Hi DC. No, I did not say that I've never examined my beliefs to see where they've come from. Indeed I have, and that is the whole key to this. You see, they don't seem to have come from anywhere outside of me, but instead seemed to have originated within me. No, they definitely did not come from my parents, who rarely discussed such topics when I was growing up. My dad would be classified as an atheist. It was not a part of his nature or way of thinking to believe in such things, although he was not antagonistic or condescending toward those who did. My mother was more neutral, and had no particularly strong beliefs or opinions on the matter, neither did she share many of her thoughts with me in that area. And it definitely did not come from any teachers, ministers, or friends. As far as I can remember, I never had any conversations about these things with teachers or friends before my beliefs were established. I listened to various ministers "after the fact", just out of interest (Roy Masters, for example), but eventually ended up being put off by what I saw as error (yes, in "my" way of understanding, or if you prefer, opinion) and other questionable practices or beliefs, in spite of the fact that some of them might have spoken what I recognized as certain truths. And most of all, my beliefs did not come from any dreams...not that I don't think dreams can have spiritual significance. But I personally never experienced spiritual dreams until after my beliefs were already becoming established.

Yes, my beliefs are mine, not arrived at externally, and yes, yes, yes, many will disagree with them. The world is full of dissension on many subjects, no less this one. The bible only appeals to me because I recognize certain, as I say, truths in it. I did not read the bible and then decide to believe in it, but instead I was attracted to the bible because of what it communicated that I felt a connection to. But I can honestly say that I don't agree with or understand everything in the bible. That is where my faith comes in. I have come to the conclusion that what I don't understand is simply that, but it in no way compromises my faith. There are certain things that I just cannot comprehend, but to me, that does not mean that God or the bible is flawed, but that I lack the insight in certain areas. No, I don't think this suggests that God is unjust in His doling out of insight. My belief is that there is a purpose to all, and if or when He wants me to understand, I will. I have faith, which was a slow process. This is my personal choice, by the grace of God, and I don't regret it.

As for when I came to know, I think it was always there but I became aware of it gradually. When I say I "know", my knowing would not be defined as knowing by you (maybe more accurately defined as believing to you), so maybe this will help you to understand that I am not claiming that you also could know, as you define it. I have no evidence, other than a belief in certain concepts and events in the bible, only because they ring true for me (which they may not for someone else, but that doesn't mean they are not, only that some do not have this insight). As you said, you were not asking for "proof", only the best explanation I can give. I'm sorry if it's not sufficient, but I'm not looking to debate about my beliefs, only to attempt to explain them to you as you asked.

I also want to clarify something that I said earlier. I said that the bible is not a sign. However, I do "believe" that many of the events detailed in the bible are signs. So in that sense, the bible in an indirect way would be a sign to those who believe in it.

Obsevations. And no, not because you choose to doubt my beliefs. LOL...that has absolutely nothing to do with it.
A discussion in which two people are never on the same wavelength is quite futile. I was referring to any BS you might have to say about me hitting a brick wall, not about "lies". And why do you need to screen beliefs? Are you afraid something irrational is going to creep into your brain?
As I said, predictable. I was waiting for this one...
This approach is not the least bit effective.

You say I am "playing some game". I'd call that an assumption. I've certainly answered questions and responded to what you have said, (which you have done to only a very small portion of my most recent comments). Yet you declair that this is a "game" which indicates that I am not sincere in my comments. That is an assumption, not an observation. Perhaps you don't like my style, which I can understand, but I yam what I yam and thats all that I yam.
I disagree. I have benefitted from the discussions with you and with Iacchy. I don't know that I have gained any knowledge as to the workings of the universe, but I have learned something about people. As I have often said, everything is a learning experience. Perhaps you don't feel that way.
Okay, I see what you mean. You were making a preemptive strike against my turning that angry statement you made to me against you. In all honesty, it never entered my mind and I am only now seeing what you were referring to. But you still described comments I never made as "BS". Is that fair?
Actually, yes. All of us are subject to irrational beliefs, and most of the time they are detrimental. It can be superstitions, strange phobias, worries about alien abductions, or even fear that we may burn in Hell. I am subject to these beliefs too. I recall when I was young being afraid to go to the bathroom at night because I was sure there was a monster in the bathroom closet that only came out at night. I wet the bed a couple of times because of my irrational belief.

I cannot think of many cases where irrational beliefs are beneficial to us, so yes, I try to examine my beliefs to see if they have any basis. If they don't, then I try to stop believing in them. It has helped me greatly in understanding and dealing with reality. Maybe it doesn't work for everybody.

Are you afraid that some irrational beliefs are going to creep out of your brain?
Were you expecting it because you knew you had gone outside the bounds of polite conversation? I am surprised that you don't care for the non-aggressive approach, as I thought it might be an aspect of your morality. It isn't the first time and won't be the last time I have been wrong.

But, my friend, if you want to take the gloves off, then there is a flame war section on these boards. I'll be glad to spar with you there, but I feel that insults in this part of the boards are detrimental to discussion. You may disagree. If so, keep insulting. I'll eventually run out of cheeks.