Serious Readers Only

I saw the "Questions About Christianity" thread, and it made me wonder. Several years ago I did an in-depth, two year study about what the bible actually says about heaven, angels, death, the next life, etc. Then I requested questions from anyone on these subjects. I promised to research the questions and give biblical answers. Not what I think, or you think, nor what the "experts" say . . . . but what the bible actually says. I got many questions like:

1. Will we eat in heaven, and if so, will we get fat?

2. Will my dog/cat be in heaven?

3. Are angels real?

4. Can people in heaven see us still on earth?

5. Will I know my wife in heaven?

6. What will we do in heaven?

7. Do we have bodies in heaven?

. . . . and many more. Many people don't realize the bible speaks to all these questions, and many more. I answered each question, with scripture references, and published all the material under the name "HEAVEN QUESTIONS". I was surprised when copies found their way across the country. Churches wrote me asking permission to use them for study classes, and I received many letters, e-mails, etc.

Now, here's what I'm wondering: Would anyone care to see some of the HEAVEN QUESTIONS, and answers posted, one at a time on the Misc Forum? Maybe one per week?

I know this is a cigar forum, but there seems to be a good number of Christians, and interested people here. I would not post them here to start a debate, merely post them as info. Those who wouldn't care to see the material wouldn't have to read the posts. I would have to go slow because of some health difficulties, but maybe one a week.

I'll go by the responses to this post, if there's interest I'll post them, if not I won't. You decide.

Tuck

I sure would. If for nothing more than the sake of theological discussion.

However, I fear the local dipsticks would mess it up in less than 7 posts. So you may or may not want to open yourself up to that. Especially since you're coming off an illness.

*please note that I refrained from profanity in a few key spots where it would have been more than appropriate.

Sounds like a good discussion.. Go for it.

Oh, and can you start with #2?

I'll add a few notes to the above:

1. For those wondering, yes I have a theological college education, and 40 years of study in the bible.

2. The answers would not be "denominational", simply what the bible says.

3. I would not post them for debate, and wouldn't encourage it. The bible is what it is. The answers would be bible answers (with references), not mine.

4. One thought to consider . . . . If the bible is nothing but a bunch of stories written by men, as some say, why has there never been a mistake found? Every school textbook has to constantly be changed and updated as new facts are discovered. Last year's textbook is out of date. But in almost 4,000 years no scientist, detractor, or computer has found one single mistake in the bible, not even a scientific error. Many have tried, none have been successful. Sounds pretty reliable to me.

5. I have thick skin, and don't fear the naysayers. If one would try to mess with the thread I think that thoughtful people would see it for what it was.

Tuck

Topped - for input . . . .

Uhhh ... which version of the bible Tucks?

The version really doesn't matter much. Though there have been many modern translations, some better than others, the basic truths are there. In any event I normally study the scriptures in the original languages, and refer to up to ten versions, making the version question moot. I would probably give references from the King James version, because it's the version used by most. Versions may give a modern word, but the truth is the same. Tuck

KJV. Thanks. Just curious.

I would like to see it, Tuck.

I'm Bibly Challenged, Christian, and many of your listed questions are things I wondered about myself.

I would appreciate it.

8

Come on brothers - Yay or Nay ? For it or against it, what say you?

tuck

you've done the work and obviously want to post it, so knock yourself out

and as to your credentials, it would be beneficial for you to cite your theological degree and its awarding institution, any publications you might have, etc. it would give some perspective of your perspective

even though you say it will just be what the bible says, unless it is merely a concordance with scripture quotes and not your analysis, then it IS what you think no matter how you try to remove yourself...surely your theological education was responsible enough to teach you that.

Bring it on Tucks. It would be interesting to see the rationale for some of the premises you have stated, like dogs and cats in heaven; so put it out and let us see.

I say do it Larry. Welcome back brother.

Billy you said,

"even though you say it will just be what the bible says, unless it is merely a concordance with scripture quotes and not your analysis, then it IS what you think no matter how you try to remove yourself...surely your theological education was responsible enough to teach you that."

I think he can do it without any personal bias, as long as he is careful. If he has 40yrs of Biblical experience, than he has more years than you've been alive. He'll probably teach all of us a thing or two.

Let's let Tuck do his thing, then you can comment on his answers.

i'd like to see it!

does it rain in heaven?

winter/snow?

post it!

I'm in. And if the usual suspects start something negative I'm sure they'll be dealt with appropriately.

It would be great if this could be kept friendly. I really hope it does. I think there are probably more people out there that are really interested in Tucker's answers to these questions.

If everyone can hold off on taking shots on this thread, it would be wonderful.

On a similar note, I think it would be great to have a religion thread with a three man debate- Tuckersdad, BillyJackson and Dr. Pepperhill.

Tuck is the Religious right, Dr. Pepperhill on the left with a scientific perspective, and BillyJackson who has been (its seems) has been on both extremes.

If it could remain a debate, it would be one of the more interesting things I've read here.. But first things first.

Tuck, I hope you decide to do this. If you don't, I'd like to see it via email. But only if you are up to it.

8

tuckersdad

i believe you are saying that you can quote passages from the bible to answer the specific questions.

i would be interested in the quotes.

i don't intend to debate what you can quote because i'm sure you will be quoting the bible correctly.

as far as "If the bible is nothing but a bunch of stories written by men, as some say, why has there never been a mistake found?"

you have answered your own question. it is not a scientific reference book that needs updating. there is scientific proof that the earth is more then 6000 years old. that does not have any effect on the stories in the bible.

also, once you have made the leap of faith and accept the bible as the word of god, you shouldn't feel the need to explain and prove your position to anyone.

tranny

i stand by what i said about not being able to remove one's self from biblical interpretation. and to say that one can is at best wishful thinking and at worst irresponsible

there will be judgment calls that you just have to make...which mean the person will be involved

as far as tuck teaching a thing or two, i had no comment on the matter and did not say he couldn't.

but i don't care how much time one as spent, self removal from biblical interpretation is impossible...period...careful or not.

that's why i think it only fair and responsible for him to be clearer on his credentials...not saying they will make him more or less "correct" but is important for his audience to know where he is coming from

i doubt tuck will have a problem with my request...not sure why you do

billyjackson

What are your credentials? If you think you can judge Tuck, you should prove your knowledge too.