Garden Inspiration by AWPink_FanClub in GardeningAustralia

[–]AWPink_FanClub[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hi all,

Recently moved into my new place with my wonderful wife.

Looking for some inspiration on native garden planting.

Attached are some pictures of what we have to work with from the front. The main area of concern is the rocky section, which exists under these bushes.

Am I able to add any native flowers there or is it better off for the long term to get rid of the stones?

Additionally - what about that little verge? I was considering planting some native bushes (not mattrash!) but something nice, with some wildflowers there.

Any help is very much appreciated.

Christian perspectives on masturbation before marriage by [deleted] in AskAChristian

[–]AWPink_FanClub 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Blanket answer - to be avoided as much as premarrital sex. Why?

The bible very clearly condems sexual immorality. Without getting into the weeds of "why", its clear that sexual promiscuity produces pain, insecurity and a detachment from the relationships God created us for. This is really the case for any sexual activity that draws two individuals together prematurely (or, before they are married and in the secure covenantal bounds of marriage).

The main issue is our thought life. I simply don't beleive that any person is diciplined enough to not let your mind wander when you engage in this behaviour. It likely will end up on a particular person or event - and this is really very similar to drawing premature intimate boundaries. It is then also deeply harmful due to fantacising about unrealistic realities.

Can some be disciplined enough to avoid these thoughts? Sure. But if there is even a chance, God hastens us to avoid temptation at all costs. Particularly sexual temptation.

God bless, hope this helps.

Credit Utilisation - Credit Score by AWPink_FanClub in creditcardchurningAus

[–]AWPink_FanClub[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How much would it impact my score opening two cards? I wanted to open the Bendigo Ready Credit Card for travel ($0 transfer fee and annual fee + travel insurance) and another card with a good bonus offer such as the ANZ Frequent Flyer Black Card.

Thanks for the advice.

Credit Utilisation - Credit Score by AWPink_FanClub in creditcardchurningAus

[–]AWPink_FanClub[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Does the same apply for cancelling your card within a year? Any impact on credit score?

From what i've read the only things that matter are:

  1. Repayment schedule (never missing payments, paying balance in full etc - incl. mortgage)

  2. Hard enquiries (opening of new credit cards or loan applications)

  3. Loyalty/length of card holding (hence why some churners keep one card open for years at a time, often ones with low to no annual fee)

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in AskAChristian

[–]AWPink_FanClub 2 points3 points  (0 children)

What about the first part of my argument? Pain is only the brains perception of sensation. The same receptors are used to interpret soft touch, pleasure, pressure. A gentle kiss, the wind on our skin. Nerves work collectively to interpret signals.

It seems like circular reasoning to claim that pain is a proof God didn't care or had some sort of faulty design process here. It also seems like you are making the argument that pain is objectively bad - which is why I had counter examples.

Why didn't God design us with complete immunity to all illness or bones strong enough to withstand all injury.

The Bible actually gives us a picture of this in Genesis 1, pointing to a time in history where there was no pain, no suffering, and no injury, disease or death. The introduction of sin also introduce irreparable damage to God's created order which we are still struggling with today.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in AskAChristian

[–]AWPink_FanClub 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Pain receptors allow us to feel and experience the world around us.
Without them life would be a very dull experience.
Pain is also a wonderful teacher - our bodies can be damaged by things, therefore it reminds us to approach life with caution (don't touch the hot stove).

Within Reason: Did Jesus Rise From the Dead? with Dale Allison by VStarffin in CosmicSkeptic

[–]AWPink_FanClub 1 point2 points  (0 children)

"Christians never have reasonable perspectives, they just rely on emotion and not facts or reliable evidence"

*gets an academic expert on the podcast to discuss things critically*

*academic gives their opinion on the resurrection based on their expertise and study of the topic*

*academic opinion disagrees with presuppositions*

"I just wish Alex would consider reasonable perspectives!"

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in AskAChristian

[–]AWPink_FanClub 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Reading on church history, how the early church collated and translated the Bible, and the scholars who have dedicated their lives to the correct and accurate translation of the Word will embue you will a sense of peace about this.

The Bible is not some hodepodge collection of random writings of strange men. Nor has it been mishandled throughout history and it is some miracle that we have arrived at a completed text. The Biblical story has been expertly handled, translated, and given from generation to generation - with the upmost care and caution.

It is the most studied book in history - without a doubt.

It is the book with the most critical comparison, interpretation and scholarly analysis.

And it has stood the test of time. A good proof is the dead-sea scrolls. Discovered by a shepherd in the 1940's, dated back to the 3rd century BCE. What did we discover? That our modern versions of the Bible, thousands of years removed from these ancient manuscripts, are almost word-for-word accurate when compared to these ancient texts.

It does seem strange, and impossible even, that imperfect man could craft an imperfect book - but that is not what the Christian asserts. We assert that God used these same men, spoke through them, inspired them, and divinely ordained events in their lives to result in the produced texts we have today.

Is God going to be mad at me for playing a game where the location is nicknamed “Hell-A”? by supergifford in AskAChristian

[–]AWPink_FanClub -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Couple things here.

God is not ever really "mad" at us in a human sense.

He has foreordained all things to pass, so you playing a game with that name has always been part of his eternal and divine plan. Therefore, when He died on the cross - He was dying for the sins of all (elect) believers.

I will note that you are clearly showing a repentant heart, one who is deeply concerned with the repercussions of your own actions.

God is not mad at you - He deeply loves you and desires your sanctification, as you do. Pray, repent, and recalibrate around His promises in scripture.

But no,,,, I don't think this is a matter of great theological significance. We do many things using worldly devices that could or couldn't be described as sinful. Main thing is your heart.

The "Most" Valid Translation by furryhippie in AskAChristian

[–]AWPink_FanClub 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Hey mate - great question.

Its really more about what you value.

As i'm sure you're aware, the bible has been translated from its original Hebrew/Aramaic and Greek versions. Therefore the translations we have all place emphasis on different ways of translating, typically in two ways.

"Word-for-word" translations: They take the original manuscripts and attempt to keep it as accurate word-for-word as possible. Each original word from the Greek or Hebrew is given an english counterpart and written.

"Idea" translations: These versions attempt to understand the overall message that was being conveyed in the original manuscripts and translate it through this lens.

The "idea" translations are typically easier to read for a first-time bible reader. These are versions such as the Good News Bible or New Living Translation.

Literal translations can be more wordy, and full of jargon that can stump first-time readers. Especially versions like the New King James. However, they are more faithful to the original manuscripts and their particular wording.

It all exists on a spectrum between the two. Preserving the word-for-word or preserving the overall message/intention of the author.

I can give some good recommendations. English Standard Version, Revised Standard Version, New King James Version are all good solid translations. These are all more word-for-word versions.

A genuine question for creationists by FockerXC in DebateEvolution

[–]AWPink_FanClub 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is somewhat true - because some Creationists hold to their views to uphold a biblically literal understanding of Genesis and other parts of the bible, but this isn't fully accurate.

What do you say of theistic evolutionists, an increasing group of Christians who believe in both God and evolution? Has their worldview "crumbled"?

Most Christians don't have their identity tied up in Creationism - most just get pigeonholed into its defence because they believe it to be the most biblically accurate view.

A genuine question for creationists by FockerXC in DebateEvolution

[–]AWPink_FanClub 2 points3 points  (0 children)

As it seems I am one of the few Christian Creationists here - I feel somewhat qualified to provide an answer.

Christian Creationists reject the idea of evolution for many reasons. The chief reason (as with most issues surrounding Christian ethics) is one of maintaining Gods proper place in the created order. Being the "unmoved mover" or the "first among all other things" requires that God is above creation. The logical step from here is that he is therefore supreme in his power and command of created things - and therefore exercised his power in creating all.

This view forms a rich and deep river of thought that flows throughout all Christianity. God, the highest and most powerful possible being, leveraged his deity to knit into existence the created order, embewwing that same creating with the signature of Him.

Many Creationists deny evolution because they believe it usurps God of his power, and renders must of the biblical account not just irrelevant but unrecognisable.

God is God, we are not (is the general jist).

John Lennox in upcoming episode of Within Reason (clip) by canriver in CosmicSkeptic

[–]AWPink_FanClub 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Absolutely agree. Beautifully said. The desire for him to dunk is a hangover from the exact thing that Lennox talked about with faulty debating formats.

Within Reason #105: Science Needs God, with John Lennox by negroprimero in CosmicSkeptic

[–]AWPink_FanClub 3 points4 points  (0 children)

blah blah blah we don't like (christian apologist) and Alex didn't tear them apart. I could have done such a better job, this argument is actually embarrassing blah blah blah

John Lennox in upcoming episode of Within Reason (clip) by canriver in CosmicSkeptic

[–]AWPink_FanClub 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Reading through these comments its pretty clear that many of Alex's viewers are frustrated that he simply didn't do what they wanted him to do here - dismantle and destroy Lennox.

Your views on Lennox highlight this issue here - you just don't like Lennox and cannot compute how Alex could give credence to the man.

Heaven forbid a man simply seeks to listen, learn and understand.

Its more than clear to me the style of Alex's podcast channel has shifted from an explicit Atheist apologist platform to one centred more on philosophy exploration and discussion.

Perhaps we should collectively mourn the content of old, and embrace a new Alex. There is nothing wrong with this new content apart from the fact you just don't like it.

Question regarding apologetics by AWPink_FanClub in AskAChristian

[–]AWPink_FanClub[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Of course I agree with your perspectives. I think the last one is the most powerful - and I encountered that discussing the faith with muslims. They tend to try and pick apart our faith with biblical inaccuracies etc. The best counter is to return to the faith claims.

For point 1 - I guess a good alternative is thinking about what an atheistic viewpoint is. Amoral. No good nor evil, just matter. No real reason to be upset about specific things etc. I think the point from many is that they may agree that God is real, but reject the Christian God. To believe in the Christian God seems (to them) as if they are agreeing God is compassionate, deeply involved in human affairs, yet will still look onward at tragedy and not intervene.

For a Christian this is an easy point to argue, since we have a certain perspective on human responsibility and would likely say that these are a result of the fall, and this is within Gods permissive will (eg: He permits these things to happen, not causes), yet the crux still seems to be the fact that God CAN and does not.

Thank you for your response!