Miscellaneous comments not having much to do with FrG's bible study
On a lighter note, si=if, and sí (with the accent)=yes. To make an i with an accent, hold down the ALT key and enter 161.
I agree with Wiz, I kinda like how you've toughed it out and stayed here awhile. It's beyond bizarre and absurd, this heavy coat of condensed religion inside a sea of primarily athietic gambling, but it's oddly enjoyable. It's kinda like a cut on the gum; you wouldn't go looking for it, but since it's there you can't help but poke your tongue into it and experience the strange pleasure you find by doing so (or maybe that's just me?)
I did like this homily, probably more than any you've posted. Obviously the "religion" parts don't compute, but I found the idea crosses all boundaries. There's a certain psychology, a concept, that I think goes deeper. I think this idea can be extended and interwoven, but I'm at a loss to explain how. I'll try to come back to this later as I really wish to kind of dive into it, but I... I just haven't been myself lately. Hopefully soon I'll be able to think deeper than your average house cat and we can start up a convo.
Although I don't always comment, I enjoy reading your Homilies and posts.
Folks are pretty rough on you, Fr. Gamble, methinks, although I can't deny you are fair game posting here. You seem to feel you get something out of it, which is good. I certainly get something out of your Homilies, speaking for myself. This time less 'laying it on thick' with the same language used with believers was an improvement too.
Face, you lost me on that cut on the gum thing, but otherwise I agree.
Quote: WizardOn a lighter note, si=if, and sí (with the accent)=yes. To make an i with an accent, hold down the ALT key and enter 161.
You can also get a Spanish keyboard, press the accent key, then the letter you want. But only if you also load the right keyboard driver, which should be on your OS disk or directory.
I was confused with this statement. You're not doing it to please God but you're doing it because you should - but isn't God the one who established that you "should" do this in the first place?Quote: FrGambleThat is why I consider it the highest example of charity when we serve our fellow man not because we are trying to feel good ourselves nor to earn points with the big guy upstairs, but rather just because I know I should.
I do have to say that in the OP he did ask for comments, not limiting it to those who's beliefs are aligned with his. Had he indicated that I, myself, would have respected that and kept my thoughts to my self. I'm just speaking for myself now since I know I'm not the only one on this board who doesn't carry religious beliefs. But as mentioned, a gambling board may not be the best place to expect a fully positive response from posting religious lessons on God.Quote: odiousgambitFolks are pretty rough on you, Fr. Gamble, methinks, although I can't deny you are fair game posting here. You seem to feel you get something out of it, which is good.
Quote: HotBlondeI was confused with this statement. You're not doing it to please God but you're doing it because you should - but isn't God the one who established that you "should" do this in the first place?
I've seen this discussed here, and on other boards, but the issue of salvation by grace or works is always a touchy subject, and nobody ever changes his/her position on it that I can see. Isn't there a parable somewhere about trees, and how if the tree is planted in good soil it will produce good fruit (i.e. good deeds) effortlessly? If it is planted in bad soil it may still work hard to produce some fruit, and put them in easy reach and in plain view for everyone to notice. Like I wrote before, I won't begrudge a good deed no matter what the reason. I've known lots of Christians, but what few I really respect seemed to do them naturally and effortlessly, seemingly out of a love for their fellow man, and not trying to buy a Stairway to Heaven, as Led Zeppelin might put it.
There's a difference between a debate inspired by a different viewpoint or belief, and the outright attacks that have littered this and other threads when religion is brought up.Quote: HotBlondeI do have to say that in the OP he did ask for comments, not limiting it to those who's beliefs are aligned with his. Had he indicated that I, myself, would have respected that and kept my thoughts to my self. I'm just speaking for myself now since I know I'm not the only one on this board who doesn't carry religious beliefs.
No, but it's as good a place as any to get a cross-section of opinions. And i think that's what FrGamble was looking for.Quote: HotBlondeBut as mentioned, a gambling board may not be the best place to expect a fully positive response from posting religious lessons on God.
There's only so much you can learn from someone who agrees with you.
There's an old saying: I've learned some from my teachers, more from my class-mates, but most from my students.
I don't know if you're saying that posters have attacked FrGamble. In the posts I've read they may have been attacking religious concepts but I personally did not see any personal attacks toward him. I'm just trying to figure out whether you were saying we were attacking HIM or not.Quote: DJTeddyBearThere's a difference between a debate inspired by a different viewpoint or belief, and the outright attacks that have littered this and other threads when religion is brought up.
However, he brings a certain representation to the table. As a result, any attack on religion, and particularly attacks on Catholicism, can be interpreted as being a personal attack, whether they were intended as such or not.
And for that, he is to be commended for his thick skin.
Well, I completely disagree.Quote: DJTeddyBearAs a result, any attack on religion, and particularly attacks on Catholicism, can be interpreted as being a personal attack
Quote: DJTeddyBearHowever, he brings a certain representation to the table. As a result, any attack on religion, and particularly attacks on Catholicism, can be interpreted as being a personal attack, whether they were intended as such or not.
Under that logic, any attack on the efficacy of dice setting can be interpreted as a personal attack on the people who try it.
"Try it?" No. But those that believe and practice it, yes.Quote: MathExtremistUnder that logic, any attack on the efficacy of dice setting can be interpreted as a personal attack on the people who try it.
Mind you, I'm talking about posts that emotionally attack, and not those that merely present opposing views.
By the way I have not felt any type of personal attack since I have been on the forum. In fact I have felt the exact opposite. I thank you for the kind way you have interacted with me, even if you had to do so while biting your tongue. I've read that in the last decade the Diocese of Las Vegas' Catholic population has grown by 300,000 people. Talking with all of you makes me desire to follow Nick and see if they need some help out there. As pastor maybe I could try to hire Nick and hotblonde (that doesn't sound right I know).
I will say that the attacks on God, my Lord Jesus Christ, and my beloved priesthood do personally hurt me tremendously. However, I need to be able to hear that crap and not let it get to me too much. I take no offense whatsoever to the honest and good comments and questions or the doubts and arguments, keep em coming.
God Bless!
Quote: FrGamble(everything he just said)
Something inside of me smiles reading this. I don't think I've ever met someone so devoutly religious that was as easy to argue with. And by "easy" I mean it's easy to talk to you, not that your ideas are easy to knock out of the park. I'm working on a question for you, just trying to figure out how to word it so my meaning's not missed. I hope you'll play along ;)
Glad to hear. I know I'm not the only one who has opposing views on here, but I was confused why anyone in the forum thought any of us were actually attacking you personally.Quote: FrGambleBy the way I have not felt any type of personal attack since I have been on the forum.
Well I am looking for a career shift but not sure a job in the Catholic church would be the right job for me. I'd probably fit in more in the adult entertainment industry. :-OQuote: FrGambleAs pastor maybe I could try to hire Nick and hotblonde (that doesn't sound right I know).
Quote: HotBlonde
Well I am looking for a career shift but not sure a job in the Catholic church would be the right job for me. I'd probably fit it more in the adult entertainment industry. :-O
like as a camera person? producer? ;)
Um.... yeeeeeah, something like that. :-PQuote: ikilledjerryloganlike as a camera person? producer? ;)
Quote: ikilledjerryloganlike as a camera person? producer? ;)
Oh, director, I'm sure. Camera! Action! More moaning!
Quote: FrGambleTalking with all of you makes me desire to follow Nick and see if they need some help out there.
There has got to be an opening for a priest at the Summerlin parish, which is very close to my place. However, given what happened to the last one, don't mention your moniker here. More information
Quote: WizardThere has got to be an opening for a priest at the Summerlin parish, which is very close to my place. However, given what happened to the last one, don't mention your moniker here. More information
Suppose it all started with playing Bingo?
Quote: FrGambleI know that my own discovery of God took place through good questions
That's nice.
Would it surprise you to learn I decided there's no god and there cannot be one by asking questions as well?
Quote:and I also know that the answers are best discovered not by being told, but by personal discovery.
That's another thing we can agree on. It's too bad you reached the wrong conclusions.
Quote:I've read that in the last decade the Diocese of Las Vegas' Catholic population has grown by 300,000 people. Talking with all of you makes me desire to follow Nick and see if they need some help out there.
Any correlation with an increase in Latino and specifically Mexican immigration? I mean, a very large majority of Mexicans and Latin Americans are Catholic. If their numbers rise, so does the number of Catholics.
Quote: Nareed
That's another thing we can agree on. It's too bad you reached the wrong conclusions
Yep It's an opinion, just like you're wrong about needing to modify your body. Maybe its your mind not your body! Sorry, couldn't help it... You sure like to debate religion a lot, a person comfortable in their own skin would probably just leave it alone.
Quote: DJTeddyBearThere's a difference between a debate inspired by a different viewpoint or belief, and the outright attacks that have littered this and other threads when religion is brought up.
I am also impressed with the Good Father's stick-to-itiveness in a somewhat hostile environment. And I'm surprised to still see so many neg comments in this thread even after the Wiz set up the "rag on religion here" thread specifically to keep this thread free of them.
That's what I had assumed.Quote: FrGambleBy the way I have not felt any type of personal attack since I have been on the forum.
Note to forum members: This is what I was talking about. But it appears that the good Father does have a thick skin.Quote: FrGambleI will say that the attacks on God, my Lord Jesus Christ, and my beloved priesthood do personally hurt me tremendously. However, I need to be able to hear that crap and not let it get to me too much.
You're right. That doesn't sound right. LOL.Quote: FrGambleAs pastor maybe I could try to hire Nick and hotblonde (that doesn't sound right I know).
I warned you once that sarcasm doesn't come off well in an internet forum. Humor, on the other hand, works well. Thanks for that laugh.
Quote: zippyboyAnd I'm surprised to still see so many neg comments in this thread even after the Wiz set up the "rag on religion here" thread specifically to keep this thread free of them.
Agreed, let's try to get back on topic. I think it has been about 30 posts since anybody addressed FrG's last homilee. So, somebody please say something about it. For more general comments about religion, please use the rag thread.
Quote: zippyboyAnd I'm surprised to still see so many neg comments in this thread even after the Wiz set up the "rag on religion here" thread specifically to keep this thread free of them.
Yep, you can ruin what might be an interesting discussion with folks like Nareed posting 24 times on a thread trying to debate the existence of G_D rather than maybe a meaningful discussion on the message of the sermon. Me thinks he does protest to much Fr. Gamble get the bible and find a creek we gots us some baptizin' to do!!
or
He/she is a troll, one of the two.
The thing is there is not a single "religious" person I know who hasn't seriously questioned their faith. To assume every one who is religious is lacking for not reaching the same conclusion is simple minded and reeks of intolerance. To steal a little from e.e. Cummings why "try to teach a bird how not to sing"
Quote: Scotty71Yep, you can ruin what might be an interesting discussion with folks like Nareed posting 24 times on a thread trying to debate the existence of G_D rather than maybe a meaningful discussion on the message of the sermon.
Oh, if you don't like my questions about god, you'd positively hate what I have to say about his message.
I'm not ready to fight a major war, though, this is not the venue to fight it on, and it's not religion that is the main enemy in any case.
Quote:Me thinks he does protest to much Fr. Gamble get the bible and find a creek we gots us some baptizin' to do!!
or He/she is a troll, one of the two.
My, what a big problem with pronouns you have!
I'm not trolling. If I were I'd be attacking everyone and posting only for effect. I think Father Gamble does understand that while I'm arguing with him, he's not my target audience; and I think the reverse is also true.
Quote:To assume every one who is religious is lacking for not reaching the same conclusion is simple minded and reeks of intolerance.
I said no such thing. but if the good father can say his interpretation of scripture is right, I can say he's arguing from flawed premises (i.e. that his conclusions from previous self-questioning are wrong).
Take care and have fun.
Quote: HotBlondeHey, I just wanted to drop by and say that I will be leaving the forum for a while. I'm really upset and don't want to go into detail. I will say that unless people are hijacking a thread and going completely off topic I don't see the need to edit and move people's comments just because you feel sorry for the OP.
My house, my rules. I just was trying to keep the discussion on topic and I never "edited" any posts. I've also split threads for going off topic lots of times.
Nareed: That's nice. Would it surprise you to learn I decided there's no god and there cannot be one by asking questions as well?
FrGamble: "...and I also know that the answers are best discovered not by being told, but by personal discovery."
Nareed: That's another thing we can agree on. It's too bad you reached the wrong conclusions.
Like FrGamble I'm a Christian...and I've emailed the Wiz in the past that there seems to be an open season on anyone on the forum who has a personal faith. It often keeps me from posting and just lurking for those topics that look interesting. But I saw this and had to comment. Nareed I think you're out of bounds here... you may not have been insulting within the letter of the law but the tone is condescendingly insulting. Frankly, for someone who trumpets the LGBT lifestyle I would think you could be a little more accepting of others who are different. If not accepting than at least polite.
Quote: WoldusLike FrGamble I'm a Christian...and I've emailed the Wiz in the past that there seems to be an open season on anyone on the forum who has a personal faith.
It's more like open season on faith or religion.
Quote:Nareed I think you're out of bounds here...
I disagree.
Quote:you may not have been insulting within the letter of the law but the tone is condescendingly insulting.
I admit sometimes I get condescending. But to be honest, so do some Christians here (I name no names). I also tend to be disparaging of religious beliefs.
Quote:Frankly, for someone who trumpets the LGBT lifestyle
Frankly, I dind't know it was a lifestyle (that's condescending).
Quote:I would think you could be a little more accepting of others who are different.
Not accepting? Have I told anyone they should change their religion? Have I referred to a self-identified Christian as a Pagan or an idolatrer? Have I suggested religious people are mentally ill and need therapy to get cured of religion? Have I suggested believers ought to be kept apart from us decent atheists? Have I compared the faithful with serial killers? Have I threatened to beat your silly notions out of you? Have I even called you or the good father any names?
Believe me, I've been very accepting and entirely respectful of your rights.
Quote:If not accepting than at least polite.
I've been as polite as I usually am. More so in some cases, actually, when faced with amazing claims with no visible means of support.
My thoughts exactly.Quote: WoldusNareed I think you're out of bounds here... you may not have been insulting within the letter of the law but the tone is condescendingly insulting. Frankly, for someone who trumpets the LGBT lifestyle I would think you could be a little more accepting of others who are different. If not accepting than at least polite.
In reading these posts and rebuttals I find it somewhat interesting that the 2 most outspoken opponents to Fr Gamble, and Christianity or religion in general have both made it clear that they are part of the GLBT community. Why do they feel the need to continually make the same argument? I don't know the answer but it is rather sad that instead of ignoring the topic they come back to prove their point, knock someone else down a peg and expose their intolerance and ignorance again and again.
As has been said, Fr Gamble has made his way to the deep end on this site and has opened himself up to whatever certain members may see fit to throw at him. For better or for worse he marches on in the face of some fairly blatant attacks. It's up to him how he takes them and it's up to the Wizard to determine how long this goes on but I felt I'd take a moment and give my 2 cents worth and kindly ask for the nastiness to stop.
Quote: WoldusNareed I think you're out of bounds here... you may not have been insulting within the letter of the law but the tone is condescendingly insulting.
Quote: NareedI've been as polite as I usually am. More so in some cases, actually, when faced with amazing claims with no visible means of support.
I think things have been going swimmingly. I mean really...you can't talk about this stuff, REALLY talk about it, without having some collateral damage. FrG has said many things that make me believe he thinks athieism is the worst possible choice, even worse than some truely bad religions. He himself represents an idea that says I will burn for all eternity. This just as easily could be called insulting... but I'm not insulted. I don't really see why I should be, it's just what he thinks my fate will be. He hasn't called me a jerk, he didn't bite his thumb at me, he just has a different belief. Happens all the time.
I think FrG and Nareed are two side of the same coin. Both are knowledgable, both are passionate, but they look at things 180* from each other. As far as "fierce believers" go, I think they've BOTH done a damn good job of arguing points and keeping things civil. I think FrG said it best when he said he hasn't felt a personal attack, just that his heart hurts for his idea (his Savior) being attacked. And it goes both ways. Personally, I think the pain is worth the enlightenment.
Quote: TheNightflyIn reading these posts and rebuttals I find it somewhat interesting that the 2 most outspoken opponents to Fr Gamble, and Christianity or religion in general have both made it clear that they are part of the GLBT community.
And Christianity as a message doesn't seem to have nice things to say about Gays, Lesbians (not sure about the rest).
Must be a connection there.
Quote: TheNightflyA man claiming that there is an all knowing, all seeing and loving creator without hard evidence is no more (and perhaps no less) foolish than a man donning high heels and calling himself a woman.
You do know the "T" in GLBT stands for "transgender" rather than "transvestite", don't you?
Quote: MathExtremistYou do know the "T" in GLBT stands for "transgender" rather than "transvestite", don't you?
There's a huge amount of ignorance on both sides of this discussion.
Quote: FaceI think things have been going swimmingly.
I thought so, too. Apparently I'm not being submissive enough to suit some people.
Quote:I think FrG and Nareed are two side of the same coin. Both are knowledgable, both are passionate, but they look at things 180* from each other.
That's a fair assessment. Except I'm really used to arguing against such opposite viewpoints.
Quote:As far as "fierce believers" go,
Watch it :)
Quote:I think they've BOTH done a damn good job of arguing points and keeping things civil.
Well, that turning the other cheek trick does tend to work on civilized people with a conscience.
Quote: ikilledjerryloganRight. Because gay people consider themselves born gay but the Bible treats homosexuality as a choice. The Bible teaches that God loves the sin but hates the sinner however that would seem impmossible if a person is born gay.
Just to clarify, it's a lot more than just gay people who consider themselves born gay. The idea that you can "cure gayness" doesn't have much weight in credible medical circles. It's like suggesting that you can "cure straightness" or "cure lefthandedness".
Quote: rxwineAnd Christianity as a message doesn't seem to have nice things to say about Gays, Lesbians (not sure about the rest).
Must be a connection there.
You'd think so, wouldn't you, but that's only a small part of it. Ever since I got interested in science, I've abhorred the notion of faith. So much so I rarely even use the word, and sometimes I'll wince, a little, when it's used in a different context.
And to be fair the good father hasn't even brought it up. Since several others have, I suppose he does know. And if not he does now. To be honest I've no idea what the official position of the Church is. To be even more honest, I don't care; it has no effect on me.
Quote: MathExtremistJust to clarify, it's a lot more than just gay people who consider themselves born gay. The idea that you can "cure gayness" doesn't have much weight in credible medical circles. It's like suggesting that you can "cure straightness" or "cure lefthandedness".
Gotta love those credible medical circles.
Quote: ikilledjerryloganGotta love those credible medical circles.
I prefer them to incredible medical circles.
Yes, yes I do.Quote: MathExtremistYou do know the "T" in GLBT stands for "transgender" rather than "transvestite", don't you?
I AM A PART of the Fellowship of the Unashamed.The die has been cast. The decision has been made. I have stepped over the line. I won’t lookback, let up, slow down, back away or be still.My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is in God’s hands. I am finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, the bare minimum, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, frivolous living, selfish giving, and dwarfed goals. I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, applause, or popularity. I don’t have to be right, first, the best, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith. I lean on Christ's presence. I love with patience, live by prayer, and labor with the power of God’s grace. My face is set. My gait is fast, my goal is heaven. My road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few, my Guide is reliable, and my mission is clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity. I won’t give up, shut up, let up or slow up until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, and spoken up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give until I drop, speak out until all know, and work until He stops me. And when He returns for His own, He will have no difficulty recognizing me. My banner is clear: I am a part of the Fellowship of the Unashamed.
Adapted from the original (author unknown) by Patrick Madrid
