Guess what else I noticed? Even though Jesus taught that you should obey the laws of man, there you go, a good 15-20 MPH over the speed limit. Even though it is quite dry and brown in this part of the country, I find myself swerving to the right ever so slightly to avoid the smoldering cigarette you have so carelessly tossed out your window while fumbling with your cell phone.

We’re coming up to a set of lights now. A gentleman approaches your vehicle, obviously homeless and in dire need. Tonight is the night of the Last Supper. You know, where Jesus washes the feet of his disciples in an effort to show what it means to be humble and to teach them the lesson of servitude. While he may have taught compassion and encouraged his followers to “give all you have to the poor,” you don’t hesitate to roll up your window before the man even gets to you. You avert your gaze. He has seen the look on your face several times before on the faces of others. He knows what you feel. The light changes from red to green. No sooner than it does, you are already in the crosswalk, narrowly missing the small child that was crossing the street. Her mother yells at you as you drive off. You simply gesture to her with a one fingered salute.

I take my attention off of you and look at the homeless fellow that was trying to make his way to your car. He had fallen down and seemed to be in some pain. I put on my four-ways, pull the e-brake and get out to help him up. “I wonder if that idiot knows that his tire is flat,” he says as I help him to his feet. I can’t help it. I laugh out loud, almost to the point of tears.

As Ken and I finish our Whoppers and talk over our Cokes, I can’t help but to think about all the times that I have seen you; all of you. Driving around with your “love of God” pasted all over your vehicles. As I take Ken back to the spot that you so hurriedly drove off from, he says, “God bless you, man.” I don’t say anything. He doesn’t need to know that I am an atheist. “Thank you,” I reply.

And THAT’S why you disgust me, you hypocritical bastard.

The contents of TJM is being moved to Reason VS Faith. Even in that, I will only play in an oversight role. Why? My true passions lie elsewhere. In all honesty, I find it quite maddening to debate with people that, quite frankly, just are not genetically geared to follow reason rather than blind faith. Most people are easily subdued into submission simply through fear.

I am ready to move on to something that may actually make a difference, which is what I ultimately would like to be a part of. Activism is in my blood, although it has been ignored for some time. With the way that this nation is going (the world, in fact), I feel like my time would me better put to use trying to do what I can to unite rather than divide. Yes, I will create a new blog for that purpose. No, I will not advertise it here.

I have been approached by a couple of people that are interested in the TJM brand. Should a reasonable offer manifest itself, I will be accepting it. Until that time, TJM will be maintained, although new content may be sparse. My apologies in advance for that.

Until we meet again-

Don’t like the situation that we are in, my fellow Americans? Are you one of the many that fill up your tank to the tune of $3.50 or more per gallon and putting it on the good ‘ol credit card? Like paying more at the grocery store than you ever did before? How’s that energy bill treating you? Like paying that ever rising health care insurance? Or maybe you are one of the millions of Americans that have no idea what color shoes you have on right now. Not because you forgot, but because you can’t see them.

The biggest catch phrase in politics today is one word: change. “America needs real change.” Bullshit. You know what America needs? Less apathy and more involvement of it’s citizens. More people who want to make a difference and understand that that means more than just writing a heated letter to your congressman. We need more people who are informed about what is going on in our society and how it impacts us.

Tired of those gas prices? Driving an SUV you really don’t need? Don’t complain then. Although I could say that it’s your problem, it’s not. You’re making it my problem simply by driving that unnecessary, gas guzzling ego stroke. After all, that’s what it’s about, isn’t it? You don’t need that Hummer. Most of those that actually own one will never use it for it’s intended purpose anyway. (And most of you can’t really drive one anyway. I have seen you try to park that Excursion at the store. A five point turn just to pull into a parking spot?!?! You suck.) But no, you’re willing to get that whopping 12 miles to the gallon just to look good. You just look like an idiot to me. (Especially those of you that don’t even own a home but are willing to fork over 35K for these beasts. You are a retard.)

It’s all about looking good, isn’t it? Let’s take the crash in the housing market and the rise of foreclosures. Face it, you bought more house than you could afford. Period. No, you don’t deserve a government bailout. You deserve to be out on your ass. Why? Because you are a MORON! I was in the business of mortgage lending. I have seen the credit reports of those that refinance. Your debt to income is off the chart and it always will be because you have absolutely no self control and must have the latest and greatest of whatever there is out there. Please, find me a valid argument on why you need to spend 5K on a friggin’ TV?

In a nation where we have our own homeless problems, we focus more on the poverty of other countries. In a nation where children routinely go to bed every night malnourished, households throw away 50 billion (with a B) dollars worth of food every year.

In a nation where alternate forms of energy are available, oil is still our bloodstream and we rely on foreign transfusions to keep us sustained.

Even though solar shingles are available for a mere 20% more than a normal shingle and can provide you with electricity and a great ROI, you will still pay your electric company the exorbitant amount that they demand. Garbage can be used to create both diesel and electricity, but how many of you actually knew that and looked into the progress before you read it here?

So many issues to tackle, so little time. America doesn’t need change. America needs its people to get involved in its turnaround and growth. But I guess that that WOULD be a change, now wouldn’t it?

The following will be an open book test to which I will even give you the references. Please leave your answers in the comments section. Oh, and grab your Bible!

1. What time of day did the women visit the tomb of Jesus?Matt. 28:1, Mark 16:2, Luke 24:1 and John 20:1
2. Who were the women?Matt. 28:1, Mark 16:1, Luke 24:10 and John 20:1
3. What was their purpose?Matt. 28:1, Mark 15:47 and 16:1, Luke 23:55 and 24:1 and John 19:39-40
4. Was the tomb open when they arrived?Matt. 28:2, Mark 16:4, Luke 24:2 and John 20:1
5. Who was at the tomb when they arrived?Matt. 28:2-7, Mark 16:5, Luke 24:4 and John 20:12
6. Where were they (the messengers) situated?Matt. 28:2, Mark 16:5, Luke 24:4 and John 20:12
7. What did the messengers say?Matt. 28:5-7, Mark 16:6-7, Luke 24:5-7 and John 20:13
8. Did the women tell about what had happened?28:8, Mark 16:8, Luke 24:9, 22-24 and John 20:18
9. When Mary returned from the tomb, did she know Jesus had been resurrected?Matt. 28:7-8, Mark 16:10-11, Luke 24:6-9, 23, and John 20:2
10. When did Mary first see Jesus?Matt. 28:9, Mark 16:9-10 and John 20:2,14
11. Could Jesus be touched after the resurrection?Matt. 28:9 and John 20:17, 27
12. After the women, to whom did Jesus first appear?Matt. 28:16, Mark 16:12,14, Luke 24:13,36, John 20:19,24 and 1Cor. 15:5
13. Where did Jesus first appear to the disciples?Matt. 28:16-17, Mark 16:12-14, Luke 24:31-36(By the way, this is about 60-100 mile away from the answer found in Matt.), John 20:19
14. Did the disciples believe the two men?Mark 16:13 and Luke 24:34
15. What happened at the appearance?Matt. 28:17-20, Mark 16:14-19, Luke 24:13-51 and John 21:19-23
16. Did Jesus stay on earth for a while?Mark 16:19, Luke 24:50-52, John 20:26, 21:1-22 and Acts 1:3
17. Where did the ascension take place?Matt. no ascension, Mark 16:9, Luke 24:50-51, Acts 1:9-12

Do you really believe that this magnificent universe with all its precision and exact order created itself? The fool says there is no God.
Tell me, what hospital, hospice, rescue mission, homeless shelter or any other thing beneficial to mankind has been established by atheists?

Praying for you,

D******

My response:

Firstly, the universe does not have exacting precision. In fact, quite the contrary is true. Galaxies collide with one another, sometimes producing completely different galaxies (similar to how our moon came to be). Dying stars create massive super-novas that destroy whole planets. It is all in your perspective. Much like after the rain. “And the puddle thinks to himself, ‘How perfectly I fit into this hole. It must have been created just for me.’” You say that it is the fool who says there is no God. I say that it is foolish to believe only that which you were taught without questioning. I was a “born-again” Christian. I went to school to become a pastor. The more I learned, the more I was unsure. (The funny thing is that most atheists know substantially more about the history of various religions than those that practice them. Why? Being skeptical about everything forces you to learn even more to come to a knowledgeable conclusion.)

Let us say that there is a God. Which of the over 250 gods that are worshipped around the world should I throw my belief to?

As for your final question:
1. The American Atheist Homeless Shelters, located in every small to large urban area in the United States. There are in excess of 700 shelters located throughout the continental United States. Manned by Atheists of all races, colors and creeds, they provide shelter, food, clothing, and a lack of spiritual help and guidance.

2. The American Atheist Society is also committed to providing high-tech professional health care in the many Atheist hospitals in every corner of America. They also are well known for the many smaller medical clinics that have helped the poor and poverty stricken in blighted areas.
The staffing in these medical clinics give of themselves night and day.

3. In addition to all the many in and outpatient hospitals, the American Atheist Children’s Hospitals are on the cutting edge of infant and adolescent care. They are staffed by highly dedicated care givers who work tirelessly to bring health care to those who would otherwise go without.

4. Then there is, Atheist charities, similar to Catholic charities, but far more advanced. They don’t offer false hope to those who are hurting by praying with them. Atheist charities, believe a nice pat on the back, and a little motivational talk is all that’s needed to get people back on the right path.

5. Then there is the American Atheist Hospice program. Thousands of Atheists in every city, town, and little burg in this country are committed to providing comfort and care during the last remaining days of someone’s life.

I could go on. In addition, you may wish to google Secular Humanism for a better understanding.

He then wrote back:

Well then…Do you believe this chaotic universe created itself? I’ve never seen or heard of anything founded by atheists and don’t know of anyone who has. So exactly which corner are they on?

D*** D****

My final response so far:

Do I believe that this chaotic universe created itself? Not in the manner that you may use the term “create,” that is, with intent or purpose. You are also assuming that this is the only universe in existence. Current theoretical astrophysics models show how two universes can collide with on another, creating a third universe. While the question could then be asked, “Where did the two original universes come from,” the question is still a question from ignorance (not taking a dig at you, as we are all ignorant as to the beginnings of the universe as we know it). Simply because one does not know the answer to a paradox does not mean that one is right in inserting “God” into the equation. At one time it was thought that seizures were brought on by demons. As we learned more about the human brain and it’s neural activity, we realized that this was false. Unfortunately, a great number of people died simply due to a belief in something simply because it was not understood.

As for your other question, I have already given you 5 separate examples. You obviously have an internet connection, therefor you have access to multiple search engines. You could just simply search those organizations out. But you won’t. The reason is that you believe that atheists are amoral. Since we do not believe in a god, why help others? Why do what is right if there is no consequence? It is called the Social Contract. Even lower primates have a sense of morality, albeit very basic.

The problem that you are facing with me is that you do not have a firm grasp on my stance while I understand your stance all too well. Before beginning a debate of any kind, be sure that you know your opponent’s position. Not just know it, but understand it. I am more than happy to converse with you further on the matter, but you must do some research of your own before attacking a position that you do not fully understand.

Anyone else like to chime in?

Now that this phase is completed, I will have more time to focus on getting things running here at RvF. I am looking forward to the discussions and debates. We are currently seeking theists for the site, so if you would like to put in your two bits in byte form, please feel free to let me know.

~Later all!

1. an act of offering to a deity something precious; especially : the killing of a victim on an altar
2. something offered in sacrifice
3. destruction or surrender of something for the sake of something else b: something given up or lost

Given these definitions, I can hardly call the crucification of Jesus a “sacrifice” for several reasons. First of all, there is the age old adage of “God sacrificed himself to himself to appease himself for a mistake that he made.” A superior being (omnipotent, in fact) that MUST require a sacrifice in order to forgive is a bit odd, yet does not negate the term “sacrifice.”

The main reason I cannot deem this a sacrifice is for the simple, yet complex, reason that there was no (for lack of a better word) sacrifice. If you are a Christian, your whole belief is wrapped around the concept that this world is temporary and your bodies are but shells. The real “life” is the soul, which cannot be killed. The soul is thought of as immortal, no matter the destination. You will either rejoice forevermore with your Saviour or languish in the eternal bowels of hell (which is either a place simply void of God’s presence, so much for omnipresence, or a place of fire, brimstone, wailing and gnashing of teeth). So, while Jesus may have been crucified, he still lives on. Where is the sacrifice in that?

In fact, one could actually view this as a homecoming rather than a death. After all, God was separated from his Son some 33 years due to Jesus’ incarceration by a fleshly body. It was only after the shackles of his mortal shell were loosened that he was able to return to his Sky Daddy.

“But TJM,  don’t you think that the act of God sending his Son to suffer on the cross is sacrifice enough?” No, not really. Let’s face it, Jesus took the coward’s way out. He willingly gave up his spirit. Is crucification cruel? You bet your ass it is. However, Jesus did not experience the half of it. You know, the agonizing part where you slowly suffocate after they break your legs so you can no longer hold yourself up… Did Jesus suffer? If the NT Account are true, sure he did. But no more than anyone else, and less than others.

….To Be Continued….

 Betty Bowers