New to FriendlyChristian.com? Check out the FAQ page to learn about the site. Wondering who the heck I am? The My Story page is a great place to start. Thanks for stopping by!
Click here to subscribe via RSS.
Click here to have posts delivered by email.
This message will automatically disappear after your 3rd visit.
To many of my readers: The following will probably get under your skin. You may not visit this site anymore. You may end up thinking, “eh, he’s just like the rest of ‘em.” You could end up not liking me.
I’ve never claimed to be anything special. I’ve spent the past 3 posts calling myself different variations of a sissy. I’m weak, uneducated, and a sheep that can’t think for myself.
The other day a friend reminded me of something: most times when people tried to trap or accuse Jesus he would reply by simply quoting scripture.
Am I preaching to you - no. Am I trying to convert anyone - absolutely not. I’m simply letting my audience know my response to the world looking at Christians such as myself as a sissy.
When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn’t use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God’s secret plan.I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling. And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 2:1-4
When we tell you these things, we do not use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths. But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means. Those who are spiritual can evaluate all things, but they themselves cannot be evaluated by others. 1 Corinthians 2:13-15
Stop deceiving yourselves. If you think you are wise by this world’s standards, you need to become a fool to be truly wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God. As the Scriptures say,
“He traps the wise
in the snare of their own cleverness.”
And again,“The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise;
he knows they are worthless.” 1 Corinthians 3:18-20
Our dedication to Christ makes us look like fools, but you claim to be so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are so powerful! You are honored, but we are ridiculed. Even now we go hungry and thirsty, and we don’t have enough clothes to keep warm. We are often beaten and have no home. 1 Corinthians 4:10
Tomorrow’s post is gonna be hilarious. It has to do with urinals….AGAIN!!!!
OH!! Also make sure to check out this post on my Tumblelog. Hilarious!!!
Popularity: 4% [?]
Loading ...
Hi Bill
You are very interesting sort of Christian…I think it would be truly something to sit down and chat with you. I sense a quirky humor beneath your exterior…I like that!
That said, I’m struggling here…
What are you trying to say?
Robert
PS More potty humor to come? Oh Joy!! it truly is a higher level we aspire to isn’t it! :((
Ahhhhh - THIS is good…:)
Aw, I left a comment and it’s disappeared. Curses!
Oh well, Bill, you’ve been free to let us Atheists post just about anything we liked on your blog so I think it entirely fair that you post something that we may not get along too well with.
Personally though, I choose knowledge and wisdom over spirituality if the price of spirituality is ignorance. I don’t think that you are choosing ignorance for a moment but it sounds as if you are advocating that here.
Mucho Better, thank you!!!:)
I agree with hoverFrog-I’m an atheist along for the long haul so go ahead and offend me as needed.
As a counterpoint, I have to say that not a lot of the quoted scripture made any sense to me whatsoever. But St Paul always had that effect on me, which is part of why I am where I am today. Philosophically, I disagree with the idea that one has to be ignorant to be spiritual. The more I know, the more in awe I am of my place in the universe. Why does it have to be different for people who believe in God/gods?
I guess we have opposite ideas of what ignorance truly is….before someone puts up the encyclopedias definition, I just have to say that knowing God has opened my eyes to a whole world I never realized existed. It made me look back and feel ignorant as a non-believer. I love those scriptures Bill, thank you!
I understand what you’re saying Heather about not getting the scripture up there. There was a time that I didn’t either. But like the scripture quoted above in 1 Corinthians 2:13-15 it talks about those who have the Spirit and those who do not. When I chose to be open to the Spirit, of God who dwells in me, it allowed me to “get” these things…I understand it now.
And for me personally, I don’t feel ignorant in my spirituality…I feel enlightened beyond explanation!
Have a great day all!
@Robert…
HA! I’m really not that interesting. Quirky humor? Yeah, that’s a good read. I’m a pretty off the wall guy. It’s fun
What am I saying? I’m saying that I talk/write/act/communicate the way I do intentionally (also unintentionally due to a severe lack of higher education). I’m also saying that I’m not really a sissy/weak…not by biblical terms, anyhow.
@hov…(you wise frog you)
I think it’s fair too :)>-
I’m reminded of some other passages, but I can’t remember the references right now. Nor do I have time to look them up.
The gist of one was: Paul asks how many among the brethren are wise or of high position? Implying not many. God has chosen the foolish things of this world to bring down the wise.
Another passage that I think is in James also alludes to the poor, who are usually less educated, being those that god has favored with accepting his message. (Therefore don’t fawn over the rich.)
Another Paul statement: The Jews seek signs and the Greeks seek Truth (or philosophy or wisdom) but we preach Christ crucified.
Paul: “Knowledge puffs up…” contrasting (spiritual) knowledge with love.
I don’t find your selected quotations offensive in the least. Spiritual ideas are, by definition, outside the realm of what materialists like me can know of or comprehend. If you are right, then I’m blinded to the workings of a whole other universe because of my lack of faith in those who can see it.
I feel like the point of many of these verses is humility. Christians shouldn’t be arrogant in knowledge, but instead be honest and humble in explaining spiritual things.
Bill wrote The other day a friend reminded me of something: most times when people tried to trap or accuse Jesus he would reply by simply quoting scripture.
Bill, are you responding with Scripture because you feel people here are trying to trap or accuse you?
@Helen…
At times. But I’m a big boy
I don’t mind it so much.
No matter what I say, no matter how I put it, people will find the “fault” in the thoughts that I offer each day.
It’s ok, though, really. I’m just not gonna get into debates that will inevitable just lead to arguments. I love discussion, but I see no need to try to disprove somebody (just my reasoning). If a person chooses to believe what I believe, it’ll be on their own power…not by me cornering them. You’ll never hear me say, “HA! Gotcha!!”
In this case I just wanted to give scriptural reasons to support the “weaknesses” of my faith.
As Robert reminded us, the bible says:
I need to do a better job at that. Whether or not my audience agrees with what I say, what I do, and why I do it, I need to be able to back up what I say. I see no better source than the bible.
Hi Bill, I agree it’s a good ideaa to be able to show the Bible passages backing up what you say, whenever what you say is based on the Bible.
Bill says:
“To many of my readers: The following will probably get under your skin. You may not visit this site anymore. You may end up thinking, “eh, he’s just like the rest of ‘em.” You could end up not liking me.”
I am frequently “preached” to by some relatives about me “need” to have God in my life. I have developed a “thick skin”. I don’t get upset. I explain why I don’t using reason and logic and they walk a way shaking their heads.:o
The name of your blog is the Friendly Christian. This should give me some clue it is likely to contain sculptures in praise of God. I would be shocked if it didn’t.
I think you for opening up your blog to comments from atheist. I think it more likely that our comments about God not existing will upset you more than your preaching about God will upset us.
I reading your articles I sense a man filled with joy of his God. This helps make me feel joyful. I become happy reading how joyful you are.
I enjoy gospel music because it is so filled with joy.
I was just listening to Soul Stirrers singing “When the Gates Swing Open”.
Anyone looking in my window would think “who is that lunatic dancing (very badly) around the room”.:d/
You have said that you have a lot of questions that “make your head hurt”. That makes me interested in reading about, and commenting, on these thoughts.
I look forward to more of your “preaching”. I hope you have some interesting in reading my comments.
In that vain your article today quotes 1 Corinthians 3:18-20. I don’t have a bible and must admit I haven’t read one since I was a teenager, some 50 years ago. (Oops - I have just dated myself ).
The source I use to research biblical quotations is http://biblebrowser.com. This site list multiple versions of the bible for each quote. Which version of the bible are you quoting?
I’ve never been personally offended by the Scripture it’s what you choose to do with it that offends.
I’m looking at you Fred Phelps
Bill,
I must admit, I was a little disturbed by yesterday’s post. Maybe I missed your sense of humor here … I don’t know. So, when I read this, I flashed back to a scene in “Dumb and Dumber,” which is appropriate given the title
It is the scene where Lloyd catches up to Harry after trading the ‘84 sheep dog van for a mini-bike. It is Harry who said it best …
“Just when I think you couldn’t possibly be any dumber, you go and do something like this … and totally redeem yourself!”
:d
See you tonight, my friend. :d
@Bryan…
Haha…I did this before with another series. People were pretty stressed till the last post. M
Gotta stay on your feet!!
Thanks, Tam-I tend to think literally rather than on a spiritual plane so that helps explain why it all looks like gobbledygook to me. Polly says more clearly than I seem to be able to regarding material versus spiritual thinking.
By way of example-when I see something mind-bending (like the pictures Cassini has just sent back from Iapetus-go to the NASA JPL website for full picutre goodness) I say “Wow! That’s beautiful and unexpected and strange and exciting!:o I wonder why it’s like that? I wonder how it got that way? When can we get more pictures? How are they sure that white stuff is ice, anyway? :-?”
What’s the more spiritually oriented response?
Hey Heather…my response is also WOW! How can it not be. But because I believe in God the Creator - I think again, WOW, He is truly creative and marvelous! I look at things beyond this earth and am humbled by how big it all is…and how very small I am…That isn’t a different outlook on it spiritually speaking, it’s just a different interpretation and perspective of how see it.
But whether or not one believes in a God who created such beauty or that it suddenly appeared - you still have to appreciate such a wonder. As we all do!:)
Bill, Sorry for asking which version of the bible you were using. I see you have clearly provided links to the source of your quotes.
My bad.
Bill said:
I have not posted the complete quotations so I hope I am not taking these words out of context.
“I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 2:1-4″
“But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. Corinthians 2:13-15
I agree that both of these thoughts are true. Since I have never had a religious epiphany I can never believe God exist.
“He traps the wise
in the snare of their own cleverness.”
And again,“The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise;
he knows they are worthless.” 1 Corinthians 3:18-20
I must be missing something here. I am not a biblical scholar so I know I must be.
Can it mean that the knowledge of those who are wordly (don’t believe in God) is worthless?
Only the knowledge that comes from people who believe in God is worthy?
If you believe in God you don’t read history books written by non-believers?
I have know doctors who believed in God so for many people of religious faith I know that is not the case.
It would however explain the book burnings I have read about.
Our dedication to Christ makes us look like fools, but you claim to be so wise in Christ! 1 Corinthians 4:10
See Ed, God wants you to take that step toward Him first, belief without seeing is the faith part, once you do, He is quick to step to you and begin showing you things that you otherwise would never know or see without Him.
If I can, I’ll try to explain my understanding of 1 Corinth. 3:18-20.
The Apostle here is telling the church of Corinth, to not be led away from the truth and simplicity, yes, simplicity of the Word, by things like science. We get ourselves into a dangerous situation and deceive ourselves when we put too high of an opinion on human wisdom. Christianity is usually hated by people who can support their opinions by deep reasoning. “He who seems to be wise must become a fool that he may be wise”. Once you begin to distrust your own understanding, you can begin to have Godly wisdom just by asking for it once you belong to Him. It’s one of the many perks ;)Seeking true wisdom means being willing tob e taught by God. Vs. 19, The wisdom which worldly men esteem (policy, philosophy….) is foolishness to God. You need to try and understand that God has perfect knowledge of the thoughts of men, the deepest thoughts of the wisest men, no thought is hidden from Him. Comparitively speaking, the wisdom of man in mere vanity to our Lord. What happen, with me anyway, is when I recieve a revelation from the Lord, sometimes instantly, sometimes it’s a while, but when I do, it’s seared into me. When I book learn, it comes and goes, and I can be “smart”, I can know the lingo, but real wisdom only comes from Him, it’s humbling not pompous, it bring Him the glory, not man. When I submit and recieve wisdom from God, it keeps me humble, and not competing against what He is trying to teach…which is real wisdom…I hope this helps!!!!
Heather Says:
“Thanks, Tam-I tend to think literally rather than on a spiritual plane so that helps explain why it all looks like gobbledygook to me.”
You are right Heather. I should avoid any discussion involving the bible. I use to drive my bible instructor crazy. :((
What I read usually either offended me or scaried me. The spirit of God was never in me.
When we tell you these things, we do not use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths.
So the Spirit isn’t very good at formulating a coherent argument? At getting basic scientific facts straight?
But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit.
Oh, I see, it’s my fault that you’re not making any sense. Well, that’s okay then 8-|
We are weak, but you are so powerful!
Clearly written in a time before the most powerful military on the planet was ruled by a bunch of fundamentalist Christians
Thanks Gods Gal for your thoughtful response to my questions. What you have written does I think help me to better understand the scriptures quoted.
You do have the advantage over when it comes to understanding the bible.
“What happen, with me anyway, is when I recieve a revelation from the Lord, sometimes instantly, sometimes it’s a while, but when I do, it’s seared into me.”
The only thing I got when reading the bible was headache.:)
That truely must be a joyful moment for you.
“The Apostle here is telling the church of Corinth, to not be led away from the truth and simplicity, yes, simplicity of the Word, by things like science.”
That I think I can understand. There have been times when I have over analyzed a problem when the answer was a simple one right in fron of me.
You can’t use reason and logic to understand love. You can make all the list you want of good and bad reasons why you should love someone but in the end you either feel it or you don’t.
If you and Bill can feel the spirit of God in you than I agree you shouldn’t let what anyone says keep you from believing what you feel.
You aren’t dumb or weak. Your are spiritual.
By the same token using reason and logic to try and increase my understand of the world has help me become the very happy, healthy (and slightly crazy) person I am.
“Once you begin to distrust your own understanding, you can begin to have Godly wisdom just by asking for it once you belong to Him. It’s one of the many perks Seeking true wisdom means being willing to be taught by God”
If Godly wisdom has come to you and Bill I am happy for you.
Reason and logic has worked much better for me.
Nerdiah:=)) But seriously, you are correct, unless you belong to Him, it will cause you to just do this 8-|
Ed: No one will ever understand everything….not til we see Him face to face….so don’t feel alone here;)
I hope your not offended or scared! Keep asking the hard questions! I know I for one appreciate you…
@Gods Gal: You know, that makes me wonder, if you can’t understand the Spirit until you’ve got the Spirit, and you can’t get the Spirit until you understand the the Spirit (and believe), how does one ever get anywhere to begin with?
Unless of course, understanding doesn’t precede believe. Which implies that you all hear what the Spirit has to say, think to yourselves “what a load of nonsense!”, and then somehow trick yourselves into believing it anyway.
Heh. Obviously I’m missing something
Arrrgh!:(( I posted a comment a while ago and it didn’t post. It was brillant. Trust me it was absolutely brillant. Some guy in Hong Kong in the Bruce Lee Blog is probably reading it right now.
Sigh. I’ll try again. I did remember to make an offline copy of this one.
Thanks Gods Gal for your thoughtful response. I think is does help me understand the scriptures that Bill quoted better.
Gods Gals says:
“What happen, with me anyway, is when I receive a revelation from the Lord, sometimes instantly, sometimes it’s a while, but when I do, it’s seared into me.”
I think you and Bill have the advantage over my when it comes to God’s wisdom. All the time I spent in church, all the times I prayed for understand, God did not answer me.
If you have felt the spirit of God in you than I agree you should not let what anyone else tells you make you disbelieve. I am sure it won’t.
Bill you are not weak or dumb you are spiritual.
Gods Gals says,
“If I can, I’ll try to explain my understanding of 1 Corinth. 3:18-20.
The Apostle here is telling the church of Corinth, to not be led away from the truth and simplicity, yes, simplicity of the Word, by things like science. ”
I think I can understand this. Science has complex explanations for things. That does not in its self mean it is right. The truth can be simple.
I don’t find the teachings of the bible very simple. I can see where a spiritual awakening could be a simple act in that it just something you feel.
I think someone who does not have the spirit of God speak to them is likely to find the bible very confusing. I know I do. You may need God’s spirit inside you to understand the meanings of these words.
If you and Bill have this spirit inside you and the words in the bible give you joy than I am happy for you.
I have have found reason and logic to work much better for me.
We are all lucky to have found something that helps us when facing the problems we encounter in our daily lives.
Arrrgh!:(( I posted a comment a while ago and it didn’t post. It was brillant. Trust me it was absolutely brillant. Some guy in Hong Kong in the Bruce Lee Blog is probably reading it right now.
Sigh. I’ll try again.
Thanks Gods Gal for your thoughtful response. I think is does help me understand the scriptures that Bill quoted better.
“What happen, with me anyway, is when I receive a revelation from the Lord, sometimes instantly, sometimes it’s a while, but when I do, it’s seared into me.”
I think you and Bill have the advantage over my when it comes to God’s wisdom. All the time I spent in church, all the times I prayed for understand, God did not answer me.
If you have felt the spirit of God in you than I agree you should not let what anyone else tells you to make you disbelieve. I am sure it won’t.
Bill you are not weak or dumb you are spiritual.
Gods Gals says,
“If I can, I’ll try to explain my understanding of 1 Corinth. 3:18-20.
The Apostle here is telling the church of Corinth, to not be led away from the truth and simplicity, yes, simplicity of the Word, by things like science. ”
I think I can understand this. Science has complex explanations for things. That does not in its self mean it is right. The truth can be simple.
I don’t find the teachings of the bible very simple. I can see where a spiritual awakening could be a simple act in that it just something you feel.
I think someone who does not have the spirit of God speak to them is likely to find the bible very confusing. I know I do. You may need God’s spirit inside you to understand the meanings of these words.
If you and Bill have this spirit inside you and the words in the bible give you joy than I am happy for you.
I have have found reason and logic to work much better for me.
We are all lucky to have found something that helps us when facing the problems we encounter in our daily lives.
Naw, tricks are for kids! LOL:d I wrote in an earlier post about the Spirit, I’ll have to find it for ya. I’m really at a loss as to how technical to get knowing how you believe, but what I believe is, God’s Word says, He left a helper…the Spirit. Scripture tells us He is with ALL man, you included…Until you turn to God, and seek Him, really seek Him not just a HEY YA THERE???? (It’s a heart condition really) that’s when you begin to hear HIm..no there’s no voices in my head…but there is really no way to describe it either…sorry..so ya, in a sense you don’t have that intimacy with Him, til you seek it out, but it’s there for the taking!!!!! I’ll write about your question on my blog in a bit…thanks for visiting.
Ed I…
Ed I….
Ed I…..just kidding….it actually posted 3 times…:d/
Just remember Ed, He’s there 24/7, if you ever want to see the world a whole new way, and yourself for that matter…it’s there for the taking,,and it’s free!!!! YAY!!!!
I apologize for taking up so much space.
I hope I didn’t contradict my self in the different post.
I guess I have to learn to be more patient and wait longer to see what post.
There is a very funny picture of a cat caught up a venetian bland with the caption “I can’t brain today.
:(( I did it again. I promise to go away after I finsh.
The cat is saying I can’t brain today.
I have the dumb.
Today I have caught I massive caes of the dumb.