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And who knows how their history would have turned out had the discovery/invasion been delayed for another 3-400 years?

Most seem to think that the introduction of 'other cultures' was only a matter of time and the 'natives' could not have survived in their current way of life. But....what if they had not been subjugated, hunted, etc? Maybe their way of life could have been seen as just different and not interfered with. What progress would have happened if left to their own pace? Therewere tribes in the East that were quite advanced in government when compared to the Europeans. Just think, a country the progressed quite differently than the rest of the world, maybe different methods of solving issues, varied ways of life and living! We will never know what the potential could have been, rather sad.

I assure you that I am referring to my own sins - which are many. I drank heavily for many decades (enjoying every moment) but this was getting old when I came into contact with the SDA's and gave it up completely and easily with no cravings (thank God). Alcohol was the first thing I used to buy every paycheque. Now I am even happier without it.

May I suggest that if we don't spend quality time with Him in the study of His Word and in prayer ... both praying and listening ... seriously and sincerely asking for insight from our very own Bibles ..... if may be difficult to become enlightened.

And to tag along with the above.... Just remember that the Holy Spirit does not reveal the same things, at the same time, to every person. What may be *truth* for one, may not have yet be shown to be *truth* to another. God is a merciful God. Christ walked with people who hadn't been "enlightened".... He didn't condone sin, but sure as the sky is blue, He didn't condemn anyone who was living according to the light that had been shown to them. And we are not privy to what has been shown to anyone but ourselves...

Can two walk together unless they are agreed. God cannot bless sin, and in His presence sin is exposed. We cannot walk with God unless we agree with what the Spirit reveals to us. The Spirit reveals, our sin, our need of God, that we become aware of in the presence of His Holiness. And then the Spirit reveals that sin and the Satan are fully condemned and are sentenced to end. The Death of Christ revealed the end of sin is death. In Jesus sinners have a living hope and may have a progressive experience the power of the Death and Resurrection of Christ. In the unfolding of these truths rests the desire of God for all sinners to turn to Him and live... a great exercise of graciousness and patience and kindness has always been extended to humanity, has always been given through Jesus. It is the Goodness of God that leads us to repentance. Jesus is the light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world. The Light of divine love exposes our corruption in our fallen humanity, and offers to us His divine nature that we may escape... and this truth is a struggle for humanity to grasp. The love of God asks us to surrender to Him our whole being to step into His will for us and to forsake our selfish will. He that hath begun a good work in us will finish it. Amen.

LIGHT OUT OF DARKNESS. THE PARENTAGE OF JOSIAH. Josiah's father was Amon, a young man who "trespassed more and more" (2Chron 33:23). But Josiah's father reigned only two years, and then he was assasinated in his own house. (Being about 24 years old. (2K 21:19, 2Chron 33:21)). The extent of the debauchery to which Amon had allowed himself to go, might be seen in the fact that when he died, he left behind an 8 year old child. That child, of course, was Josiah. How old was Amon when Josiah was born to him? Amon was no more than 16 years old. Children having children? A recipie for disaster? Absolutely, a recipie for disaster, unless God finds room to work, and brings light out of the gross darkness. We know little about Josiah's mother apart from her name. She was "Jedidah, the daughter of Adaiah of Boscath. (2K 22:1) There seems to be no indication of age or morality. Her role in the upbringing of Josiah, must, it seems, remain unknown. But another 'element' looms large... "And the servants of Amon conspired against him, and slew the king IN HIS OWN HOUSE. And the people of the land slew all them that had conspired against king Amon..." (2Kings 21:23-24) Josiah's father was assassinated when Josiah was 8 years old. Was Josiah present in the house at the time? This would seem more than likely! Might the young boy have seen the carnage? We cannot know for sure, but again, this is entirely possible. And of course a young boy, witnessing such a violent act in his own home, would be deeply affected. Unexpected/unforseen reactions might be seen. And who was it that killed his father, Amon? It was Amon's own servants that killed him. People he knew; people he trusted... People he trusted EVEN IN HIS OWN HOME. Did young Josiah know some of the assailants? If Josiah did know any of them, then those people would soon be dead too. The killing of Amon was [perhaps unexpectedly for the conspirators,] an extremely unpopular act. The people rose up and killed all those that acted a part in the crime. This whole, terrible, episode may have been a huge factor in turning Josiah AWAY from Satanic worship and influences. _________________ But it should not be imagined that Josiah turned to the Lord when his father was killed. Yes, Josiah came to the throne when he was 8 years old (2Chron 34:1), but it appears that ANOTHER 8 YEARS PASSED before Josiah actually began "to seek after the God of David his father." It was when Josiah was 16 that he devoted himself to God... quite amazing. If good seeds had been planted earlier (in his more formative years,) then they seem to have remained dormant for a time. 2Chronicles 34:3 "... in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet young, he began to seek after the God of David his father..." 　

I think I'll mention some things, as there might be some interest. The one who *really* has similar thoughts is George Fifield, who was a contemporary of Jones and Waggoner, but not well known. He did some sermons at the 1897 General Conference session, which is how I found about about him. His first sermon, called appropriate "Sermon #1", on Isaiah 53 might be the best sermon I've ever read. I really love it, and you find it online. He also wrote a book "God is Love", which has nice thoughts. Regarding Waggoner, there is the commonality in the idea that it is many who needs to be fixed (Jones also emphasizes this point). and not God, meaning that the sacrifice is for our benefit, and not to propitiate God (Fifield also emphasized this).

Similar thoughts that come to mind involve the theory of atonement. The common idea at the time of Waggoner (and still today) was the penal substitution theory, but I can't think of any statements by Waggoner (or Jones, but I'm thinking more of Waggoner because we have written commentaries from him of Romans and Galatians). I think there is 0% chance of your becoming a clone, so I wouldn't worry about that (not just them; I don't think you're becoming a clone of anyone's thinking is in your nature).