Everything you mention about Canada is the same in Australia.
Everything is metric except Imperial Units are popular for the weight of new born babies and height.
Even though kids are getting taught metric at school here, parents are still talking about their height in Imperial Units (but never weight it seems). I asked a couple of 13 year olds a few months back how many centimetres they were (as a bit of a test). They had no idea.
I know myself my cm height for passports and licenses etc. However, every adult I speak to about my height knows what 6' 3" is;).
I am a bit of a Gridiron fan (excuse the Australianism - we have too many football codes to call it all "football") and so it is interesting to talk yards about the statistics. Rugby League (big in my state of Queensland) used to measure things in yards, but haven't for a loooooonnngggg time.
Well, after so much time spent telling people that *BSD is dead, finally they balance their reporting with a good "Linux is dead" article.;)
So as users and admins become more skilled with their computers (a neccessity with UNIX-like OSs - remember the saying that "the only intuitive interface is the nipple"?), the need for commercial support will lessen and free Linux and BSD will rein. Sure, hardware companies will still fund developments (for both Linux and *BSDs as they do now) but their "per seat/server" licensing will fail.
Small companies can purchase support from small companies that setup systems based on free linux/bsd software that can be installed and forgotton about (OpenBSD/Slackware style) within minimal cost to them.
Large companies can get support, with their hardware, from IBM, SUN and the like. To these companies, you already pay for each piece of hardware so you won't pay another vendor for "automatic updates" and the like. It will be built into the price.
I could be wrong, but this kinda thing, to me, is proof that the software industry will go back to what it was like, pre-Gates. Ie, there won't be one. Not for OSes anyway. It will be free, or come with the server on the high end (IBM and even Apple X-Serves).
I am security conscious... and I am sticking with OpenBSD. It is still a strongly fortified OS. All of this software is secondary to the core OS.
OpenSSL is outside of OpenBSD, and has nothing to do with them. Everyone got affected the same.
They found the first remote exploit to affect OpenSSH in a long time (years) recently. Most people weren't affected. Ironically, it was OpenBSDs extra secure defaults that were vulnerable. Shit happens. The community was quick to patch their systems. Is Linux dying because it can be raped every week?
It appears the trojan was inserted after the initial release. So someone may have broken into the server. I believe the server is at the University of Calgary. Not Theo De Raadt's basement.
Why don't we wait to find out what happened? I guarantee this isn't being taken lightly.
Your point about IP is valid. I have no idea why, on a private network, they would use IP as a network protocal when there are better ways to send real time data.
Still, I think it is relevant. As time goes on, people are making IP do more and more. That this has been done over IP means that maybe when Internet2 is for everyone this will be possible (over VPN I hope;).
Let's not forget the cheque is for 1/2 million. Not 1/2 billion. I don't think they would care much about $500,000 bucks. Sure, they will want to collect. They will easily make this up when the teachers and students at home all stick with Windows.
I would love to support Mozilla. But nobody has done a port of some vital platform-specific code (I forget the name). Try running Mozilla on LinuxPPC or YellowDogLinux. No good. That is why I am hopeing that Opera has done a better job of supporting Linux;). I know the old story. 'If you don't like it, fix it yourself'. I am not a coder. yet;). I asked in all sorts of forums to see if someone would do the port. No one seemed interested. I guess they enjoy Netscape 4.7;). SO until we have a PPC Linux port of all the right code, I say "Bring it on, Opera". Without the added competition, PPC Linux users would be stuck with Netscape 4.7.
-- Evan Read
Linux -- "It is computing, Jim, but not as we know it"
Is it just me, or are there far too many people employed in the NSA? I have heard they dwarf the CIA and FBI. There can't be all that much work to do directly arming the FBI, CIA and military with intelligence and encyption related stuff so I would say the rest of the job is their involvement in Echleon (sp?) and other US-centric attempts at keep an eye on the world's intelligence. I find the whole echelon network to be a huge waste of time. And I don't see anything particularly altruistic about it either.
Undoubtedly, their charter mentions the benefit of the US and the US alone, but wouldn't it be cool if the effort could be expended (and the equipment and resources) working on something that will benefit everyone, not just those who have signed the right agreements with the US.
-- Evan Read
Linux -- "It is computing, Jim, but not as we know it"
Red Hat's investment was a lot more about marketing and brand recognition than about getting Linux "tuned" for its chips. Like everyone says, they could do that themselves with the source. The investment is trying to make intel a "Linux friendly" chip. So that everyone looking at use PPC with Linux (as I do) will go "but what about our friend Intel?!" I look at a chip for its design and technology. Athlon is nice. G3 is nice. I don't want a Pentium III.
-- Evan Read
Linux -- "It is computing, Jim, but not as we know it"
Next time you decide you want to argue about "Creationist Theory", go look up info about a little critter called 'Xylocaris Maculipenis' - it's an African Bed Bug. Once you've found the info, read about it's mating habits. Evolution explains them rather effectively. Creationism says "God created all of the animals the way they are because he loves them and they're all good!". Think about that while reading the description of how this critter reproduces, but make sure you've got a bucket handy to puke into. Frankly, any diety who thinks like that isn't one that I'd like to be associated with.
Again, yet another person that doesn't understand the basic fundementals of Christianity. God didn't create animals because he loves them. He created them to feed and entertain man. Some animals whole life is sex then death... so what. God does things for reasons we don't understand.
Hey, I believe that God uses Micro Evolution (evolution within the species) to grow species. I simply don't accept that species can grow into new species....
-- Evan Read
Linux -- "It is computing, Jim, but not as we know it"
>> I sorry, but your idea of "proof" is completely >> wrong. Proof if repeatable and demonstratable.
My point was that people critize Christians for believing without hard evidence (something I will talk more about below) when many a scientific theory (for example, the world was supposed to be flat) was taken are absolute FACT even though no real proof existed (incidently, the bible mentions something about the earth being round in Genesis).
The above was a rebuttal to the "faith is no way to believe in something" argument I felt/feel I am getting from you and may be of interest to others.
>>Your internal christain experience is NOT proof >>in any way for anyone BUT you, nor would be the >>religious experiences of Druids, Mormoms, Hidnus >>or any other faith.
That is true. But my point was that I HAVE PROOF. It is impossible for me to show you over this medium, but I want you to know that I have hard evidence to support my views. My experience doesn't help you per se, but I can tell you that people everywhere around you have their own proof like I do.
>>Your comments on theories are well taken but >> missguided. In science a theory is always open >>to debate. Theories can and have been proven >>wrong in part or in entirety.
As it has been in Christianity. It isn't so much a proving of right and wrong as it is about moving away from tradtions that are not of the Bible, but are of the adgendas of man.
Any Christian who will not stand to have his beliefs questioned and rebuked and is not willing to re-evaluate his beliefs based on new informaiton is a fool indeed.
The Christian bible (unlike similar Morman and JW texts) encourages us to question all things and that a person who doesn't make every effort to formulate his own confictions will be dealt with during Judgement day.
I encourage your input. I am on a journey.
>>Science realizes it might be wrong and is always >>prepared to correct itself in light of new >>evidence. In fact science works, in great part, >>by stating a theory then trying to prove it >>wrong. As it is proven wrong and corrected, the >>theory stabalizes into something that gets >>closer to the truth. Christains believe they >>have all the answers up front and the facts must >>fall in-line.
I can assure you that all of the Christian texts have gone under much close scrutiny and it is my belief that the Christians are getting better accepting new ideas and criticims re its traditions.
It is important to separate christianity from religion and the church. Christianity is simple one who has a relationship with Christ. The church is the body of christ (who is suppose to use the bible as its moral code). Of course, this isn't always a perfect relationship. But of course, there are all sorts of stories of the scientific community (or church - the word simply means "gathering of people") discouraging investigation and banning texts based on contriversial ideas. The too don't like to "rock the boat".
>>This why scientists were hunted by the church >>for saying that the sun goes round the earth and >>that the earth is not the center of everything, >>and that the earth is round. Each step >>christians "assumed" they were right and science >>was wrong and THEY were wrong. They were wrong >>because they attempted to define their personal >>and group religious exeriences as proof of their >>books account of history.
I appreciate your use of a past tense and for using such an illustrative if limited example. Those guys deserved to be shot down. Quite simply, they could not find any evidense the issue in the bible, therefore only had science to fall back on.
I am not aware of any evidence of events to back up your case here, but if true, I think you will find that church leaders chose a popular stance at the time and, like many tribes still in existance today, what they said became policy.
Today things are much less centralised and people are encouraged to think much more (a sign of times if nothing else.)
>>The most dagerous part of your message is very >>much a "Christain Science" soapbox arguement >>that evolution is a religious faith and >>creationism is science. They make this arguement >>in an attempt to get creationism taught in >>schools as an alternative to theories on >>evolution. To paraphrase Azimov on the topic, >>you might as well teach Storkism as a theory on >>child birth or clausism as a theory on gift >>giving. The level of science would be no better.
What is wrong with Creationist Theory being a science? I have studied both and there really is more evidence to suggest Creationist theory is true.
The theory of Uniformtarianism is quite a hard thing to prove given many elements of nature. A Flood is perfect to explain many large formations of coal and other things.
I think it would be good for kids to learn all theories in schools. They need to make their own convictions. Something best done with well-balanced ideas.
>>The root problem is cultural in the two >>communities, science and religion. In science if >>you stand up and say I think the established >>theories are wrong, here is why and you layout >>your reasons with logic or proof to back it up, >>your ideas are considered, hammered on and >>integrated into the theory, improving the >>theory.
Do you think this is always the case? I have heard many a horror story to the contrary.
>>Quatum Physics is a good example. >>Newtonian physics was well established and taken >>for granted. In religion, however, and >>christainity in particular, you get hunted, >>killed, outcast and dammed to bad places if you >>come up with new ideas that go against the >>established truths as the christains hold them.
Anyone that kills, outcasts or damns anyone for any reason other than self defense is seen very badly in Christ's eyes and will be judged harshly.
I pray the victims of these people are looked upon with sympathy by Christ. I really do.
>>Martin Luther, the mormons, Galilao, Darwin. All >>of them had their ideas summarily dispmissed by >>christian dogmatics and mainy had prices put on >>their heads.
This is a less common occurance now than ever. If we don't take their ideas into consideration (and I can tell you that just the other week I was studying Mormonism and Darwin isn't far behind), we are doing everyone (ourselves and you) a grave disservice.
I will put no price on anyone head and approach discussions like this with love and peace. >>I don't mean to be hard on religion. I think it >>has its purpose. But that purpose is NOT to >>answer questions of science any more than >>science should answering questions of faith. Did >>man evolve from lower forms of life? This is a >>question for science. What does it mean, that >>man evolved from lower forms of life, and what >>does it say about us as spiritual beings? These >>are questions for faith, which science is ill >>equipt to answer.
Here is where I disagree and the fact that you mis-understand christianity (different from "religion") becomes so clear.
You treat Christianity like an optional extra. Like a fad. "You got some emotional hangups???? Try Drugs.... therepy.... religion... yoga..."...
Chrisitanity can solve many of man's ills, but that is not its prime directive. The whole idea is to come back to a place man once was. With God. Christ is the conduit. Everything else is secondary.
I know many christians who believe in things that seem, to me (but not to them), contrary to the bible. But that is ok. It is their belief in Christ that sets them free and earns them eternal life.
The creation of man is covered in the bible, hence we follow that model of thinking. There are less holes in the theory that Darwinism (when the concept of an omnipotent God are overcome). Where the bible doesn't cover an issue, you should expect chrisitans to come to the "mainstream" scientific round table (hopefully it will be round;).
Thanks for the feedback....
-- Evan Read
Linux -- "It is computing, Jim, but not as we know it"
>> Okay fine, but you're just playing with semantics. >> According to your definition then, >> Faith = trust (with no evidence), love (with no >> evidence) friendship with a god (whom you have >> no evidence exists) and "knowledge of his >> existence" (*with* *no* *evidence*) >> If its so evident, show me the evidence.
Unfortunately, Chrisitanity isn't something that can be easily presented to someone so afraid to believe that man doesn't hold the ultimate power.
Everyone keeps talking about evidence. Why? Almost everyone I have seen rebuke Christianity holds some enormouse reverence for science which is basically a belief system in itself. Almost everything new and exciting in science is based on theories. Theories are then taken as 99% truth and more theories are based upon them.
Looking at christianity in a purely physical sense, the "Creationist" theory is just as (if not more so based on factual evidence) valid as Evolution (as an example of theory/faith based concepts that are held in high regard).
Christianity has something that science (and people caught up in physical based religions (Socialism, Capitalism... whatever) don't have. Real evidence. I have experienced Christianity in a Spiritual way that cannot be emulated in any of the beliefs that many of you hold to be true.
Christianity (not religion) has nothing to do with moral, codes of ethics, restrictions or anything else. It actually doesn't have that much to do with the bible.
Christianity is about a relationship with Jesus that allows us access to God (a topic for another time). Sure, we have a book of conduct that guides us to forfilling and loving lives. But certainly following the rules doesn't get you to heaven. It says in the bible that (paraphrased) "It is not by works or anything on earth that get you to heaven, but by faith". If you believe in Christ and do your upmost to have a realtionship with him, then you are on your way to heaven.
The rest (morals, Bible etc) come later. Along with a relationship with Jesus comes spiritual power. Abilities most humans can only dream of. Healing the sick, raising the dead and potentially moving mountains (a literal example in the bible).
All of this power is available to everyone and comes through increased spiritual awareness and continued faith.
You guys get so caught up in defending your right to believe anything you want (no matter how damaging it may or may not be) that you forget that man holds more power than any establishment on earth can offer you.
Chrisitians have messed up pretty mightly in the past (and they will be judged in due course) but we are not unlike other groups.
And we are certainly getting better at expressing the truth. You guys read so much literature. WHy not try some christian stuff?
I don't mean the bible... SHe can be pretty dry sometimes. WHy not some Pro-christian stuff that explains why we beleive what we believe and some testimonials to go with that.
The internet is full of this stuff that will allow you to become well read in areas of chrisitanity. Just choose your favorite search engine.
Thanks.
-- Evan Read
Linux -- "It is computing, Jim, but not as we know it"
Slashdot Mirror
Everything you mention about Canada is the same in Australia.
;).
Everything is metric except Imperial Units are popular for the weight of new born babies and height.
Even though kids are getting taught metric at school here, parents are still talking about their height in Imperial Units (but never weight it seems). I asked a couple of 13 year olds a few months back how many centimetres they were (as a bit of a test). They had no idea.
I know myself my cm height for passports and licenses etc. However, every adult I speak to about my height knows what 6' 3" is
I am a bit of a Gridiron fan (excuse the Australianism - we have too many football codes to call it all "football") and so it is interesting to talk yards about the statistics. Rugby League (big in my state of Queensland) used to measure things in yards, but haven't for a loooooonnngggg time.
Well, after so much time spent telling people that *BSD is dead, finally they balance their reporting with a good "Linux is dead" article. ;)
So as users and admins become more skilled with their computers (a neccessity with UNIX-like OSs - remember the saying that "the only intuitive interface is the nipple"?), the need for commercial support will lessen and free Linux and BSD will rein. Sure, hardware companies will still fund developments (for both Linux and *BSDs as they do now) but their "per seat/server" licensing will fail.
Small companies can purchase support from small companies that setup systems based on free linux/bsd software that can be installed and forgotton about (OpenBSD/Slackware style) within minimal cost to them.
Large companies can get support, with their hardware, from IBM, SUN and the like. To these companies, you already pay for each piece of hardware so you won't pay another vendor for "automatic updates" and the like. It will be built into the price.
I could be wrong, but this kinda thing, to me, is proof that the software industry will go back to what it was like, pre-Gates. Ie, there won't be one. Not for OSes anyway. It will be free, or come with the server on the high end (IBM and even Apple X-Serves).
All I can say to that is "thanks be to God!"
I am security conscious... and I am sticking with OpenBSD. It is still a strongly fortified OS. All of this software is secondary to the core OS.
OpenSSL is outside of OpenBSD, and has nothing to do with them. Everyone got affected the same.
They found the first remote exploit to affect OpenSSH in a long time (years) recently. Most people weren't affected. Ironically, it was OpenBSDs extra secure defaults that were vulnerable. Shit happens. The community was quick to patch their systems. Is Linux dying because it can be raped every week?
It appears the trojan was inserted after the initial release. So someone may have broken into the server. I believe the server is at the University of Calgary. Not Theo De Raadt's basement.
Why don't we wait to find out what happened? I guarantee this isn't being taken lightly.
Thanks
Your point about IP is valid. I have no idea why, on a private network, they would use IP as a network protocal when there are better ways to send real time data.
;).
Still, I think it is relevant. As time goes on, people are making IP do more and more. That this has been done over IP means that maybe when Internet2 is for everyone this will be possible (over VPN I hope
Let's not forget the cheque is for 1/2 million. Not 1/2 billion. I don't think they would care much about $500,000 bucks. Sure, they will want to collect. They will easily make this up when the teachers and students at home all stick with Windows.
$500,000,000 would be a much bigger deal!
-- Evan Read
Linux -- "It is computing, Jim, but not as we know it"
Undoubtedly, their charter mentions the benefit of the US and the US alone, but wouldn't it be cool if the effort could be expended (and the equipment and resources) working on something that will benefit everyone, not just those who have signed the right agreements with the US.
-- Evan Read
Linux -- "It is computing, Jim, but not as we know it"
-- Evan Read
Linux -- "It is computing, Jim, but not as we know it"
Get a copy of YellowDogLinux. A new kick ass PPC linux distro available at www.yellowdoglinux.com or download it at ftp.yellowdoglinux.com.
Cya
Militant
-- Evan Read
Linux -- "It is computing, Jim, but not as we know it"
Again, yet another person that doesn't understand the basic fundementals of Christianity. God didn't create animals because he loves them. He created them to feed and entertain man. Some animals whole life is sex then death... so what. God does things for reasons we don't understand.
Hey, I believe that God uses Micro Evolution (evolution within the species) to grow species. I simply don't accept that species can grow into new species....
-- Evan Read
Linux -- "It is computing, Jim, but not as we know it"
My point was that people critize Christians for believing without hard evidence (something I will talk more about below) when many a scientific theory (for example, the world was supposed to be flat) was taken are absolute FACT even though no real proof existed (incidently, the bible mentions something about the earth being round in Genesis).
The above was a rebuttal to the "faith is no way to believe in something" argument I felt/feel I am getting from you and may be of interest to others.
>>Your internal christain experience is NOT proof >>in any way for anyone BUT you, nor would be the >>religious experiences of Druids, Mormoms, Hidnus >>or any other faith.
That is true. But my point was that I HAVE PROOF. It is impossible for me to show you over this medium, but I want you to know that I have hard evidence to support my views. My experience doesn't help you per se, but I can tell you that people everywhere around you have their own proof like I do.
>>Your comments on theories are well taken but
>> missguided. In science a theory is always open >>to debate. Theories can and have been proven >>wrong in part or in entirety.
As it has been in Christianity. It isn't so much a proving of right and wrong as it is about moving away from tradtions that are not of the Bible, but are of the adgendas of man.
Any Christian who will not stand to have his beliefs questioned and rebuked and is not willing to re-evaluate his beliefs based on new informaiton is a fool indeed.
The Christian bible (unlike similar Morman and JW texts) encourages us to question all things and that a person who doesn't make every effort to formulate his own confictions will be dealt with during Judgement day.
I encourage your input. I am on a journey.
>>Science realizes it might be wrong and is always >>prepared to correct itself in light of new >>evidence. In fact science works, in great part, >>by stating a theory then trying to prove it >>wrong. As it is proven wrong and corrected, the >>theory stabalizes into something that gets >>closer to the truth. Christains believe they >>have all the answers up front and the facts must >>fall in-line.
I can assure you that all of the Christian texts have gone under much close scrutiny and it is my belief that the Christians are getting better accepting new ideas and criticims re its traditions.
It is important to separate christianity from religion and the church. Christianity is simple one who has a relationship with Christ. The church is the body of christ (who is suppose to use the bible as its moral code). Of course, this isn't always a perfect relationship. But of course, there are all sorts of stories of the scientific community (or church - the word simply means "gathering of people") discouraging investigation and banning texts based on contriversial ideas. The too don't like to "rock the boat".
>>This why scientists were hunted by the church >>for saying that the sun goes round the earth and >>that the earth is not the center of everything, >>and that the earth is round. Each step >>christians "assumed" they were right and science >>was wrong and THEY were wrong. They were wrong >>because they attempted to define their personal >>and group religious exeriences as proof of their >>books account of history.
I appreciate your use of a past tense and for using such an illustrative if limited example. Those guys deserved to be shot down. Quite simply, they could not find any evidense the issue in the bible, therefore only had science to fall back on.
I am not aware of any evidence of events to back up your case here, but if true, I think you will find that church leaders chose a popular stance at the time and, like many tribes still in existance today, what they said became policy.
Today things are much less centralised and people are encouraged to think much more (a sign of times if nothing else.)
>>The most dagerous part of your message is very >>much a "Christain Science" soapbox arguement >>that evolution is a religious faith and >>creationism is science. They make this arguement >>in an attempt to get creationism taught in >>schools as an alternative to theories on >>evolution. To paraphrase Azimov on the topic, >>you might as well teach Storkism as a theory on >>child birth or clausism as a theory on gift >>giving. The level of science would be no better.
What is wrong with Creationist Theory being a science? I have studied both and there really is more evidence to suggest Creationist theory is true.
The theory of Uniformtarianism is quite a hard thing to prove given many elements of nature. A Flood is perfect to explain many large formations of coal and other things.
I think it would be good for kids to learn all theories in schools. They need to make their own convictions. Something best done with well-balanced ideas.
>>The root problem is cultural in the two >>communities, science and religion. In science if >>you stand up and say I think the established >>theories are wrong, here is why and you layout >>your reasons with logic or proof to back it up, >>your ideas are considered, hammered on and >>integrated into the theory, improving the >>theory.
Do you think this is always the case? I have heard many a horror story to the contrary.
>>Quatum Physics is a good example.
>>Newtonian physics was well established and taken >>for granted. In religion, however, and >>christainity in particular, you get hunted, >>killed, outcast and dammed to bad places if you >>come up with new ideas that go against the >>established truths as the christains hold them.
Anyone that kills, outcasts or damns anyone for any reason other than self defense is seen very badly in Christ's eyes and will be judged harshly.
I pray the victims of these people are looked upon with sympathy by Christ. I really do.
>>Martin Luther, the mormons, Galilao, Darwin. All >>of them had their ideas summarily dispmissed by >>christian dogmatics and mainy had prices put on >>their heads.
This is a less common occurance now than ever. If we don't take their ideas into consideration (and I can tell you that just the other week I was studying Mormonism and Darwin isn't far behind), we are doing everyone (ourselves and you) a grave disservice.
I will put no price on anyone head and approach discussions like this with love and peace.
>>I don't mean to be hard on religion. I think it >>has its purpose. But that purpose is NOT to >>answer questions of science any more than >>science should answering questions of faith. Did >>man evolve from lower forms of life? This is a >>question for science. What does it mean, that >>man evolved from lower forms of life, and what >>does it say about us as spiritual beings? These >>are questions for faith, which science is ill >>equipt to answer.
Here is where I disagree and the fact that you mis-understand christianity (different from "religion") becomes so clear.
You treat Christianity like an optional extra. Like a fad. "You got some emotional hangups???? Try Drugs.... therepy.... religion... yoga..."...
Chrisitanity can solve many of man's ills, but that is not its prime directive. The whole idea is to come back to a place man once was. With God. Christ is the conduit. Everything else is secondary.
I know many christians who believe in things that seem, to me (but not to them), contrary to the bible. But that is ok. It is their belief in Christ that sets them free and earns them eternal life.
The creation of man is covered in the bible, hence we follow that model of thinking. There are less holes in the theory that Darwinism (when the concept of an omnipotent God are overcome). Where the bible doesn't cover an issue, you should expect chrisitans to come to the "mainstream" scientific round table (hopefully it will be round
Thanks for the feedback....
-- Evan Read
Linux -- "It is computing, Jim, but not as we know it"
>> According to your definition then,
>> Faith = trust (with no evidence), love (with no >> evidence) friendship with a god (whom you have >> no evidence exists) and "knowledge of his >> existence" (*with* *no* *evidence*)
>> If its so evident, show me the evidence.
Unfortunately, Chrisitanity isn't something that can be easily presented to someone so afraid to believe that man doesn't hold the ultimate power.
Everyone keeps talking about evidence. Why? Almost everyone I have seen rebuke Christianity holds some enormouse reverence for science which is basically a belief system in itself. Almost everything new and exciting in science is based on theories. Theories are then taken as 99% truth and more theories are based upon them.
Looking at christianity in a purely physical sense, the "Creationist" theory is just as (if not more so based on factual evidence) valid as Evolution (as an example of theory/faith based concepts that are held in high regard).
Christianity has something that science (and people caught up in physical based religions (Socialism, Capitalism... whatever) don't have. Real evidence. I have experienced Christianity in a Spiritual way that cannot be emulated in any of the beliefs that many of you hold to be true.
Christianity (not religion) has nothing to do with moral, codes of ethics, restrictions or anything else. It actually doesn't have that much to do with the bible.
Christianity is about a relationship with Jesus that allows us access to God (a topic for another time). Sure, we have a book of conduct that guides us to forfilling and loving lives. But certainly following the rules doesn't get you to heaven. It says in the bible that (paraphrased) "It is not by works or anything on earth that get you to heaven, but by faith". If you believe in Christ and do your upmost to have a realtionship with him, then you are on your way to heaven.
The rest (morals, Bible etc) come later. Along with a relationship with Jesus comes spiritual power. Abilities most humans can only dream of. Healing the sick, raising the dead and potentially moving mountains (a literal example in the bible).
All of this power is available to everyone and comes through increased spiritual awareness and continued faith.
You guys get so caught up in defending your right to believe anything you want (no matter how damaging it may or may not be) that you forget that man holds more power than any establishment on earth can offer you.
Chrisitians have messed up pretty mightly in the past (and they will be judged in due course) but we are not unlike other groups.
And we are certainly getting better at expressing the truth. You guys read so much literature. WHy not try some christian stuff?
I don't mean the bible... SHe can be pretty dry sometimes. WHy not some Pro-christian stuff that explains why we beleive what we believe and some testimonials to go with that.
The internet is full of this stuff that will allow you to become well read in areas of chrisitanity. Just choose your favorite search engine.
Thanks.
-- Evan Read
Linux -- "It is computing, Jim, but not as we know it"