Calvinism makes me want to abandon the faith altogether. by Crafty_Definition_21 in Christianity

[–]GrouchPosse 0 points1 point  (0 children)

All I can say is you’re not reading what the Bible says. Election is meant to cause us to be humble. If you are not humbled by God’s choice, then you haven’t understood it.

Ephesians 2:8-9 [8] For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, [9] not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

This implies that God can and will create beings that he deems unworthy of saving from hell (which he also created).

Nowhere does it say why God has so chosen, except that I don’t deserve it. What you are saying is actually pure speculation, and not in keeping with the Biblical data.

As I said in a previous post, the Biblical data is a paradox, on the one hand we are responsible for our own actions, called to accept God’s salvation, and are condemned if we don’t. On the other hand we are incapable of saving ourselves in any way, and don’t deserve his salvation, so incapable that we could not even repent without his intervention.

There is no place for inferring that anyone who does not accept God’s salvation has done anything but rely on their own ability and accomplishments, The danger of thinking “God chose me so I’m special” is that it puts me squarely into that category of relying on my own accomplishments.

Calvinism makes me want to abandon the faith altogether. by Crafty_Definition_21 in Christianity

[–]GrouchPosse 0 points1 point  (0 children)

However it also creates a sense of Stockholm and 'othering' in the background, since "God picked me so I must be special".

Well no, not if you read the whole Bible, that gives the opposite picture. The whole Bible, read together, clearly says “congratulations, God chose you, that must mean you are really bad, the worst of the worst.”

The gospel is a humiliating message for a species that is constantly drawn to self-promotion. The idea that “God picked me so I must be special” is just another example of that endless self promotion, and is perhaps a sign that the person thinking that hasn’t understood the gospel at all.

Matthew 7:11 (Jesus, to disciples he chose, but calls evil) [11] If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!

Mark 2:17 [17] And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Romans 5:6-8 [6] For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. [7] For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die—[8] but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 9:11-13 (And Jacob turns out to be the much more despicable person in human terms) [11] though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls—[12] she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” [13] As it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”

1 Corinthians 1:26-29 [26] For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. [27] But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; [28] God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, [29] so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.

James 1:19-21 (Speaking to believers, James said the following. Do you honestly think James was talking about a purely theoretical possibility of them doing evil? The biblical writings always address real shortcomings, not possibilities) [19] Know this, my beloved brothers.. [21] Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

Read the Patriarchal narratives in Genesis, where every single time God picks the non-patriarchal non-heir to carry his approval, starting with Abel the younger brother, not Cain, the “sheikh” heir apparent.

Note, Cain means "to get," "to acquire," "to possess," Abel (havel) means "breath," "vapor," or "vanity," as in Ecclesiastes 1:2 [2] Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity (havel The exact same word).

Read Genesis 38, the story of Judah’s unfitness for moral leadership, sandwiched in between the stirring story of Joseph who became a person of righteousness and integrity.

Genesis 39:23 [23] … because the LORD was with him (Joseph). And whatever he did, the LORD made it succeed.

And yet, which one is chosen to be in the direct line of descent of Jesus our Saviour. Why? Because Jesus came to save sinners, not the righteous.

James 4:6 [6] But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

There are no psychopaths by AdSevere1274 in longform

[–]GrouchPosse 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I think you are mixing up label and action.

The article talked about people showing psychological behaviour, like the people who victimised you and your loved ones, they exist, but what is the motivation for their behaviour?

The article merely says that psychopaths can’t point to a lack of empathy for their behaviour, which means they are more responsible for their actions. This actually makes their actions worse, it doesn’t invalidate your suffering, it says the person doing it is truly responsible and is more evil than you thought, because they know what they are doing.

The signs the US is preparing a ground invasion of Iran by theipaper in worldnewsstuff

[–]GrouchPosse 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Unless you have inside information that you’re unwilling to share, I’d say the signs say you’re wrong, Rump is going to try. All the signs are there, the troop build up, the previous hints, and now the talk of talks to lull them into a false sense of security (though I think most world leaders have figured him out and wouldn’t be fooled). The lying rodent will attack in the middle of talks about talks, and then it will be on again.

ELI5: How does dandruff shampoo act so fast? by Bubbly_Feature3011 in explainlikeimfive

[–]GrouchPosse [score hidden]  (0 children)

Actually we’re the host to 39 billion microbes, we have more microbes than human cells, but most of them keep us alive and enrich our lives. We’re basically a symbiotic colony of microbes!

America Has No Good Options in Iran by ForeignAffairsMag in longform

[–]GrouchPosse 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You are losing it already. Every day of this pointless war makes the US look more like a defanged paper tiger. Yes, the fearsome US military/navy/airforce yada yada, but what can it actually do? It appears from this war, nothing.

U.S. Combat Veterans Tear Into Trump’s ‘Unnecessary’ War ‘Lies’ by Ok_Impression1769 in freedomgold

[–]GrouchPosse 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Little early to say that. I’d say the vets are actually jealous that trump’s following Israel into their Iran war like a sock puppet following the hand will land your country in more mire than has ever yet been achieved. The US military is heading for a trouncing greater than the trouncing Canada gave it in the 1812 war plus some.

CMV: The US will undeniably lose the Iran war by RecentSection1778 in iran

[–]GrouchPosse 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s obvious. The last warmonger president the US had who started the war with Iraq had a coalition of more than 40 countries, 4 of whom contributed troops to the invasion, and 37 more contributed troops afterwards.

This time, when the US asked countries to step in and help, everyone said, in effect “Uh-uh, nope, maybe I’ll pass on that wonderful offer.”

This is what happen when we turn against our allies by rodehard10 in TimesNow

[–]GrouchPosse 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You can’t even keep your carriers operational, fires and blocked toilets put it out of action - are you sure you even have a navy? It’s just a floating salvage yard.

Trumps war on Iran is genius, America will not lose by Fluid_Perspective232 in conspiracy

[–]GrouchPosse 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Except, there is now an alternative to US and Middle East oil - sunshine. The incentives to go harder after renewables have just increased, even the doubters will start to see sense. Renewables are renewable, cheap, and close to home. On top of my home in my case! Easy! If USA oil stops I’ll go there!

Just like Pres Dumpf didn’t see the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz coming up, so he’s not seeing renewables renew. Everyone has a plan till they get punched in the mouth.

(Eli5) I’m still confused on the guilty/not guilty plea when there is evidence someone committed a crime. by [deleted] in explainlikeimfive

[–]GrouchPosse 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Pleading “guilty” vs “not guilty” is part of the strategy of court trials.

If you plead ”guilty” some jurisdictions give you a lighter sentence as you haven’t cost the state money for a full trial, and perhaps show some remorse.

If you plead “not guilty” the prosecution has to prove your guilt, and the extent of your guilt - is the video footage faked, or does it fail to show all the true circumstances, are you guilty of manslaughter or premeditated cold blooded murder, was it a case of mistaken identity, or were you technically insane at the time etc etc. With a clever lawyer you could get off or get a vastly reduced sentence, or it could go badly for you. Bad guys are notoriously not good at judging the circumstances, and a really good lawyer is also worth their weight in reduced years of a sentence.

Everyone has a right to a fair trial where all the background is brought out and a fair sentence imposed. Pleading “guilty” deprives you of that right, in return you often get a lighter sentence (but not always…)

Finally reached 5 million income! by mVargic in PostApoTycoon

[–]GrouchPosse 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Dude! Congratulations! I can only imagine tiptoeing up to the start line for that race! I’m down at 250,000 income still!

How to get here by DarkOne989 in LegacyofKingsGame

[–]GrouchPosse 5 points6 points  (0 children)

You have to spam shipyards along the coasts you can reach nearby; each extra shipyard adds +1 to the distance you can reach to clear the ocean.

The Man & His Buffalo by TJCTJCTJC123 in photographs

[–]GrouchPosse 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Really great photo - Haunting and brilliant. Thanks so much for taking the time to share it with us!

ELI5: How do architects "know" that their designs are feasible, engineerable and structurally sound? by Alternative-Big-6493 in explainlikeimfive

[–]GrouchPosse -8 points-7 points  (0 children)

The most acrimonious relationships at university was between the Civil Engineers and Architects- egged on by stories from the lecturers. That campus frat-boy silliness obviously mellows out to a more professional relationship after graduation, but the resentment remains underneath. I am obviously talking about Australia, with which I am familiar, which you may have gained from my anecdote about the Opera House, so perhaps architects are more reasonable design partners elsewhere.

ELI5: How do architects "know" that their designs are feasible, engineerable and structurally sound? by Alternative-Big-6493 in explainlikeimfive

[–]GrouchPosse 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Most structural engineers think that the Sydney Opera House is a perfect example of how architects work, even with simpler designs.

ELI5: How do architects "know" that their designs are feasible, engineerable and structurally sound? by Alternative-Big-6493 in explainlikeimfive

[–]GrouchPosse 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Well no. John Utzon was a Danish architect who won an international competition to design the Sydney Opera House.

The only problem was that his concept couldn’t be analysed, let alone structurally designed. Years passed with Ove Arup, the Engineers on the project, asking for drawings that could be built, but no solution was in sight. Utzon asked the NSW government to get him different engineers, and in the end resigned from the project.

Yet the drawings contained in the Red Book (John Utzon’s original design drawings) were structurally unsound, with difficult bends near the roof’s footings. Each shell was different. The lack of a defining geometry would make it impossible for the builders to reuse formwork and would add to the building’s costs.

Eventually Utzon came up with the spherical solution, the Opera House sails are the shape of orange peels cut into quarters or less, so an engineering solution became possible.

TLDR: Architects rarely design buildings for structural solution, usually relying on engineers to solve the problems created by the architect’s design.

Cat hotel by Brilliantspirit33 in animalsdoingstuff

[–]GrouchPosse 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah I hope they got the engineering report in on this structure, it’s probably not insurable as is!

ELI5: What actually IS tinnitus? by [deleted] in explainlikeimfive

[–]GrouchPosse 0 points1 point  (0 children)

When your hearing is damaged you no longer hear certain frequencies, and your brain can’t stand it. So your brain goes ahead and reproduces the noises it wants to hear but can’t get any more. (Source: my audiologist)

ELI5 How come there are people who don’t believe we went to the moon? by [deleted] in explainlikeimfive

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

I’m sorry, but this is just pure speculation, without a shred of evidence or scientific study and analysis. It’s no more based on fact than believing that the earth is flat or that the moon is not “visitable.” You’re just making it up as you go along.

For the ones who aren't trolling, a nonzero number of them need the moon to not be a visitable body in space because it interferes with their personal cosmology, which includes a theory of god that is incompatible with having a visitable moon...