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I don't agree with the notion that Ryan Bell is in the throes of "major depression." That assessment rather smacks of trying to figure out an excuse as to why he made the decision to state that he doesn't think God exists. I think the "God" that many Christians worship really *doesn't* exist.

I don't think God stops loving the *person*.... but He can have godly emotions of "love," or "hate" of someone's specific behavior...

I like the idea of expressing concern, compassion, and hope for this former pastor but It is quite disturbing that someone with the title "spiritual counselor" (not exactly sure what that is) would draw such a conclusion about someone who I assume he has not sat down with. He has "all the signs and symptoms" is quite a statement since Major Depressive Disorder has a number of specific symptoms. Rather odd and a bit scary really.

My reaction as well. Unless the author has more info about the person than what he wrote, I wondered about his diagnoses, with out any supporting documentation. I would hope that people who have given up on a belief do not get put into the 'depression' bucket!!

sometimes I want to reach into the television screen and poke a carrot into the mouths of the FOX news reporters, as well as the CNN reporters...

there are times when it is appropriate to be in a store on the Sabbath, and nobody owes anyone else an explanation...

Hi 8th day, - This passage is found in the book of Jude 1:9 "Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” The dispute is potentially over the body of moses and its location. Some believe it was hidden to prevent the site from becoming a shrine. Yet we see here Moses, suggesting that he was in fact resurrected and likely not from the physical site that he was buried. Upon the moment of the curtain being torn in the sanctuary a number of other saints were also resurrected - Matthew 27:53. As for John 3:13, It has to be kept in context, Note that the verse does not end at the point of COG7 but goes on with more to say "No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven. Note that Jesus is the "Son of Man" here and is standing here talking to Nicodemus but is also stating that the Son of Man is "in heaven" at the same time. Chronologically no one had ascended to heaven and came down from heaven except Jesus. Yet the transfiguration occurs after this and fulfils prophecy at the same time. Matthew 27:53 then happens chronologically after the Transfiguration. Jesus is telling Nicodemus who He is. We note that Nicodemus is not repelled by this discovery and goes on to be recorded sticking up for Jesus at the Sanhedrin council in John 7, When Jesus was buried, Nicodemus again appears and provides the embalming materials for the body, materials that came at some great financial cost. John 19:39. The New Testament is careful not to mention how the disciples nor the others involved in the early church died when they were marytred but for a few exceptions - Stephen for one. Yet church history tells us that Nicodemus was martyred for his faith in Christ. So clearly the words of Christ had enough impact on him that he too became "born again" once he understood what Jesus was saying.

I see what you're saying, Coaspen, and I may be wrong, but I think rf's issue has to do with the problems encountered in his job that are directly due to the fact that some workers apparently do not read/write English necessary to do the job. While it usually doesn't particularly matter if medical patients understand English while undergoing a medical procedure, it does matter when an employee's inability to speak English impacts other workers to the extent that it interrupts their normal work effectiveness and efficiency. It's not a matter of being mean or uncaring towards those who don't speak English; rather, in rf's case, it's a matter of infringing on his work practices when he needs to be constantly checking out someone else's job performance, while still having to do his *own* job. Not exactly an employee's dream job - doing your own work, plus that of someone else for which you're not getting paid... or... maybe I don't have the situation pictured correctly..

LOL "Pastafarianism" is listed as the religion of one of the respondents, so I assume that the Flying Spaghetti Monster was consulted. Not sure how seriously the results can be taken.

I'd say MT that if he actually wanted to know about answered prayer, that would be one thing. But it looks like he's wanting answer as to what religion that God would pick for someone who asks or prays for God to pick one!! For me if that was all he wanted, answered prayer, yes, God has answered every single prayer that I've as for something or someone. Maybe not right away or exactly the way "I" would've wanted it answered. Many times it was many years later. Sometimes I thought, well that one isn't gonna get answered, but down the road I thin back and say, wow, he did answer that prayer. Thank you Lord. :)

I'll just skip the survey and say yes. I got an odd answer but an answer none the less

Same here...

I'm with Pam

sorry.... maybe I'm strange, but it strikes me as somewhat odd to ask God which is the "most correct" religion... and to ask God if I should join a particular church with a specific 'yes' or 'no' answer seems akin to using a ouija board.. I'll pass on taking the survey... maybe others will have a different view and can help you with your survey..