Posted by Chuckle Chuckle on August 14, 2008 at 15:30:34:
In Reply to: Agreed. posted by CastleKingSide on August 14, 2008 at 13:38:04:
Can I attempt to answer your questions, whether they be rhetoric or not? Keep in mind that I make no claim to knowing it all but these are based on my beliefs, while keeping in mind that I am no spokesperson for my Church. I will answer as simply as possible.
Q: People are obsessed with the idea of humanity being the be all end all of species. As if there aren't any other life forms out there in the infinite space to compete for Gods favor. I mean, are we really it? Does eternity, as infinite as it is, rest on the shoulders of this little tiny rock we call earth? Really?!!? How vain is that?"
My Answer: I do not believe that Earth or Earth-life is really it. Why not other "worlds" or "life-forms?"
Q: Do you honestly believe that you need a handbook of any kind to know how you need to behave? Or how to love? Or what life is about?
My Answer: Any book helps, but depending on the individual, one learns the way he/she learns, whether it be through a book or through experience.
Q: If the afterlife is described as something that is eternal, and that life with God is everlasting, why don't they come back to tell about it?
My Answer: Many people claim that some have come back to tell about it. But then again, this is subject to scrutiny, just like Nessie, Bigfoot, UFO's or Ghost-sightings. They're only based on witness accounts, however, they have never been dis-proven. In most of these cases, evidence seems to grow stronger.
Q: Isn't it interesting then that the Bible only talks about the struggles of Israel and it's neighboring countries and nothing about Samoa?
My Answer: The Bible is a record of the Jewish or Israelites. It's a record they kept. But just as more and more records are being uncovered discerning more and more "historical" truths about different civilizations, perhaps we can learn more about "God's dealings" with them? This is what the Book of Mormon proposes, a record of God's dealings with the people in Ancient America. If you couldn't tell, I'm a Mormon. But I believe that there are many other records out there that have yet to be found.
Q: My people were happy in their ignorance believing in whatever polytheistic gods they had back in the day. What makes their gods any different from Big daddy God and His three way personality split?
My Answer...or question: Are they no longer happy?
I hope my answers do not constitute me as close-minded. Questions?