> Now if you have some proof of the existence of god......I'm all ears

If there was proof then the term "to have faith" would not exist.

> no discussion would ever sway you, so I won't waste my time.

+1 for you, but I have a question. Were they philosophers and great thinkers who have perhaps gone further or studied more profoundly than other philosophers of their age, or the incarnations of god?

> I also have sufficient proof for myself, just through my continued exsistence.
> After a total of 9 cardiac arrests, 2 Repiratory arrests(One just this year),I
> know that a higher power is involved in my being...

So are you implying here that you prayed really hard as opposed to going to the doctor and taking medication?

> I would say that your statement about having questions is a good explanation.
> Sometimes I just have problem taking religion too seriously. But I also
> sometimes feel the need to try to understand and respect religous (Christian)
> views about certain things.

If you're christian, then there is nothing to question. The bible (the word of god) has already been given to man......but I am glad you are questioning it. That means you can already see most of what we were taught as christians growing up was a big steaming pile.

>If there was proof then the term "to have faith" would not exist.

O I have faith alright, that more people have been slaughtered in the name of god than for any other single reason in the entire history of man.....and that's all the proof I need to know that belief in imaginary beings is the worst thing to ever happen to man.

.

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> O I have faith alright, that more people have been slaughtered in the name of
> god than for any other single reason in the entire history of man.....and
> that's all the proof I need to know that belief in imaginary beings is the
> worst thing to ever happen to man.

You cant prove a negative. You cant prove something does not exist.
Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence.

> > no discussion would ever sway you, so I won't waste my time.
>
> +1 for you, but I have a question. Were they philosophers and great thinkers
> who have perhaps gone further or studied more profoundly than other
> philosophers of their age, or the incarnations of god?

I think this question is directed to me, but I don't understand it. Were who "philosophers and great thinkers"?

> So are you implying here that you prayed really hard as opposed to going to
> the doctor and taking medication?

It is hard to Prescribe Medicines when you are unsure of the illness.But yes they try and I still to this day take Meds that cost me an average of 1102.00 per month, that medicare does not pay for..I pay out of pocket. (no additional insurance) that are changed continously in an attempt to treat me.

Ans YES, I pray, and I have worldwide Prayer Partners. There is POWER in PRAYER.


Respectfully,

Rocky Cudd

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www.boincsynergy.com

> Just as a point of discussion...
>
> Atheist means you do not believe in a God or possibly a creation of a God.
>
> Being an agnostic means you just aren't sure, ...you don't 'know', but you
> don't necessarily rule it out.
>
> Methinks, in Alex's case, he is what you might call agnostic.
>
> Nobody has anything against agnostics, .....do they?
>
> Cause, at times, I wonder if I'm not agnostic.... as maybe anyone who has
> questions may be.
>

Yes Paul, agnostic is a way of describing how I sometimes think. Although, I would say that I am more of a gnostic when it comes to religious thought. That is however, gnostic in a literal sense though.

My Bad, but I had to take this to an additional point. Mr Brain, I presently have more Doctors than you have probably seen in your life. I have trust in our medical profession, and I continue to look forward to advances and treatments that can effect change in my life. I have been a Guinea Pig for new treatments since 1996. I have had treatments that require several Spinal taps, Invasive surgury, and have been through extensive rounds of Chemo Therepy with Chemicals like Cytoxin, usually saved for cancer patients, but used on me to chemically clear blood vessels and arteries. I have harware in some of my arteries now called Greenfield filters, that block blood clots from going from my legs to my Lungs or Herat. I have one placed to try to prevent a stroke. And I do this because I have FAITH. I have Doctors from the Mayo Clinic, Duke University Hospital, Cedar Siani, Fairfax Hospital, University of Virginia Medical center, and my home hospital Mary Washington. My case has been written in the New England Journal of Medicine, to incite discussion among Doctors Nation..even worlwide. And I am very appreciative of this. My Doctors are not afraid to tell me they don't know what to do, They are not afraid to tell me that my condition will end my life,
And they are not afraid to tell me that They are also looking for a miracle. I have had Doctors(Minds Of Science) pray at my bedside for answers. Does this mean they are weak or inept, not hardly, they to are looking for guidance.

If this disease does take my life, (short of getting hit by a bus, or struck by lighting)I am prepared, and I will leave this Earth for a better place knowing that Science and Medicine will progress, and what they learn in my death, will benefit those after me, and you know why...Because I have had the opportunity to take a peek at the otherside...I know what awaits me.


Very Respectfully,

Rocky

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www.boincsynergy.com

> > I would say that your statement about having questions is a good
> explanation.
> > Sometimes I just have problem taking religion too seriously. But I also
> > sometimes feel the need to try to understand and respect religous
> (Christian)
> > views about certain things.
>
> If you're christian, then there is nothing to question. The bible (the word
> of god) has already been given to man......but I am glad you are
> questioning it. That means you can already see most of what we were taught as
> christians growing up was a big steaming pile.
>

Sorry it took me awhile to get back to you BrainSmashR, cuz I've been on vampire hours lately. Yes, I find myself questioning certain things in religion sometimes, like many other people probably do as well. This is what I meant by not taking things too seriously sometimes.

The only stupid question is the one not asked......
Questions are a good thing.

Rocky

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www.boincsynergy.com

> Yes Paul, agnostic is a way of describing how I sometimes think. Although, I
> would say that I am more of a gnostic when it comes to religious thought. That
> is however, gnostic in a literal sense though.

Huh?,, I'm sorry alex, you lost me on that last thought,

there's just too many definitions of gnostics and gnostisism for me to track what you meant....

not grilling you on it or anything, I just don't understand the reference.

---

> The only stupid question is the one not asked......
> Questions are a good thing.
>
> Rocky

Sure are....

I just want to say I admire your courage, rocky.

I imagine laying yourself bare like you do takes a little out of you each time.

Your attitude and outlook seem very admirable to me.

Best of wishes to you, rocky.

---

> > Yes Paul, agnostic is a way of describing how I sometimes think.
> Although, I
> > would say that I am more of a gnostic when it comes to religious thought.
> That
> > is however, gnostic in a literal sense though.
>
> Huh?,, I'm sorry alex, you lost me on that last thought,
>
> there's just too many definitions of gnostics and gnostisism for me to track
> what you meant....
>
> not grilling you on it or anything, I just don't understand the reference.
>

Hmm. Yup, there are too many definitions to that word. Gnosticism is more of a religious doctrine. I meant gnostic as in gnosis, or knowledge. In the literal ancient Greek sense of the word, a gnostic would be one who possesses or seeks knowledge.

> You cant prove something does not exist.
> Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence.

That only holds true if you believe in figments of the imagination. Rational people do not believe irrational stories without evidence to support them.

> I think this question is directed to me, but I don't understand it. Were who
> "philosophers and great thinkers"?

The "Divine Messengers". Do you follow great thinkers or the incarnations of god within man?

> It is hard to Prescribe Medicines when you are unsure of the illness.But yes
> they try and I still to this day take Meds that cost me an average of 1102.00
> per month, that medicare does not pay for..I pay out of pocket. (no additional > insurance) that are changed continously in an attempt to treat me.

>Ans YES, I pray, and I have worldwide Prayer Partners. There is POWER in PRAYER.

I agree, for believers, prayer is as effective a cure as laughter, or petting a dog, but the power keeping you alive is comming from a doctor and paying over $1000 a month for meds and services without the benefit of medicare or another type of insurance tells me if you had to choose between medicine and prayer, you'd still shell out the money.

After all, if prayer was the solution, you wouldn't be "wasting" your money right now.

> This is what I meant by not taking things too seriously sometimes.

I fully understand what you mean. The difference being I asked those questions at 7 or 8 years old. The point I was trying to make is you cannot call yourself christian and NOT take it seriously. In the christian faith, there are true believers, and everyone else, no fence rails to balance on. Couple that with the repeated atrocities committed in the name of god for thousands of years and the profit margin of the church and you'll see their sole intention has always been manipulation rather than salvation.

Glad to see you revamped your title. :)

.

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> > This is what I meant by not taking things too seriously sometimes.
>
> I fully understand what you mean. The difference being I asked those questions
> at 7 or 8 years old. The point I was trying to make is you cannot call
> yourself christian and NOT take it seriously. In the christian faith, there
> are true believers, and everyone else, no fence rails to balance on. Couple
> that with the repeated atrocities committed in the name of god for thousands
> of years and the profit margin of the church and you'll see their sole
> intention has always been manipulation rather than salvation.
>
> Glad to see you revamped your title. :)
>
> .
>

BrainSmashR I just think that you're looking at faith and religion in a scrictly black and white way. No I'm not perfect, but that doesn't mean that I can't be a Christian and still have questions at the same time. Or be interested in science as well.

I think that Christianity recognizes that people are not perfect. I would also say that Christianity just doesn't throw away people just cuz they don't follow the word 100%.

I always thought the bottom line in Christianity was to make one a better person.

>
> BrainSmashR I just think that you're looking at faith and religion in a
> scrictly black and white way. Or be
> interested in science as well.
>
> I think that Christianity recognizes that people are not perfect. I would also
> say that Christianity just doesn't throw away people just cuz they don't
> follow the word 100%.
>
> I always thought the bottom line in Christianity was to make one a better
> person.

Alex,
I agree with you. I agree that Mr Brain is looking at things in just Black and White.
Mr Brain,
I "Pay" without wasting my money for medicines, because I have Faith, that God will give the wisdom to the Doctors to find and effective treatment. As I said before, without my Faith, I am certian I would not still be around. God does work in mysterious ways. He works through many people. The very first time I coded, I was revived by a "Christian" doctor, who happened to be off duty visiting a family member in the hospital who just happened by my room,saw me laying across my bed and called the code. She was not even familiar with my case. I had a DNR (do not resusitate) order on file. She did not know. I have since cancelled my DNR. With all the times I have been on the edge, I still survive. Why? Not because of Medicines, if it were I would not have coded in the first place. But because of Devine Intervention.
Brain,
You may believe what you wish, and I pray that you or a family member are never in a position like I,where there are no immeadiate answers. Where will you turn? I hope and Pray that you too can find personal contentment. I have in Faith!

Respectfully,

Rocky Cudd

---

www.boincsynergy.com

> >
> > BrainSmashR I just think that you're looking at faith and religion in a
> > scrictly black and white way. Or be
> > interested in science as well.
> >
> > I think that Christianity recognizes that people are not perfect. I would
> also
> > say that Christianity just doesn't throw away people just cuz they don't
> > follow the word 100%.
> >
> > I always thought the bottom line in Christianity was to make one a
> better
> > person.
>
> Alex,
> I agree with you. I agree that Mr Brain is looking at things in just Black
> and White.
> Mr Brain,
> I "Pay" without wasting my money for medicines, because I have Faith, that
> God will give the wisdom to the Doctors to find and effective treatment. As I
> said before, without my Faith, I am certian I would not still be around. God
> does work in mysterious ways. He works through many people. The very first
> time I coded, I was revived by a "Christian" doctor, who happened to be off
> duty visiting a family member in the hospital who just happened by my room,saw
> me laying across my bed and called the code. She was not even familiar with my
> case. I had a DNR (do not resusitate) order on file. She did not know. I have
> since cancelled my DNR. With all the times I have been on the edge, I still
> survive. Why? Not because of Medicines, if it were I would not have coded in
> the first place. But because of Devine Intervention.
> Brain,
> You may believe what you wish, and I pray that you or a family member are
> never in a position like I,where there are no immeadiate answers. Where will
> you turn? I hope and Pray that you too can find personal contentment. I have
> in Faith!
>
> Respectfully,
>
> Rocky Cudd
>

Rocky, I'm glad to see that your faith is so strong. It seems to have helped you a great deal. The story that you told is a good example of why I keep an open mind about religion. My best wishes for your health.

BrainSmashR seems to be quite stubborn. I'm beginning to wonder if he has pirate roots like me.

So how is it that you can believe christ is the son of god, sent here as your savior, AND question it at the same time? You either believe or you do not believe....you are either christian or you are not

> I would also say that Christianity just doesn't throw away people just cuz they > don't follow the word 100%.

John 3:17-18

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

If you question, then you do not believe 100%, and according to your bible, the word of god, you have already been condemned.

Again, nothing personal, christanity is just the religion I was taught since birth. I am a confirmed catholic, just not a believer.

> in the hospital who just happened by my room, saw me laying across my bed and > called the code

So you see a miracle where I see someone doing their job and/or what they love....saving lives. The difference being your medical records tell of the procedures that saved your life whereas the bible does not.

Furthermore, medicine is not an exact science, they may never be able to cure your ailments, but they can and do treat your symptoms. The problem is that some medicine which helps one problem may cause another. For instance, asprin is a good pain reliever, but it causes stomach problem for something like 1 out of every 5 people. Off the top of my head, I would guess that's the reason for the changes in your medication....but that's what happens when you must treat symptom as opposed to a problem.

.

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> So how is it that you can believe christ is the son of god, sent here as your
> savior, AND question it at the same time? You either believe or you do not
> believe....you are either christian or you are not
>
> > I would also say that Christianity just doesn't throw away people just
> cuz they > don't follow the word 100%.
>
> John 3:17-18
>
> For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the
> world through him might be saved.
>
> He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is
> condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only
> begotten Son of God.
>
> If you question, then you do not believe 100%, and according to your bible,
> the word of god, you have already been condemned.
>
> Again, nothing personal, christanity is just the religion I was taught since
> birth. I am a confirmed catholic, just not a believer.
>

That's pretty close to my King James Bible. Although it seems to be in the old tongue, it's close enough.

Yes, you are right, just like I said, there is no half or partial belief in church doctrine. This is one of the reasons why I don't take it too seriously sometimes. It's not very easy for many people to adhere to that kind of strict speak. But I still respect Chistianity, even if it doesn't consider me to be a true Christian.

You could say that I'm the kind of person that might even hang out with Lucifer. But if I could go back in time to the procession to Golgotha, I think that I would try to do something to help Jesus by giving him some water or something. I guess you could say I'm a complex or unusual character BrainSmashR.

> So you see a miracle where I see someone doing their job and/or what they
> love....saving lives. The difference being your medical records tell of the
> procedures that saved your life whereas the bible does not.

Brain, You need to try to stop reading so much into things. Don't discount things you cannot tocj or see. You breathe air you cannot see..but you know it's there. (You can see it if you live in LA)

> Furthermore, medicine is not an exact science, they may never be able to cure
> your ailments, but they can and do treat your symptoms. The problem is that
> some medicine which helps one problem may cause another. For instance, asprin
> is a good pain reliever, but it causes stomach problem for something like 1
> out of every 5 people. Off the top of my head, I would guess that's the
> reason for the changes in your medication....but that's what happens when you
> must treat symptom as opposed to a problem.

I must agree with you partially, yes one medicine treats a symptom, but causes other complications, and this is exactly what I have lived through. One of my cardiac Arrests was even casued by a Medicine that increased my Creatnin in my blood until it cause complete kidney failure in an expedious way. So yes Meds cause many different things. That is the problem with having an unknown medical condition. I take massive doses of Blood thinners. If you are familiar with Blood Thinners at all, I am on Coumadin. The average does is between 2.5 and 5 MG per day. I take 55 MG's per day. I also inject myself with Lovenox (A Low Molecular Weight Heparin that is used on people immeadiatly following a stroke to ward off serious brain damage) twice a day, to try to keep the blood "thin" by additional means. This is an experimental drug that is supplied to me by the manufacturer, because of the price of 128.00 per shot, it is well beyond my reach. But with this illness is a tremendous amount of pain. I was on OxyContin for 2 years until the dosage was so high, that I went into fits of rage and threatened to kill my entire family. I remained Hospitalized for 26 days while they weaned me off of the narcotic. Presently I inject Diladid, and Morphine, when the pain is extensive, but take regular does of Methadone.(Yes Methadone, it was a pain killer before being used as a Heroin detterent). At least while on Methadone I am completely in control of my faculties as Methadone works directly on the source of Pain where the Diladid and Morphine are mind altering narcotics. The Methadone works well most of the time, but there are levels i reach that require something much more intense. I have to switch up on narcotics because of building up such a high tolerence. Right now I inject 12 MG's of Dilaudid at a time...enough to kill anyone else. Yes I know the effects of drugs. I was forced to relinquish my right to drive because of my narcotic use, by Doctors orders. Many of the things that you enjoy on a daily basis have been stripped from me much like a prisoner losing his rights. I am a prisoner of my illness. The only peace and satifaction that I have is in my Family and my Faith, and knowing that I am going to a better place.

The statement fits that your world is Black And White.
As for my Medical Record showing how modern day medicines or procedures are keeping me alive, yes, but they also contain uncertainty as to why I cling on to life when there is no medical reason why.
Read the paper, Pulmonary Embolists ( Blood Clots in The Lungs) are normally immeadiatly fatal. I have had 6 PE's in my right lung, 9 in my left lung, all but 2 occuring outside medical facilities. I have had a Cluster clot in my Brain, that would normally cause paralysis, but yet I have none. As doctors state.."this is outside our area". Is it just able to be explained by Science?
Not when my primary Physician says to me that for my treatments HE relies heavily on Prayer. I'm Ok with that.
As I said before, I hope science can prevent any and all unimaginable experinces that may come your way.
As for my medical records, they are now contained in 5, 3 inch volumes, if you are interested they are available for 5 cents a page at the medical records office at my Primary medical facility.

Respectfully,

Rocky Cudd

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www.boincsynergy.com

>> > > I think that Christianity recognizes that people are not perfect. I
> would also say that Christianity just doesn't throw away people just cuz they
> don't follow the word 100%.

> > > I always thought the bottom line in Christianity was to make one a
better person.

> Rocky, I'm glad to see that your faith is so strong. It seems to have helped
> you a great deal. The story that you told is a good example of why I keep an
> open mind about religion. My best wishes for your health.
>
> BrainSmashR seems to be quite stubborn.

Alex,
I hope through your questions and your open mind that you continue to grow in Faith. I know I am just a vessel, however I do know that good things will come to those after me from what is learned about me. I am content in being a servant.

Very Respectfully,

Rocky

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