IamArn's shoutbox - Help.com

hi, how are you? I’m on your fan list hope you will add me..:)

Hey Arn,
Haven’t been on in a while. How are you?

Apologies on the long delay. ^^ I finished my EE degree, promptly got hired, and flew out here to Germany for training, so I was fairly busy getting things ready. I’ve been here for a few weeks now though, and it’s settling down as much as can be expected from living in another country.

On the one hand, that makes sense to me as well, because doing our best is the best we really can do. However, we can’t even do our best, as much as we try. Ah. But what if a person who trusts in God should never have a reason to steal or kill? “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” - Matthew 9, I think.

So like a purgatory of sorts. On that point I’d disagree, for I don’t think it’s possible to ever truly right a wrong by ourselves. “Truly no man can ransom another, or give to God the price of his life, for the ransom of their life is costly and can never suffice, that he should live on forever and never see the pit.” - Psalm 49:7-9.
However, I don’t think we have to ransom our own lives. That’s why Jesus Christ came and died: to be a ransom for many.

I don’t belong to any specific church. I grew up in a Muslim country. ^^ I merely follow the Bible. I believe in a God with three aspects in one. One that is distant from us and reigns supreme, one that dwells in God’s people, and one that acts as our savior and mediator. Respectively, God the Father, the Holy Spirit, and Jesus Christ. All just aspects of one God.

It’s been a while, so I’m curious… How has your life been for you lately? =)

Is it enough to do your best, or do you have to follow them without fail to avoid judgment? And what kind of judgment do you expect?

I would agree. ^^ “Let justice be done, though the world perish.” ~ Ferdinand I, Holy Roman Emperor. However, I appreciate the two of them when they are together. I believe it’s possible to pursue justice as well as mercy.

Unfortunately, I think so. It’s impossible to read peoples’ minds, but some of the behavior I’ve seen seems to indicate that many people follow religions for the same reason people follow cultures or ideologies, because it’s what they’re used to. I’ve lived in over a half dozen countries and have a lot of experiences, so I hope I’m not as set in my ways, but it’s possible it happens to me at times too.

I disagree with that ^^ I believe the causality goes the other way. Because I am saved, I live my life true to my beliefs. Or, the love God has given to me causes me to want to stay true to Him and to others. I believe we can’t as fully love, or be saved, unless we are loved first. ^^

I’m glad it makes sense =) Okay =P I’m curious about two things now, actually. To what extent you believe in God or god(s) or not? And what do you think is more important, justice or mercy? Or are they not mutually exclusive?

Interesting. ^^ So then each person is pursuing their own personal faith? How would that work with the differences or outright contradictions between a lot of them?
The way I view it, there can only be one way that is closest to portraying reality and giving righteousness, although each person’s path is closer or further from it in different aspects.
I used to do that as well, because I’ve run into many people who disliked me because I wasn’t part of their groups. And I’d rather be an outcast than be part of a group that did that =) But now I’m trying to make a difference.

More than anything in my life, I believe in truth. I am confident that the beliefs or theories that are most accurate to reality will be the most useful and bring the best benefits. And for years I saw the difference a relationship with God had in certain peoples’ lives and I desired that, but I couldn’t understand. But at some point my life was spiraling out of control and I surrendered my life to God and then my life went through a tremendous change. Christianity was the only faith that made sense to me, though; if my salvation depends on my own effort, I’m already doomed.
So I would say for me it’s mainly experiential knowledge. If God’s existence impacts a person’s life, it should show. If God’s existence doesn’t, then it doesn’t matter whether or not God even exists. I’ve looked through numerous philosophical arguments, but I’m more interested in observation and predictions. That’s probably because I have a mentality similar to the scientific philosophy of Instrumentalism.

Interesting. So then the existence of more than one religion would be counterproductive for the unity, then?
I think it works well to unite people in a pursuit of a relationship with God. ^^

For starters, what do you think the main point of religion is? ^^
Some people consider it a way to know the unknown (or classify it, I guess). Or as a way to grow closer in a relationship to God. Or as a part of the human desire for meaning in life.

So, you said you’re open to chat about religion. Still serious about that? :D

*they’re*

I hope so too for her sake.

Damn, us girls, we gotta look good for our men. I’m blessed to have great genes. But looks… there only skin deep.

Take it easy, Arn.

Awww!! Thanks Arn. :) I’m dead serious.

I’m 47

Thanks. :)

haha! Funny. Okay, guess how old I am.

Okay, you have to tell me what you expected and what I am not. I have to know what that meant. Just curious. And be honest. I’m pretty tough. I just seem shy on camera.

I’m totally fine. You? lol

Oh boy… I’m in trouble. I can just feel it.

http://youtu.be/Qgyimc0RzXI

Can you tell I’m stoned? :D

Yeah, thanks, I forgot that one.

Here’s a purpose quote attributed to the Dalai Lama (remembered paraphrase):

“Man’s prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them.”

He would fit in perfectly, helping on help.com.

All day long I’m just trying to think about “life purpose”. It’s a hazy concept that means different things to different people, so it’s hard to keep in focus without getting bored or lapsing into philosophical musing, but occasionally I have a glint of added meaning to the basic phrase “my life purpose”, and that’s good. That’s what I did walking around. Also it was sunny and rainy, that was more noticeable and fun, but the main point was to think exclusively on a tiny topic so boring I have to run around to stay awake enough to think it.

I’m okay, not fully present in a social realm after walking and thinking all day long, but I’m glad you liked your invitation. :)

And how are you?

lol. right? never let your guard down

*facepalm* that’s what you get for trying.

thanks for letting me know :o) That’s good to hear.

not likely.and i don’t know,not really.i’m going to get off now. i’ll catch you later man,thanks for everything.

i would but i don’t have the money to go to her and she can’t come to me.i text her pretty much everyday, but the distance would still make things hard.

i still like my ex and she wants to get back together but i’m not sure. she lives a couple of states away.and she’s already smiley because she thinks i am happy.the only time that what i am currently doing would do otherwise is if my charade completely collapsed.

i am 17 and a senior in high school

exactly.she is everything to me.

i know i have no chance,thank you.it’s not the hope that moves me,it’s her happiness.

she is everything. she is kind,beautiful,thoughtful,funny,mature when needed but knows how to have fun,she cares for people,she is everything i could ever hope for and more. she means more to me than the sun itself.i can’t even explain how wonderful she is..and there is something else.something i can’t even explain about her that separates her from everyone else,that makes me want to do anything for her happiness..

dam. epic fail.

ok. i understand that. what kinda girl is she?

She is definitely worth it and she isn’t using me, though i thank you for your concern..though if my current path is worth it i can not honestly say.while my current state is obviously not healthy,i can’t help but feel overwhelmed with joy whenever she smiles at me or says she wants to hold my hand or hugs me or says she loves me, even if she just does it all as a friend.