Important Announcement regarding the Alternative Views Subforum

[Ohio]

Originally Posted by Sons to Glory!

Sowell never frames it as Christian world view vs. non-Christian. But you can definitely see the fingerprints of a belief in God with the Constrained Vision! (and a casting-off of that constraint in the Unconstrained Vision) Personally, this causes conflict in me when I try to straddle or reconcile the two visions.

For instance, much of our business is in the general self-help category. We facilitate programs to help people reach their goals and change behaviors accordingly to achieve what they want. The programs were written by a believer, but since they are for wide dissemination to business leaders, most references to God are left out of these (not in the author's more personal writings however). So there is a theme of, "You can do or be anything you set your mind to - you have unlimited potential," in all of these materials.

Personally, I know this is false, however I'm paid to facilitate these ideas. Many times Christians take these programs and get very good results, but so do nonbelievers, and they also get good results. Oftentimes the Christian participant realizes that as it says in Proverbs, "Many are the plans in a man's heart, yet it is the Lord's purpose that prevails," and set their goals accordingly prioritized. In other words, they realize there is an ultimate constraint by the Almighty in this universe, and real wisdom and freedom is in seeking Him and His purpose.

The Al Anon handbook is written from the same perspective, not Christian per se, but based on human nature, including both God's creation and the fall of man.

I don't see the conflict with telling people, "You can do or be anything you set your mind to - you have unlimited potential." All sports coaches say the same thing. It pushes us to know our limits. Obviously the "unlimited potential" needs realistic limits, but when our minds are stuck in the mud with self-imposed restrictions, coaching like this is beneficial.

[Sons to Glory!]

Originally Posted by Ohio

The Al Anon handbook is written from the same perspective, not Christian per se, but based on human nature, including both God's creation and the fall of man.

I don't see the conflict with telling people, "You can do or be anything you set your mind to - you have unlimited potential." All sports coaches say the same thing. It pushes us to know our limits. Obviously the "unlimited potential" needs realistic limits, but when our minds are stuck in the mud with self-imposed restrictions, coaching like this is beneficial.

Sure. And I am fine that and clients pay us for that, regardless. But ultimately I know there are certainly restrictions in what we can do. The reality is, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!" But this declaration is still constrained within the realm of God's will . . .

As I look around the room, all I see is untapped potential! You have potential! You have . . . oh boy . . .

[Ohio]

Originally Posted by Sons to Glory!

Sure. And I am fine that and clients pay us for that, regardless. But ultimately I know there are certainly restrictions in what we can do. The reality is, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!" But this declaration is still constrained within the realm of God's will . . .

As I look around the room, all I see is untapped potential! You have potential! You have . . . oh boy . . .

Do you find yourself checking out your nose frequently?

[Sons to Glory!]

Originally Posted by Ohio

Do you find yourself checking out your nose frequently?

Yes I do! It's hard working with a bunch of losers!

Actually, I know everyone has "untapped potential." The process works to help people achieve what they want - and what they want, as paying customers, is up to them! (However, I also realize it's ultimately all up to God.)

[zeek]

Abortion: the only word that can make followers of Jesus vote against everything Jesus ever talked about because of one issue that Jesus never talked about.

[Sons to Glory!]

Originally Posted by zeek

Abortion: the only word that can make followers of Jesus vote against everything Jesus ever talked about because of one issue that Jesus never talked about.

I see that as something of a Stawman Argument on your part, but there is still some tendency to do that among Christian voters. Why? It's the taking of a human life. Do you think that's not important to our God, who created us and gave us life?

[Ohio]

Originally Posted by zeek

Abortion: the only word that can make followers of Jesus vote against everything Jesus ever talked about because of one issue that Jesus never talked about.

Abortion is murder. Every writer in scripture talked about that. Jesus too!

And "vote against everything Jesus ever talked about?" Huh? Examples?

Is this supposed to be an intelligent response to something?

[zeek]

Originally Posted by Ohio

Abortion is murder. Every writer in scripture talked about that. Jesus too!

And "vote against everything Jesus ever talked about?" Huh? Examples?

Is this supposed to be an intelligent response to something?

Got to hand it to you Ohio you know your Bible! Where does Jesus say that abortion is murder?