face and tell him what an incredible chauvenist pig I think he was!! AND... that he should have had me edit his writings before he had them published! LOL

My mom and I used to get into some heated arguments about him.

But then we'd do the same with our opinions about the Battle of the Alamo and how to pronounce Santa Ana. It STILL gets my dander up! LOL

Please, people. NO arguments about Paul, ok? Just a personal observation.

[seeker1950]

Yes, September...I know what you're talking about. Paul puts women in their place in the Book of Timothy. I do not believe Paul wrote Timothy. Many Bible scholars feel the same. It even reads differently than the other books attributed to him. It is also possible that a later bible scribe "edited" the writings.
Paul had many women disciples and helpers to whom he refers with respect and as equals, commending them and giving them much responsibility in his other books in the NT. I think he's a good guy!
Patty