Would you like to add or edit content here? Here's how you can have an account!

From FreeThoughtPedia

It could have been me! The "biggest skeptic in the world" until I realized...

This is an annoyingly long piece of theist propaganda that is circulating via e-mail and messageboards. Christians aim this at skeptics. It's obviously a huge cut-and-paste job and anybody who sends this to you likely cannot answer any further questions about the claims made.

This propaganda takes the classic approach of trying to empathize with the reader: "I was a skeptic just like you until I found Jesus..." This diatribe centers around various prophetic claims in the Bible that are ambiguous, dubious and outright lies.

Let's take a close look at this "convincing argument" for Christianity...

Incredible Testimony THE BIGGEST SKEPTIC IN THE WORLD: IT COULD HAVE BEEN ME To the best of my memory, before I came to the saving grace of Jesus Christ, I did not believe the Bible was true. I doubted whether God, Satan, heaven, or hell even existed. I believed that we were born, lived so many years, and then died. I had my own business and thought that I had succeeded by my own wits. One evening, my wife and I heard some documentation that these were the last days before Jesus Christ would actually return. Not wanting to hear it, I almost walked out. Something kept me there, and I listened but was not convinced; however, I decided to do some research to find out if the Bible was really true. Indeed, if I could find one contradiction or anything that was not true, then I could disregard it. I believed this would not take long. This led me into much research.

Nobody knows who wrote this missive. It's likely been tweaked and massaged over the years, so let's call our hypothetical author of this missive Bubba.

Bubba suggests that if he can find one contradiction or anything that was not true, then it wouldn't be unreasonable to look at other claims within the Bible as suspicious, or in his more definitive words, "I could disregard it" in its entirety. Sounds like a good deal.

So Bubba does "much research". Unfortunately there are literally thousands of contradictions. There's a huge book by C. Dennis McKinsey, 852 pages in length entitled, "Biblical Errancy - A Reference Guide". If this guy can write 852 pages of contradictions and errors, surely Bubba can find ONE, right? Apparently not!

Take a look at just one of the many documented pages here on Inconsistencies in the Bible. There's at least 70 on that page alone and many more can be found in the Arguments Against Scripture section.

We are one paragraph into this obnoxiously long diatribe and the whole argument has been completely debunked.

Of course, the rest of this piece centers around the legitimacy of Bible scripture. But we've offered with just a single link, 70+ clear-cut examples of contradictions and errors in the Bible, the so called "infallible word of God." The argument is over. The evidence is tainted and not capable of being considered even remotely reliable. But for the sake of amusement, let's further argue this missive...

I learned nearly one-third of the Bible is directly or indirectly related to prophecy which includes about 10,000 prophecies. One thing needed, was to determine when the Bible was actually written. Thus, a study of biblical history, various translations, and archaeology was necessary. The Dead Sea Scrolls, which were found in Israel, contained parts of the Old Testament including prophecies of the coming of Jesus. It has been proven that these were written before Christ came. Thousands of clay tablets and archaeological sites also confirm many accounts in the Bible.

A few issues:

The dates of the Dead Sea Scrolls vary and many scientists are not in agreement regarding their age; it's generally accepted they were written from 200BC to 68AD.

There's actually no uncontested historical evidence that Jesus ever existed! This is a hotly-contested topic of its own, therefore to base the age of the Dead Sea Scrolls relative to the existence of Jesus is a local fallacy, false criteria, making an unsubstantiated assumption.

Another logical fallacy: a circular argument ensues when Bubba suggests the clay tablets "confirm many accounts in the bible". Since most scholars believe many of these old texts were copies of each other, and many of the books in the Bible originated from clay tablets just like the Dead Sea Scrolls, it makes sense they'd be similar. They don't "confirm" each other. They're copies. You can make 20 different copies of Star Wars. That doesn't mean Darth Vader was a real person, or that the existence of Episode III "confirms" Episode I.

Fragments of every book of the Hebrew canon (Old Testament) have been discovered except for the book of Esther in the Dead Sea Scrolls. There are now identified among the scrolls, 19 copies of the Book of Isaiah, 25 copies of Deuteronomy and 30 copies of the Psalms. COPIES. That is not "confirmation!" This is more goofball logic employed by Bubba.

The only thing the Dead Sea Scrolls "prove" is that people made copies of these ancient texts. It makes you wonder if a thousand years from now, people will think Harry Potter is real because there are so many copies of his books?

I took time off and began studying the prophecies. My wife would spend much time at the library. She obtained documentation for me from reference books which I would check against the Scriptures to see if the prophecies took place. One week went by and then a month. Every prophecy that we were able to get information on proved to be accurate.

Isn't it convenient that Bubba and his wife do all the research so you don't have to?

They tell you they spent weeks and even a month researching Scripture and their conclusion? "Every prophecy that we were table to get information on proved to be accurate." Nevermind providing any details. Just take Bubba at his word.

This illustrates one of the most offensive practices of religious people. They ask you to trust them, claiming they know more than you. If there was great truth to the things they believe in, why wouldn't they encourage you to seek out and verify this truth for yourself? It's no wonder that atheists tend to know more about scripture than theists. A careful examination of the Bible reveals its flaws. But Bubba wants you to trust him. He's done the research and found the truth so you don't have to!

I was astonished, but still not convinced.

BUT WAIT! If you are among the first 50 callers we'll throw in a free closet organizer!

Later, there were people who would show me what appeared to be contradictions in the Bible. These were not contradictions, but only a lack of research on the part of those that said these things. Stubborn, that's me. Even after four months of intensive study, proving prophecy after prophecy was true, I was still skeptical. Four months turned into six. I became more determined. It wasn't possible that the sixty-six books of the Bible written by many people over hundreds of years would not have some errors, I thought. Thousands of prophecies, and every one perfect? No, impossible! If I would admit that, then I would also have to admit there was a God. I was not prepared to do that—yet, I wanted to know the truth. More months passed. Finally, I had to admit after spending almost countless hours of research—I was wrong. I may have been the biggest skeptic in the world, but now I know—the Bible is true and is the perfect Word of God. Anyone willing to take the time I did and do the same research could only come to the same conclusion, if they are honest with themselves.

...and here's the money shot.

There were people who showed him contradictions but that was only due to a "lack of research".. in other words, if the conclusion you come to doesn't support the illusion that the Bible is infallible and God exists, you haven't done enough research. Keep trying. You're off. Until you agree with my fore-gone conclusion, you haven't found the "truth."

So after months and months, Bubba concludes the Bible is the "perfect word of God". Again, never mind that he hasn't addressed any contradictions, nor provided any compelling evidence. You just have to take the word of some anonymous guy who hit CTRL-V and sent you an e-mail.

What's really amusing is that most people would not take with a grain of salt, such presumptuous tripe. If some stranger (or even someone you know) handed you a box full of unusual mushrooms and said, "I've done months of research. These are edible" would you consider yourself foolish to try them? It's really crazy how on the topic of theism, people are much more apt to suspend their critical thinking abilities. Maybe this is because deep down inside, nobody really believes this crap in the first place? And you can't really find out for sure until you die anyway, so what's wrong with believing in this goofy crap if it gives you a little security in the short term?

Remember the Christian mantra: If you don't believe in the Bible you're not being honest with yourself.

Now ladies and gentlemen, let's proceed without further delay to the fear mongering portion of our presentation tonite:

I became afraid that I would perish. I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God as a result of His love, compassion, mercy and grace. I know that there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we MUST be saved (EXCEPT JESUS)-ref Acts 4:12. I REPENTED of my sins and received Jesus Christ as my only hope of salvation by FAITH-ref Eph 2:8-10. It is written, EXCEPT YE BE CONVERTED, AND BECOME AS LITTLE CHILDREN, YE SHALL NOT ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN-Mt 18:3. You can also call on Jesus NOW to be YOUR Lord and Savior. THE SOON COMING CLIMAX (BIBLE PROPHECY—PROOF THE BIBLE IS TRUE AND WE ARE NOW IN THE LATTER DAYS) and HOW TO BE SAVED (A brief summary) This message may be called a road sign of warning. Some may look at a sign that reads—THE BRIDGE IS OUT, and say, "Oh, someone is just trying to scare us into taking another road; let's go on the same way." They go on and plunge to their death. The sign was not meant to scare people, but to warn them of impending danger. The sign was put there, because someone cared and didn't want others to perish. God wants you to know, WHEN YOU SEE THESE THINGS COME TO PASS (the prophecies from the Bible in this message), KNOW YE THAT THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS NIGH AT HAND-Lk 21:31.

You gotta love how Christian propaganda lures you in with love and the search for truth, only to bludgeon you over the head with the club of fear, uncertainty and doubt when they have your attention. Yes Jesus loves you, yadda yadda yadda, but ACT NOW, TIME IS RUNNING OUT! THIS IS A LIMITED TIME OFFER!

If that wasn't scary enough, let's pull some scary prophesy out of our asses... most of this alternates between ridiculous and obvious. None of it in any way substantiates scripture regardless:

Will Russia and some Arab nations invade Israel and the U.S.A. become involved? Yes. Will 1/4th of the world's population die? Yes. Will there be a one-world system or global economy? Yes. Will diseases increase such as AIDS? Yes. Did you know the Bible tells us about what is happening?

Did you know that Bubba is pulling this shit from his ass?

Did you know that Bubba is employing very creative interpretation of vague Bible passages to claim very specific future events?

Did you know that if any of these things prove to not come to pass, people like Bubba will not admit they were wrong and instead make up some feeble excuse? Like they did with Y2K being the end of the world.

WHAT IS GOING ON? People have said the end was near many times in the past—true. But did you know the Bible shows us no prophecy of the latter days meant anything until Israel was reborn into a nation?

Speaking of loose-and-fast excuses, here's a good one. People have said the end was near in the past, but they didn't interpret scripture properly. That says more about them than the infallibility of scripture. Oh right.

You know why the guy says that prophecy of the latter days doesn't mean anything until Israel is reborn? Because that's a convenient fabrication Bubba makes up to justify his new and improved end of the world fantasy!

The problem is, according to the Bible itself, Jesus clearly said he would return during the lifetime of his disciples[1]:

- Mark 13:30:

“Remember that all these things will happen before the people now living have all died.”

- Matthew 16:27:

“For the Son of Man [i.e. Jesus] is about to come in the glory of his Father with his angels, and then he will reward each one according to his deeds. I assure you [i.e. swear to you] that there are some here who will not die until they have seen the Son of Man [Jesus] come as King.”

It's pretty clear according to the new testament that Jesus was going to show up during the lifetime of the writers. This is pretty much a recurring theme in all evangelical Christianity. Every follower throughout time expects Jesus to return so he can enjoy the tribulation first-hand. However, if the Bible is the inerrant word of God, then Jesus already showed up 1500+ years ago.

Did you know God's Word indicates to us a generation would not pass from Israel's rebirth, till all be fulfilled (which includes the Rapture, the Tribulation, and Jesus Christ's return)? A generation could be as little as 40 years or as much as 70 to 80 years (Note Parable of the Fig Tree in site menu). Many people have been preaching about the latter days of the end times in churches, on radio, TV, and through books and magazines. Some include Billy Graham, Hal Lindsey, Ray Brubaker, John Hagee, Zola Levitt, Jack Van Impe, Peter Lalonde, and Tim LaHaye just to mention a few. To those that understand the Bible, no explanation is needed. To those that are prideful, self-centered, that love this world, that despise God's correction, that are contentious or seeking the praise of men rather than of God, no explanation is possible-ref Dan 12:4, 10; Mt 24:37, 39.

Again, this is the way it is because I say so, and if you don't agree with me, then not only are you wrong, but you're prideful, self-centered and you despise God. These kinds of passive-aggressive ad hominem attacks are supposed to goad weak-minded people into accepting Bubba's stupid claims without any actual evidence.

Bubba also trots out another classic Logical fallacy, the Appeal to Popularity, which suggests that just because a lot of people or a few well-known people believe something, that somehow makes it true. Not only is that bogus, but you can bet the people Bubba name-drops have radically different ideas regarding Jesus' coming and disagree on many of the points he's making. Conveniently, there are no references to their position on the issue included. Trust Bubba.

It has been said that it is virtually impossible for anyone to make 11 straight predictions, 2000 years into the future.

Who said? Bubba? Another goofball presumption that softens the reader's brain to be able to receive even more bullshit:

There is only one chance in 8 x 10 to the 63rd power, or 80 with 63 zeros after it that such a thing could be done. If such a set of predictions existed, it would have to be the Word of God.

Here's the infamous Godidit! fallacy. Also known as the Argument from improbability, which states, if something seems improbable, then God did it! Never mind the fact that this answer doesn't actually answer anything. It just subtitutes another question instead of an actual answer. But before you can go, "Hey, I see what you did there!" you either get hit over the head again with the club of fear, uncertainty and doubt, or you're bombarded with more ridiculous, unsubstantiated claims based upon an assload of false premises:

Consider, could you write eleven straight predictions that would take place in the year 4000 A.D.? Include the rebirth of a specific nation and exactly how it would be reborn. Include specific nations that would exist and certain nations that would be allied together, and the exact size of a nation's army. Include what the people and church would be like. Also include the names of actual cities and name certain crops and fruit trees that would exist.

Hey! That would be neat. But you're not talking about the Bible Bubba. The prophecy in the bible is anything but specific.

Here's a classic example of how stupid theists expect their audience to be. You may have one passage that says something like, "Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!" and if Nineveh was not overthrown in "forty days" then the theists will dance around and claim, "Well here in this other passage [written 50 years before/after by a different person] says

- 2 Peter 3:8:

"But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day..."

So is a day a thousand years? There are other areas in the bible where you can interpret a day being a week, a year or other time periods[2] As a result, people like Bubba pick-and-choose whichever interpretation suits their agenda. There is absolutely no consistency whatsoever. And they want to call this "specific?" That's insulting to anyone who's paying attention.

And so, with this in mind, that all these predictions are ambiguous at best, and downright lies at worst, Bubba spews out a list... And if you believe this stuff, I got some magic beans to sell you that will make you live forever. If they don't, I'll give you your money back!

Do eleven straight prophecies and be exactly correct on every single one. The Bible not only does this eleven times, but hundreds of times with absolute, perfect accuracy. If this is so, even the most skeptical person (that is truthful) would have to agree that there is indeed a God and the Bible has to be His Word. 2 Pet 1:20,21-KNOWING THIS FIRST, THAT NO PROPHECY OF THE SCRIPTURE IS OF ANY PRIVATE INTERPRETATION. FOR THE PROPHECY CAME NOT IN OLD TIME BY THE WILL OF MAN: BUT HOLY MEN OF GOD SPAKE AS THEY WERE MOVED BY THE HOLY GHOST. O FOOLS, AND SLOW OF HEART TO BELIEVE ALL THAT THE PROPHETS HAVE SPOKEN-Lk 24:25. However, believing there is a God and acknowledging the Bible is the Word of God does not save a person. A person needs to admit they are a sinner, repent, and receive Jesus Christ as their only hope of being saved. This is done by faith (or trust). Let's prove the Bible is true and we are nearing the end of the last generation before Christ returns. 1. The Jewish people would be scattered worldwide; yet Israel would become a nation again after a long time and at a time the Bible calls the "latter days"-ref Isa 66:8; Mic 5:3; Ezek 38:8. Against what appeared to be impossible odds, this prophecy has been fulfilled. It happened as predicted on May 14, 1948 after about 2500 years. That's 1 out of 1.

Before I waste your time with this ridiculous list, note that this guy doesn't give you the actual scripture. He just lists the verses and assumes you won't read them and notice that his contention that the Jewish nation has reformed again after being scattered. That in and of itself is extremely ambiguous in the first place. Even Christians argue over what constitutes the "Jewish nation" according to biblical prophecy, and by the way "a long time" isn't what I'd consider to be a specific time measurement. If this really were prophecy and it really was specific, why not list a specific date?

Let's look at the first scripture passage that the writer claims "proves" fulfilled prophecy:

- Isiah 66:8:

Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or shall a nation be born at once? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children.

Of course, it's so obvious! This clearly says that in 1948 the Kingdom of Israel will be established.

The fact that Jesus hasn't shown up yet prompts people like Bubba to scramble around and make excuses.. ok there is a Jewish nation now, BUT all the Jews are not in Israel, so some are claiming they have to get the Jews to head back to the middle east from all parts of the world (like Hollywood) before Jesus will show up and destroy them. Ahhh, ok, I got ya.

Note: Israel was destroyed in approximately 721 B.C. and Judah about 135 years later. Since that time, approximately fourteen different peoples have possessed the land of Israel. Yet as the Bible said, the nation of Israel would be reborn. The rebirth of Israel was a key sign, indicating we had entered a time period called the "latter days." It was the beginning of a countdown leading to the Tribulation and culminating with the Battle of Armageddon and the return of Jesus. Along with the fulfillment of this crucial event are over 360 prophecies that would all come together, so we might recognize that the Tribulation is very close at hand. Some of these are listed here. Yet the Bible foretells that most people would not believe these things, despite the overwhelming evidence of the signs from God's Word being fulfilled exactly as predicted. As people refused to believe the flood was coming in Noah's time, so people today willingly choose to disregard the signs of the times.

The bible is the only reference to the goofball Noah's flood story so speculating what people thought at that time is presumptuous at best. However, Science clearly shows us there was no such flood (not to be confused with regional floods which there is evidence for, but no "biblical-type" flood ever), and the world is a lot older than the Bible says. Bubba just can't lay off the faulty premises.

A good majority of this missive involves these highly subjective and mostly-ridiculous interpretations of so-called "Biblical prophesy." Even religious scholars disagree on this stuff. Yet we get bombarded with this crap... all of which is based on extremely ambiguous, often anecdotal and metaphorical scripture that could mean just about anything!

2. Israel shall be brought forth in one day, at once-ref Isa 66:8. Prophecy fulfilled-May 14, 1948. That's 2 out of 2. Note: On Nov. 29, 1947, the General Assembly of the U.N. approved a resolution calling for the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine. On the morning of May 14, 1948 (the last day of the British mandate), a meeting of the People's Council took place in Israel to decide on the name of the state and to finalize the declaration. At precisely 4 pm, the proclamation ceremony began at the Tel Aviv museum. The 979 Hebrew words of the Scroll of Independence were read. All stood, and the scroll was adopted. The notorious White Paper, issued by the British in 1930 restricting Jewish immigration, was declared null and void. Members of the People's Council signed the proclamation. David Ben-Gurion rapped his gavel, declaring, "The State of Israel is established. This meeting is ended." Israel was brought forth as a nation in one day, at once, exactly as predicted. At midnight, the British soldiers and high commissioner would leave. President Truman was swift in announcing U.S. recognition of Israel. The following morning, on May 15, Israel was under attack by the Egyptian, Syrian, Lebanese, Jordanian, and Iraqi forces. 3. Israel would be brought forth (or reborn) "out of the nations"-Ezek 38:8. Prophecy fulfilled-May 14, 1948. That's 3 out of 3. Note: As previously stated, on Nov. 29, 1947, the General Assembly of the "United Nations" approved a resolution calling for the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine. This prophecy was perfectly fulfilled. Consider, for centuries the land of Israel had been occupied by many nations. Israel was "brought forth out of the nations"—the children of Israel from many nations have been returning to their ancient homeland.

Ahh, a "perfectly fulfilled" prophesy. Let's look at this so-called "prophesy":

- Ezekiel 38:8:

After many days thou shalt be visited: in the latter years thou shalt come into the land that is brought back from the sword, and is gathered out of many people, against the mountains of Israel, which have been always waste: but it is brought forth out of the nations, and they shall dwell safely all of them.

Talk about vague! After a long time, people will re-enter a war-torn land around some "mountains of Israel" which nobody really knows where that is, and then they will settle there, "safely".

How could such a vague prophesy be filled "perfectly" in the first place? Is such an ambiguous description actually a prophesy in the first place? And even if it were, do you think people in the middle east "dwell safely all of them?" So much for a perfectly fulfilled prophesy.

4. Israel must regain the city of Jerusalem-Joel 2:32; Isa 28:14; Ezek 22:19. This happened just as predicted in 1967. That's 4 out of 4. Note: The Bible gives us two methods so we would know the time we are in. One is by Israel's rebirth. The other, by a precise line of events that would all come together at one time. Israel was reborn on May 14th, 1948. The Bible indicates that from Israel's rebirth a generation would not pass till all be fulfilled. We are not setting any date; however, it seems clear from Israel's rebirth and the signs of the times— that we are living in the generation in which the Rapture and Tribulation will come and catch most people by surprise. Are you ready?

More creative interpretation. Based on the premise that the establishment of a Jewish state in 1948 satisfies the ambiguous rebirth of the nation of Israel. The problem is, Bubba is using the same claims here, that It's going to happen in THIS generation!, that has been uttered by people from every generation, including during the times of the writers of the Bible and supposedly during the generation Jesus' disciples were alive. This claim that "Jesus is coming soon! The prophesy is being fulfilled" as been regurgitated over and over for the last 1900 years. And when Jesus doesn't return, the next generation's religious nutballs will turn again to scripture with an eye towards reconciling reality with their personal agenda and expectations. Wash. Rinse. Repeat.

5. The Christian church at the time of the end would be lukewarm, neither cold nor hot for Jesus. Prophecy fulfilled. That's 5 out of 5. Note: God will spew them out. Many ministers and people that call themselves a Christian will not be going to heaven. The Bible tells us—you have acquired wealth, but your true condition is wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked and you don't know it-Rev 3:14-22. This is today's church. Most preachers use little Scripture, but lots of worldly stories. Many sing a great deal, but put little emphasis on repentance, obeying, serving, and fearing God, on the fruits of the Spirit, Bible prophecy, water baptism by immersion, and studying your Bible faithfully every day. Many are only entertainment centers that teach what their members want to hear. Many (so-called Christians) are so lukewarm or dead, they don't even bring their Bibles with them to the house of God. Some famous ministers and Bible schools think this is the best church age ever, yet the Bible clearly shows it is the worst and most deceived. 6. The Bible gives us over 50 descriptions about the people at the time of the end. These fit the people of today perfectly, but did not fit the people of fifty years ago. Here are some:

This is especially amusing, here is a parade of mostly outright lies perpetrated by Bubba, claiming that the descriptions below do not fit people 50 years ago, as if 50 years ago there were no Satanists, or people that didn't believe or mock the tribulation myth, or be "lovers of themselves", and HEY, did you know 50 years ago people didn't disobey their parents? This is fulfilled prophesy! Yea, it's true. Jesus is coming because ONLY NOW do we have disobedient children! You have to be a moron to believe some of this tripe:

A. Some would depart from the faith and go into devil worship-1 Tim 4:1. This is perfect. B. People would mock about the last days and not believe-2 Pe 3:3; Jude 18. C. People would become lovers of themselves-2 Tim 3:1,2. Remember the TV commercials—"I do it for me"? D. People would be disobeying their parents-2 Tim 3:1,2. E. People would be grateful for nothing-2 Tim 3:1,2. F. Homosexuality would increase-Lk 17:28,30; ref Gen 19:5; Ro 1:24,26,27. G. People would be without self-control in sex-2 Tim 3:1,2,6; Rev 9:21, Lk 17:28,30; Jude 7. Is this not the great sex generation? H. People would love pleasures more than God-2 Tim 3:1,2,4. This is true. Shall we go on a picnic, watch football, or sleep. Church?—we can go another time. Our American motto "In God we trust" has become a joke. Remember, these were all predicted centuries ago as part of the signs that we are at the time of the end. I. People would be taking drugs-Rev 9:21. The Greek word for sorceries, in Rev 9:21, means pharmaceuticals or drugs. God's Word is 100% right on every one. That's 6 out of 6. How could you have any doubts at this point? Note: Fifty years ago, many people seldom locked their doors at night. There was little or no profanity on television, radio, or in the movies. One of the biggest problems in public school was gum chewing. Those days are long gone.

Bubba says 50 years ago gum chewing was the biggest problem in school. Anyone believe that? Honestly? And even if it were true, how do you draw the line between gum-chewing problems in public schools and LOOK OUT! JEESUS IS COMIN'!!?

7. There would be weapons that could destroy the world-Mk 13:20; Rev 6:8; Rev 9:18; Zech 14:8,12. Incredibly, this prophecy was written in the days of spears and arrows, yet today it is true. That's 7 out of 7. Note: It is estimated that the combined nuclear arsenals of the USA and Russia (as of the year 2004) could kill every living thing on earth 6 times over. 8. The Gospel must be published in all the world-Mk 13:10. This seemingly impossible prophecy was written when there was no printing press, but today it is true. That's 8 out of 8. Note: In this last generation, to our knowledge, the Gospel is being published (or is about to be published) in the primary language of every nation of the world or "among all nations." In addition, the Gospel is available by short-wave radio nearly everywhere in the world. 9. In the "latter days" when Israel was once again a nation, there would be a great military power to the extreme north of Israel in the land of Magog (which is modern-day Russia)-Ezek 38:2-4,8,15,16. Incredible. That's 9 out of 9. Note: How could the Bible have foretold the location of this nation, facts about its military, and even the time period it would come to pass? As was already said in Lk 24:25-O FOOLS, AND SLOW OF HEART TO BELIEVE ALL THAT THE PROPHETS HAVE SPOKEN.

Uh oh, if you don't believe this ridiculous crap, you're a fool. Well, up until this point, I was skeptical, but since you're calling me a fool, or the bible calls me a fool, I guess I better believe you... *yawn*

10. There would be a nation to the far east of Israel, to the end of the earth. This nation would have an army of 200 million. This is astounding. How could the Bible have told the location of a nation and given such a huge figure regarding the size of its army nearly 2000 years ago? China has boasted that they could field an army of this exact figure. That's 10 out of 10.

How could the bible be so accurate? It isn't. Answered that question. Show us those bible passages Bubba. I thought so.

11. There would be an economic alliance of the nations of the Old Roman Empire. It would have a military capability. This is an exact description of the European Economic Community today (the EEC), which has already adopted the one-currency system for many of their member nations. It is written, IN THE DAYS OF THESE KINGS (these nations, which is now) SHALL THE GOD OF HEAVEN SET UP A KINGDOM-Dan 2:44. That's 11 out of 11. We have just reached the point that seemed impossible—11 perfect predictions made thousands of years ago—with God nothing is impossible. Certainly, at this point, even the biggest skeptic should see the Bible is true, there is a God, and we are nearing the time of the end.

Folks... we have reached the impossible. It's impossible that anybody with an open, critical mind could actually follow this goofy, highly-subjective diatribe and conclude the author really had a point. Not a single one of these so called "perfect predictions" are neither "perfect" nor even remotely accurate. They all rely exclusively on heavily subjective interpretation of very ambiguous bible passages, and careful ignorance of other, contradictory scripture. The only thing this missive proves is that if you want to use the bible to make a claim - virtually any claim, you can probably find some vague passage you can use to convince weak-minded people that some prophesy was fulfilled. It doesn't change the reality that all of this is bunk. I've already listed links to tons of contradictions in the bible and failed biblical prophesy. Bubba doesn't talk about that. Even if you can find some clear predictions that came true in the bible, you'll find that:

The claims are so generic in nature it's not like the prediction means anything (i.e. a war-torn land will be a peaceful place to settle after awhile - whoop de do!)

In the context of the many failed prophecies, the law of averages dictates the writers may get a few of them correct

The bible was assembled after many so-called prophecies were fulfilled in the old testament, so the people choosing what to include in the bible put the passages that didn't embarass god and his prophet's so-called clairvoyance

Many of the prophecies in the bible were actually not prophecies at all, but passages written after-the-fact to appear as if they were predictions

About 22 prophecies in 11 sets have been given, all perfect and all written centuries ago. The chance that any person could do this 2000 years into the future is not possible. The Bible is the Word of God, and we have just proved it. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Repent and get baptized by full immersion. Read and obey the Gospel. God loves you. He is not willing that any should perish, yet many do. The Rapture is close. Most people are not ready and will not be taken. However, "YOU" cannot say you did not know. Know and understand, Mt 16:26-WHAT IS A MAN PROFITED, IF HE SHALL GAIN THE WHOLE WORLD, AND LOSE HIS OWN SOUL? OR WHAT SHALL A MAN GIVE IN EXCHANGE FOR HIS SOUL? (Note: The Encyclopedia of Bible Prophecy has the complete list of 365 prophecies.)

Here comes more F.U.D. Hold onto your hat. The horror movie is now beginning... And Jesus is the only usher in the house who knows where the exit is located.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? THE RAPTURE AND TRIBULATION RAPTURE (the Biblical term is "caught up" or "translation") is a term used to describe the removal from the earth of all living people that have been born-again as evidenced by their fruits. Just prior to the Tribulation coming about, the Rapture will take place. The number that will be raptured will be far fewer than most people might think. The Bible unmistakably portrays the raptured saints in heaven before the throne of God, prior to the Antichrist coming forth and the Tribulation beginning. The Scripture tells us, in the twinkling of an eye, we shall be changed and be with Jesus in the air. 1 Cor 15:51,52-WE SHALL NOT ALL SLEEP, BUT WE SHALL ALL BE CHANGED, IN A MOMENT IN THE TWINKLING OF AN EYE, AT THE LAST TRUMP: FOR THE TRUMPET SHALL SOUND; 1 Thes 4:16,17-AND THE DEAD IN CHRIST SHALL RISE FIRST, THEN WE WHICH ARE ALIVE AND REMAIN SHALL BE CAUGHT UP TOGETHER WITH THEM IN THE CLOUDS. We may be asleep, immediately we will be with Jesus. All the unbelievers, the lukewarm Christians, and those that did not obey the Gospel will be left to face the dreadful Tribulation. THE TRIBULATION is the worst time in history since man has been on the earth. Immediately following the Rapture, the man of sin (called the Antichrist) comes forth and assumes control of the EEC. He can be expected to be very charismatic and brilliant. He confirms a treaty with Israel and others, which begins the Tribulation. It is a 7 year period, but the Lord may have shortened the first 3 1/2 years in some way-ref Mk 13:20; Ro 9:28. We are not setting a date; however, we are now living in that generation in which this will happen. Hate, murder, thefts, rape, and every imaginable form of evil will abound. During this horrible period of God's wrath, Russia, Iran, and other nations will come against Israel. The USA becomes involved. One-fourth of the world's population will die. Many of the dead will be from the USA, as well as Russia. One-third of trees are burned up. All green grass is burned up. One-third of the sea will become blood. One-third of the creatures in the sea will die. One-third of the ships are destroyed. One-third of the waters become wormwood (or poisoned, or radioactive). Massive famines, increased earthquakes, and more diseases will happen as birth pangs of a woman. Those left alive will have opportunities to receive Jesus through the preaching of 144,000 male, virgin Jews; however, death by decapitation lies ahead for most that put their trust in Jesus, unless they renounce their faith. There will also be many false Christs and false prophets. A one-world, false religion that God calls MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH will increase. This religion has existed for hundreds of years and exists today. The nations of the world have become intoxicated with her false teachings. The temple in Jerusalem will be rebuilt. About 3½ years from the end of the Tribulation, the Antichrist (also called the beast) is killed with a wound in the head by a weapon, but his deadly wound will be healed. He will come back to life. He then declares himself to be God and moves into the temple in Jerusalem. A false prophet appears that will do great wonders. The sacrifices at the temple will be stopped. The abomination of desolation occurs. An image of the Antichrist will be set on a wing of the temple. Those that refuse to worship it will be beheaded. The elect born-again Jews now flee for their lives to a place where God will hide them and take care of them during the last three and a half years. Power is given to the Antichrist over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. All that dwell on the earth shall worship the Antichrist, whose names are not written in the Lamb's book of life. During these last three and a half years (called the Great Tribulation), world conditions will continue to worsen. A one-world system will exist. The Antichrist shall make war against the saints and will overcome them. People will be required to take the mark of the Antichrist or the number of his name (666) in or on their forehead or right hand. If they, refuse they cannot buy or sell. Two prophets of God will appear. One of them is Elijah. Their ministry lasts 1260 days. They warn people not to take the mark or worship the image. There is no forgiveness from God afterward for those that do. They will go to the eternal lake of fire. These two witnesses have the power to shut up heaven so that it does not rain. They have the power to bring all kinds of plagues on the earth. Multitudes will be slain for the Word of God. Some type of locusts will sting men with a sting like a scorpion. It will be so bad that men will seek death and shall not find it. There will be terrible sores upon men. The rivers and fountains will become blood. Men will be scorched with great heat. Earthquakes and diseases continue to get worse and worse. Two hundred million troops will march to Israel from the east and cross the dried up Euphrates River. One-third more of the earth's population will be killed. After the 1260 days, the two prophets of God will be killed. People will rejoice, but then after three and a half days, they will arise and ascend up to heaven as others watch. Great fear falls on those that see this. Men will be so terrified that their hearts will fail, as they consider what is about to happen. Multitudes will hide in the rocks and say, "FALL ON US AND HIDE US FROM...HIM (Jesus)…FOR THE GREAT DAY OF HIS WRATH IS COME; AND WHO SHALL BE ABLE TO STAND?"-Rev 6:16,17. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE TRIBULATION of those days, the Battle of Armageddon explodes. It lasts one day. The kings and armies of the earth are gathered to make war against Jesus. Jesus Christ returns as the King of kings and Lord of lords with all His saints. If He had not returned exactly when He did, there should be no life left on earth. The Antichrist and false prophet are cast alive into the lake of fire. Satan is chained for one thousand years, so he can deceive the nations no longer till the thousand years be fulfilled. Every force of nature is likely to be unleashed at once, including killer tornadoes, hurricanes, tidal waves, lightning encircling the earth, and the biggest earthquake in mankind's history. The cities and the mountains of the world will crumble. The Bible tells that every island fled away. The mountains were not found. There is great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of 70 to l00 pounds. The earth will move out of its place. At the end of that one day, there are so few people left alive that a child could list them. This may all sound like a fairy tale, but remember—from Israel's rebirth to the Tribulation, there are about 365 prophecies. Incredibly, nearly all have now been fulfilled. In addition, there are over 10,000 prophecies in the Bible and every one up to this time has come true without a single exception. THE FOOL HAS SAID IN HIS HEART THERE IS NO GOD-Ps 14:1.

Whew... ok, are you done yet? Even Friday the 13th Part IX was more believable.

ARE YOU READY TO MEET JESUS? We have proven that the Bible is God's Word. Now you are faced with a decision.

You haven't proven anything, except you are very deluded and/or very manipulative.

By the way, any of us who are skeptical are willing to meet Jesus at any time. Produce his holy ass and we'll go, "Hey Jesus, what's happening? How come so many of your followers are super-nutty pseudo-psychopaths? How can you be son and god at the same time? How come the Bible, 'your word' is so ridiculously obtuse and confusing? Who came up with the stupid idea of sacrificing an innocent person for the transgression of another? How can you claim we have 'free will' if our only choice is you and heaven or eternal suffering in hell? How is that 'free will?' And why should I worship someone, who in one breath suggests they love me, but in another, says if I don't follow his every whim, I will be forever tortured by fire? Hey Jesus, on second thought, KISS MY ASS! Even if you do exist, my sense of ethics and morality forbid me from having any respect for you and what you stand for. I do not think I should be cursed because a woman ate the wrong fruit off a tree 6000+ years ago. Fuck you Jesus. Fuck you. Fuck the holy ghost. Fuck your dad too."

How's that Bubba? Think your stupid diatribe has convinced me to believe in your magical sky fairy? No? Ok, keep going...

Will you ignore what you have learned, or will you surrender your life to Jesus? If you had a sudden heart attack or the Rapture came in the next five minutes, are you sure you are ready to meet God? You may say, "I believe I'm a good person. I sing in the choir. I attend church and give offerings." The Bible says all of your righteous deeds ARE AS FILTHY RAGS. You may be religious and go to church, but if you died right now—you would perish to hell. Why? Because you have not been born-again. You may say, "Well my church never preaches like this." Will you trust your religion or what the Bible says? If you choose not to accept God's way to enter heaven, then you are choosing eternal separation from God.

Some of us are immune to the theist fear tactics.

There's a reasonable way to look at this whole creator/afterlife question, and that's objectively based on what we know about life, history, science, psychology, physics, the universe, etc.

Thousands of years ago, people thought lightning was the god Zeus waving his scepter. They thought the sun god carried the sun in a flaming chariot across the sky each day. Do you think that now? These gods also had punishments and rules and regulations, none of which would be followed today. In fact, they'd be laughed at, not unlike how I laugh at the goofy dogma, prophecies, rules and regulation the christian god (or more appropriately the writers of the bible) propose.

The dark ages are over. We do not have to live in fear that some book, copied down through the ages and translated and re-translated, then assembled by a private church committed in the thirteenth century, really has that much to say about the afterlife, a creator, or any standard of morality. The bible endorses everything from murder of disobedient children, to treating women as property and endorsing slavery. Christians pick-and-choose parts of the bible while ignoring many others. If you presented this documentation to a Christian and didn't let them know it involved their faith, they'd immediately discount it for obvious reasons. Why people suspend their sense of rational thought when it comes to god is a sad commentary on how little we have progressed as a species.

Sorry Bubba, I reject your diatribe. I reject your god. Your missive only served to further convince me that my point, of non-belief in this ridiculous dogma, is the more enlightened perspective. I have no fear of heaven or hell or Jesus' coming. As a result, I don't have to attend church or read the bible or pray daily to re-affirm my delusion which defies the face of reality each and every day I exist in this world. You do, and I understand this fragile set of constructs holds your sense of self together. I wish it weren't so. Then maybe you wouldn't need to lie and mislead others to spread your "truth."