So I took today off to visit a Christmas market in Helen, GA. While eating lunch at 3:30 PM, I started looking over comments on “Challenging the Theological Foundations of Zionism”. Once again, the readers prove that we have no concept of public virtue, sentience or good manners.
I have disabled the comments on that post but I am absolutely sure that people will once again come together and attack each other. I saw Roth ask for facts for which people were basing their comments. A response from Quartermain concerned the trinity and the Bible’s translation that Elohim is plural in Genesis 1:1. However, here is a Grok explanation:
“Elohim” (אֱלֹהִים) in Hebrew is morphologically plural, but its usage can be either singular or plural depending on the context:
- Singular: When “Elohim” refers to the God of Israel in monotheistic contexts, it is treated grammatically as a singular noun. The verbs and adjectives associated with it are in the singular form. For example, in “Bereshith bara Elohim” (Genesis 1:1), “bara” (created) is in the singular, indicating that “Elohim” here is understood as a singular entity.
- Plural: In some contexts, especially in polytheistic settings or when referring to gods of other nations, “Elohim” can indeed be treated as plural with plural verbs and adjectives.
The dual nature of “Elohim” can be seen as a linguistic phenomenon where a plural form is used to signify something grand or majestic (a concept known as the “plural of majesty” or “plural of excellence”), or it might reflect the complexity of the divine in Jewish theology. However, in the context of Genesis 1:1, it is used in a singular sense, referring to the one God.
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I was mentioned three times in a post that I had not even read at that point. Two were from follower about the status of his comments. As I have stated multiple times, the comments are moderated by a plugin. Why his first comment went to moderation is unknown but I approved it when I saw it. Here is the beginning of his comment:
i have answered you and has been removed. will try again.
Follower: you made a false assumption about me publicly. That is why the comment is shown twice. The second time was whether I would allow another comment to be approved (which I did approve).
Need proof? Dont know how long David will put up with this nonsense but here we go!
Michael told me to block his IP address. Scotty said he was done with the site. Personal attacks and poor logic were on full display. I have no doubt that Rabbi Will has a personal agenda to marginalize this site:
It’s not worthwhile here Lon. This is not an intellectual problem
So where does that leave us? The site will continue as intended to provide information that will hopefully educate and make people think. Comments that are not well thought out, deceive or are inciting bad behavior will have consequences.
Where do I stand on the issue of the Bible, the Trinity, holidays and the nature of God? That is not a topic that I will discuss with anyone except in a personal setting. If you wonder why, look at the comments on that post.
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We should be looking forward to the future and be optimistic. I too see the opportunity for evil to strike before the inauguration on January 20th. But I no longer will let it rule my life. I do have a Christmas wish and it is actually one that benefits people and our future. Read the following on public virtue which is the foundation of our Republic and its continued success or demise:
“Public virtue” refers to the moral characteristics, values, and behaviors that individuals exhibit for the collective good of society. It encompasses a range of civic behaviors and attitudes that promote the welfare, stability, and prosperity of the community or nation. Here are some key aspects of public virtue:
- Civic Engagement: Active participation in civic duties like voting, volunteering, and community service, demonstrating a commitment to the common good.
- Sacrifice: Willingness to put the needs of the community or nation above personal interests or comfort. This might include serving in public office, military service, or other forms of sacrifice for the greater good.
- Integrity: Acting with honesty and morality in public roles, ensuring transparency and accountability in governance and public affairs.
- Justice: Advocating for and practicing fairness, equality, and justice in societal interactions and laws.
- Responsibility: Taking responsibility for one’s actions and their impact on society, including environmental stewardship, legal obedience, and social contributions.
- Patriotism: A love for one’s country that translates into actions that support and improve the nation, not just in times of peace but also in crisis or conflict.
- Tolerance and Respect: Showing respect for diversity, fostering an inclusive society where different cultures, opinions, and lifestyles coexist peacefully.
- Education and Enlightenment: Valuing education and knowledge, encouraging an informed public that can engage in critical thinking and rational discourse.
Public virtue is often contrasted with private virtue, which might focus more on personal morality or family values. The concept is deeply rooted in the philosophies of republicanism and civic humanism, where the health and success of a society are seen as dependent on the moral fiber of its citizens. It’s an ideal that has been discussed by philosophers like Montesquieu, Rousseau, and in American context, by the Founding Fathers, who saw public virtue as essential for the survival of a republic. However, interpretations of what constitutes “public virtue” can vary widely across different cultures, political systems, and historical periods.
David DeGerolamo
Test
David I said I am done with Follower and want to be blocked so I don’t Weaken and post again here.
If between Roth attacking the basis of Christianity and “Rabbis ” calling us Nazis for pointing out Israel’s genocide in Gaza I see nothing about unifying Patriots to restore the Republic here.
Damaging a man’s Faith in times of trouble is not acceptable.
Michael, is not attacking me for my faith not the same thing? Going back I fail to see how I attacked anyone. I was merely pointing out what I believe. Everyone else here does that, but if I mention my faith the ad hominems abound. My only intention was to cause critical thinking to occur. If one believes what they believe is really real, why would that cause offense?
Your blindness is outstanding Pastor Bob.
David even those with little faith need not have the basics of the bible attacked by a failed Christian Pastor Bob.
Please block my IP so I can leave in good faith I cannot be lured into this nonsense again.
Sigh … You do not have enough self-discipline to control yourself? If coming to a different understanding of spiritual things is failure, then I’m happy to have failed. At least I’m applying critical thinking to a book made up of words; and words mean things. We’re each entitled to interpret them as we will. No need to throw pejoratives..
I am asking, not criticizing for a view of your spiritual and religious practices of your faith and what this involves.
Tom, I appreciate your question. Rather than risk stirring up another hornets nest by answering on this platform, I’ll email you directly. I think I have your correct email address. If you don’t receive a response from me by tomorrow, just post another request here.
Thanks Roth.
Have we not been given free will?
Are we not to expected to use discipline in our exercise of will?
Can a man refuse responsibility, demand to be conserved, and forever remain a child?
I think all three are possible. This is our test: will we keep our free will, or will we sell it?
You will not see Follower or Rabbi Will here anymore. If you have faith, no one can damage it. What did Jefferson say about questioning everything?
I believe in God and I believe that man has corrupted many aspects of Christianity. Does someone addressing issues arising from the Bible impact my faith? No. Does discussing spiritual issues make my faith stronger or weaker? In my case, my faith is strengthened. I doubt Roth is trying to weaken anyone’s faith and I have known him for 15 years.
I was having a conversation with Rabbi Will the other day. One if the things I mentioned, regarding different faiths is to point out that, whose to say we’re not all viewing the same thing, but through different lenses. Think about it.
I think Roth Harbard (or Larry C. Johnson?) misses the point.
In a nutshell: I believe the Bible has been grossly misunderstood:
Folks! This isn’t something to get angry and emotional and nasty about. Instead of slinging insults, start thinking.
I submit that we need cool rational thinking heads instead of anger & insults. American Christian Zionists seem to be hell bent on [for the sake of the modern day State of Israel] to push us into a nuclear confrontation. I suggest their intellectual failing is that they haven’t thought their position through. And in spite of that gross failure on their part, they are pushing for WAR?
Great points. Asking questions and rational discussion brings spiritual and mental growth.
https://ncrenegade.com/jefferson/
So my response to the AI grok definition of Elohim got deleted. OK, perhaps this becomes relevant: https://alt-market.us/three-horrifying-consequences-of-ai-that-you-might-not-have-though-about/
AI has almost total control over the internet and most browsers, very relevant Quatermain.