This Side

Ed Latham, Yuma, AZ, 11/24/97, Web Site

No time to see it all yet. Glad to see your effort tho. I'll be back to see more. I wish I could ignore the bible, and those that thump it, but they are pervasive and exasperating. Keep up the good work. ejl

Shannon Athena, a.k.a. Lostsolz,
Bayou George, LA(?), 11/29/97

Hey, your lovely Dee called this page to my attention, and may i say, i think it's very intelligent, and very truthful. i'm glad there's people like you who won't let lies like this continue. I never knew there were so many contradictions, tho i bet my preacher man never wanted me to know either. I always knew Christianity was based on lies, and i thank you for making such a great page that shows me i'm not crazy. Keep it up, i'm gonna tell alot of people about this page!

R. Lars Evans, Greenville, SC, 12/5/97

Hallo, Cyg.....a lot of effort went into this page! Dr. Fumduck and I will be praying for your eternal soul!....SINcerely, October31st_1999

Ryan Lenear, USA, 12/8/97

I really enjoyed chatting with you the other day and have found your page most helpful in disputing the Bible.

Steve, USA, 12/9/97

I wanted to add a contradiction for you. My study of the Book of Myths was so long ago chapter and verse escape me. Anyway, Daniel, I recall, referred to the sceptre not leaving the house of Judah, or something to that effect. Find a scripture that tells how the Messiah needs to be from the House of David. Then read the two gospels that give his geneology. If he is NOT Joseph's blood child, he is NOT of the House of David. If he IS Joseph's offspring, then he is NOT the Messiah, either. Not according to the New Testament arguement about the miraculous birth. He didn't even do THAT first, did he. Remember Samson? Thanks for the interesting site. I am still reading.

enig_mat, Wisconsin, 12/10/97

I will be back to poke around. I have been aware of apochryphal books for years, but never thought I'd find a site quite like this. Augustine, Jerome and several others are responsible for the myth. They were attempting to detract from the following of Nicholas of Myra, who was much closer to the Messiah than Jesus ever could get! Still, he shares the greatest of festivals with him! Look it up, it's true!

I have tried to find something on this... but so far I am still looking! -Cygnus

Houmi2, Australia, 12/11/97

Cyg:No doubt about it!You're one of the hardest working students ever bred-The masters of the Theraputae/Illuminati are the keepers of the true Gnosis(knowledge)...perhaps you're becoming one of us..LOL.. remember,not all is as it seems..With much affection..(Great Work)Houmi2

Lightningwolf, USA, 12/14/97

Great site! I love the contradictions and the humor!

Laroccom, Evanston, IL(?), 12/20/98

Haven't yet had a chance to really look around your site but it has the patina of being serious and well constructed. You are also using outstanding source material which is something I appreciate. Your mission is daunting and I will certainly visit again to access your scholarship. The Bible, in my opinion, is worth reading for many reasons. However, any new information that can clarify, provoke insight and thought, even knee jerk reactionary thought, about Christianity's mainspring and its sourcebook is something in which I am interested. Anyway, you have an interesting site. Thanks for putting yourself out here.

Free_50, a.k.a. Michael Austin, USA, 12/22/97

Filled with the absolute desire to teach and share the growing process that any seeker of the truth must do. I call this required reading for all good christians. It just may save them from a life of misery!!THANKS cygnus.

Russell Sanders, USA, 1/18/98, Web Site

Hi Sam, It will take a while to digest the amount of material you have on your site. I run a similar section on my web site and have read most of the same books you site. I noticed you have a lot of references indicating that the Bible is based on myth but you don't seem to identify the myths or explain the origins as you see them, unless I missed something. Incuding that might better explain your perspectives. I have bookmarked your site and will return to it periodically. Take care, Russell.

Matt Hucke, Chicago, IL, 2/1/98, Web Site

Well done, an excellent resource. I shall return here often and delve further into the complete gospels.

Susan Williams, Falls Church, VA, 2/10/98, Web Site

Interesting Page! Definitely something to think about. The bible has always been an interesting work of fiction... I look forward to reading your ideas and comments on the subject.

DJ Chuang, Vienna, VA, 2/15/98, Web Site

Hello Cygnus, an interesting web site, and thought-provoking topics! I'd like to see your personal thoughts develop proactively into helpful and encouraging principles for all (no good keeping truth private and personal, you know? *grin*)...

Steve Beach, State College, PA, 2/21/98, Web Site

My, what a coincidence: today, I read in the paper about ministers that do nothing but preach at funerals about people they never knew, just one day after finding a web site that is going to make me order my heirs never to have one of those charlatans ever speak at my funeral. Thank you so much for the bible contradictions page, but especially for the convert me, now page. A page that points out all the impossible contradictions of Christianity is just what I needed. Another point: I've got a young daughter, and like all parents, having a young kid makes me think about religion more. The more I think about it, the more I hate it!

Damion Raventel, a.k.a. Evilangel500, USA, 3/3/98

Every close minded christian should read the text contained in this site, for it's the real truth about their precious book.

SGTex, USA, 3/17/98

A very fine site; I only read the convert me questions today. Wonderfully astute and true... the Bible is toxic. I hope you succeed in making a difference. Our work is cut out for us. Sincere best regards, SGTex

Vijai Singh, Markham, Canada, 3/17/98

Wonderful! Very rational insight.

Shadrach, LaCrosse, WI, 3/17/98, Web Site

Well, first I had to look over the past signings in this book and see what the (frothing at the mouth) christians had to say about the blasphemy contained within your page. I love a good belly laugh. I think that you have struck a nerve, because a few were using that open your heart schtick again. I don't have a guestbook at my page yet, although when I do get one, I expect some of the same. I love your page, it gets to the root of the matter and exposes the circus for what it really is: a sham. I am going to link here from my new geocities pad. I learned about Pantheism, as well. Fascinating belief, and it is alright with me because I am a nature boy. Well, when I get my Guestbook installed and get my page put up the way I want it, you will have to come there and give a rambling, pointless entry just like this one.

Michael Conyers, USA, 3/24/98

I thank you for your work. It is helping me with my own research. You're an inspiration!

E. Leven, Cinaminson, NJ, 3/25/98

Interesting, well constructed site. I have done similar study, but still confounded by the mystery of faith. Some of the truth may be between or beyond the text.

Scott, England, 4/3/98

Excellent site. A word of advice.....there's no point trying to debate this issue with people who actually believe the earth was created by god in 7 days.....they are so narrow minded they can see through a keyhole with both eyes!

Beth, Joisey (New Jersey), 4/3/98

Good stuff, Sam...I keep coming back. Have you read this article? It's really helped clarify the messy start of Christianity for me. Check it out.... Here. peace! Beth

A well written article! - Cygnus

Jim Calladine, Cobb, CA, 4/3/98, Web Site

Enjoyed your site--know many of the books you mention. Enjoyed the photographs also--you have a nice open face. Our website(above) is about a radical teaching that has NO beliefs. Everything in the Teaching you are invited to prove to your own satisfaction !!! I am 65 years of age, a born sceptic and have examined a tremendous number of spiritual paths. I would be interested to hear what you think! Best wishes, Jim Calladine

Be sure to check out Mr. Calladine's contradicting statements about me and my web site on the other side! - Cygnus

Bruce Robinson, Kingston, Canada, 4/4/98, Web Site

Thanks a lot for including a link to our site from yours. Really ejoyed looking at your home page.

What an honor to have these guys sign my guestbook! Check out their page!!! - Cygnus

Alan Colville, USA, 4/4/98

Just read Burton Mack's Who Wrote the New Testament last week and encountered your website today and got a lot of positive reinforcement. It seems to me that most of the Christian sects would be bearable if they would limit themselves to simply viewing religion as one way (not the only way) to establish a guide to benevolent human behavior. I find the literal interpretation groups to be the most depressing. It seems clear that none of the gospels were written by any person who ever saw Christ. Bye the way, how can Paul be considered an apostle if he never saw Christ? Evangelicals evidently believe that everything in the New Testament was written by persons who were with Christ. I have just encountered your site. I think the questions to be answered to convert you should be pared down a bit and only include about 10 really well thought out ones.

Marty Winebarger, Portland, OR, 4/5/98

I appreciate sites like yours. I've been spending a great deal of time searching the web and reading various materials trying to come to some philosophical conclusions. My first conclusion was that there is an extremely low probability that God exists. My second conclusion is that people who disagree with my first conclusion are probably going to try and make life difficult for me, my family, my country and my planet. They've been doing it for quite some time and I don't see any reason for me to believe that they're going to stop any time soon. So my third conclusion is that I'll be making it my life mission to evangalize to the people. Now all I need is the tools. Information like that I've found in your site brings me closer to having the tools I need to do my part to help save the world from God :)

Cornelius, Australia, 4/10/98

Excellent! Keep up the good work bagging those foolish christians. I have GOT to use some of your stuff to shove down my god-believing friends throats!

Darrin Raspberry, Wichita Falls, TX, 4/14/98

Excellent page. You need to read Why I am not a Christian by Bertrand Russell and just about anything by Rob Ingersoll. They're great reads!!

He's right! I do need to read these books! - Cygnus

Miss Wile E. Coyote, Southwest Desert Region, USA, 4/17/98, Web Site

WOW! How can I say thanks for putting together what I have always been trying to justify, that man made god in his image and likeness and there is really no point to the gods of the earth! Being a scientist I have found that God 's laws are the scientific laws , and all are in existence from the beginnings of time. If man or whatever beings are out there can really believe that what we read about God in the Bible is the word of a moody Being, then we really should question everything that is in it as you have done. I do believe there is a GOD, but One who is so magnificent an artist, scientist and lover create all that we behold for us to enjoy and glorify God in taking care of it and one another. Whatever negative forces are out there to destroy us, then I do believe that if all that hangs in the heavens and in space is out to get us, it would have collapsed a long time ago! The REAL GOD no one can fathom, or understand, yet God shares with us the task to go to the ends of creation and find God. I have found GOD in my own soul, a universe in itself, and my temple rests also inside my spirit where I am comforted with the love that brought me here. Thank you for your efforts and what is truly a well detalied reflection on the issue of religion, and of course mankind in the quest for answers!!

John, Australia, 4/25/98

Anybody that read your articles could not look at the bible the same way again.

Robert L. Johnson, St. Petersburg, FL, 4/25/98, Web Site

I love your site. It's loaded with great info. I'd be happy to exchange links with you. Your's in Enlightenment, Bob

Another honor for me!!! - Cygnus

rpcman, USA, 5/5/98, Web Site

I think the person below (Mark Skywalker to the right) is confused as to who you are critiquing. You are examining Biblical Christians which he obviously isn't since he doesn't believe in Jesus's hell, the Old Testament's creation, or the numerous miracle stories the Bible contains.
Anyway, keep up the good work.
[My] mind is not for rent, To any god or government -- Peart

Free50, USA, 5/14/98

Well!!Cygnus this page of yours is getting better all the time. You can not imagine how much time you have saved me in finding links to the subject we both hold dear to our hearts. I was intrigued by a note you got from someone who called themselves a liberal christian????!!!!!One who does not believe in the virgin birth , or hell? So , does he believe that jesus was God? Or is that another dish on the buffet that he simply passes on? Well it does take all kinds, and I prefer to walk the line of those who do not follow any revealed belief system. Thanks again for all that work of yours.

Dhyan Sandesh, Singapore, 5/17/98, Web Site

usually when someone is out to debunk a religion or scripture, it is based on personal emotional hatred peppered with irrational argument. but yours is different, you have made strong and logical arguments to plead your case. thank you.

Corneliuz, Gold Coast, Australia, 5/19/98, Web Site

Cygnus, I congratulate you on this really top effort! I have used this info on this page numerous times in arguments with christian friends, and they always look dumbfounded! Cool!

I aim to please! - Cygnus

Doug, 6/13/98

Dear Cygnus: Excellent page, and I thank you for taking the time to present it. The Internet and pages like yours are finally exposing the bible absurdities and contradictions to the mass public, and the christian bible-idolaters certainly don't like being exposed! As for defending the bible's absurdities and contradictions, I just love it when christians (like Tony) try to defend them by saying: "The bible doesn't mean what it says; it means something else". Well, if it means something else, why does it say what it says? Either the bible means what it says and says what it means, or it doesn't. And when christians say: "Well, this version and translation is wrong, but the original (Hebrew/Greek) means something else and is correct", then they're admitting *prima facie* that the edited and re-worked translations we have today are indeed incorrect. For if the current translations were not incorrect, why then would they have to resort to some other interpretation to try to rescue the current version? Eliminating the brainwashing mind control of the christian cult won't happen overnight Cygnus, (as ignorance and superstitions die slowly), but eventually it will go the way of all the other silly mythologies. Pages like yours are helping to speed that process, so again I thank you for presenting your page.

Ulrich, Vero Beach, FL, 6/14/98

A more accurate description of how I got here would be "persistant posting of link on Internet Infidels Discussion Forum", but at least it got me here. I would like to commend you on the research you have done thus far. It will take me a while to read through the wealth of topics you present, but I will enjoy doing it. I agree with most of what I have seen so far, and I am glad that people like you are out there showing organised religion for what it is. The pendulum in our country (USA) seems to be swinging towards that of religious fervor, and I can only hope that sites like this will help to temper the current trend. I do hope to debate with you your views on atheism and deism (as laid out in the "What I Believe") section, but that is a topic for another time and place. For now I just want to say - keep up the good work!

Brian Fitzsimmons, fult.co.-ohio, 6/17/98

Great site.Went to some of your sign-ins.Isn't it amazing how nice religous people are when they want you to join thier faith but begin to THINK for yourself and question that faith,then watch the VENOM begin to flow from these spirit filled people.Oh,just believe what we spoon feed you.Carl Sagan once said:"I don't want to just believe-I want to know." Good advice to me.

James, Auburn, AL, 6/18/98, Web Site

I'm pleased to see that you've expanded the My Beliefs page to some degree since my last visit. I still do not understand why you attack fundamentalist Christianity. They will never be dissuaded, as they have abandoned all reason. To think otherwise is quite unrealistic. Instead of squandering your time on such an easy target, I propose you try refuting some of the stronger theological arguments. As of yet, I haven't seen anything on this page that can give a solid argument against the ontological argument for God's existence. But if you insist on targeting only fedeists, I'd be very interested in your epistemological views. Respectfully, James

Mike Oliver, Dallas, TX, 6/21/98

It's nice to see others that share similar views with myself. My views are largely that of the deist. The only questionable view I have with our founding fathers is the belief on the afterlife. I share your outlook more than the belief of a heavenly or celestial afterlife. Then again, you'll never know until your dead. I'm seriously thinking about contributing the world union of deist, I really like their newsletters. I'm an engineering major who would love to switch to religious studies if I could make a living out of it. They have a very good program here at SMU. As a matter of fact, one of the professors here, Ron Hendal, helps out with Mysteries of the Bible on A&E(one of my favorite shows). Feel free to e-mail any other shows, websites, or books that relate on this topic. I periodically drop by this site so continue the good work. I found your site on the secular web webpage.

Gideon Bernstein, Sylmar, CA, 6/22/98

You can use angels in your arguments. An all-powerful God wouldn't need angels. He can perform all of their tasks himself. You have a great web site. It's very good.

Ros Stiles, Adelaide, South Australia, 6/23/98

Great work, it will also save me a lot of trouble in my research for a book I am writing, a fictional based book set to debunk the bible and other religions. Except for I was looking for something about "the word" in John 1:1 I believe there is a new age or eastern theory that "the word" means a breath or pitch. I enclose an address for an article from an Australian magazine called Nexus. The article is called "In search of the Holy Grail" and it actually gives insights into other meanings that the bible could have had, encrypted meanings, as well as meanings for some of the things that most people take to be literal. Heres the address. I hope you find it as interesting as I did. If you ever develope a chat page I want to join. All the best in your quest for the truth. Ros

Stu Padasso, Heaven, 7/6/98, Web Site

Cool site dude!!!!!! Right On!!!!! I'm glad to see someone study the bible as much as I do.

Nocturnal Angel, USA, 7/8/98

Found the new "Convert Me" very helpful and also a funny.That will be a great tool to combat those christian bastards! Thanks again, enjoyed it very much. Ryan.....

JoyAnn Moody, Michigan, 7/12/98

Regarding Victorias question about what would you do if God came and spoke directly to you and your answer back to her. I had a strange thing happen to me over a year ago. My husband and myself had been involved in a xian cult for over 20 yrs and as it fell apart we were very confused as to what constituted truth anymore. I had been down on my knees praying and asking God to reveal "truth" to me and as I arose from my knees the following thought hit my mind "what if christianity is one of the greatest hoaxs ever to be played on this world". At first I rejected such a thought, but then after awhile I realized that I had never really proved from personal study, whether christianity was true or not, I had always just beleived the religionists. So I began an in depth study and proved that christianity is nothing more than fables and myths. I wrote up a paper detailing my research and sent it to some people I knew, who in turn told me that my research work was good, but next I needed to do the same research to prove whether the OT was based on truth or not, I then began a research that brought me to the conclusion that the stories of the OT were not based on truth either. I have concluded that there is a "Deity" but he is not as the relgionists show him to be, and I personally believe that when I asked him to reveal truth to me, he did so by causing that thought to come to my mind. Regardless whether he actually did or not, I am very thankful to have been released from the slavery of mans religion and mans gods. JoyAnn Moody

Mike Oliver, Dallas, TX, 7/12/98

different e-mail address this time. last time we corresponded you asked of my views on the afterlife. well, my guess is that we die and go back to the earth we came from. it is almost as if we live for ever since decomposition will put our carbon based bodies back into the earth and use it for something else. i don't believe in a soul so i don't think our thoughts and feelings will carry on. as i stated befor, i followed the writings of thomas paine and i thought that he believed in an afterlife view a little different that mine. please feel free to comment. also, you quelle info has caught my eye. i'm finding it very informative. i will take a religion as story class next semester and i hope it turns out educational. i still haven''t sent for application to the world union of deist yet, but maybe soon. i'm not much in a writing mood tonight so i will correspond again later this week. thanks for the info.

Smarticus Erraticus, Kentucky, 7/16/98

I thought my morbid curiosity had caused my to waste my time while snooping through some Christian web sites. I guess I was just being temporarily dumb. I happened to come across a link to your site and that pretty much made all the effort worthwhile. I have made a bookmark so I can find my way back the next time I'm intelligent enough to appreciate all of your stuff. I get a chuckle out of the "I'll pray for you" messages in your guestbook. When people say that to me, I tell them that I will pray that their prayer goes unanswered.

That Side

Howie 30, New Mexico, 12/10/97

I don't think of the Bible as a pious fraud. reading John Shelby Spong and understanding the concept of midrash may help you. While most xians are not informed of the origins of their faith, Xianity is a positive influence on most. Rambling now. You seem intelligent enough and your thoughts are layed out well on our page. I pray for your conversion(joking).

Actually, since he wrote this I have read Spong. He is a very good read and I would suggest it to any right-wing Christian. Spong somehow maintains a title as Bishop in the Episcopalian church even though he does not believe in a virgin birth, a bodily resurrection, and many of the miracles of Jesus. My question to Spong would be, "Why keep the title?" - Cygnus

Sean Costello, St. Paul, MN, 12/11/97

Well my friend, I really disagree with you. It looks as though you look at Xtianity from a fundamentalist point of view. I think that you really need to look more into what the writer really meant to say. I think that you will find it to be more symbolic, and a lot less straight historic fact. I really don't think that the world was created in 7 days. I think you need to look at what the writer meant, and not at what he wrote. Ecspecially when you are probably looking at a translation of a translation. If you would like to talk about this in more detail, feel free to write to me at my e-mail address. good day, and God bless

Kermi75, USA, 12/13/97

Cygnus, I appreciate your search for the truth. However, you are presenting a one sided opinion and research. If you really are searching for the truth, subscribe to Christian Research Journal. They discuss issues such as the Book of Thomas - bogus, and other problems you've raised. Also, there is a book I want you to read. I don't have the title right now, so I'll have to come back and leave it for you. It will address your supposed Contradictions in the Bible section. Keep looking into this. The truth will prevail.

Zapatero, USA, 12/29/97

I do not subscribe to Atheism for it seems to me to be arrogant to think that humans as individuals are the most powerful force in existance. Cite this please! Faulty reasoning. If the sun went nova we would fry. I never heard an atheist say that. I do not subscribe to Agnosticism for I have made a consciouss effort to explore and have found sufficient evidence for ME to believe in God. How can you have found evidence when there is none! Again your reasoning is suspect. Where is your e-mail? I have little regard for people who put up web pages and will not have an e-mail address on it.

Interesting! For the longest time I thought that this was an angry Christian. Then I realized that he is an atheist. I wonder if he will ever realize the incredible amount of luck required to reach the point of existence where we are without some sort of divine intervention. I wrote to him - we spoke for a while - he fumed and never wrote back. -Cygnus

Jim Neal, USA, 1/8/98

I read your creditionals. You bought them. Hardly a credential in my book. Therefore, everything else you say is suspect.

Actually, I got them online, and as I point out, they are meant to be a joke. This person obviously has no sense of humour... and he is an AOL customer so how smart could he be?
You too can be ordained HERE. - Cygnus

Joe Pettigrew, Memphis, TN, 1/17/98

I have not read you web page and am not sure to what extent I will. However, at first glance I am offended. May God bless you.

Cliff, USA, 1/19/98

what a vast and lonely world you must live in to bother with such things.I am sure you wont last long on the list with this.

The list that Cliff is referring to is one of the numerous Christian e-mail lists that I subscribed to for about 6 months. I only lasted on two of them for any length of time and I will detail my recollections in an upcoming section of my site. - Cygnus

Alicia, Fayetteville, AR, 1/20/98, Web Site

Hey Sam, I find it interesting that you would want to be included in a pro-bible list since you claim it is a fraud. I am interested in knowing why you want to hang out with us. Do your friends know that you share prayer mail and enjoy mail concerning missio naries and spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ? I will continue to pray for you because you seem to have done a good job in helping our site get more hits. We have a lot of people responding to your message. Thanks - We couldn't have done it without you. We now have an even better group to minister to. Alicia. May the peace and love of God meet you some day.

My friends know... and yes, they think that I am odd. - Cygnus

Eric Gerdts, Lincoln, IL, 1/22/98

I am attending a Bible college in Lincoln. I want to tell you that I appreciate the fact that you have done much study of the Bible (however I would encourage you to perhaps try to study its message, and not to find semantic contradictions within it). You have put much hard work into this site, and you must feel very strongly about your views. I think, however, that you have overlooked a few of the single most important principles for the Interpretation of the Bible. First, nearly every one of the contradictions that you have found has been taken out of its original context. Second, each part of the Bible was written at a specific point in time, with a specific purpose. Knowing what the background behind each book of the Bible is key to understanding what each line means. Third, the translations (into English) are not inspired by God. Many of the discrepencies can be explained by the fact that the Hebrew and Greek do not always translate into English perfectly. Finally (this refers to the contradictions such as one source saying 40 and 2 years, and the other saying 20 and 2 years), the vast amount of texts that translators have to chose from means that there were invariably occasional mistakes in the original copying of the text. However, the VAST majority of the Bible is VERY easy to determine. I have read through much of your material, and every one of your problems and questions has a logical solution or answer. I would be happy to confront them one by one, if you are willing. Thank you for your time. Eric Gerdts Lincoln Christian College.

Eric, USA, 1/24/98

Rom 1:18-21 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities-- his eternal power and divine nature-- have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.

The same Eric? - Cygnus

Larry Bredehoeft, Kirkland, (?), USA, 2/2/98

When it says God separated the darkness from the light ... Has it ever dawned on you that this was accomplished by setting the Earth in rotation?

Antti, Finland, 2/13/98

Well, if I would believe like Pantheists that GOD=everything then I would be desperate. Only the cross of Christ solves this misery on Earth.

Apparently, this person has led a very sheltered life. Fact is that since Jesus walked the earth, society has made progresses and recessions. Man has become smarter, but with that intelligence came decreased humanity. I think that with or without Jesus we should be desperate. - Cygnus

The Edge, Millerville, PA, 2/15/98, Web Site

Well, Sam, I am not going to bother looking at every single thing on this page. Twould be a waste of time, since the Bible is truth and I do not know how you can deny the facts. I am in the process of discussing with you via email. There is nothing you can show me that would cause me to doubt God. There simply are things we were not meant to understand. You have done so much hard work, it is surprising you ignore the compelling evidence. Every theory that tries to disprove the Bible has large holes in it, including evolution. Just face it...Christ is holding his hand out to you, and He wants to save you! Open your heart to Him! That is my prayer. If you don't, please know that everyone will acknowledge Christ as Lord, either willingly in this life, or unwillingly in the next. If you don't do it in this life, you will still do it, but it will be too late, and you will not get into Heaven. It is written: `As surely as I live,' says the Lord, `every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.' Romans 14:11 That means if you don't confess, you will sit before the judgement seat of God and you will see that Jesus is Lord.

This young one and I spoke for quite some time. His biblical knowledge is lacking and that is apparently why he believes the Bible to be as holy as he does. He clearly lacks reason and logic to guide him towards any sort of rational understanding of what the Bible is. When I asked him what he would believe if God came to him (and he could verify if it was God) and told him that the Bible and Christianity were lies, he said that "God would never say that." He didn't understand that it was a rhetorical question. In other words, his mind is closed. And at such a young age. Sad. - Cygnus

Denise, South Africa, 2/16/98

Why try and join our bible study list when it is obvious you are about as interested in being converted as I am in visiting your page again. THIS IS A PATHETIC PAGE.

Thank you! Come again! - Cygnus

David, USA, 2/21/98

Try going to www.doesgodexist.org if you want to be converted. If you don't want to be converted, don't pretend. Oh yes, Jesus said that even the demons believe. To be converted, you would need to place yourself under the Lordship of Jesus Christ and stop serving yourself and your present lord, satan.

Did somebody say.....SATAN?!?!?!? Clearly the invention of the church to scare the gullible into right actions. - Cygnus

Jim Rose, Tulsa, OK, 2/22/98, Web Site

Hey, I must say that I liked the site. I at one time was very anti-God and anti Christian. I used to think that Christians were the biggest airheads on the planet. In fact, I still think that a lot of them are. I hate religion as mush as you do, but I feel that Chrisitanity has nothing to do with religion, I feel that being a Christian has everything to do with a relationship with God, something that I strive to deepen everyday and something that I have never regretted doing. It just bothers me that you can't experiance the joy and peace of knowing your Creator like I do. But, ultimately that is your choice. I nor anyone else can convince you to do that. Anyways, like I said, I would really like to get in touch with you.

Brett Reese, USA, 2/22/98

Sam: There are a lot of things I disagree with in traditional Christianiy. However a guy like you will never, ever, ever discover truth (whatever the truth may be) because of one word that pushes and shoves a person off course from any/every direction. Without being insulting I can see clearly that you have what most Christians and non X have: bias. think about it.

Drix, South Africa, 2/27/98

Well, a bit boring. I'd rather hang out with Jesus of today than going through old religion. Way more exciting!

Um... OK. And I would rather hang out with Thomas Paine, but unfortunately both were mortal men, and both are now dead. - Cygnus

Mike, University of Maryland, 3/3/98, Web Site

Comments: I noticed that there is some common ground between both sides that I see here. The host here tells us that he believes God is in everything and every one. Some Christians believe that God is Omnipresent and Omnipotent. Some Christians believe that Jesus is in all of us including the least of us. Who else can see this common ground? Both beliefs call for reverence of everything and everyone. So all that leaves is a respectful search to know more of what is. Jesus is certainly not concerned with you not finding His tent on your mountain of transfiguartion. Nor is God concerned that you will not find Him there also. Only people that have not been there concern themselves... Respectfully, Michael

There is also some common ground between learning a martial art for self-defense and learning military skills for mass murder. But, as we can clearly see, they are miles apart in the direction that they are headed. - Cygnus

Ron Kanagy, USA, 3/9/98

Your site is the work of Satan!! You may think Christianity is a crock, but being a Christian myself, I can say that you don't know what you are missing. One day we will all be judged by God for what we have done. And those that do not believe in Jesus Christ will all experience the wrath of God. No exceptions!! I just hope for your own sake that one day you will realize that your beliefs about Christ and Christianity are all wrong and that you will will accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

Hee, hee!!! A personal favorite! I guess that I must be Satan or at least Satan is working through me. Amazing... he is so quiet! - Cygnus

Aaron Darling, USA, 3/11/98

I think you are a sad excuse for a scholar or a man. Please come back to the KJV debate list and discuss your 150 questions with us.

If I am such a sad excuse for a scholar or a man... why did this person invite me back to their debate list. I left the list for two reasons. The first was that I was told that I could not present a case that went against Christianity. The second was because I saw these lovely Christians attacking each other with a ferocity that they generally save for non-believers. - Cygnus

Jay Childs, Norman, OK, 3/11/98

Wow! You sure have a lot of time on your hands. Not only that: Methinks thou dost protest too much.

Too much?!? Not enough!!! - Cygnus

Gale, UCLA, CA, 3/16/98

If you are sincere in having your questions answered, a good place to begin looking is http://www.geocities.com/~revival Don't expect easy answers. If you REALLY want to know the truth, you'll first have to be willing to discuss the issues.

That's funny... that is what I have been doing! Discussing the issues. - Cygnus

Samantha, USA, 3/16/98

I must agree with the person that said you were protesting too much. It strikes me that when people have to go to such extremes to disprove something, they fear it. And since you have no commission to go out and teach the nations, it must be fear that motivates you!

Certainly! It could not be a quest for truth that guides me. It could not be a desire to see truth come crashing through a sordid history of mythology. It must be fear! Wait... could it possibly be hate? - Cygnus

Chris, USA, 3/16/98

Do you have a life at all....that is, other than being antagonistic?? What are your motives in entering others web sites just to contradict and argue with them about their beliefs? Why is this so important to you? And why do you believe that all Christians are desperately trying to convert you? Did you have an overly controlling mother who never allowed you to be right or something???? Is that why you are so obsessed with proving everyone else wrong?? To put this much time and energy into HATING someone elses beliefs is interesting to me. It is HATE, you know. That does seem to be your motive. Wow! It must be a hollow, meaningless life that you lead.

Hmmmm... fear or hate? - Cygnus

Bill, USA, 3/18/98

I think you're certifiably nutso, man! See a therapist.

That's it!!! It must be insanity!! Or maybe it is the fear of being hatefully nutso? - Cygnus

Bubba Hollis, McGehee, Arkansas, 4/1/98

if u dont beleive in god.then there is no right or wrong. You should just take what you wont in this life by force. You may not beleive in a god but i know in every heart there isa wish/hope for life after death is there not?

I wrote to Bubba to verify that he was indeed a real person. - Cygnus

Bob, Grantsburg, WI, 4/1/98, Web Site

I would like to respond to those Convert Me questions if I really believed you would read them. I am going to share them with some other people and see what they think. I admit, some of the questions are very thought provoking, while others are truly immature. Might I suggest not swearing in them, intelligent men don't need to use explatives to get their point across. Thanks.

I actually wrote to Bob expressing an interest to hear his answers to the questions. He never responded. - Cygnus

Jim Calladine, Cobb, CA, 4/5/98

Infantile -- Adolescent From your questions I would say that (like most of us) you are primarily adolescent or rebellious in your approach to Authority. It is just another form of our rebellion against our parents and society. So check out some LIVING Teachings. My Spiritual Teacher's work (as an example) can be found described at: www.adidam.org Read one of his books. I would particularly recommend: THE HEART'S SHOUT I recommend checking out Adi Da and his Teaching to any serious seeker who is interested in becoming a finder and who is prepared to undergo a process of profound personal change. Best wishes, Jim Calladine

Make sure to see his contradictory statements to me on the other side! - Cygnus

William E. Bauer, Fernley, Nevada, 4/13/98

I enjoyed viewing your credential. Someone said to me a month or so ago that, if he had a PhD in nuclear studies, no one would argue those studies with him, but, since his PhD is in Theology, well then? My PhD is also in Theology. I suspect that the best thing about the truth of Christianity is not the acapella Bible, but the number of excellent minds who have written about and thought about this truly historical religion, which is based on eye-witness. The great weakness of Bible Christians is that they have jettisoned the historical documents leading up to and just after the earthly life of Jesus. But, I will say no more...

I wonder how he got his PhD with the stance that the historocity of Christianity is validated by the number of people who wrote about it. If I start a religion and get a bunch of people to write about it, does that make my path more correct than another? I think that this man is struggling with faith and reason and does not realize it. - Cygnus

Bob Prall, Houston, TX, 4/13/98, Web Site

About half of your objection are reflexions on a biblical truth that men (including those in robes) are sinful. I don't have time to answer the rest, but suggest you at least read my home page. Keep searching! Bob Prall PS. I have observed that those who fight faith in Christ the hardest are often the most likely to finally respond. What bugs me is not guys like you. Rather the blah so what guys.

Rev. Banu Moore, Stapleton, NE, 4/14/98

Dear Sam, I have read your web page with great interest. I have laughed at some of the questions in your Convert Me questionaire. I am a Christian, a woman, and a minister. Some of the questions you ask, I also ask. There are many things I do not agree with you. I know this that Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior. I believe God calls all to a saving knowledge in Jesus Christ. But I think many times we simplify the message of God with our own ideologies, our own prejudices, our own anger and hatred. I believe the Bible is the Word of God about God and about humans. And the true nature of God and our sinfulness are both represented in the Bible. Please know that I am not trying to convert you. Everyone is entitled to their belief. God in Christ calls us to proclaim the Good News, not the bad news. So I do that. And the rest is up to the Holy Spirit. I do not have the power to convert anyone; only God can. I continue to wrestle with many of the oppressive passages in the Bible. And I know that God in Christs not the author of oppression. As a woman minister, I have been discriminated and looked down by others. But in every instance I have learned that it is only through the grace of God, I am who and what I am. If we all truly seek the face of God, I know that we will experience the abundance of grace. One thing I did not appreciate and that is you calling God asshole in question 51. Maybe I misunderstood the question. I donot think you or anyonelse in that matter has the right to use profanity in referring to somebodyelse's beliefs. No matter what happens we should respect each other. I will pray for you and your faith in God.

Violet Candy, USA, 4/17/98

I know where you work!

You should! You're my boss!! - Cygnus

Mark Walker, Pomona, CA,5/3/98, Web Site

Interesting page. Some of your stuff is right on the mark and some of it... well, lets just say I disagree. I'm a liberal Christian and a panentheist (thats with an -en- and not just pantheist). It seems to me that you've been burned by a few fundamentalists in the past. I do say fundamentalitst and not Christians. There is a distinction. I am a Christian but I don't believe in Hell, bible inerrancy, virgin birth, supernatural theism, creationism, etc. When I read your page, I noticed that you often insulted Christians when you really should have singled out fundies. probably 90% of your arguments against Christianity don't even apply to me or my beliefs. I only mention this because your page attacks a very biased and oversimplified version of Christianity and I would hate to see people abandon the Christian tradition because of your arguements. Christians believe many, many things and I believe you can accept most of your criticisms and still remain a Christian. My brothers homepage (in the URL section) gives a good list of common beliefs of Liberal Christians. Check them out and see what you think. Keep up your research and desire for the truth and Remember: The Christian right... is neither.

I had a lot of correspondence with Mark. We hold many similar beliefs. Why he believes the things about Jesus (few as they may be) I am not sure, and I am not sure that he is sure, but we got along well (I thought) ands were able to have good discussion. My only piece of advice to him would be to drop the title of Christian. - Cygnus

J Garrison, USA, 5/13/98

You do not subscribe to Atheism for it (quote)seems to be arrogant to think that humans as individuals are the most powerful force in existance.(unquote) While you are in the dictionary looking up the correct spelling of existence, look up Atheism also. Atheism is the disbelief of a god or supreme being, no more, no less. Pure atheism does not elevate mankind to a supreme status. And it does not elevate science to a special status. Atheism does at times use science to offer more reasonable and verifiable explanations for the universe around us.

Unfortunately for Mr. Garrison, if there is no "higher power", humans would be the powerful force in existence. My spelling mistake does not invalidate the truth of the statement.

Mike Zbierski, Adelaide, Australia, 5/18/98

My friend I truly feel sorry for you. I will pray for you .... I will pray that you will come to know the great Love that our Lord has for us, a love that can only be truly experienced with a belief in Jesus Christ. I praise the Lord for the sacrifice that He has made in His Son, that even a person like yourself can be saved, through repentance and acceptance of our Lord Jesus Christ. There is always hope for you my friend. Ask and it shall be given unto you.

Gaines Johnson, Wayne, WV, 5/18/98, Web Site

Hello! Just a note to tell you I visited your site and took time to sign your Guestbook. If you are interested in web pages on the subjects of Creation and Noah's flood I invite you to visit my site, the Christian Geology Ministry, and see what using some elementary science, logic, and the exact English wording of the KJV Bible reveals about the Genesis narratives and the earth's geology. God bless!

I now have the honor of having met a true fundamentalist. A true literalist. He believes every word of the Bible to be literally true. Even the allegorical stuff. He believes in a 7 day creation cycle. We wrote and he warned that I should not make judgements until I was absolutely sure. I told him that after seeing his web page that he should strongly consider taking his own advice. - Cygnus

D. Chuang, Blacksburg, VA, 5/20/98

For starters #9 in your Contradictions in the Bible is wrong. In II Samuel 21:8, Saul's daughter is Merab, not Michal.

Saul's daughter in II Samuel 21:8 is Michal. D. Chuang is incorrect, but not because it is not in the Bible. The translation of his Bible is obviously not of the highest quality. The Masoretic texts, which are considered by scholars to be the oldest and closest to original, have II Samuel 21:8 saying that Saul's daughter is Michal. It appears this way in the King James Bible as they used the Masoretic texts, and because of this I use this translation. Inferior translations such as the New International Version (NIV) incorrectly replace Michal with Merab in the above verse possibly to correct the contradiction. - Cygnus

Denian Trent, Canada, 5/21/98

some of us will search a life time and waste precious time searching for the truth of Gods existence and his son Jesus Christ. the author of this page seems to have acquired a great deal of knowledge and wisdom but how he uses it is questionable. why anyone would debunk the works of christianity is beyond me . debunk the men who have distorted the truth for there own selfish means, the men who clearly forgot the weakness of the flesh only to create a world of lost religions that have smothered the true teachings of Christ.all men are fools so it is quite easy to to see why men can take something so simple and turn it into the most complex distorted maze since the beginning of time that being todays organized religion. it truly amazes me that the author would debunk the stongest force in the universe that being love,there is none other greater than Gods love. the author has created another compex web of questions so fools like myself can waste precious time trying to convince the author that he lost himself to the flesh that binds him to this world of deceit. the author my friends is already converted he just never took the time to give himself to Christ. denian

Donna, Philadelphia, PA, 5/24/98

I have a challenge for you. Get on your knees...ask Christ to come and live in your heart... see what happens. ask Him to forgive you... you have grieved Him. Your questions are ALL foolish. YOu cannot take the Bible out of context and try to slip up Christians. You make your own choices... that's free will. God is just to forgive and just to punish. He also will have mercy on your soul and save you... if you let Him. You can be free from hate.

The common misconception. Why is it that I am perceived as hate-filled? I do not hate. Hate is a wasted emotion. Many people think that I would tear down, but even that is not true. I look to build. But I feel that the foundation that we should be building on is not the one that we have been for the last 2000 years. I think that a poor structure has developed and must be replaced. That is not hate. - Cygnus

Fabrizio Sandrelli, Ponti sul Mincio (Mantova), Italy, 5/27/98

There's still time to change the road you're on.

Gotta love Led Zeppelin! - Cygnus

Melissa Slaboda, Ruidoso, New Mexico, 6/10/98

You poor man. I guess you are willing to let a hypocrite send you to hell (spoken in love and sincere remorse).

Who is she talking about? Could it be... SATAN?!? What a joke. - Cygnus

Sean Choi, Culver City, CA, 7/6/98, Web Site

I vigorously disagree with your religious views, but I really admire how well-organized your web site is. Superb job!

Eric Gerdts, Lincoln, IL, 7/8/98

I have read through much of your site and two questions keep coming up in my mind. First, why would someone want to go to this amount of trouble to disprove what someone else believes? And second, what do you believe in?

Victoria, USA, 7/11/98

I must admit that at first glance, your web-site is like a stab in the heart for it's goal is to "debunk" all that I personally believe in. You can certainly understand how this would anger me. But instead of responding with anger to things that question my faith, I look to God and his holy word and get the encouragement I need. It's not my job to judge you, but to love and pray for you. You obviously have read the Gospel….the rest is between you and the Lord. Your web-site guest book is a prime example of how some Christians are acknowledging Jesus with their lips and denying him with their actions…."you're a sorry excuse for a human being!" That statement angered me more than your web-site! Quite an insult to our Lord, since as a Christian he should believe that God created Sam Gibson!!!! Certainly not praising the Lord with that statement!!! This is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable. Look all over the world and you will see people claiming to be Christians….and certainly not acting like it. I pray for these people. Have they forgotten the old hymn, "They will know we are Christians by our love?" I now have some rhetoric for you (please respond on your site for ALL to see!): What if God came to YOU and said that everything about the Bible and Christianity were true? Blessings to you in the precious name of JESUS.

Victoria inspired me to create the section known as Victoria's Question which can be found HERE.

Brandon, Omaha, Nebraska, 7/15/98, Web Site

I find your page to be interesting. Though I don't buy into your skeptism, I do believe that many of these questions can be answered, but need careful consideration and not just some flimsy answer. I would like to attempt to answer some of the questions you bring up on your convert me page. I make only one request, if you have received any reasonable answers that settles the issues in your mind, it would be nice to see those answers. I think your site can be improved by having an equal view point ONLY if someone has reasonably answered your question. That way we can continue to research and find more answers and expand on what others have already written. Many of us are capable of answering and expanding on what others have found. I think this would improve your site into a more reliable and scholatic site. Thank you for listening to me ramble on. :-)