Evangelical organization calls on Christians in 21 countries to hold a 24-hour prayer vigil against Satanic forces tomorrow, 6-6-6, Devil's Day

[PlatyPius 5]

Cthulhu is the main god in The Necronomicon - a work of fiction dreamed up by H.P. Lovecraft and compiled by several different authors (The Simon Necronomicon is the most well-known). Some sad people believe that The Necronomicon is an actual ancient religious text, and defend it madly. It is, however, completely fiction.

Lovecraft never wrote a Necronomicon - his stories are often bookended by fictional quotes but there was never an actual book. Some other authors have taken it upon themselves to put it together - but it has nothing to do with Lovecraft. Part of the reason HPL's fiction creates such an effective atmosphere is because it is presented as fact. The references to forgotten books are a part of that.

Anyway

For the record, I never said that Lovecraft wrote a Necronomicon. I said that he dreamed it up, which is certainly true. As mentioned, several different authors published versions of the Necronomicon, which they compiled from Lovecraft's references and hints.

LOL - I never said you did, just clarified the point. In any case its not really important is it? Noone's going to quote you (or me) on it

Nope, not important at all.

Sköl!

[Veiled Princess 1]

Now ask a hindu about giving a cow the finger or a shaman about cursing at an eagle and maybe he/she would be offended and that person would not have any less of a right to be offended than I do about you insulting God.

The obvious difference, of course, being that the cow and the eagle are verifiably there. In the flesh, so to speak.

Yeah but I have never witnessed them doing anything more than flying around or grazing and pooping... so I have no more of a reason to believe they hold any supernatural power than you have to believe in the God that I believe in even though I haven't met face to face. I can however look around the world and see the miracles of creation and conclude that some higher power put all that in motion. So, to me the idea of an unseen power creating everything doesn't seem so silly and therefore validates my right to be offended. Plus I have a book in which God actually takes credit for creating me

[crazyinEgypt 0]

As far as the 666 thing... is the number 666 actually mentioned in the bible? Please provide chapter and verse reference...

"He also forced everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his name. This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is man's number. His number is 666" (Rev. 13:16-18).

My daddy is an evangelical preacher

[Veiled Princess 1]

As far as the 666 thing... is the number 666 actually mentioned in the bible? Please provide chapter and verse reference...

"He also forced everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his name. This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is man's number. His number is 666" (Rev. 13:16-18).

My daddy is an evangelical preacher

Poor you!

Just kidding

Mine's not evangelical but he's a preacher none the less... thanks for the reference.. I still don't believe in that though

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

As far as the 666 thing... is the number 666 actually mentioned in the bible? Please provide chapter and verse reference...

"He also forced everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his name. This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is man's number. His number is 666" (Rev. 13:16-18).

My daddy is an evangelical preacher

It was never clear to me that "the beast" necessarily mean't the devil. There's that little thing of the ####### of babylon riding the hydra. Quite an image!

[MichelleandCraig 1]

You know what is the only annoying thing about any of this? You know, many people who don't believe in God get so frustrated with people who push religion down their throats(something I detest as well), people who try to convert them, insist they are wrong, or belittle their beliefs....I don't agree with ANY of those things myself. However, when a discussion about religion turns to those that DO believe in God, they insist on making remarks like Fuzz that we SHOULD just accept it as superstition(even if it's not what WE believe) and like Cian says that it's ok to think how we do 'as long as we don't accept it as FACT" Well, thing is...if you are a Christian, you DO accept these things as fact, and do NOT think they are superstitions. What ever happened to live and let live here? You don't see me running down Atheism, Catholisism, or any other religion. Everyone believes what they want to believe...so why run ours down, or belittle it? Seems like a legitimate question to me, and no matter what you may thing, that's what you've tried to do with some of these posts. Luckily,people that truly DO believe in Christianity no matter how strict they are with it, (ex...attending church a couple times a week, living just as though they think they should a majority of the time..I say majority since no one is perfect) or if they just believe..and don't even attend church, won't be swayed by what a few people write about it...so, all in all I guess, no harm no foul. It's just...why is it necessary?

And before you say..."but in these discussions people have belittled ME for NOT believing, etc etc.....I don't agree with that either. Shouldn't make it alright for you to do it to another religion, or A religion in general, just because it may have happened to you that way in the past. Just my thoughts; hope you don't mind me sharing them M.

edited for spelling, and still not sure it's right!

Edited June 6, 2006 by MichelleandCraig

[PlatyPius 5]

Stating that something is Myth or a belief rather than a fact is not belittling it. It's true. All religions are nothing more than beliefs. Fact.

Myth - A traditional, typically ancient story dealing with supernatural beings, ancestors, or heroes that serves as a fundamental type in the worldview of a people, as by explaining aspects of the natural world or delineating the psychology, customs, or ideals of society: the myth of Eros and Psyche; a creation myth.

[crazyinEgypt 0]

You know what is the only annoying thing about any of this? You know, many people who don't believe in God get so frustrated with people who push religion down their throats(something I detest as well), people who try to convert them, insist they are wrong, or belittle their beliefs....I don't agree with ANY of those things myself. However, when a discussion about religion turns to those that DO believe in God, they insist on making remarks like Fuzz that we SHOULD just accept it as superstition(even if it's not what WE believe) and like Cian says that it's ok to think how we do 'as long as we don't accept it as FACT" Well, thing is...if you are a Christian, you DO accept these things as fact, and do NOT think they are superstitions. What ever happened to live and let live here? You don't see me running down Atheism, Catholosism, or any other religion. Everyone believes what they want to believe...so why run ours down, or belittle it? Seems like a legitimate question to me, and no matter what you may thing, that's what you've tried to do with some of these posts. Luckily,people that truly DO believe in Christianity no matter how strict they are with it, (ex...attending church a couple times a week, living just as though they think they should a majority of the time..I say majority since no one is perfect) or if they just believe..and don't even attend church, won't be swayed by what a few people write about it...so, all in all I guess, no harm no foul. It's just...why is it necessary?

And before you say..."but in these discussions people have belittled ME for NOT believing, etc etc.....I don't agree with that either. Shouldn't make it alright for you to do it to another religion, or A religion in general, just because it may have happened to you that way in the past. Just my thoughts; hope you don't mind me sharing them M.

Couldn't agree with you more Michelle. Growing up my dad was an evangelical preacher and of course I got religion slammed down my throat. I always said I was a christan because that's what I was told I was. Growing up in a church I saw all the hypocrites acting one way in church and being a completely different person out of church. In my teen years I decided I didn't need church or God because of so many of the poor examples I saw of "christians." Once in college I met many new friends of various religions. and it wasn't till then that I called myself a christian. What I can say is that there is a God, a higher being. I don't care what religion a person is, but I do feel if a person professes to be a christian, then act like one. If a muslim, act like one. Don't claim to be something that you are not.

In my relationship with my love, him being a muslim we both have learn a lot about the others religion and we both respect it. SO EVERYONE.....JUST RESPECT EACH OTHER.

[MichelleandCraig 1]

Cian, all I'm saying is..ok, the definition of 'myth' could fit. However, culture CONOTATES a myth as something untrue. Our BELIEFS entitle those of us who *do believe, to accept our religion(s) as FACT, no? That is what I *believe...Jesus died for our sins. Why should there be anyone here or anywhere trying to dispute that? In the end, I'm not going to change my beliefs, and you're not going to change yours. Trying to undermine anyone else's beliefs, using whatever...words you use, is just silly, because it's not going to change a thing. I understand the concept of debate, but some debates such as religion, abortion, gun-control and the like are fairly useless really...because people already hold strong beliefs on those topics, and rarely change their minds. Not never, but rarely. Again, I say, it's just all about live and let live. M.

[Veiled Princess 1]

How did we get two evangelical threads going at the same time and both at the top of the list for so long??? Popular subject I guess.

[evilcanuck 0]

What I wanna know is why are all these fanatics soooooo worried about what *might* happen tomorrow....did the world implode June 6 1906? Did 'satan' visit June 6 1806? Was there a plague of demons June 6 1706? This isnt the first 6-6-6 and it wont be the last. Sheesh

Woe to you Oh Earth and Sea

for the Devil sends the beast with wrath

because he knows the time is short

Let him who hath understanding

reckon the number of the beast

for it is a human number

its number is six hundred and sixty six.

[chri'stina 190]

You know what is the only annoying thing about any of this? You know, many people who don't believe in God get so frustrated with people who push religion down their throats(something I detest as well), people who try to convert them, insist they are wrong, or belittle their beliefs....I don't agree with ANY of those things myself. However, when a discussion about religion turns to those that DO believe in God, they insist on making remarks like Fuzz that we SHOULD just accept it as superstition(even if it's not what WE believe) and like Cian says that it's ok to think how we do 'as long as we don't accept it as FACT" Well, thing is...if you are a Christian, you DO accept these things as fact, and do NOT think they are superstitions. What ever happened to live and let live here? You don't see me running down Atheism, Catholosism, or any other religion. Everyone believes what they want to believe...so why run ours down, or belittle it? Seems like a legitimate question to me, and no matter what you may thing, that's what you've tried to do with some of these posts. Luckily,people that truly DO believe in Christianity no matter how strict they are with it, (ex...attending church a couple times a week, living just as though they think they should a majority of the time..I say majority since no one is perfect) or if they just believe..and don't even attend church, won't be swayed by what a few people write about it...so, all in all I guess, no harm no foul. It's just...why is it necessary?

And before you say..."but in these discussions people have belittled ME for NOT believing, etc etc.....I don't agree with that either. Shouldn't make it alright for you to do it to another religion, or A religion in general, just because it may have happened to you that way in the past. Just my thoughts; hope you don't mind me sharing them M.

Couldn't agree with you more Michelle. Growing up my dad was an evangelical preacher and of course I got religion slammed down my throat. I always said I was a christan because that's what I was told I was. Growing up in a church I saw all the hypocrites acting one way in church and being a completely different person out of church. In my teen years I decided I didn't need church or God because of so many of the poor examples I saw of "christians." Once in college I met many new friends of various religions. and it wasn't till then that I called myself a christian. What I can say is that there is a God, a higher being. I don't care what religion a person is, but I do feel if a person professes to be a christian, then act like one. If a muslim, act like one. Don't claim to be something that you are not.

In my relationship with my love, him being a muslim we both have learn a lot about the others religion and we both respect it. SO EVERYONE.....JUST RESPECT EACH OTHER.

Just wanted to add another viewpoint....I also grew up with a Pastor/preacher for a father but nothing was ever shoved down my throat nor was I ever told that I had to be a christian. But I have chosen that life of my own will, after seeing how wonderfully it has affected my parents lives, who lived as true bible following Christians, not hypocrites, and they always led by example rather than ever forcing me to do anything.

One point I agree a lot with you on, is for people to actually live the way they claim to be. NO matter if it's Muslim, Christian, Jew, Hindu, I want to see the fruit of your beliefs in your life. Walking the walk, not just talking the talk. If you don't show any fruit(ie walking the walk and not just talking the talk) then I don't think the person is really what they claim to be. There are many hypocrites in churches, sad to say, but there are hypocrites in every religion.

I will never forget one day at college, I was walking behind a group of girls wearing head coverings and long dark dresses(muslim gals) using the most disgusting language and cursing every other word. Walking behind the girls, the first thing that pops into your head is obvious "followers of Islam", but then the words coming out of their mouth, it was like . It was a bit shocking for me. Now I don't have a personal problem with muslims or anyone, but to me I just laughed inside...wondering what's the point of showing an outward appearance of something (veil) while acting just like any other person around, and swearing like a sailor. Not a good witness at all, and it happens in Christianity and in Islam and in any religion. But for some reason it gets pointed out more often in Christianity(in my small world maybe?), while I could point out lots of ppl I know in other religions saying and doing things they probably shouldn't be saying or doing according to their religion.

But I don't actually mind if it gets pointed out in Christians, because it's true...hypocritical Christians cause a lot of damage. But they are human and the God of Christianity is believed by us Christians to be perfect. And so when fellow Christians disappoint me, I don't turn on God or fault him as I realize we are all human and make mistakes but I don't believe he makes mistakes(see, I said I believe that, if you don't well ok but I do, that's fair isn't it? ) .

Edited June 6, 2006 by stina&suj

[MichelleandCraig 1]

I believe as you do Christina, but I don't go to church right now. I have a lot of reasons for that, none of them great, but I could explain to you in PM sometime, and will do so,but not tonight. (and I realize you're not asking me to explain, I just would like to chat with you about it sometime!) I don't really know HOW to describe myself....I'll put it THIS way I guess. I'm really not ANYTHING right now, but my beliefs are strictly Christian. I'm not currently following those beliefs, and it causes a lot of conflict within myself at times as I know what I believe, jsut haven't put them into practice. I feel I live a FAIRLY good life, such as that is, but CHRISTIANS BELIEVE(and not all do...speaking for Christians ONLY here) that good works alone won't get you into Heaven. You have to be following Jesus' teachings. I was raised in a fairly strict Christian home and I feel that I want to/need to follow that religion if I follow any, so that has prevented me from doing just that...following any ...at the moment. I know that's not good, but it's the choice I've made for now. I also do cuss, etc. sometimes, and right away I feel bad, because that's not how I was brought up, or how I believe even....but feeling bad doesn't help either, I know. Anyway...just rambling a bit...I expect some people here will understand, and some will laugh..but hey...that's your right, just as it's my right to believe it.

I guess the main point that I wanted to make, is that I agree with you Christina...hypocrites cause a LOT of damage when other people see people labelling themselves as such,(of any religion as you witnessed) and then not living that way. So...I will say that I am not a Christian at this time, but I hold the same beliefs as all Christians, I'm just not practicing it right now. If I were to follow ANY religion it WOULD BE Christianity. Does that make ANY sense??? M. (and PS...I know you weren't having any digs at me or anything...was just thinking on myself for a minute there...)

Edited June 6, 2006 by MichelleandCraig

[chri'stina 190]

I believe as you do Christina, but I don't go to church right now. I have a lot of reasons for that, none of them great, but I could explain to you in PM sometime, and will do so,but not tonight. (and I realize you're not asking me to explain, I just would like to chat with you about it sometime!) I don't really know HOW to describe myself....I'll put it THIS way I guess. I'm really not ANYTHING right now, but my beliefs are strictly Christian. I'm not currently following those beliefs, and it causes a lot of conflict within myself at times as I know what I believe, jsut haven't put them into practice. I feel I live a FAIRLY good life, such as that is, but CHRISTIANS BELIEVE(and not all do...speaking for Christians ONLY here) that good works alone won't get you into Heaven. You have to be following Jesus' teachings. I was raised in a fairly strict Christian home and I feel that I want to/need to follow that religion if I follow any, so that has prevented me from doing just that...following any ...at the moment. I know that's not good, but it's the choice I've made for now. I also do cuss, etc. sometimes, and right away I feel bad, because that's not how I was brought up, or how I believe even....but feeling bad doesn't help either, I know. Anyway...just rambling a bit...I expect some people here will understand, and some will laugh..but hey...that's your right, just as it's my right to believe it.

I guess the main point that I wanted to make, is that I agree with you Christina...hypocrites cause a LOT of damage when other people see people labelling themselves as such,(of any religion as you witnessed) and then not living that way. So...I will say that I am not a Christian at this time, but I hold the same beliefs as all Christians, I'm just not practicing it right now. If I were to follow ANY religion it WOULD BE Christianity. Does that make ANY sense??? M. (and PS...I know you weren't having any digs at me or anything...was just thinking on myself for a minute there...)

Yes I know what you mean .

I guess this example could clarify the kind of behavior I really mean...like if some Christians walked around wearing big cross necklaces and made it known to people that they are a christian, and try to make it an outwardly thing only. Then when you are around them, they act horrible, mean, gross, etc and you wonder what's the point of their outward thing when it's not inside their hearts or affecting their behavior. That's how I felt behind the girls at college too. (Think of the pharisees in the Bible, and how Jesus said they put on a grand show but they were rude and self absorbed---they were referred to as a drinking glass that looks so nice on the outside but once you go to take a sip, it's disgusting and dirty inside.) I know you are still dealing with your own things, and I would not think of you as a hypocrite. I mean more when people label themselves very obviously but then act nothing like they are supposed to. I don't think people who make mistakes are hypocrites either. But people who habitually continue doing something that really goes against the big label they have made for themself...that seems hypocritical to me personally. No ones really going to be able to do every thing they are supposed to, and even Paul makes such a good statement in the bible saying (paraphrased in my own words) "I usually don't do what I ought to do, and I seem to end up doing what I don't want to do!!". So I don't think of people as hypocrites who are trying to live a certain way and make mistakes along the way. But the point is realizing the mistakes and at least trying to change. If someone says, well I would like to do this or that, but I am not really doing it...that is not hypocritical either IMO. It's honesty, like what you said.

To go back to another point, I was just trying to give another viewpoint coming from someone who also saw hypocrites in another religion. But at the same time, even though I do not believe in Islam, I also have met many sweet people who sincerely are trying to follow it, and do let it affect their behavior in a good way. For every hypocrite (in any religion), there is also someone actually trying to live what they believe.

Edited June 6, 2006 by stina&suj

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

The fear of the number 666 is known as hexakosioihexekontahexaphobia.

Apparently...