Do people know what legalism is? will anyone dare to read up on it? Anyone got any good book suggestions?
595651
legalism is following the law rigidly without considering the spirit behind the law. Ephesians 2:8-10 states that we should live under grace and God's forgiveness; acknowledging that we can not measure up to God's standards. See Isaiah 64:6. All our righteous deeds are like filthy rags before the Lord. So if your a Christian... your not under the law but under grace. See Romans chapters 5 through 10.
95264
I looked at the reviews of the books you mentioned on amazon.com. From what I can tell, I am afraid they do not offer much in the way of solid technical arguments or new discussions or reasons that creationism or a young earth hypothesis must be chosen over the current dominant accepted theories. The "experts" in the book "In Six Days" offer little that has not been dismissed before as specious arguments. Unfortunately, although these 50 gentlemen have PhDs, they are offering opinions in areas well outside their areas of expertise, in most cases. Many of arguments violate well-known scientific principles and laws.  \n\nI do applaud the creationists for trying to compile books that state their arguments and reasoning. We definitely need more of these, and we need to approach this subject with more intellectual honesty and integrity than has been evidenced in the past. \n\nI myself feel I could write a far more compelling book supporting faith that would be far more careful, if I was so inclined. I feel more of a general awe of creation, somewhat similar to that of Einstein, or Thomas Jefferson, or Newton. \n\nIt is disappointing and disconcerting that so far, these kinds of products produced by the religious community have hurt more than they have helped, have discredited those of religious faith and cast them in a bad light. They have tended to lend support for the opposite point of view, and have not succeeded as intended I am sorry to say.\n\n- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - \n\nAddendum:\n\nYes I am being honest. I have often been struck by some of the most amazing structures in science when I have been doing scientific investigations or learning about science. Unfortunately, I did not keep notes. I think that this is where religious people should direct their attention if they want to grasp the incredible majesty of creation. And it has the advantage that it is beautiful in structure, and unassailable, and compltely scientifically rigorous. \n\nHowever, I am not sure how many people of faith want to undertake a 15+ year journey into abstruse mathematics and physics, or are willing to approach it with a completely open mind. In fact, what I would ask is, if one is absolutely sure of one's faith, then would it not make sense to allow science to continue to unravel the mysteries of nature? After all, if you are positive what the conclusion will be, let them bolster your arguments with facts. If I am not mistaken, this has been the Vatican's approach for some decades.
309239
hope you got the book\nplagiarism is no way to get ahead in life
230630
If you mean the actual law, it is constitutional law.  If you mean the best for understanding interpretation of those laws than try books on law from your local library.  Most are written for laymen rather than for lawyers.
1154915
Handmaids Tale is a great book with great concepts.  I have taught this book along with Orwell's 1984 and others for my senior english lit class.  \nThe book has a great deal to do with takeovers of society, the impact of inaction/action in society, and women's rights.  I enjoy teaching it to seniors because they are all turning 18 at the time (voting age) and they are inspired to vote to prevent government from taking over, or even burning books like in Bradbury's Farenheit 451!  \nIt is also great to use in debating!  Have fun.
820239
If you want to know more about the history, you should read "Zero: Biography of a dangerous idea" by Charles Seife.  On the back cover it says "The Babylonians invented [zero], the Greeks banned it, the Hindus worshiped it and the Church used it to fend of heretics."  I've only gotten halfway through it, but so far its an interesting read.
408941
Regarding translation and the Word of God.  To say, in general, that I "question" something is not saying that I disagree with it.  I try and question much in translation.  There was a time when I questioned the Word of God.  I have since been convinced of the veracity of God's Word, but I still question translation and try to derive as much as possible from it by reading many different concordance references and multiple versions.  I would say, all in all, general bibles like the NIV and ASV are pretty good translations.  I would definitely get one with a good concordance, explanations, and references, and use them.\n\nOn fundamentalism and the Evangelical movement in America.\n\nThis is a loaded question.  There is 1. A fundamentalist faction.  2. an Evangelical movement and 3. the Moral Majority faction.  These are not one in the same, though members of each may cross over into the other and become affiliated with the other now and again.  NONE OF THESE ARE MILITANT.  Do they feel that America has diverged from a "wholesome" path... absolutely.  Do they feel that they want to be able to let their kids play outside again.... absolutely.  Do they think that God is the answer to the problems with America..... absolutely.  Do they think that their vote can make a difference... they know factually that it can.  But, few support Jerry Falwell for any public office... I believe his call is for evangelism... not politics, though he has a right to voice his opinion when someone asks him.  Is it good for the Republican party?  Well, I guess it would be... considering their "conservative" agenda.  Moreover, I think that is bad for the Democratic party than good for the Republican.  The Democratic Party is now appearing to stand against Christianity and Christians, in general.  Considering there is only one kind of Christian (whether fundamental or liberal) this is a bad progression of events for the Democratic party.  I think that they need to review their stance, or another party needs to creep up.
385864
Read 1984 by George Orwell. Then you will understand. Also read On Liberty, By John Stewart Mill, especially the section on the tyranny of the majority. You might also check up on John Simpsons description of pre revolutionary Romainia. In short, if you agree with absolutely all the Government does, Big Brother is your friend, but if you agree with everything the Goverment does, then you wouldn't have that many friends anyway.
612755
Yes and no.  It's a huge genre.  Some of it is a bit of light philosophy and some of it is pure crap. Some of it has theology in it and makes that more palatable to the masses.  \n\nI think you can buy "Why bad things happen to good people," in this section.  That book has some helpful things to say.  \n\nI think you need to be a critical thinker when you read--and unfortunately if you are needing help you can't always be that.  You make good points but lets not ban any books.  Just proceed with caution.
546694
that Dr Benjamin Rush the founder of public schools felt that the bible should be the central book of public schools. he wrote.  \n\n    I lament that we waste so much time and money in  punishing crimes and take so little pains to prevent them... we neglect the only means of establishing and perpetuating our republican forms of government ; that is, the universal education of our youth in the princeples of Christianity by means of the bible.... equility among mankind... respect for just laws... and sober and frugal virtues.  \n\n  and then there is this statement by President John Adams.\n\n  We have no government armed in power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Our Constituation was made only for a relious and moral people. It is wholly inadequate for the government of any other.\n\n  hope this helps. both quotes come from Under God written by Toby Mac and Michael Tait from dctalk
75898
I found a bunch of stuff for you: creationist, Big Band, myths all around the world... enjoy and good luck!
46607
Ah, this is one of those questions I have to ask myself; "is there a good reason for sharing this information?"  ie. Is it a good idea to post "The Anarchist's Cookbook" on the web?  And would giving out this info help anyone or detract from the common good.  I guess I should just give a hint then....you will have to decide if it is worth your time to figure out.
535985
Any theologian should be wary of a doctrine that:\n!. Denies the existance of God.\n2. advocates theft and murder.\n\nCommunism is merely a theory.  It promises a panacea in which everyone is equal yet has always produced a totalitarian state in which most individual rights are not recognized and the vast majority of the people live in abject poverty when the party leaders wallow in wealth.
156556
You're not a Liberalist, if you know nothing about it.\n\nAnyway, I will try to simplify. Liberalism is the believe that the individual should be free of society and government restriction as long as he  (in the earlier liberalism was based on free men; women, children and slaves weren't included) respect and stop at the others' freedom. Liberty is postive freedom. Liberalism is in favour of individualism. Usually Liberalism is seen to include capitalism.\n\nHope that will help.
1084398
I believe that the DaVinci Code was a good book and nothing else.  What I think is really interesting is the fact that the church feels it needs to defend itself from this work of fiction.  Is the church so short of faith in its own institution that it believes a Tom Hanks movie can shake its very foundation.\n\nEvery religion is built on lies as a means to control the masses.  It is the most primitive, and resilient, form of government.  I wish the book had proven to be true, but I guess I'll just have to wait for the next scandal to get further entertainment.\n\nPray for the Revolution!
1085183
welcome to the club sister.  I don't think you have a problem at all.  I think that you are a free thinking and open minded person.  It's when you feel that pressure to conform and be like everyone else and resist it, that you truly begin to gain a greater perspective of reality.  I suggest you read "the herd" chapter from Nietzsche's "Beyond Good and Evil".  This is the book in which the phrase was coined "God is dead".  Don't let that scare you.  What I think he really meant to teach was that organized religion and the God they invent is dead.  He challenges you, in the chapter entitled "the herd", to ask yourself if all these things that people are telling you that "God" has said are indeed from "God".  Or, are they something made up by leaders of church to influence the masses opinions to get a desired social result.  That result is control.  Don't let anyone but God control you.  He wouldn't force control on you.  He doesn't want to control you.  He offers suggestions and you choose freely.  To me though, all this damnation and hellfire are not products of Christ at all.  Christ is like the sweetest friend I have ever had.  I don't live right at all.  I have done bad things in my life.  Yet, he has never left me.  People, on the other hand, have behaved terribly...  and for that matter... so have I at times.  I decided that I would not be controlled by "the herd" either.  People will accuse you of rebellion.  Rebellion it may be, but against whom?  God?  I don't think so...  The "herd", definitely.  I had to separate myself from them, and while it is lonesome at times, it is at least free.  Knowing God should never feel like being in a social or political prison in which you are interrogated and punished.  They're like religious nazis and they have confused social control with God.  Welcome to freedom sister.  You may find groups that you "fit" with...  I never did.  This is the tragedy of the genuine individual.  Perhaps you should start your own "group" on yahoo groups.  If you do, let me know, and I will join.  This topic is certainly worthy of discussion.  Don't feel like you are alone.  There are many, many, people who have went through this...
773290
There is an official q&a forum with faqs at: http://www.robertsrules.com/mboard.html but other than that you will have to buy the book. The paperback version is very inexpensive.