Faith Is a Choice
Apologetics, anyone?42 total reviews
Comment from Bill Schott
Wow! Good for you, Mary Kay. Your response was timely and liberally applied. It is good to stand for what you believe and not let it go when it calls for such a readdress.
reply by the author on 03-Oct-2022
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Wow! Good for you, Mary Kay. Your response was timely and liberally applied. It is good to stand for what you believe and not let it go when it calls for such a readdress.
Comment Written 08-Sep-2022
reply by the author on 03-Oct-2022
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Thank you, Bill, for your supportive and exceptional review. Please pardon my delay in responding. I greatly appreciate the six beautiful stars!
I hope you and your wife are feeling much better, after experiencing illness, earlier this year. May God bless you and your family, always.
- Mary Kay
Comment from Paul McFarland
That was a wonderful reply. I am a firm believer in the spirit world and would not be surprised to find God there. There have been a great many confirmed near death experiences that have been written about. These experiences have convinced me that there is an afterlife. I am sure that the many different religions that exist on our planet all came from the same source. Different civilizations interpreted this source in various ways. I am sending out another prayer for your mother.
reply by the author on 03-Oct-2022
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That was a wonderful reply. I am a firm believer in the spirit world and would not be surprised to find God there. There have been a great many confirmed near death experiences that have been written about. These experiences have convinced me that there is an afterlife. I am sure that the many different religions that exist on our planet all came from the same source. Different civilizations interpreted this source in various ways. I am sending out another prayer for your mother.
Comment Written 08-Sep-2022
reply by the author on 03-Oct-2022
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Hi Paul! Thank you so much for your thoughtful, caring and exceptional review of my post. Especially, thank you for praying for my mother-- you remembered!
I am blessed to know that your mind and heart are open to the existence of God. You, like many others today, feel that there are many paths to God, as surely as "all roads lead to Rome."
But considering Jesus, the famous writer C.S. Lewis once wrote that for Jesus to make the claims He did -- about being the embodiment of God, Himself -- He had to be either a liar, a madman or telling the truth! I believe God will consider a person's behavior and attitudes according to what they believe and understand (i.e., other faiths), but Jesus also said, "I am the way, the truth and the life; no man comes to the Father, except through me." A person who gave His life willingly to save others, would not make this up as a bold-faced lie, and he wasn't a raving lunatic; so could He, perhaps, be the Way to God? When you consider that the many religions of the world make conflicting claims, doesn't it make sense that there has to be an absolute truth somewhere? Jesus didn't merely claim to be telling the truth; He actually said that He WAS the truth. That's something I hope you'll consider, Paul, if you don't mind my suggestion.
Please pardon my late reply, as I am still dealing with some difficult issues --including my mother?s situation. She's not happy in the assisted living facility she's been in since mid-July; it's not a good fit, at all, and I often have to troubleshoot problems she's facing. My husband also has a heart attack, the same week she went into assisted living, and while I THANK GOD he's alive and walking, that's one of many other situations at home that demand my attention.
Thank you again for your kind review, the six stars and for praying! May God bless you richly. - Mary Kay
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I have sent out another prayer for you. I hope everything works out. When I put my mother in an assisted living complex, it was the worst day of my life. There is a long story with that. Maybe another time.
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Thank you for praying, my friend. I also appreciate your sharing your own experience, however briefly. You have a kind heart. May God bless you and those you love.- Mary Kay
Comment from Susan Newell
Mary Kay,
This surely deserves a six for it's quality of writing as well as content. I feel sorry for people who can't see beyond their own egos to something so much more grand that it can only be comprehended in tiny part. I feel so blessed to be participating in this Creation event. Even though I don't know its full purpose, I know it is good beyond comprehension. I recommend "Why the Universe Is the Way It Is," by Hugh Ross to better understand that science and faith are not in opposition.
Sue
reply by the author on 03-Oct-2022
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Mary Kay,
This surely deserves a six for it's quality of writing as well as content. I feel sorry for people who can't see beyond their own egos to something so much more grand that it can only be comprehended in tiny part. I feel so blessed to be participating in this Creation event. Even though I don't know its full purpose, I know it is good beyond comprehension. I recommend "Why the Universe Is the Way It Is," by Hugh Ross to better understand that science and faith are not in opposition.
Sue
Comment Written 08-Sep-2022
reply by the author on 03-Oct-2022
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Dear Susan, I am so blessed to receive your excellent, supportive and faith-filled review! Please pardon my delay in responding. I love your concept of participation in the Creation event, and the way you characterize its mystery. That's so beautiful! I will look for the book you recommended. Thank you for that. May Our Father and Creator, God, bless you richly! Love, Mary Kay xoxo
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Mary Kay,
You are very welcome. Blessings to you as well.
Sue
Comment from Mary Vigasin
A very well-written response. How and what you believe is personal. You need not feel that you have to defend your faith, nor will you be able to make a true believer out of an atheist.
An atheist or agnostic can often counter your argument with facts of their own, like carbon dating of dinosaur bones dating millions of years.
So you end up going in circles with each other.
Your faith in God is yours to own; your love of God is
one that is unshakable, with no need to defend it.
Best wishes,
Mary
reply by the author on 02-Oct-2022
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A very well-written response. How and what you believe is personal. You need not feel that you have to defend your faith, nor will you be able to make a true believer out of an atheist.
An atheist or agnostic can often counter your argument with facts of their own, like carbon dating of dinosaur bones dating millions of years.
So you end up going in circles with each other.
Your faith in God is yours to own; your love of God is
one that is unshakable, with no need to defend it.
Best wishes,
Mary
Comment Written 08-Sep-2022
reply by the author on 02-Oct-2022
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Thank you, Mary, for your kind, thoughtful and excellent review of my post. You are right that mere facts will not change the views of an atheist or agnostic. But just as my views were once transformed, so God can use anything to reach someone with an open heart. He who opened the eyes of the blind, can also soften the hearts of the unbelieving.
Faith in God is both personal and meant to be shared, at least in the Christian understanding. We are commanded to "Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all nations..." (see Mt. 28:18-20). If saints of old kept their faith hidden, the world might not know about Jesus today, and His great salvation--nor would all the wonderful deeds of charity done in His Name have been performed. Nor can it always be hidden; Jesus said that if the children praising Him kept quiet, even the rocks would cry out.
I have reworked my post, so that its tone is more gentle and less confrontational; I also changed the title, so that it's not directed to anyone personally. Thus, I hope not to create strife, but that the seeds I planted will take root in someone's heart. May God bless yours!
Love, Mary Kay xoxo
Comment from Liz O'Neill
This has a nice irony: "He (God) is not subject to your judgment, but you will one day be subject to His, as we each will be." Because we are made in His image it is ad we are judgemental of each other. Too bad more people realized, their God is subject toour judgement nor should we be subject to each other's judgement. The element left out in judging is love and acceptance. God love us all.
reply by the author on 02-Oct-2022
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This has a nice irony: "He (God) is not subject to your judgment, but you will one day be subject to His, as we each will be." Because we are made in His image it is ad we are judgemental of each other. Too bad more people realized, their God is subject toour judgement nor should we be subject to each other's judgement. The element left out in judging is love and acceptance. God love us all.
Comment Written 08-Sep-2022
reply by the author on 02-Oct-2022
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Thank you for your thoughtful and excellent review. Yes, many people don't understand that God's character (at least in the Christian faith) embodies the qualities of both justice and mercy. We each make judgments about many things, and sometimes people, in the course of a day, but Jesus cautions us to realize that we will be judged by the same standards we use to judge others. Yes, God loves us all, so much that He sent His only begotten Son to die, for the sins of ALL of us. And while He hates the sin, He loves the sinner. So we need to come to Him, while there is still time.
Thank you again, and I'm sorry for my delay in responding. May God pour out His love, grace and mercy upon you and your loved ones! Love, Mary Kay xoxo
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I have 40 messages so I understand
Comment from Wayne Fowler
Bless you.
Minor theological beliefs pale to nothingness compared to the life-saving grace of Jesus. Great work. thank you for writing.One very persuasive point when in discourse with non-believers is the testimony of the disciples. Who would believe and profess a lie all the way to their death? If it was all a lie, they would certainly have known it.
Bless you.
reply by the author on 01-Oct-2022
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Bless you.
Minor theological beliefs pale to nothingness compared to the life-saving grace of Jesus. Great work. thank you for writing.One very persuasive point when in discourse with non-believers is the testimony of the disciples. Who would believe and profess a lie all the way to their death? If it was all a lie, they would certainly have known it.
Bless you.
Comment Written 07-Sep-2022
reply by the author on 01-Oct-2022
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Hi Wayne. What a joy to hear from a brother in Christ! Thank you for your beautiful, supportive and exceptional review. I'm sorry about my delay in responding.
Yes, you're right about everything you wrote. Whatever minor doctrinal differences we may have, our faith in the atoning death and glorious resurrection of Our Savior unites us, in the Body of Christ; and the fearless testimony of the martyrs helps prove the validity of our claims. There is also the perfect argument of C.S. Lewis, that there is no middle ground for Christ being simply a "good person" (although He was the only perfect human who ever lived and died without sin) -- He was either a liar, a madman or He was telling the truth about Himself! He is the very same God who appeared to Moses in the burning bush, revealed Himself to the patriarchs and walked in the Garden with Adam and Eve. He is the way, the truth and the life. May He bless you too, my friend! - Mary Kay
Comment from barbara.wilkey
Thank you for sharing your testimony with us. Unfortunately, our Christian beliefs are coming under attack in today's world. I guess they see God as a threat. I know I need him in my life. This is very well written and laid out. Great Job.
reply by the author on 01-Oct-2022
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Thank you for sharing your testimony with us. Unfortunately, our Christian beliefs are coming under attack in today's world. I guess they see God as a threat. I know I need him in my life. This is very well written and laid out. Great Job.
Comment Written 07-Sep-2022
reply by the author on 01-Oct-2022
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Thank you very much, Barbara, for your lovely, supportive and honest review of my post. I do apologize that it took so long for me to respond, as life hasn't been easy for me this year.
We need to always remember our persecuted brethren in prayer. As subtle as the persecution and discrimination is in the free world, it is unimaginably brutal and openly cruel in some other parts of the world. Our prayers do make a difference. Again, I appreciate your wonderful review! May God bless you and keep you, my sister.
Love, Mary Kay xoxo
Comment from Sanku
You have written down your points in a well articulated and polite manner .I firmly believe that faith is very personal and my relationship with myGod is rather precious.I also agree with you when you say that God does not need me ,but I NEED HIM. So it does not matter if He is there or not for others.Tomorrow I am going for a two day pilgrimage in a famous temple.But that is MyNEED.
reply by the author on 30-Sep-2022
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You have written down your points in a well articulated and polite manner .I firmly believe that faith is very personal and my relationship with myGod is rather precious.I also agree with you when you say that God does not need me ,but I NEED HIM. So it does not matter if He is there or not for others.Tomorrow I am going for a two day pilgrimage in a famous temple.But that is MyNEED.
Comment Written 07-Sep-2022
reply by the author on 30-Sep-2022
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Hi Sanku,
Thank you for your excellent, honest and faith-filled review. To me, it does matter that others believe in Jesus Christ, because I believe that their eternal destiny is at stake; and Jesus did not ASK for us to share our faith, but He also COMMANDED it. Yes, Jesus is my Friend and Savior, but he is also my Lord and King. Thus, I obey Him, and I do so with love and gratitude because of my salvation, which He obtained for me at a great price.
I respect your faith, Sanku, and I hope your pilgrimage was a good one. I apologize for my delay in answering your review. My life hasn't been easy or simple, and I also reworded my post, so it wouldn't seem like a personal attack on anyone who disagreed.
May God bless you and your loved ones. Thank you so much for sharing.
Love, Mary Kay xoxo
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You are welcome .I liked your reply.
Comment from Regina Elliott
This is a 6 star write, but I ran
out of 6 stars yesterday. I
love and worship Jesus Christ
too. He's everything to me.
I feel that there is much
hostility towards Christianity
around the world, as evidenced by the persecution
of some Christians.
Thank you so much for
penning this write of your
belief and love for our Savior
and Redeemer. Many blessings to you. ~
reply by the author on 01-Oct-2022
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This is a 6 star write, but I ran
out of 6 stars yesterday. I
love and worship Jesus Christ
too. He's everything to me.
I feel that there is much
hostility towards Christianity
around the world, as evidenced by the persecution
of some Christians.
Thank you so much for
penning this write of your
belief and love for our Savior
and Redeemer. Many blessings to you. ~
Comment Written 07-Sep-2022
reply by the author on 01-Oct-2022
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Thank you so much, Regina, for your excellent, encouraging and faith-filled review, and also for the virtual six! Yes, there is quite a bit of persecution of Christians around the world, and we must continue to pray for them. I also pray for people of other faiths who are persecuted in many places, because it's just wrong on principle, and we need to have compassion, just as Jesus did.
And yet we long for all people "to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth," which is also from God's heart, and His Word. It is my prayer that many souls will be saved. What a blessing to share this faith in Christ, my sister. May God multiply your blessings! Love, Mary Kay xoxo
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Thank you so much, Regina, for your excellent, encouraging and faith-filled review, and also for the virtual six! Yes, there is quite a bit of persecution of Christians around the world, and we must continue to pray for them. I also pray for people of other faiths who are persecuted in many places, because it's just wrong on principle, and we need to have compassion, just as Jesus did.
And yet we long for all people "to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth," which is also from God's heart, and His Word. It is my prayer that many souls will be saved. What a blessing to share this faith in Christ, my sister. May God multiply your blessings! Love, Mary Kay xoxo
Comment from Wendy G
An excellent response to the other author's post (which I also read, and was shocked at the way he spoke to and about God). You have calmly stated your experience (and your experience cannot be denied or refuted), as well as the extent to which you went to discover the truth. I pray that your words will challenge many.
Wendy
reply by the author on 01-Oct-2022
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An excellent response to the other author's post (which I also read, and was shocked at the way he spoke to and about God). You have calmly stated your experience (and your experience cannot be denied or refuted), as well as the extent to which you went to discover the truth. I pray that your words will challenge many.
Wendy
Comment Written 07-Sep-2022
reply by the author on 01-Oct-2022
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Thank you, Wendy, for your excellent and encouraging review. You are one of the few people reviewing this who actually read the original article whose author I was debating. I decided, because of the concerns of a few other reviewers, to rework the post in a manner that will hopefully be understood as challenging (your well-chosen word) and not criticizing the other author.
Yes, personal experience cannot be denied or refuted, and neither can faith! Praise God. May He bless you. Love, Mary Kay xoxo