u/benjaminjnorton

Is Jesus uncreated?

Does anyone have a scripture reference that says Jesus is uncreated, has no beginning, or always existed?

I can find lots of scripture saying he already existed before Abraham or was there in the beginning, but being before a thing doesn't mean you were always there.

I suspect the belief is rooted in the Greek philosophy. A prerequisite for divinity is being eternal or uncreated.

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u/benjaminjnorton — 1 day ago

Is it time to start worrying about the Jones Act?

I kept reading a bunch of people saying "keep calm and carry on" a few months ago. The Jones Act has been tested before, and its still here. The Wavier is alway temporary.

I've been accepted into an Academy, and now I'm seriously having second thoughts. I do NOT want to be in the middle of a 4 year programme for a credential that's on it's way out because I thought I'd try to get into the industry in the middle of de-regulation.

Anyone have some inside views on this? Seen any effects from within?

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u/benjaminjnorton — 2 days ago

Only Fans and Dating

Has anyone dated someone who had an Only Fans account during or before the relationship?

At what point was it disclosed, or did you find out?

Same question from the other side, if anyone was making money on OF while or before dating and you're willing to share. Did you keep the matter private or tell your partner, and if you let them know, when?

Asking since participation rates for women in their 20's are as high as 15-20% by some estimates, there's a good chance I could run into someone who's doing/did O/F in the dating scene, and I have no idea how people navigate that.

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u/benjaminjnorton — 7 days ago

Best School/Degree for learning to read Christian source documents

Are there any linguistics or theology experts out there that can comment on what degree programs or schools are best for learning about biblical manuscripts?

I still have the GI Bill available, so I'd like to find a school that would accept that. I have a bachelor's in Psychology.

I'm considering a Master's degree or perhaps a second Bachelors as a vehicle for learning biblical hebrew, greek, and aramaic.

I don't care about church history, interpreted opinions, how to raise money or plant a church. I don't care about writing sermons or running a summer camp. I just want to study the scriptures.

I understand if I have to do some of the above as a consequence of attending a seminary or linguistics program as a core requirement, but I'm looking for an option that will minimize or eliminate the collateral.

Please tell me what you know, especially if you've been to schools like this or can comfortably read the bible in it's original languages.

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u/benjaminjnorton — 11 days ago

Catholics/Orthodox: Who was the 2nd and 3rd Pope?

From dating a Catholic, I learned about the belief in Apostolic succession, with Peter being the first pope. Is there a list of the early popes after him, and would any of their names be recognized outside Catholic sources? Do they have any writings we know of?

Also, I don't know enough about the Eastern Orthodox to know if they have the same belief, but if so, do the two traditions have the same line of succession from Peter up until the split?

Also, does anyone know if there are any gaps where the record keeping might have been shoddy, or perhaps the transcripts were burned by vandals or lost to the ravages of time?

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u/benjaminjnorton — 11 days ago
▲ 0 r/CivVII

Started with Civ II and have found fun in every game until 7 (so far).

Something just seems a bit off about the mix. I like the improvements, but the game stalls out after the first age and feels like a slog.

Been playing Carthage so I'd only have one city to manage, thinking it would help. Been doing a mix of all victory tracks.

Just can't seem to stay interested long enough to finish a game.

Anyone have any tips for game play or approaches that have made it more fun for you?

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u/benjaminjnorton — 15 days ago
▲ 8 r/BibleVerseCommentary+1 crossposts

Why is this book in the bible?

I'm really struggling to squeeze any value out of it. It's mostly complaining about Diotrephes, with a promise of more in person.

The bookends (Gias and Demetrius) seem more like posturing to soften the heart of the message (bashing Diotrephes), to provide contrast, or perhaps build consensus through flattery.

I'm really having a hard time seeing how anything here is useful for individual development or the edification of the church.

Anyone out there have some insights on what this is supposed to do for us?

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u/TonyChanYT — 18 days ago

Has anyone done a program like this? https://www.seaschool.com/courses/qmed-oiler

Or know someone who has?

If I can get a QMED in 15 days, I'm having second thoughts about a 4 year degree/license. At 45, that's 4 years of income and climbing the ladder, and I'm not sure if I'll work long enough for the licensed route to be worth it.

u/benjaminjnorton — 22 days ago