Knowing vs Believing????

..the proof is in the living.. it's not science (tho there's lots that supports and suggests it) that convinces most people of God.. it's the experiences they've had with God.. whether very subtle.. or deeply life changing.. and it's an ongoing occurrance.. :)) P.S. Your "think I am a banana" is very apt! I just read how (was it Darwin or someone else?) said we are as much related to the banana as any thing else..

if I 'think' that what the Bible says is true, then I must be very stupid for allowing people to mock me for what I 'think'. Now that I know and even more, believe, it does not matter what others 'think' about me. But that is just my opinion, if you want to think, that's fine by me. I will never force some one to know/believe/think like I do. We must all work it out for ourselves. My discussion was merely to share an experience I had with God I believe in.

Hey Greyoldman, you are right, God did give me a brain. He gave me a brain to recognze the truth when I hear it. Who should I rather believe, you or God? God said read the Bible and learn of Him, you say it is not good to read the Bible. In the same discussion you acknoledge the excistence of God "He gave me a brain", you said. How much of the Bible and it's background do you realy know? Blessing.

..he's gotta small point tho about the old testament, which so many don't understand the primitiveness of the day (what with human sacrifice being prevalent for one thing) so yes, God was very strict.. so one small place, amidst all the depth and deep confusions of man, might be somewhat prepared as a stage or background for the Messiah, so the planet and mankind could be rescued.. The new testament of course is our main meat and ambrosia.. (I mean wow! isn't it knock yer socks off great!!?) But actually it's stricter than the old testament.. although there's no stoning! But man can fulfill now God's laws, by His Spirit which flows through us.. (believers can, tho we're still so imperfect, yet being transformed) - As Jesus said, "you have heard it said murder is wrong, but I tell you hating/dislike is wrong, for it is the committing of murder in the heart" it's what leads to murder! (poorly paraphrased I'm afraid) - and He said - "you've heard it said do not commit adultery, but I say do not be looking.." - And of course too there are all the challenges, especially to the old testament, that get passed around, some being where a person of God did something like multiple wives or 'slavery'/the day's debt system (having still free-will) and it's reported how God did it.. [There's answers to all those challenges! especially the one, if there is God, why is life so difficult and there's suffering?] Yes, respond to God.. We need to ever keep seeking, and reading.. and "the path gets brighter and brighter".. :))blessings!! [you will be blessed.]