PS:  Thank you to bronzesnake for being very understanding and open about this situation.  I hope to keep in touch with you.

Proof of God's existence/grace doesn't always have to literally be physically visible (donkey, raven, etc).  Isn't that what faith is?  Faith like a child, it's something greater than them and they accept it even though it's not something they can clearly see or touch or even understand.

What about the "hypothetical person" on an island who has never heard about Jesus or has no idea about the Bible, etc...And he's a full grown male.  How can he accept this?

Ah, the "man on the island."

Every living being is consciously aware that there is a higher power - "The heavens declare God’s glory, the skies proclaim the work of His hands” (Psalm 19:1).  This is pretty much the same about people who are mentally handicapped.  Whether they know the story (Jesus coming to earth, etc) or not, they will be judged accordingly to their knowledge.

Luke 12:48 - "To whom much is given much is required."  Mentally handicapped/the man on the island only are only given so much knowledge and I think God will judge them according to their knowledge.

Silent Hero - "Saved"

Looking back at all I've done it seems like I was on the run
Couldn't pave the way for my own life to follow
I realized I was in need the day it all came clear to me
You are the only way I need you in my life

You saved me from this troubled world we're livin' in
And I can't thank you more enough with the words that I speak
You saved me from this troubled world we're livin' in
There are no words that justify the feeling within me

Here we are as living proof you need to go and search for truth
Don't just waste your time move on and start your life
And now that I am here with you there's just no doubt you've brought me through
With your open arms you've brought me a new life

You saved me from this troubled world
I'd like to thank you for that


Google the band's name if you're interested in listening to the song.

I have to confess I never heard of Joel Osteen, but I have heard the prosperity gospel.
What I wonder is what Christians in China, Sudan, Iraq, Pakistan, India, etc. would make of the message? It would make them appear to be weak in faith and not very good Christians - when in fact they probably have stronger faith than most of us!

Most of the world's Christians are NOT prosperous.

Agreed!  Joel's ministry only works on a capitalist country like America.  It doesn't seem to be working anywhere else.

I guess my question is, what is the neccessity of "making a statement"? If we have to show we're Christians by our tatoos or the clothes we wear, something is wrong.  I don't believe in advertising Christianity with funny, witty little sayings.  I believe the best way to show our Christianity is by our actions and our love. 

That being said, I don't know if you could consider getting a tatoo a "sin" or not...but they kind of turn me off, and I would never even consider getting one.  The whole idea seems vulgar. 

Well, I have a tattoo, and I'd much rather have one than going around and wearing something like this -

This is something that is used by those that go for the overly dramatic acts on stage. It is what is referred to in the older days as "showmanship" or a con artists game.

Couldn't have summed it up better myself.

lol @ age of accountability