oldiesman

37 minutes ago, Raf said:

And THIS is why this post had to be removed from ATHEISM/Questioning Faith.

Because as an unbeliever I would have torn this to shreds. 

But believers should feel comfortable discussing it without worrying about what unbelievers think, which, let's be honest, if kinda predictable.

 

Thank Raf.   Also if you would, please change the name of this thread to "Mary Veneration" as you suggested earlier....and if you feel like starting a thread debunking "Mary Veneration" please do so and I will read your side of the story.  Thx...

I'm not a regular fish eater but would like to begin.   Someone told me about anchovies, so I did a search in iASK and this is what I received back.   All comments welcome, thx.

How to start eating anchovies?

To incorporate anchovies into your diet for health benefits, the best way to start is by choosing high-quality, oil-packed anchovies and introducing them gradually into dishes where their flavor can blend, such as sauces, dressings, or as a topping, rather than consuming them plain initially.   This approach allows you to acclimate to their unique taste while still reaping their nutritional advantages [1] [2] [3].

According to www.iAsk.Ai - Ask AI:

Anchovies are small, nutrient-dense fish that offer a wealth of health benefits, including being rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and various vitamins and minerals [1] [2].   They are a staple in the Mediterranean diet and are praised by chefs for their umami-boosting properties [1] [3] [4].

Understanding Anchovy Varieties and Flavor

The taste of anchovies can vary significantly depending on their processing method [1]. Cured anchovies, often packed in oil or salt, tend to have a strong, salty, and pungent flavor [1] [2]. Fresh anchovies or those pickled in vinegar are generally milder [1]. For beginners, starting with oil-packed anchovies is often recommended as they are ready-to-eat and can be more palatable than salt-packed varieties, which require rinsing and soaking [2] [3]. High-quality anchovies are described as tender, meaty, with a silky texture and clean brininess, contrasting with "shoddy products" that can be overly salty [3]. Brands like Agostina Recca, Cento, Don Bocarte, Ortiz, Nettuno, and Scalia are often recommended for their quality [5].

Nutritional Benefits to Expect

Anchovies are a nutritional powerhouse. A 2-ounce (45-gram) serving canned in oil provides 95 calories, 13 grams of protein, 4 grams of fat, and 0 grams of carbohydrates [1]. They are an excellent source of:

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA and DHA): A 2-ounce serving can provide 924 mg of combined EPA and DHA, which is more than the same amount of salmon [1]. These fatty acids are crucial for heart health, helping to improve blood pressure, cholesterol, and reduce the risk of heart disease [1] [2] [6]. They also play a vital role in brain health, supporting cell formation and function, and may reduce the risk of cognitive decline [1] [2].
• Protein: With 13-20.4 grams per serving, anchovies contribute to muscle repair, immune function, and can aid in weight management by promoting satiety [1] [2] [6].
• Vitamins: They are rich in Vitamin B3 (niacin), essential for converting food into energy, and Vitamin B12, important for blood cell health and nerve function [1] [2] [6]. They also contain Vitamin D [3].
• Minerals: Anchovies provide significant amounts of selenium, which supports heart, thyroid, immune, and bone health, and iron, necessary for oxygen transport [1] [2] [6]. They also contain calcium for strong bones, potassium, and zinc [1] [2].
• Low Mercury Content: Due to their position lower on the food chain, anchovies have a lower mercury content compared to larger fish, making them a safer choice for frequent consumption [3] [6].
• Diabetic-Friendly: Their omega-3s can help reduce insulin resistance, and their zero carbohydrate content means they don't cause an insulin release, making them a good option for diabetics [2].

Best Ways to Incorporate Anchovies

To ease into eating anchovies, consider these methods:

1. Melted into Sauces: This is a popular method as the anchovies dissolve, adding a deep umami flavor without an overpowering "fishy" taste [4] [6]. They are excellent in tomato sauces, pasta puttanesca, or even in a simple olive oil and garlic base for vegetables [3] [4] [6].
2. Dressings and Dips: Anchovies are a key ingredient in classic Caesar salad dressing, where they provide a savory tang [3] [4] [6]. They can also be blended into tapenades, green goddess dressing, or bagna cauda, a warm Italian dip [4] [6].
3. Flavor Booster for Meats and Vegetables: Minced anchovies can be added to marinades for lamb, beef, or chicken, enhancing their savory notes [3] [6]. They can also be sautéed with vegetables like cauliflower or broccoli rabe [3] [6].
4. Toppings (Gradual Introduction): While some enjoy anchovies straight from the tin on toast or pizza, a milder introduction might be to use them sparingly as a topping on dishes where other strong flavors are present [3] [6].
5. Anchovy Butter: Mashing anchovy fillets into softened butter creates a flavorful condiment for bread, grilled meats, or roasted vegetables [3] [6].

Important Considerations

• Sodium Content: Most processed anchovies are high in sodium. A 2-ounce serving can provide 72% of the Daily Value [1]. Rinsing salt-packed anchovies before use can help reduce sodium [1] [2]. Individuals with high blood pressure or other related health conditions should monitor their intake [1] [2].
• Parasitic Infection: Consuming raw anchovies increases the risk of parasitic infection (anisakiasis). It is recommended to consume fully cooked anchovies if possible [1].
• Domoic Acid Contamination: Anchovies may be contaminated with domoic acid, which can lead to amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP) [1].

By starting with small amounts in cooked dishes and gradually exploring different preparations, you can successfully integrate anchovies into your diet and enjoy their significant health benefits [3] [4] [6].

Answer Provided by iAsk.ai – Ask AI.

This was in today's church bulletin and thought it would be appropriate to discuss inside this thread:

Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The seven sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary, also known as Our Lady of Sorrows or Mater Dolorosa, are significant events in Mary's life that caused her profound grief and are a popular devotion in the Catholic Church.  These sorrows are frequently depicted in art and are distinct from the five Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary [1] [2].

According to www.iAsk.Ai - Ask AI:

The traditional seven sorrows are:

1. The Prophecy of Simeon: When Mary and Joseph presented the infant Jesus at the Temple, Simeon prophesied to Mary, "And you yourself a sword will pierce" (Luke 2:35), indicating the future suffering she would endure because of her son [3] [4] [5]. This prophecy foreshadowed the immense pain Mary would experience throughout Jesus' life and passion [6].
2. The Flight into Egypt: Warned by an angel in a dream that King Herod intended to kill Jesus, Joseph took Mary and the child and fled to Egypt to escape the persecution (Matthew 2:13-14) [3] [4] [5]. This forced journey into a foreign land brought hardship and fear to the Holy Family [6].
3. The Loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple: When Jesus was twelve years old, Mary and Joseph lost him for three days during their return journey from Jerusalem after the Passover feast. They found him in the Temple, listening to and questioning the teachers (Luke 2:43-50) [3] [4] [5]. This period of anxious searching caused Mary great distress [6].
4. Mary Meets Jesus on the Way to Calvary: As Jesus carried his cross to his crucifixion, Mary met him on the Via Dolorosa. This encounter, though not explicitly detailed in the Gospels, is a traditional Fourth Station of the Cross, depicting her immense sorrow at seeing her son's suffering and humiliation [3] [4] [5] [7].
5. The Crucifixion of Jesus: Mary stood at the foot of the cross as Jesus was crucified (John 19:25-27) [3] [4] [5]. Witnessing her son's agonizing death was an unspeakable sorrow, fulfilling Simeon's prophecy [6].
6. Jesus' Body is Taken Down from the Cross: After Jesus' death, his body was taken down from the cross and placed in Mary's arms, a scene often depicted in art as the Pietà (Mark 15:42-46) [3] [4] [5]. This moment represented profound grief as she held her lifeless son [6].
7. The Burial of Jesus: Mary witnessed the burial of Jesus in the tomb (John 19:38-42) [3] [4] [5]. This final act of laying her son to rest brought immense sorrow and a sense of finality, though her faith in God's plan remained [6].

Devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows has a long history, particularly gaining prominence around the 11th century in Western Christianity [2]. The Servite Order, founded in 1233, significantly contributed to the spread of this devotion, developing practices such as the Rosary of the Seven Sorrows and the Black Scapular of the Seven Dolours of Mary [2] [8]. The feast of Our Lady of Sorrows is celebrated liturgically every September 15th [1] [4].

Answer Provided by iAsk.ai – Ask AI.

3 hours ago, WordWolf said:

(Yes, I think it was crazy to post this in the sub forum in which it started. That was just BEGGING for a flame post...which would have been on subject for the sub forum. 

 

I think there is a False Dilemma at work, and I am going to identify it. 

 

Mrs Wolf has suggested to me previously (with merit, I believe) that Mary veneration, at least the modern type and much of what led to it, springs from the practice of Christianity being an Old Boys Club.   Women can easily feel left out of things, and Mary veneration helps address that. 

My problem is that I feel that the usual methods of addressing that would be veneration of Mary (prayers to her, etc.)  or veneration of female saints (prayers to them, etc.), and I find EITHER to be doctrinal error, at best. 

I think we may agree on the problem but not with the solution. I find Mary veneration to be a lazy solution to a deeper problem, one that calls for answers that are doctrinally sound while still addressing the problem. 

It seems ridiculous to have to say it, but Christianity needs women, and Christianity has room for women, and there is a lot for women there, both to offer them and for them to do, if action is the goal.  

We do not need to address that by embracing error.  

(I'm not aiming this at any posters here, just at the doctrine. Please try not to see offense in it. If I've offended in passing, I'm sorry.) 

Thank you WordWolf.   Please explain what the error in doctrine is.    If you like, please post what iAsk says what Mary veneration actually is, so we may proceed with the same frame of reference.  Thx.

11 hours ago, waysider said:

Will that work?

I didn't believe in striking the guy's name since it was his idea in the first place, but whatever Raf wants to do with this thread is fine by me.    

2 hours ago, Raf said:

Out of respect:

You posted this in atheism. You do NOT want to know what I think of Charlie Kirk.

So I will move it and I will ask that we refrain from referring to the killer's motive as "demonic," which (under the umbrella of the atheism forum) is a lazy scapegoating that robs a homicidal a-hole of responsibility for his despicable act.

And I will ask that we refrain from politics, which is impossible in a conversation about Charlie Kirk (which is why I feel compelled to change the name of the thread).

So henceforth, this thread is narrowed to the following:

Do we agree? [moving to doctrinal).

Raf please do what you feel is best.     My sole reason for this post was to discuss Mary the Mother of Jesus and what Kirk said about Christians not venerating her enough.   If he was right then we, whoever wants to, may do good to give it some appreciable thought...thx

Oops I guess the links are working... 

The following information came to me in an email and thought some of us may want to think about and discuss it.     I can tell you from personal experience in TWI that I didn't think as highly of Mary the mother of Jesus as I should have.   Maybe you feel the same way I do, but now I regret that.    The links are not clickable here but let me know if you want me to post them.   Thank you.

Charlie Kirk and the Journey Home--Both Christine Niles of Stella Maris Media and Raymond Arroyo of Fox News (38:01) and EWTN are reporting that, in the last few months of his life, Charlie Kirk and his wife had been attending Mass at Saint Bernadette Parish in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Kirk, the Founder and CEO of Turning Point USA, was raised Presbyterian, and had long identified as an Evangelical.

In July, he surprised many of his followers when he said the solution to toxic feminism was the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Kirk said that "I think we as Protestants and Evangelicals under-venerate Mary. She was very important. She was a vessel for our Lord and Savior....We don't talk about Mary enough. We don't venerate her enough. Mary was clearly important to early Christians."

The cruel, savage and premeditated murder of Charlie Kirk may well have been demonic in origin. Let us hope and pray that Charlie Kirk attained the eternal destiny which he was seeking, and let us pray for his wife and children, who have suffered a grievous and inconsolable loss.
 

6 hours ago, Junior Corps Surviver said:

The fact that they were openly pro choice (in my day at least) would get them kicked out of any Christian Nationalist movement. 

Good point.    The thought keeps coming to me that if TWI ever were big, really big; no doubt it would encourage all members to pursue government action.   Perhaps not directly, but individually.   After all, what zealous religion who thinks it has the true word wouldn't?    

6 hours ago, WordWolf said:

And you didn't even cite which AI you're using, let alone what its sources were for this. 

WordWolf, I asked my AI what source it was and got the below answers... and asking where it gets all its sources sounds like a great idea.  Perhaps we should start a thread only on AI and everything about it?   We may ask it anything...

 

Quote

I am a large language model, trained by Google.

On 9/8/2025 at 3:36 PM, revvel said:

Greetings.

How many of us have heard the Rapture is a “signless” event?

This thread is about:

1. The Mystery of God/The Hope of Glory/The Rapture: The Torah and the Book of Revelation—and the agreement of Moses & John, the prophets, apostles, and Christ.

2. God must follow His own Law.

To set the stage for this thread, let me pose a few Bible questions:

1.       What are the 2 incorrect assumptions extracted from 1 Thessalonians 5:1, 2, which yield this faulty conclusion: The Rapture is “signless” because Christ is coming as a “thief”? 

2.      Why did Peter quote Joel (2:28-32a) on Pentecost, and why did Peter stop at Joel 2:32a, and why does the blood red moon (again) “appear” at the Sixth Seal (Rev. 6:12)? 

3.      How is the Rapture connected to the mystery once hidden in “the feasts of the Lord” —Rosh Hashanah/The Feast of Trumpets—and in what letter did Christ reveal the first 5 holy days that apply to the glorious riches of the mystery: “Christ in you, the hope of glory”? 

4.      Christ said: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish, but to fulfill. For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one dot or one mark will pass from the law until all be fulfilled.” (Matt. 5:17, 18) ... Where in the Book of Revelation is Christ’s prophecy fulfilled completely?

These questions are here as a catalyst for thought, and will be addressed in this thread.

The “Rapture” (Latin: Rapiemur), (1 Thess. 4:17) is sound doctrine; it is the revelation of the mystery—our future “salvation”/“hope of glory”—and will come to pass exactly as Christ revealed to Peter, Paul, and John: at the commencement of the Day of the Lord.

“Signless” has no scriptural justification.

If you already know the answers to the above questions, jump in.

We—as Christ’s Church—deserve to know the heavenly and earthly signs that mark the next unmistakable threshold in time: the Day of the Lord & the Rapture.

Do you know someone still uncertain about the sound doctrine of the mystery/the Hope of Glory, the Rapture? Ask him/her to stop by.

Peace.

revvel

Hi Revvel,

After being exposed to Preterism and believing a good amount of it, I'm now uncertain about "the Rapture" a.k.a. "Gathering Together" as taught by TWI.    It's not the actual event but more of the "mind picture" we all know and "timeline" that I question now.   Actually I don't fully believe the preterist version either but it's got me wondering.   In any case, your research is worth taking a look and thank you! 

4 hours ago, Allan said:

Christian Fundamentalism, Christian Nationalists, Christian Conservatives, Mainstream Christianity....ANY of those has to be WAY better than communism, marxism, islam....yeah ?! The Heat is On....it's on the streets....

It would seem so on the surface, but we must remember as freedom loving Americans that any form of total government may start inoffensive and exciting at first but turns out to be a tyranny later.    Remember that old saying from Lord Acton: "power tends to corrupt; absolute power corrupts absolutely."

Here's another:
 

Sun Gym Gang -- I was educated on bodybuilders' regular use of steroids to compete -- didn't think that it was tolerated and routinely allowed even though its banned.    One of those rules that nobody pays attention to I guess --  but they really should legalize it since they're not enforcing the ban... IMO.

I very much enjoyed Monte's account of her experiences in Savannah - America's Most Haunted City.    

She said that roads are paved over old cemeteries and ancient burial grounds -- not surprising to me that the city has spiritual problems?

Among the best of Lady Jazz ...
 

Correction...  that was the first of Fats Domino's....  but here's one that might be the first:
 

I think this is the first pressing of this great hit:
 

Congratulations... please post pics!   Thank you.

55 minutes ago, revvel said:

Oldiesman,

You again provided a catalyst for thought.

You are correct: not every Israelite will be saved.

In the Parable of the 10 Virgins, 5 wise virgins enter the banquet and 5 foolish don’t. It is self-evident that not every Israelite will enter the wedding banquet/kingdom of Heaven.

The answer to “all Israel shall be saved” is given to us by the apostle Paul and the prophet Isaiah in the context of the letter to the Romans.

Isaiah & Paul: Romans 9:27, 28

Isaiah cries out concerning Israel:

“Though the number of the Israelites be like the sand by the sea, only the remnant will be saved. For the Lord will carry out his sentence on earth with speed and finality.”

Then, Paul expounds upon this prophecy by revealing the mystery:

Isaiah & Paul: Romans 11:25-27

For I, brethren, would not have you be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits: that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved, as it is written: “There shall come out of Zion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob. For this is My covenant unto them when I shall take away their sins.”

Paul defined/explained what he meant when he said, “all Israel shall be saved” … by quoting Isaiah.

In other words, “as it is written”—by Isaiah—explains how “all Israel will be saved”:

First: “The Deliverer will come out of Zion.”

Second: “this is My covenant with them, when I shall take away their sins.” 

Note: Paul didn’t say “all Israelites” shall be saved.

As Isaiah prophesied:

Isaiah 10:20-22

“Now in that day the remnant of Israel, and those of the house of Jacob who have escaped, will never again rely on the one who struck them, but will truly rely on the Lord, the Holy One of Israel. A remnant will return, a remnant of Jacob, to the mighty God. For though your people, O Israel, may be as the sand of the sea,
Only a remnant within them will return.”

And to believe Joel is to understand Paul’s declaration:

Joel 3:15-17

The sun and moon darken, and the stars withdraw their radiance.
The Lord roars from Zion, and sounds His voice from Jerusalem,
and heaven and earth quake. But the Lord is a refuge for His people,
and a stronghold for the children of Israel. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God, who dwells in Zion, My holy mountain. And Jerusalem will be holy, and invaders will never again pass through her.”

“All Israel shall be saved” because the “Lord roars from Zion,” thus, saving Israel from their enemies:

Isaiah 66:14-16

“Then you shall see this, and your heart shall rejoice, and your bones shall flourish like an herb; and the hand of the Lord shall be known toward His servants, and His indignation toward His enemies. For the Lord shall come with fire and with His chariots like a whirlwind, to render His anger with fury and His rebuke with flames of fire. For by fire and by His sword on all flesh, the Lord shall execute judgment; and the slain of the Lord shall be many.”

“All Israel shall be saved”... because of deliverance in battle via the Deliverer/Christ, and atonement via Christ the High Priest, and God’s covenant.

Then, “Jerusalem will be holy.”

Peace.

revvel

Revvel, that is some impressive research you've done, thank you.

It once again confirms to me that only those human beings who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ will be saved.   He is the door... the open door to salvation to all who believe....

On 8/31/2025 at 3:58 PM, revvel said:

 

For I, brethren, would not have you be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits: that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved, as it is written: “There shall come out of Zion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob.” (Rom. 11:25-27/Mystery: Isa. 59:20, 21; Joel 3:16)

Jesus said to them, “Truly I say to you, in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” (Matt. 19:28)

 

These verses confirm to me (as I believe I stated earlier) that only those Jews who believe in Jesus Christ shall be saved, whereas Jews who do not believe in Jesus Christ shall not be saved.   The door shall be shut to them (Matthew 25: 10-12).   So, when it says "all Israel shall be saved" it's ALL WITH DISTINCTION (PFAL!!) talking only about those Jews who believe in Jesus Christ.    And so, it also may be said that Christians today (both Jew and Gentile) are today's ISRAEL.