500 witnesses to something that for 300 years wasn't put into the book form that we know today.
I have found that arguing with Christians is akin to herding cats. The argument is constantly moving from one point to the next, because the book is a compilation of stories put together by the rulers of the day in an attempt to keep law and order, mostly out of fear. I don't hold any ill-will towards those who follow the teachings of Jesus. He seems like a dude with a good message: love one another, and try and get along. I do take issue when people try and legislate morality in this country from a biblical standpoint, because, due to the massive amounts of contradictory information, it's impossible. But if you need Christianity in your life, then by all means, go for it. Just understand that there is a growing section of humanity that doesn't buy into it. Live and let live.
Not here to get into a fussing contest. But the Bible isn't stories put together by rulers of the day. Can you tell me where these quotes came from?
You do well to wish to learn our arts and ways of life, and above all, the religion of Jesus Christ. These will make you a greater and happier people than you are.
While we are zealously performing the duties of good citizens and soldiers, we certainly ought not to be inattentive to the higher duties of religion. to the distinguished character of Patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian.
The blessing and protection of Heaven are at all times necessary but especially so in times of public distress and danger. The General hopes and trusts that every officer and man will endeavor to live and act as becomes a Christian soldier, defending the dearest rights and liberties of his country.
I now make it my earnest prayer that God would… most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of the mind which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion.
And another one.
I . . . [rely] upon the merits of Jesus Christ for a pardon of all my sins.
The name of the Lord (says the Scripture) is a strong tower; thither the righteous flee and are safe [Proverbs 18:10]. Let us secure His favor and He will lead us through the journey of this life and at length receive us to a better.
I conceive we cannot better express ourselves than by humbly supplicating the Supreme Ruler of the world . . . that the confusions that are and have been among the nations may be overruled by the promoting and speedily bringing in the holy and happy period when the kingdoms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ may be everywhere established, and the people willingly bow to the scepter of Him who is the Prince of Peace.
One more.
The general principles on which the fathers achieved independence were the general principles of Christianity. I will avow that I then believed, and now believe, that those general principles of Christianity are as eternal and immutable as the existence and attributes of God.
Without religion, this world would be something not fit to be mentioned in polite company: I mean hell.
The Christian religion is, above all the religions that ever prevailed or existed in ancient or modern times, the religion of wisdom, virtue, equity and humanity.
Suppose a nation in some distant region should take the Bible for their only law book and every member should regulate his conduct by the precepts there exhibited. . . . What a Eutopia – what a Paradise would this region be!
I have examined all religions, and the result is that the Bible is the best book in the world.
That ole Devil is a deceiver. Already has pulled the wool over the eyes of people about our history. I respect your opinion on what you believe in. Hope you and the family have a Happy Easter Weekend.