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
