The Question No One Can Answer

[Aquila]

There have been thousands of documented near death experiences that have taken place when one was clinically dead for a period of time (all containing very similar elements). The Bible speaks of the martyrs in Heaven praying "How long, faithful and true...". The Bible is full of disembodied (non-physical) beings (God, angels, demons). Not to mention, anyone who has ever even dabbled in mediumship can testify that they've connected with realities from another world. The nature of those realities are debated... but sometimes the results are as astounding to the medium as the sitter.

I believe that many are moving into a "rationalism" and departing from more spiritual truths. The afterlife becomes problematic for the perspective being adopted by these individuals.

[ILG]

Originally Posted by Michael The Disciple

There is a road that leads to "consent".

True. And it might not be bad.

[ILG]

Originally Posted by Aquila

There have been thousands of documented near death experiences that have taken place when one was clinically dead for a period of time (all containing very similar elements). The Bible speaks of the martyrs in Heaven praying "How long, faithful and true...". The Bible is full of disembodied (non-physical) beings (God, angels, demons). Not to mention, anyone who has ever even dabbled in mediumship can testify that they've connected with realities from another world. The nature of those realities are debated... but sometimes the results are as astounding to the medium as the sitter.

I believe that many are moving into a "rationalism" and departing from more spiritual truths. The afterlife becomes problematic for the perspective being adopted by these individuals.

I just say I hope there is a heaven. I believe there is a heaven. But do I know? No.

[crakjak]

Originally Posted by NotforSale

That's the problem, crakjak, people say things that are full of mystery and we immediately presume it means what we want it to mean.

Do you think children from other Religions have the same experience? If they do, then what?

This child's experience doesn't prove there is an afterlife anymore than someone having a dream that appears to "Connect the Dots" of the unknown.

Like I said in my original post, Religions have evolved into this dogma, the direct warning sign of a lie.

I understand that neither the boy nor his parents nor anyone else, can necessarily interpret what the experience means. That's why we should be very humble in our opinions. Things that I believe very strongly, I continue to preface with, "I could be wrong." But as you know that position religiously is a sign of weakness!!! LOL
As I said, if you read the whole story it is very compelling. He was on Hannity last night, and Hannity was asking him theological questions and his answers were more from his religious training than from anything he learned from his "trip to heaven". So, while I believe he had some kind of experience that is hard to explain, his interpretation is very suspect.

[Lafon]

Originally Posted by Aquila

There have been thousands of documented near death experiences that have taken place when one was clinically dead for a period of time (all containing very similar elements). The Bible speaks of the martyrs in Heaven praying "How long, faithful and true...". The Bible is full of disembodied (non-physical) beings (God, angels, demons). Not to mention, anyone who has ever even dabbled in mediumship can testify that they've connected with realities from another world. The nature of those realities are debated... but sometimes the results are as astounding to the medium as the sitter.

I believe that many are moving into a "rationalism" and departing from more spiritual truths. The afterlife becomes problematic for the perspective being adopted by these individuals.

If one doesn't accept as an indisputable truth that the Holy Bible contains the recorded words of the Almighty God, then they also will not accept that its revelations about things are true!

Apparently NotforSale is of that mindset (a personal judgment based upon the statements he has made about this matter), therefore unless, and until, he recognizes and acknowledges that God's Word is truth, I see absolutely nothing of value to gained for him or anyone else by even dialoguing with him. Sad, indeed!

[crakjak]

Originally Posted by ILG

I just say I hope there is a heaven. I believe there is a heaven. But do I know? No.

I choose to believe that there is an after life, and that it will be very good. I will not live as those that have no hope, because to have hope is much better!!!

So one must choose how to live this life, even though it does not change what the Creator has purposed.

I believe what Jesus said, even though this physical body will die, the real person that we are will never die. God's purpose for each person will continue to a final great future, the trip is different for each, because what we believe determines the path that is required to full redemption.

I have been created in the image of God, therefore I AM.

[Aquila]

Has anyone here ever talked to God, angels, or the those who have passed on? I don't mean with crystal balls or tarot cards. I'm talking about a "knowing"; an exchange of images, words, sounds, or emotions? A communication on the level of the spirit.

I haven't found a person yet who has experienced this who isn't certain that there is "something" beyond physical life. There is an entire world of spiritual realities that are beyond our five senses. It takes spiritual sight to see it. Spiritual ears to hear it. A spiritual heart to feel it. A spiritual hunger to taste it. A spiritual awareness to sense it.

[crakjak]

Originally Posted by Lafon

If one doesn't accept as an indisputable truth that the Holy Bible contains the recorded words of the Almighty God, then they also will not accept that its revelations about things are true!

Apparently NotforSale is of that mindset (a personal judgment based upon the statements he has made about this matter), therefore unless, and until, he recognizes and acknowledges that God's Word is truth, I see absolutely nothing of value to gained for him or anyone else by even dialoguing with him. Sad, indeed!

Indisputable?? Is that a joke, Lafon? If God had meant for His word to be indisputable (in the human realm) He would have presented it in a way that could not be disputed. That is part of being human, to seek and to pursue God and His truth. Truth is, no human knows the "Indisputable Word of God".

We can and should have a position of faith that we believe is "truth", but knowing that we have grown and accepted "more truth" as we have matured and continued to seek. Since our understanding is progressive, at what point is it "indisputable"?

Intellectual honesty is a great gift, and brings great humility and peace.

[ILG]

There are so many things that I used to know that I was wrong about. I hesitate now to say I know something unless I really know it.

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by crakjak

Indisputable?? Is that a joke, Lafon? If God had meant for His word to be indisputable (in the human realm) He would have presented it in a way that could not be disputed. That is part of being human, to seek and to pursue God and His truth. Truth is, no human knows the "Indisputable Word of God".

We can and should have a position of faith that we believe is "truth", but knowing that we have grown and accepted "more truth" as we have matured and continued to seek. Since our understanding is progressive, at what point is it "indisputable"?

Intellectual honesty is a great gift, and brings great humility and peace.

Most don't realize that written "words" are a terrible means of communication. It is because words can be interpreted so many different ways. Also... many religious people become nearly idolatrous about "words" and "holy books" to the point wherein they will deny what the Spirit is trying to reveal to them because they don't readily see it in their "book". The reality is that what the Spirit is trying to reveal is indeed in the book... it simply isn't in their "interpretation" of the "words" contained in the book.

While most will argue that the "words" of the Bible must be absolutely believed and heeded in one's spirituality... the truth is... it is all still subject to interpretation. The born again Christian has an additional angle on things... the Spirit. The Spirit can reveal truths in Scripture not previously seen or understood. Also... the Spirit can reveal things not specifically addressed in Scripture. Scripture is a guide... but the Spirit life. I liken the Bible to a book of basic soldier's tasks, like the one issued to me in the Army. It's very basic and honestly... it doesn't address everything. Most of our applied knowledge is learned on the battlefield.