What do you think the afterlife will be like?

[XC9]

:smt059 :angel: :rainbow: :angelwing With so much talk about religion I wanted to put a post up for believers and ask what they think the afterlife will be like? I believe in my faith strongly enough to know my God is a loving, forgiving God. I believe it will be a wonderful and beautiful place and we will meet our loved ones on the other side. I have had too many spiritual things happen to me to believe otherwise. I would like to know what other believers think about this?

[Valkhorn]

With so much talk about religion I wanted to put a post up for believers and ask what they think the afterlife will be like? I believe in my faith strongly enough to know my God is a loving, forgiving God. I believe it will be a wonderful and beautiful place and we will meet our loved ones on the other side. I have had too many spiritual things happen to me to believe otherwise. I would like to know what other believers think about this?

I don't worry about it. I know if I'm a good person then what should there be to worry about.

[Conveyor Belt]

I don't worry about it, either. I look forward to the journey. It's the one thing that is left that no one who's been is able to tell me about. I'd like to think I'll be with my family again, but I'm not sure that's the case... Part of me thinks I'll lose my consciencness and blend into the fabric of the universe... part of me hopes that I'll keep my identity, but become something more, like I was before I came here... in the end, we can all believe and have faith that things are going to be X or Y, but no one knows for sure...

[Conveyor Belt]

The afterlife is not a matter of being "good enough." Humans do not become liars when they tell lies. They lie because they are liars. No amount of sinful behavior can make a person more separated from God than they already are. Likewise, no amount of good works can bring one closer to God.

God's standard is holiness. Apart from Christ, human beings can never reach this standard. Now, it is certainly true that there are degrees to sinful and or good behavior. But they all fall short of God's holy standard. I know that in my own strength, I fall miserably short.

Here's an analogy: imagine that you are standing across a mile wide river bank with a goal on the other side. Bring a diverse group of individuals to your side: young, old, athletic, feeble, etc., and tell them all to try and jump to the goal. The youngest and oldest can jump only a few feet, if that far. The larger children and agile adults can jump much farther. The athletes of the group can jump farther still, yet not one of them reaches the goal. Their degrees of success vary only in relation to each other. In relation to achieving the goal, they are equal failures.

The same is true for salvation and eternal life with God. In relationship to achieving God's holiness, all of the best acts of human righteousness fail. They are filthy rags before the Lord God. This is exactly why the good, helpful, kind, considerate, self-giving person needs salavation just as much as the multiple murderer on death row. Many people will disagree, but the issue is not about being "good" or "bad": the issue is dwelling in a state of sinfulness, separated from God and from spiritual life.

A person apart from God can do humanly good things. Apart from Christ, no amount of good work can put a person in right standing with a holy God. Only through faith in Christ can we experience God's grace and mercy in our lives.

As for the afterlife, I've heard theories of grand things, wonderful things, many materialistic things. I think many church oversell heaven as a massive "Stuff is Us" shop where you'll get everything you've ever wanted. The point of the afterlife, for me, is Jesus. Where ever Jesus is, that will be, by definition heaven for me.

In the book of Revelation there are numerous pictures of heaven. All of them center around "the Lamb Who was slain."

Not to totally derail the train here, but it's thinking like this that makes me wonder WTF am I trying to be nice to people for? If everything good I do is just a damned filthy rag to God, then why am I even trying? If anything, this whole thing would make me pissed at God... How do you justify other statements about how Christians should act (ie money and churches vs. being humble like Jesus) if everything's a feeble act to God? What does it matter? I'm sure Zorro will tell me I took your statement out of context, but that's what your post meant to me when I read it. It's one of the reasons I'm not Christian.

[Conveyor Belt]

CB, you might want to read the New York Times Best Seller's Book by Don Piper, "My 90 Minutes in Heaven." It's a dramatic read and one that might make you consider changing your statement above - or not.

Just a suggested book to read (it's real small and can be read in 1 sitting).

My statement left room for this scenario. I think that it's entirely possible that what he says happened to him, will happen to us when we die. I know I've had interactions with spirits of dead relatives years after they've died, looking like I've never seen them (late 20's, early 30's). I'm not ruling out too much about what happens when we die.

Has this ever happened to you: Have you ever woken up, turned your alarm clock off, blinked your eyes and accidentally fell back to sleep? Had a dream that lasted for what seemed for hours, and when you woke up in a panic, believing you'd overslept, realized you'd only been asleep for a minute or two? This has happened to me numerous times. While I'm not saying that this is what happened to this man, I cannot rule it out entirely... maybe in that instant before he 'died', he had a fantastic dream... only to be pulled out of it by being brought back to life.

[Conveyor Belt]

I just don't expect to come back to tell any of you about it. LOL!

Which makes me wonder about the afterlife more... if you died today, wouldn't you want to come back and tell your son about it?

[Astra]

I don't really dwell on what happens after death. I know what happens to the physical body and that's it. If there's something more that happens to our consciousness, well, that could be fun. A few people have some pretty amazing stories, but as far as we know it could be different for every once of us and their descriptions could be irrelevant.

I'm just going to make the most of my life up until the big Game Over sign flashes. If there's something more I'll consider it a bonus :)

[aaron]

I always thought of Heaven as being in the clouds (no idea why now that I think about it), but our pastor painted a different picture last Sunday where it's Earth without the negative side effects. I think that could be a possibility.

[Valkhorn]

Has this ever happened to you: Have you ever woken up, turned your alarm clock off, blinked your eyes and accidentally fell back to sleep? Had a dream that lasted for what seemed for hours, and when you woke up in a panic, believing you'd overslept, realized you'd only been asleep for a minute or two? This has happened to me numerous times. While I'm not saying that this is what happened to this man, I cannot rule it out entirely... maybe in that instant before he 'died', he had a fantastic dream... only to be pulled out of it by being brought back to life.

Studies have also shown near-death experiences to be hallucinations as well.

[Astra]

Studies have also shown near-death experiences to be hallucinations as well.
Valk, come on. You're just looking for a fight, aren't you? This place is NOT a place for "formal debate." Nobody here wants to get into a cite fight with you. You're wearing on MY nerves, and if you recall from the evolution thread I'm not exactly what you would call the "opposition."

Just look at what you're doing. You're not even responding to the original post. Just like all the other threads you've been in, you take a little bit that you can make some kind of short dismissal of before you move on to your next "point."

[aaron]

Science doesn't understand the brain. If they did, then the millions that are out there with mental disorders would be cured. There is no way to prove that a near death experience is a hallucination or dream. As a matter of fact, science doesn't even understand why we have dreams. They further fail to see the need for sleep. But we do both.

[Astra]

Science doesn't understand the brain. If they did, then the millions that are out there with mental disorders would be cured. There is no way to prove that a near death experience is a hallucination or dream. As a matter of fact, science doesn't even understand why we have dreams. They further fail to see the need for sleep. But we do both.
There's some really interesting research out there right now that suggests that sleep is the period of time when our memories are kind of "written" to the brain from a more temporary storage area. A bit off-topic, but still fascinating.

[zorro]

I don't worry about it. I know if I'm a good person then what should there be to worry about.
If you are an atheist, to be consistent, there shouldn't be anything to worry about whether you are good or bad. In fact, if you are an atheist, there is no such thing as absolute goodness or evil.

Regardless, you are not good. Hear the Word of the Lord:

The fool says in his heart, "There is no God."
They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.
The LORD looks down from heaven on the sons of men
to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.
All have turned aside, they have together become corrupt;
there is no one who does good, not even one. -- Psalm 14:1-3

This is precisely why all men need a Savior. None, by nature, are good.

[aaron]

There's some really interesting research out there right now that suggests that sleep is the period of time when our memories are kind of "written" to the brain from a more temporary storage area. A bit off-topic, but still fascinating.

Yep, but the studies that I have seen find no logical connection between memories and dreams. They woke the person up at specified periods during the night to ask them what they were dreaming about. Many dreams had nothing to with anything the person had ever done. Exploring Consciousness (http://www.amazon.com/Exploring-Consciousness-Rita-Carter/dp/0520243250/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-6942589-3491302?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1177077121&sr=8-1) is a good book about studies on the brain. The amount of money and research put into the brain is amazing, yet science is still in the dark.

[Fish-Bait]

Studies have also shown near-death experiences to be hallucinations as well.

Crap!!!! "Deja vu all over again":smt118

Yoga Berra, a long time ago

[Fish-Bait]

The afterlife will be a big Gulf where I can fish Mon-thru Saturday!!!!!!
YeeeHaaaaa!!!!

[Valkhorn]

Astra disagrees: Valk, back off. You are reading way too much into this. This. Is. Not. A. Debate. Site.
TheKing disagrees: welcome to my second neg rep...a) you are just going out of your way to be a douchebag and b) I just have to ask...are you trying to convert people to atheism?
Fine that you think that way, but how is my point invalid?[Edit... whoops I deleted my post] :)

But still my argument is as follows - Science doesn't claim to know everything but that doesn't mean it knows nothing.

[fuzzis]

I have no conception of the afterlife. I've never understood or was comforted by the thought that I'd "see" my loved ones again. When I die, I'm dead. That's it. Hopefully, I'll have touched some lives between here and then and some piece of me will live on in that manner, but as for the rest of it...no picture, no idea, no clue.

[LipsofanAngel]

Silly as it sounds- *my* idea of Heaven... I'll be a bone thin, tall ballerina dancin in pointe shoes on a cloud all day & singing praises to my God all night :)

[58ford]

I just live my life in such a way as to maintain maximum fun, joy, happiness for myself & those around me (except the ones I don't like) If there's an afterlife, which I think there is, it'll have sailing, motorcycles, demolition derby & bourbon, but mostly sailing.

[big john]

ok,i guess i will let you all in on the big secret,let me lay this down first.

1.people are made of dirt,the same things as the earth.
2.we can think,thought is our soul,spirit energy or whatever you want to call it.
3.thought is power,if you think "I am going to scoop up a shovel full of dirt and move it here" the thought is the power that really moves it,you use your hands because that is logical to us,but if you know about atoms then you know when you pick up the shovel,nothing is touching nothing.

when we die we go back to our original state we are one with other souls,that gives us power,but we are able to make individual thoughts,we have been around forever but sometimes we choose to live in a body on a planet in order to experience things we can't in our natural form, such as love and music,playing games,ect.
have you ever met someone and hated them right off the bat?Thats cause they prolly whipped your but or something in another life,lol

or sumthin like that.

[big john]

part 2
time means nothing to us,so we can come back at any time we want.
us thinkers rule together we together are god.
we are not punished for "wrongs'
we are not rewarded for being good.
we just learn,we just are.

btw i made this stuff up,but i beleive it.does anyone know if there are other people who think near this or am I the lone nut?:)
feel free to ax me questions.

[Monkey]

"No more darkness. . . no more pain. . . no more tears never crying again."

This is a quote from one of my favorite songs talking about heaven. I do believe I will live a glorious life where I will see those who left this earth before I did. I can't wait to see Jesus. The most wonderful part to me is singing praises everyday. It's so comforting to me to know that I don't have to worry about the afterlife. I've entrusted mine to God.

[Conveyor Belt]

part 2
time means nothing to us,so we can come back at any time we want.
us thinkers rule together we together are god.
we are not punished for "wrongs'
we are not rewarded for being good.
we just learn,we just are.

btw i made this stuff up,but i beleive it.does anyone know if there are other people who think near this or am I the lone nut?:)
feel free to ax me questions.

BJ, that's VERY Eastern religion there... taoist and light on buddism. I don't know how it is, but I like to think its something like this. We go back to the 'collective universe'. I like that idea. I know it's killing you that I agree with you...

[Conveyor Belt]

That's not an issue for me. Since he is a Christian also, he has the same assurance that I do, that one day he will experience the same joys of the afterlife. That is what salvation gives us - assurance of eternity in heaven with God. I wouldn't lie to tell you that reading Piper's book gave me an enormous peace because if it is true, it provided only a tiny glimpse of what my husband and my parents and grandparents have already experienced.

When my husband died, it was very comforting to us to know that he was in heaven. I don't have to know the specifics now to anticipate the joy that is to come. Christians are assured that it is a place where there is no suffering, no pain, no negatives from this earth - only peace, joy, happiness, contentment - surrounded completely in an atmosphere where God is glorified. We will want for nothing except to be in His presence.

I'm not nit picking, honestly... If you'll want for nothing but to be in the presence of God, then what does it matter if your family is there or not?

Also, I didn't really see the answer to my question... you would want to come back to tell your son about heaven, or you wouldn't(either you're too busy being with god, or you don't care, or etc.).

Again, not to lampoon Christianity, but don't you think that say, after a couple million years, you'd get tired of being happy just being around God? I mean, yeah, he makes the universe and creates things, and I'm sure he does some awesome magic tricks and tells some good jokes, but after a while, our minds would surely get bored with this and seek some other amusements... I know what your religion tells you the experience will be like, but eternity is a long, long time...

[XC9]

Have you read this book? I think that the timing of the events which are recorded before his death and afterwards by law enforcement officials and medical personnel leave a large window of opportunity that this in fact happened exactly the way he describes it. Is there proof? No, but my faith tells me that God allows things to happen in ways that will glorify Him. Could it have happened? Very possibly. Did he dream it? Perhaps.

I read the book after my husband had died, and to be truthful, it was very comforting. For me, it gave a possible first-hand account of something that I know will most definitely happen to me when I die - I will be in heaven with Jesus. I just don't expect to come back to tell any of you about it. LOL! Okay, if my spirit comes back to guide anyone I will look for you so you may believe-lol. I had to say this since I believe inthis strongly.

[aaron]

BJ, that's VERY Eastern religion there... taoist and light on buddism. I don't know how it is, but I like to think its something like this. We go back to the 'collective universe'. I like that idea. I know it's killing you that I agree with you...

It sounds like a System of a Down song I listen to. Life is a waterfall, we're one in the river and one again after the fall.

[XC9]

I don't really dwell on what happens after death. I know what happens to the physical body and that's it. If there's something more that happens to our consciousness, well, that could be fun. A few people have some pretty amazing stories, but as far as we know it could be different for every once of us and their descriptions could be irrelevant.

I'm just going to make the most of my life up until the big Game Over sign flashes. If there's something more I'll consider it a bonus :)

AMEN!

[XC9]

Studies have also shown near-death experiences to be hallucinations as well. I believe some may be-some are reality though, at least in my thought process.

[dream member]

Well....I am not NEARLY as educated about religious matters as most of you here, but I think of the afterlife...just like a kid! I think it's going to be wonderful...sometimes I see clouds everywhere and sometimes I see grass and water. My family (the ones who died before me) will be there, so happy. My doggies will be waiting for me (playing in the sun)! We'll all be together again for eternity! Hopefully God won't make me go to Heaven with a big butt!! lol

[XC9]

"No more darkness. . . no more pain. . . no more tears never crying again."

This is a quote from one of my favorite songs talking about heaven. I do believe I will live a glorious life where I will see those who left this earth before I did. I can't wait to see Jesus. The most wonderful part to me is singing praises everyday. It's so comforting to me to know that I don't have to worry about the afterlife. I've entrusted mine to God.
Everything should be perfect-hope this means when I sing my praises I will actually be able to carry a tune at that time.-lol

[XC9]

Well....I am not NEARLY as educated about religious matters as most of you here, but I think of the afterlife...just like a kid! I think it's going to be wonderful...sometimes I see clouds everywhere and sometimes I see grass and water. My family (the ones who died before me) will be there, so happy. My doggies will be waiting for me (playing in the sun)! We'll all be together again for eternity! Hopefully God won't make me go to Heaven with a big butt!! lol YES! All dogs go to heaven. I do believe there will be our pets who have gone before us as well as our human family. Wonderfully stated Randi.

[dream member]

YES! All dogs go to heaven. I do believe there will be our pets who have gone before us as well as our human family. Wonderfully stated Randi.

I believe that too; so many people actually don't believe it though!! :(

Yeah I gotta big butt; thighs and hips to go with it!

If you've seen my picture on here then you'd agree with that! lol

[big john]

BJ, that's VERY Eastern religion there... taoist and light on buddism. I don't know how it is, but I like to think its something like this. We go back to the 'collective universe'. I like that idea. I know it's killing you that I agree with you...
NO,thats cool,I like 99% of your posts,you are very smart IMO.:)
I just had this vision one time,when i died for a few min. the place i went to was fantastic,I wish i could explain it,but it just aint possible.all i do know is,it was a wonderful place,i felt everybody i have ever known,there was no saddness and there was no one judging,it just felt glorious,and i felt my time here was nothing compared to eternity.
In that state,i was in total control of myself,where i could go,when i could go,and live however i wanted to live,it would just be.
I guess you all think i am nuts,may be , but I aint scared of death or judgement anymore.
btw,there was no tunnel or light at the end.

[just-Wynn]

Can't be certain, but i'm pretty sure it goes something like this.... but, with no carbs or trans fats. :police:

http://www.borg.com/~superman/Images/Factory.jpg

[Baloo]

I certainly believe in an after life... I believe that heaven is a wonderful place where we will see our loved ones who have passed on before us. I also believe that we will see our beloved pets as well... I can't imagine a heaven without horses... I believe that families are forever...

[EricStratton]

Heaven= I don't know what the afterlife will look like, but I know I'll be laughing the whole time (laughter is the closest thing to heaven we have on Earth, IMO) and I know Willie Nelson's "Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground" will be playing in the background.

Hell=Having to read or listen to zorro and Valkhorn debate evolution for an eternity.

[big john]

dosen't that go {if i would not have hit you,and you would not have fallen,you wouldn't be laying,on the grOWWWNNND} lol
no, i love that song.

[firefly]

I believe that the Garden of Eden is in Heaven. I believe that our pets will be there waiting for us. I believe very strongly that Don Piper did indeed go to Heaven for 90 minutes! I have witnessed many unusual things when I worked at the hospital. It just fascinates me to talk to people who have had NDEs. My Daddy passed away last week on the 11th. I believe that Mama was sent to get him to escort him into the Pearly Gates to see Jesus. Faith is believing in things unseen. We walk by faith & not by sight. The Bible says that Jesus said that "no one comes to the Father, but by me" I am a BELIEVER!:)

[Hermione]

I made a terrible discovery about heaven tonight. My hope has always been that I would wake up in eternity and be sitting in the breakfast room at my grandmother's house, with one of her wonderful summertime vegetable dinners on the table. Iced tea, hot cornbread, greens, fried okra, etc. All my family would be at the table and it would be the most wonderful reunion imaginable. Imagine my distress when I discovered that my mother's idea of heaven is HER grandmother's farm, breakfast table, and homemade biscuits.
All I can say, is I hope there's a way for heaven to be in Memphis, Tennessee and in Mt. Ida, Arkansas at the same time with the same people.

[Baloo]

I am sure that heaven will be everything that we have ever hoped for and so much more that we never ever dreamed of...

[Hermione]

I am sure that heaven will be everything that we have ever hoped for and so much more that we never ever dreamed of...

I'm sure you are right, Baloo. However, I told my mom to be sure to get her schedule straightened out before I get there. :)

[Valkhorn]

Hell=Having to read or listen to zorro and Valkhorn debate evolution for an eternity.

A debate would imply zorro had anything of value to add to the topic. So that term isn't exact :P

[dollfus46]

I don't worry about it. I know if I'm a good person then what should there be to worry about.

As inquisitive as you are about where we came from, I'm surprised you aren't as inquisitive about where we're going.

[dollfus46]

Not to totally derail the train here, but it's thinking like this that makes me wonder WTF am I trying to be nice to people for? If everything good I do is just a damned filthy rag to God, then why am I even trying? If anything, this whole thing would make me pissed at God... How do you justify other statements about how Christians should act (ie money and churches vs. being humble like Jesus) if everything's a feeble act to God? What does it matter? I'm sure Zorro will tell me I took your statement out of context, but that's what your post meant to me when I read it. It's one of the reasons I'm not Christian.

Well, if you and Valk aren't Christians, you won't be going where we are going. You'll be going to a happy hunting ground or wherever you think you'll be going. Maybe where the Indians go? Went? Maybe there's room where the Islamists go. Maybe you'll get your 72 virgins. But as surely as God made little green apples, Christians believe it won't be the Christian heaven. We know what Heaven looks like. You are the ones in the dark on this deal I would think.

[Baloo]

Well, if you and Valk aren't Christians, you won't be going where we are going. You'll be going to a happy hunting ground or wherever you think you'll be going. Maybe where the Indians go? Went? Maybe there's room where the Islamists go. Maybe you'll get your 72 virgins. But as surely as God made little green apples, Christians believe it won't be the Christian heaven. We know what Heaven looks like. You are the ones in the dark on this deal I would think.


Right on Dollfus, right on....

[Ted]

- - - - - My Daddy passed away last week on the 11th. - - - - - -My condolences, Firefly.

[dream member]

After my Paw Paw died (in 2000...I was a senior in high school), I always wanted to see him...ya know a sign...weird as it may be. Then one night...a few months ago...almost 7 years later, I saw him in a dream. I was scared to death...I saw him through a mirror. I don't think it was "him." I think it was something else in my dream, in the form of him. I was never afraid of him; he was always a good man. I've felt so guilty about that since then!!

But on another note...how did this board turn into yet another argumentative debate? The afterlife should be something we look foward to...well most of us...some people will be burning...that's another story in itself. I, for one, look forward to one day seeing my family...only one thing scares me...my mind can't process eternity!!

[big john]

how does a spirit feel fire?

[big john]

god is love god is love,love love love,but if you dont do as he says he will have to throw you in some fire where you will be in constant torment forever and ever,but he loves you.
christians did come up with some cool stuff during the spanish inquisition didn't they,the rack,the pear,the judas chair.these people were tortured by the church for years then they died and got to go to the lake of fire,god is so just.
RUBBISH!

[Valkhorn]

Hermione disagrees: Zorro is a long-time member of this board. We get to tease him and give him a hard time. You, however, are being insulting.

Post Edited:
Whoops. My response was regarding another thread :)

[Valkhorn]

Well, if you and Valk aren't Christians, you won't be going where we are going. You'll be going to a happy hunting ground or wherever you think you'll be going. Maybe where the Indians go? Went? Maybe there's room where the Islamists go. Maybe you'll get your 72 virgins. But as surely as God made little green apples, Christians believe it won't be the Christian heaven. We know what Heaven looks like. You are the ones in the dark on this deal I would think.

And you know you are right how?

It's faith and faith alone. With regards to the afterlife you are no more right than a Hindu, a Wiccan, or a Muslim.

[Valkhorn]

I put forth to this thread the 'atheists wager'

You should live your life and try to make the world a better place for your being in it, whether or not you believe in God. If there is no God, you have lost nothing and will be remembered fondly by those you left behind. If there is a benevolent God, he will judge you on your merits and not just on whether or not you believed in him.

This is what I believe, and what a lot of atheists believe.

[Baloo]

I don't really know what heaven will be like.I've read about it but,I can't comprehend.I just hope my daughter is all ready there like the book says.
I may be wrong ,but I hope that's where little babies go when they pass away.
They are what I would call innocent without wrong doing.That's where I told my son his sister went.I know he believes it.I think thats what they call faith.Believing in something you can't see.


fotno, I cannot imagine the heart break of losing a baby... I am so sorry for your family's loss.... I truly believe that your precious baby is in heaven... that she was cradled safely in our saviour's arms when she arrived there and that you will see her again... Faith is believing in things that we cannot see or explain... But, I know that she is in heaven....


http://gregolsengallery.com/Merchant2/images/IFEE0001.jpg

[Baloo]

Boys in heaven...

http://gregolsengallery.com/Merchant2/images/HOOK0001.jpg

[Valkhorn]

Valkhorn, you believe this and that's fine. But, you've already debated the 'Atheists Wager' in another thread with Doc. Surely you said all you needed to say then. Repeating it in this thread does not change your presentation of it or they way others on this site received it.

Well apparently some people didn't read it.

So it is not ok to say my opinion but it's ok to say yours?

[Baloo]

Girls in heaven....
http://gregolsengallery.com/Merchant2/images/ILOVE0001.jpg

[Baloo]

Angels in heaven....

http://gregolsengallery.com/Merchant2/images/HEAV0009.jpg

[Baloo]

Thanks Queen Mother! Greg Olsen is the artist... I was able to go to one of his galleries in Boise Idaho and it was just breath taking! I have a couple of his coffee table books, but none of the prints yet... One day though...

[Hermione]

Baloo, lovely as those pictures are, you won't be needing them now that we've all been shown The Truth. You're welcome to put them in my Giant Book Sale. ;)

[Baloo]

Baloo, lovely as those pictures are, you won't be needing them now that we've all been shown The Truth. You're welcome to put them in my Giant Book Sale. ;)


Forgive me Hermione, I am a little lost on this one.... ??? :smt103

[Baloo]

I am a little slow.... Now I get it Hermione!!! You are too funny......

[Valkhorn]

Nope, no where in my post did I say that at all. What I said was, since you've already debated it in another thread (and you believe what you believe) then you aren't likely to change your presentation nor are you likely to change the way others have received it.

Don't twist my words - although that is a very good technique for debate, I'll give you that.

Its how you act. When someone posts pictures of Jesus - even a white Jesus, you love it and seem to want more. When I try to express my opinion, it's rude, abrasive, and not wanted.

That isn't exactly fair, now is it.

[Baloo]

Hey Queen Mother, have you ever seen a vampire movie, where the good guys fight off the evil vampires by showing them crosses, bulbs of garlic or holy water and when the vampire sees it, he hisses like a ticked off cat, hollers, cusses and fights and then turns away....???? I think that athiests are like that when they see heavenly images...

[big john]

well ,I think the artwork is great,I must not be "fully turned " yet. lol

[Conveyor Belt]

Well, if you and Valk aren't Christians, you won't be going where we are going. You'll be going to a happy hunting ground or wherever you think you'll be going. Maybe where the Indians go? Went? Maybe there's room where the Islamists go. Maybe you'll get your 72 virgins. But as surely as God made little green apples, Christians believe it won't be the Christian heaven. We know what Heaven looks like. You are the ones in the dark on this deal I would think.

Well, if belief in Jesus is the sole ticket to heaven, then you say hi to Jeffery Dahmer when you're there... say hello to all those child rapists and sadists and murderers who made life on earth hell for some, but in their removal from society, accepted Jesus and now will be in Heaven waiting to greet the families they caused so much pain to on earth.

I'm sorry you believe in such an exclusionary God...

[dollfus46]

And you know you are right how?

It's faith and faith alone. With regards to the afterlife you are no more right than a Hindu, a Wiccan, or a Muslim.

It's faith and faith alone with regard to evolution too, so what's your point?

[Grengor]

Those images were beautiful Baloo :D. I can't figure out how to "thank" a post so ill just do it here.

[dollfus46]

I put forth to this thread the 'atheists wager'



This is what I believe, and what a lot of atheists believe.

Well, if belief in Jesus is the sole ticket to heaven, then you say hi to Jeffery Dahmer when you're there... say hello to all those child rapists and sadists and murderers who made life on earth hell for some, but in their removal from society, accepted Jesus and now will be in Heaven waiting to greet the families they caused so much pain to on earth.

I'm sorry you believe in such an exclusionary God...

Oh please don't feel sorry for me. I made my choice just as you did. You can believe in Him if you like. In fact He is waiting for you to ask Him to come into your heart. You, however, can make any choice you like. But to disparage my God because you don't believe as I do is over the line and insulting. I'm not insulting your spiritual guru string of powerful beads whatever you believe in. That dude on Major League, used chicken bones or something. Have at it, CB. What is it that has you all uptight over what Christians believe? Why can't you just believe what you want and let us believe what we want without mocking our God? You can't get any more personal than that.

[dollfus46]

I put forth to this thread the 'atheists wager'



This is what I believe, and what a lot of atheists believe.

Succinctly put! Now that you've cleared that up, we can move on. Christians and atheists have been defined now. Atheists go to their just reward and Christians go to theirs. Case closed.

[Conveyor Belt]

Oh please don't feel sorry for me. I made my choice just as you did. You can believe in Him if you like. In fact He is waiting for you to ask Him to come into your heart. You, however, can make any choice you like. But to disparage my God because you don't believe as I do is over the line and insulting. I'm not insulting your spiritual guru string of powerful beads whatever you believe in. That dude on Major League, used chicken bones or something. Have at it, CB. What is it that has you all uptight over what Christians believe? Why can't you just believe what you want and let us believe what we want without mocking our God? You can't get any more personal than that.

Where did I disparage your God???

and you said, "spiritual guru string of powerful bead"...

[dollfus46]

Where did I disparage your God???

and you said, "spiritual guru string of powerful bead"...

You certainly did disparage my God. No gray area. Spiritual Guru and spiritual beads, bones are artifacts that are spiritual in many cultures. Many non Christians take them very seriously. Nothing disparaging about that. My point is I'm not knocking your belief nor what you find that guides you through life. Don't knock mine. Leave Dahmer, and baby rapists and such out. Nothing good about that and you know it. Your insinuation was that we find that acceptable. Disparaging.

[dream member]

Wow, you know what else it'll be like...everyone who had illnesses and were too weak to function- they'll walk and be free! Children who never had the opportunity to walk- they'll run! It'll be beautiful!

[Grengor]

Wow, you know what else it'll be like...everyone who had illnesses and were too weak to function- they'll walk and be free! Children who never had the opportunity to walk- they'll run! It'll be beautiful!

Do they ever age? Would a person who died as a baby be stuck in such a helpless form forever? Or would they age to a certain point, and not further? Would really old people crippled by age regress back into a more youthful form? Would people be able to choose their own form according to their whim?

It's because of questions like these that I don't even try fathoming what an afterlife would be like.

[dream member]

Do they ever age? Would a person who died as a baby be stuck in such a helpless form forever? Or would they age to a certain point, and not further? Would really old people crippled by age regress back into a more youthful form? Would people be able to choose their own form according to their whim?

It's because of questions like these that I don't even try fathoming what an afterlife would be like.

omg lol....let's see...I think no one will be helpless...someone once said...when you die...whatever age you want to be...is what you'll be in Heaven.

I don't sit around contemplating this on a daily basis. Don't we all have a different view of what it'll be like? I see all the animals of the world (who have passed) running freely in fields that go on forever! No pain, no torture, no abuse...it's Heaven!

[Grengor]

omg lol....let's see...I think no one will be helpless...someone once said...when you die...whatever age you want to be...is what you'll be in Heaven.

Oh, as long as someone else said so :p

I see all the animals of the world (who have passed) running freely in fields that go on forever! No pain, no torture, no abuse...it's Heaven!

That's if animals have souls...

[Blasko]

whatever age you want to be...is what you'll be in Heaven.Are babies 'conscious' enough to want to be another age? I can't even remember what I was like when I was an infant. Probably an eating, drinking, sleeping machine. I certainly had no idea of growing up and aging.

[Astra]

That's if animals have souls...
Now come on - didn't you see All Dogs Go To Heaven? :)

[dream member]

I do believe animals have souls...and they are free to run as far as the eye can see.

As with babies...I don't know...I just was saying what I heard.

[Baloo]

I also believe that animals have souls randi... by the time I get there, I will have my own zoo waiting on me...

[dream member]

In high school, well all had that prediction about what job we'd have when we grew up...mine said I'd be with the Red Cross helping people around the world. My ideal would be with the ASPCA busting animal abusers in the side of the head...we can all dream! :)

My dog Missy died in February; she's with my grandparents right now!

[Valkhorn]

Valkhorn agrees: But haven't you disparaged our opinions?

That should have been disagrees, but have some rep on the house :P

[Momof2]

If you must ask if an animal has soul, you must have never loved a pet. I can look in my dogs eyes and know he has a soul...Ever noticed what DOG is spelled backwards...for animals lovers that is no coincidence.

Also, as far as the idea of heaven...have you seen "What Dreams May Come" with Robin Williams? It is far fetched but I kind of imagine it like that. I imagine my grandmother and grandfather there, walking tall again, able to breathe again. And even though they may not have the same form as they did on earth, you will know it is them. After all we are not physical beings. We are spiritual beings that belong to God. Our SOUL is what matters, not our body. The body fades away, the soul is what remains.

Whoever said we are "dirt" was right...We will be returned to the earth from where we came...but our soul we remain forever with the Lord.

[big john]

do we have a body when we die or are we spirits or is it another one of dem secrets.IF we are spirits,how do spirits burn?

[big john]

yes i guess i would have to have some kind of body so's i'll burn proper.

[big john]

this is what i think,,,kinda.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uw1bHaUk1CM

[big john]

look,like i have said before,i dont want to change anybodys way of thinking,if you are a christian,more power to you.
It just seems to me when you tell someone you dont believe in god they think you are a bad person,I watch little house 4 sometimes 5 times a day,how can i be bad,and if you dont believe me,this mornings episodes on comcast 17 was about mary going blind and having to leave home to go to blind school where she meets adam....lol

[XC9]

Do they ever age? Would a person who died as a baby be stuck in such a helpless form forever? Or would they age to a certain point, and not further? Would really old people crippled by age regress back into a more youthful form? Would people be able to choose their own form according to their whim?

It's because of questions like these that I don't even try fathoming what an afterlife would be like. I believe we will not age afterwards. We will be like 25-30 and in perfect health, mentally and physically. Our family that left here will be waiting on us as well as Jesus. God bless us all.

[XC9]

Wow, you know what else it'll be like...everyone who had illnesses and were too weak to function- they'll walk and be free! Children who never had the opportunity to walk- they'll run! It'll be beautiful! I believe we have very similar thoughts on this subject. Glad to hear it.

[Quark]

this is what i think,,,kinda.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uw1bHaUk1CM I agree.

[dream member]

I believe we have very similar thoughts on this subject. Glad to hear it.

I want to be like 22 or 23 forever when I do...ya know...go. It's difficult for me to compare to anything else, because I haven't been 40 or 50 yet. But I'd assume I'd like to remain a youngin' in Heaven! :) Youthful with maturity! :)

[dollfus46]

look,like i have said before,i dont want to change anybodys way of thinking,if you are a christian,more power to you.
It just seems to me when you tell someone you dont believe in god they think you are a bad person,I watch little house 4 sometimes 5 times a day,how can i be bad,and if you dont believe me,this mornings episodes on comcast 17 was about mary going blind and having to leave home to go to blind school where she meets adam....lol

Heh heh heh. Can't argue with that logic.

[dollfus46]

I want to be like 22 or 23 forever when I do...ya know...go. It's difficult for me to compare to anything else, because I haven't been 40 or 50 yet. But I'd assume I'd like to remain a youngin' in Heaven! :) Youthful with maturity! :)

So that's when life ends. I didn't recognize it as I blew by. :smt118

[dollfus46]

I don't worry about it. I know if I'm a good person then what should there be to worry about.

Hedging our bets, are we?

[IGID]

I think heaven will be different for everybody. I think heaven will be what is enjoyable for you. My idea and your idea may be different, but I feel God will make it what is best for you.

[daisy]

I think heaven will be different for everybody. I think heaven will be what is enjoyable for you. My idea and your idea may be different, but I feel God will make it what is best for you.


I like IGID's perspective--that God knows us and what makes us happy.

Does anyone else tear up when you read and think how it will be in HEAVEN or is it just me?

I know it will be better than anything here on EARTH--seeing people that have passed away that I have known and loved. And my pets.

[dollfus46]

You certainly did disparage my God. No gray area. Spiritual Guru and spiritual beads, bones are artifacts that are spiritual in many cultures. Many non Christians take them very seriously. Nothing disparaging about that. My point is I'm not knocking your belief nor what you find that guides you through life. Don't knock mine. Leave Dahmer, and baby rapists and such out. Nothing good about that and you know it. Your insinuation was that we find that acceptable. Disparaging.

Valk negged me and I got no help? I understand.

[amanda]

Valk negged me and I got no help? I understand.


Does it may you feel better to know that he has been banned? :) Not sure when it occurred, but he nailed his coffin somewhere.

[dream member]

So that's when life ends. I didn't recognize it as I blew by. :smt118

I just can't compare what I know to what I don't know! :)

[daisy]

Valk negged me and I got no help? I understand.


I just got into this thread and missed it. Pm me if you ever need help. Sorry you felt all alone there but I wasn't here, Dollfus. My offer stands.