The Straw God Dilemma

So lets say that all Christians do is brown nose some guy who created some things. Ok, I will grant that position. Why do you think that this group of people chose this guy who created some things over say Thomas Edison. Edison created a lot of stuff and then let us use them. Why do you suppose that we would not worship Edison but we would worship some guy who created some things. Maybe it was the things he created. So lets look at the things he created. Well, he made us specifically a tidy little landscape, that has its flaws in weather, but we are generally pleased. He made it at least 6000 years ago. Why are we still worshiping a guy who made some things who is 6000 years past his last invention. Well gee, maybe it was a really good invention. Lets look at it again. He made whole continents, a whole ocean, a whole world, a whole sun, a whole universe. Well I don't know about you but I do not know of anyone else who can do that stuff. So, we worship some guy who made some pretty large things, that nobody else could figure out how to make. Anything else? Yes, but it is kind of weird. Some guy who made some pretty large things also made - me. It gets weirder. I am also told that he made everyone that I know and everyone I don't know. So, we worship a Doctor Frankenstein like man who made my body and some pretty large things.

So, what is he going to do with this stuff? Well, I have a friend who has a friend who says he is this guys son and he tells me that he wants me to worship my his friend and his Father, Dr. Frankenstein impersonator. Well he is very nice for making all this stuff for me but what is he going to do if I don't. I have learned that he will have Chuck Norris roundhouse kick me in the face repeatedly, which is a fate worse than Dante's Inferno. Why Chuck Norris you ask? Well, my friend and his dad (Frankenstein) are good friends with Chuck Norris.

So, now we know what he wants to do with this stuff, but why does he want to do such mean things to everyone? Well, he is a big meany. So he created us so that he can be mean to us. That does not seem very sound, yet, because some Christians tell me that he is mean because he loves us. Well, that sure is bizarre and twisted.

Lets use some logic now. In what circumstance would my supposed creator be mean to me, but still love me. Hmm . . . . . Perhaps we owe him something? I have just received word from a Christian friend that yes we do owe him something. How did this come about? Well I heard that he has a list of ten rules that he tells us to obey, but that was after my ancestors ate of this tree that gives them knowledge of good and evil, to which my creator told them which not to eat. So, I think I understand, because he gave my ancestors one rule to not disobey, but they did anyway. So my ancestors were kicked out of this garden that was perfect, where no work was required of them, into the rest of this world where working really sucks.

So, why should I suffer the same punishment as my ancestor? I didn't eat of the tree. Oh wait it is because I now too have the knowledge of good and evil, and I usually pick evil as a good path for me. But then why is he still threatening me with Chuck Norris' roundhouse kicks if I have already received punishment? Oh yeah, I forgot that there is a distinction from good and evil, and that I typically choose evil. Ok, that seems sound and legitimate.

But wait, there is more. This sounds like a horrible existence that I don't want to be living. I will likely choose evil over good, and I will get roundhouse kicked for it. So, Dr Frakenstein is just not very understanding of how hard it is for me. Dr. Frankenstein then does the craziest thing ever. Remember his son that is friends with my friend? My friend tells me that Frankenstein Jr., we will call him, was a perfect human being. So, what he did was he sacrificed his own son who was supposedly "perfect", which he did so that we did not have to get punished with roundhouse kicks. What!? So then general consensus is that we can sin all we want and not get punished for it, because Frankenstein Jr. was killed, but then soon raised from the dead as a zombie. This is really weird.

So we still get to do evil? I am told no. I am told that Dr. Frankenstein still has expectations of us. He says that if we do evil we will still burn in eternal roundhouse kicks. Then how do I possibly avoid this fate? My friend tells me that all I have to do is be really, really, really sorry. Oh, he just corrected me and said that I must be aware of the evils I have done and ask for forgiveness. And so how am I supposed to know when I did something wrong? Dr. Frankenstein wont tell me how I am wrong; wait, he did tell me. Apparently there is a hand book for the Christians that is long and tedious and dull. And not only that but since we have the knowledge of good and evil written on our hearts, we should know when we are being impious.

Summary: Dr. Frankenstein made some pretty large things, and he made the people that inhabit those large things. Our ancestors broke one rule and now we have to work for everything and pain hurts more than it did before, giving us very exuberant opinions about pain. We suffer the same punishment because we have the knowledge of good and evil, and we usually pick evil thinking it is good for us. But Dr. Frankenstein took perfect little Junior and killed him, which was Junior taking our punishment, instead of us. Dr. Frankenstein still wants us to obey his law, and he will punish us if we don't, and if we don't, we can be aware of it and ask him for forgiveness. Pretty wild.

But when I think about it, Dr. Frankenstein seems to me pretty justified. After all he made this world and I ignored him. He sacrificed his only son (who was perfect) for me and I ignored him. He offers me forgiveness and I ignore him. You know, I think I am looking at this wrong. Dr. Frankenstein, who I learned just now that he lives in the sky, is something that I am having a hard time describing. Oh! He is merciful! I would be very willing to follow a guy who created me and is also very merciful. You know, rather than seeming like a human, he seems more so like a God. A Great God.

You know this is still too weird for me to believe. I am going to go back to hedonism.

THE END.

This definition is pulled from the wiki article of the straw man argument.

A straw man argument is an informal fallacy based on misrepresentation of an opponent's position. To "attack a straw man" is to create the illusion of having refuted a proposition by substituting a superficially similar yet weaker proposition (the "straw man"), and refuting it, without ever having actually refuted the original position.

The straw man fallacy occurs in the following pattern of argument:

1. Person A has position X.
2. Person B disregards certain key points of X and instead presents the superficially-similar position Y. Thus, Y is a resulting distorted version of X and can be set up in several ways, including:
   1. Presenting a misrepresentation of the opponent's position and then refuting it, thus giving the appearance that the opponent's actual position has been refuted.
   2. Quoting an opponent's words out of context – i.e. choosing quotations that misrepresent the opponent's actual intentions
   3. Presenting someone who defends a position poorly as the defender, then refuting that person's arguments – thus giving the appearance that every upholder of that position (and thus the position itself) has been defeated.
   4. Inventing a fictitious persona with actions or beliefs which are then criticized, implying that the person represents a group of whom the speaker is critical.
   5. Oversimplifying an opponent's argument, then attacking this oversimplified version.
3. Person B attacks position Y, concluding that X is false/incorrect/flawed.

This sort of "reasoning" is fallacious, because attacking a distorted version of a position fails to constitute an attack on the actual position.

Atheists that use this argument are not trying to win the argument. They know that Christians are very passionate about their beliefs and so Atheists use this to get a reaction out of Christians. They treat them as if they are fools for believing that a Jewish carpenter is God. And the Christians only encourage it when they get worked up. But the best way to beat the atheist in this situation is to agree with him, about his claim of your own beliefs. He will be caught off guard. And then work your way by suggesting the true things about Christianity to them and slowly building your way to the truth. Then when you find yourself at the actual and a few name changes still in place the atheist will not know what to say because you presented your belief very clearly without getting worked up.

"He who makes the definitions, wins the argument" . . . . . for now.

The Golden Saying OF Epictetus, VI

But what saith God?—"Had it been possible, Epictetus, I would have made both that body of thine and thy possessions free and unimpeded, but as it is, be not deceived:—it is not thine own; it is but finely tempered clay. Since then this I could not do, I have given thee a portion of Myself, in the power of desiring and declining and of pursuing and avoiding, and is a word the power of dealing with the things of sense. And if thou neglect not this, but place all that thou hast therein, thou shalt never be let or hindered; thou shalt never lament; thou shalt not blame or flatter any. What then? Seemeth this to thee a little thing?"—God forbid!—"Be content then therewith!"

And so I pray the Gods. -Epictetus

For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
II Cor. 12:10

6 There is great gain in godliness with contentment; 7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world; 8 but if we have food and clothing, with these we shall be content.
I Tim. 6:6-8

What I see hear is a direct statement telling you that in is a very good and righteous thing before God to be content. But I would like to discuss from where this non-contentment comes. When people find themselves in a less than desirable position, there attitude changes from how they were acting before. When something goes wrong for them they immediately start operating in a pre-supposed belief that they grew up with. Examples of those beliefs would be, American Duties, or Family values. When God tells you to turn the other cheek and American duty tells you to punch the guy in the face, you have not fully given yourself up to God. Same goes for contentment. If you are not content, then you have not fully acknowledged Gods teaching. You are putting our other faiths before God, when we should be seeing the world everyday through the eyes of our primary christian faith. Do not be doubled minded.

18 But some one will say, "You have faith and I have works." Show me your faith apart from your works, and I by my works will show you my faith.
19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe -- and shudder.
James 2:18-19

Your faith will only be evident to God if you display your faith with works, and not temporarily replace your christian faith with family values.

Tobacco Parable #2

Mr. John Bain had been sitting in his library for several hours, and had approached the last third of his cigar. Bain was a man who enjoyed each and everyone of his cigars unconditionally, and he always looked forward to the next. Though usually he smoked when he was writing or in a train of thought, Bain could could not latch any topic that night and so he only starred intently at his surroundings.
As soon as he entered the fabled position of mind called "No Thought", the door knob of his abode rattled and proceeded to swing open the door. It was his significantly younger friend, Francis, with a confused face of joy and disbelief. Francis was not Bain's idea of a great friend, but a friend nonetheless. Francis swooped in and greeted Bain saying, "John, I am shocked, but still incredibly happy!" " Why is that?" Said Bain in a Monotone voice. "I proposed to that coffeehouse barista girl, Maria, and she agreed wholeheartedly! I had not given it one thought what I should do if she were to agree; but I don't care Bain! I am a very fortunate man!" Francis was a man of spontaneity. Bain replied, "Well, I suppose fortunate is one way to look at it, Francis, but congratulations either way."
Bain looked down at his cigar and saw that it's life was near ending, and right as the thought occurred to Bain to supply himself another cigar, Francis said, "John, I do know one thing I ought to do tonight: I must smoke a cigar. I was thinking I could relieve you of one of yours, Sir." "Certainly, boy." Bain said, as he rose from his chair to his humidor. He opened the chest, and lifted up the empty top shelf. Bain only saw one cigar left. He had been anticipating two cigars in one night, and paused just looking at his meager stock. Francis tilted his head looking at Bain, curious to know his shadowed thoughts. Bain got over himself and quickly remembered that it would be improper for him to have his last cigar to himself; he knew there would be more in a few days and suppressed his desire. He grabbed the cigar and handed it to the man who "must smoke a cigar." Francis thanked his significantly older friend and Bain welcomed him and said nothing more.
Mr. John Bain was left with no cigar, but who was he to think he had anymore right than the other fellow smoker. This act of self-control put Bain one step closer to being a great smoker.

By Evan Gunn Wilson

Rare Ben

A man named Benjamin Jonson was sitting in the Mermaid Pub drinking stout and writing poetry. His clothes were brave and gay so as to attract only the attention of fools and women. These flamboyant clothes were wrapped around a portly torso, fat arms and two lifeless gnarled stumps that were off duty from carrying the former obesity. Ben's face was no more the less round and chubby. Given brief glance he appeared to be smuggling two billiard balls in his mouth with his upper lip concealed by a bushy curly tipped blanket, which created a puppet face for Mr. Jonson when his mouth was in operation. And everywhere he was present it seemed as though he came in from a violent shower which lasted only ten seconds. He was a moist man, and had been most of his life.

Despite his unflattering outer layer Ben's anima saw himself as a pleasant person. He was pretentious, proud and overly friendly with anyone that provided conversation. Loud in everything, in which he was employed (and to say loud is only being modest) and his regular friends had a general uneasiness when they were in his company.

So, Ben sat nested in his own fat, writing his poetry, and minute and a half he took a sip of his glass and surveyed the pub inspecting it's patrons. Though, once of the many times he patrolled his eyes, a certain man came through the doors of the Mermaid. It was William Shakespeare, a friend of Ben's only by name and relentless force, for William was a man that studied others for their characters whether he could relate with them or not. He was a socially minded business man. "Billy!" Will heard the beckoning call of his ball and chain he called a companion and saw that everyone had submitted their attention to the two and their relationship, which existed on opposite ends of the Mermaid. "Billy, come on over!" Will prepared himself with a long sigh and knew he would now attempt to maintain his bright attitude he had gained earlier. Will turned around and saw very excited, bloated Ben drastically leaning forward over the table with a smile that would frighten any non-perfidious child. Will resisted his temptation to run and decided he should talk to Ben so that people in the pub could return to their business.

"Billy, good Billy! How is my most enjoyed play-write friend?" Said Ben. "Your ONLY play-write friend is well, Ben. I see that you are attacking me with flattery Mr. Jonson; it suggests that you have had good fortune since we last met. Perhaps you have gained a mutual love so as a maiden could tolerate, or you have found graces with the Queen, as did Walter." Ben gave a roaring abrupt laugh that again startled those in their work and said, "It's got no connection to love, and you should know that I don't want what Wally's got, Billy." William always got bad indigestion when Ben addressed him by "Billy" in sequence. But he became ill worn to correct Ben anymore and let him proceed. "Not at all; I am merely excited to see you, friend. I have not accompanied anyone yet today. In fact, I knocked at Bacon's door for a few minutes but he did not answer; no matter the force I put behind my fist. I suppose he was either gone or he had hit the bottle hard, after a long train of thought had conquered him; probably, no one was there to strike him upside the ol' noggin." It was a strange thing for Ben to suggest that Fancis Bacon would drink himself into utter stupor, since William had much respect for Bacon, and saw him as completely honorable. "I am happy that I may bring you joy, Ben; I am also sure that Francis was most likely out of his home."

Ben released a benefit-of-doubt grunt as though he knew Bacon better than Will. He did not. "If you believe he was, so be it. Have you any fresh work you wish to share with your undocumented editor?" If the soul could regurgitate in it's own mouth, Will's certainly did at hearing this statement. William had seen Ben's unedited plays and hoped that nobody ever hired him as their own personal con-editor. Will responded, "I don't have it with me, but I'm working through Henry V, and I cannot seem to create an interesting character with a healthy number of flaws; this would be easier if I was not doing it specifically for the Queen." "Well there's always the aristocrats, of whom to make fools, right Will! They are too easy since you can just write them into a play." Ben said this with his most condescending tone, and William responded, "You really should remember that the Queen is friends with those aristocrats, and whether or not you fancy them I'd say you best stay on Her pleasant side. Though I do think I have been stricken with a fine idea for my character Fallstaf." Ben peered at William, curious to hear Him continue speaking. When the silence was strung out too long, Ben broke back in and said, "I do believe then you owe it me this brilliant idea as I have clearly been a contributor to your man Fallstaf." "Oh yes, you have helped with it, but you will have to see the play at it's premier." Ben became disappointed and exerted a complaining sigh, but soon he had forgotten about it; Ben Jonson was also famous for a wavering attention span.

Seconds after, another man walked through the doors of the Mermaid. He was a tall, slender and handsome man that stood straight as though he deserved the right. No one in the Mermaid noticed him, as he was a man that did not live by his advertisement. It was Jonson's and Shakespeare's friend, Walter Ralegh, and he was holding something between his arm and torso. Ben did not find it necessary to call his friend over; Walter had already noticed them (or at least William) and walked his way toward the two. Ben and Will both stood up to greet him since he had recently returned from his second colonization of Virginia in America.

Will started to Walter, with joy and relief detectable in his voice and said, "Good man, Ralegh! So grand to see your face again at the Mermaid. It has been long and I have missed your company and conversation." They shook hands rigorously and Walter added, "Always a pleasure to hear from you William. I'll be in a mood to see what plays you written in my absence." Walter then turned to see a plump Ben Jonson, smiling gleefully as though he were really apart of the reunion. Since last Walter had seen Ben he knew that Ben made no significant lifestyle changes, from his increase in size. "Mr. Jonson, so nice to so you are . . . . living." Walter was finding it difficult to attach another clause, to appear somewhat excited. "You too, Wally! So had you any close encounters with those savage Indians? Any life or death over there?" Ben said, this in robust exuberance. Ben was always a man who wished he had signed up for the Queen's army but knew it would interfere, to his displeasure for his current habits. Walter answered, "On the contrary Ben. In fact, I have adopted a part of the Indian's way. Gentlemen, I present to you - Tobacco!"
Ralegh dropped the package he was holding before, on to the table. It was a rounded rectangle bound together by strings. Walter took a sharpened knife and cut the package open, to let a mess of ground leaves fall on the table. "Walter," said Will, "I am worried for your sanity as you have not brought us anything worthy of a gift, but a landscaper's day's work." Walter did nothing, but prop his hands on his hips and smiled at the product, and then at Will. Ben had not spoken for a near thirty seconds and became worn of his own silence. "Bill has his point, Wally. This is not a spoil I work for, and neither should you work for it. Can I offer a beer and cake for you; Forgetfulness of conventions at home, I believe, is a vice on my standard."

Walter ignored both of their comments and continued to pull out pieces of his coat pockets and put them together to make his pipe. "I was unaware once too of tobacco, and the blessing it is on the world. Let me show with the pipe." Walter packed his pipe full since he was already a regular smoker. As he lit his pipe William had a skeptical eyebrow raised and Ben had his arms crossed with assumed sanity. Though, soon enough a cloud was gathered from Walter's new hobby and the other two men made faces of confusion, but enlightenment was approaching fast for them.

Moments later, William could not hold back his interest for the weed, and broke the silence saying, "Walter, I have undoubtedly been humbled by truth, for I have only had the experience second hand; Could I bother you for a smoke to quench this curiosity I have harbored?" Walter chuckled and reached into the inside pocket of his jacket, presented another pipe and said, "Mr. Shakespeare, I would never in my present life deny a man who petitioned a smoke of me, for it's simplicity in pleasure is to easy for gifts. I'd prefer that I had offered you the opportunity prior to your asking."

Shakespeare lit the pipe and was on his way to ascension. Walter had turned again to see a disappointed Ben Jonson looking down with uninvited defeat. "If I am not mistaken," Walter said, "Ben, it seems as though I should offer you a bit of this leaf. I would would be less of a man if I failed to do so." Ben stared with vague and negative implications on his face, while Walter had his arm extended, with his last pipe in hand. After battling what Ben wanted to be seen as and what Ben wanted to do, He accepted Walter's invitation so that he can gain a closeness for similarity with the other two. Ben lit his pipe.

The three of them sat around the rectangular table puffed out smoke into the air; and although the air was once clear and now was not, the man's brains were operating in a sixth sense despite that they looked blankly at the walls. There nested a play-write who was a man of many words and often of his own. Another who was an adventurer and a poet. He was a man more willing than others to be a servant of those above, but naturally gained followers by giving honor. And one more agent who failed to ever obey an order, and live by social standard; though he quickly picked up any current style that the hedonists presented him. However, all of these contrasting characters were not at odds. In one and a half hours the men had not uttered a spoken word; nor was a grunt of adjustment heard. The smell and taste of tobacco had made them equal, and nothing was said because nothing had to be said. They all understood each other as committed smokers.

Time passed and the three men finished their bowls achieving contentment. Will attempted to give a speech in honor of the tobacco leaf, but all that he could put together was, "Walter, I . . . .I do believe . . . . for this is . . . . if I had . . . ." William sat back down because he already ruined his own moment to display his talent in great poetry. Ben looked on passed his companions, and his eyes widened into clairvoyance of his circumstance. Ben Jonson, for once in his older life, knew the proper thing he should say. He stood erect and seemed taller than he ever had, and gave this to say, "Tobacco, I do assert, without fear of contradiction from the Avon Skylark, is the most soothing, sovereign and precious weed that ever our dear old Mother Earth tendered to the use of man. Let him who would contradict that most mild, but sincere and enthusiastic assertion, look to his undertaker, Sir Walter, your health."

They, after this, drained their mugs and parted ways for other businesses. Walter and William both new that this experience should gain regular occurrence. They never had once enjoyed the company of "Rare Ben" until the Muse of Tobacco kissed Walter Ralegh and William Shakespeare both to a point where patience was no longer required of them. Their thoughts lofted upward and lost all affectation for Mr. Ben Jonson.

- By Evan Gunn Wilson

Time(s) to Smoke

A. M.

A Pipe at nine . . . . . . . . .IX.

Is always fine.

A puff at noon . . . . . . . . .XII.

Is none too soon.

P. M.

A " concha " at three . . . . . . . . . III.

The thing for me.

Another at five . . . . . . . . . V.

On which to thrive.

A " perfecto " at seven. . . . . . . . . . VII.

An aroma to heaven!

A " breva " at nine . . . . . . . . . IX.

Is half divine.

A "boquet" before slumber. .X. ? or XI. ? Makes just the right number.

Arthur Gray.

Nero's excecution of Seneca

But He (Nero) spared himself the anguish of a word or a look, and merely sent in to Seneca one of his centurions, who was to announce to him his last doom.

Seneca, quite unmoved, asked for tablets on which to inscribe his will, and, on the centurions refusal, turned to his friends, protesting that he was forbidden to requite them, he bequeathed to them the only, but still the noblest possession yet remaining to him, the pattern of his life, which, if they remembered, they would win a name for moral worth and steadfast friendship. At the same time he called them back from their tears to manly resolution, now with friendly talk, and now with the sterner language of rebuke. "Where," he asked again and again, "are your maxims of philosophy, or the preparation of so many years' study against evils to come? Who knows not Nero's cruelty? After a mother's and brother's murder, nothing remains but to add the destruction of a guardian and tutor." -Tacitus

Hence, even for criminals who deserved extreme and exemplary punishment, there arose a feeling of compassion; for it was not, as it seemed, for the public good, but to glut one man's cruelty, that they were being destroyed. -Tacitus

A Mild Cigar

How sweet to me is the breath of the sea,
And the seaman's cheerful song!
How soothing is sleep, on the mighty deep,
When the ship glides calmly along!
But sweeter to me, and more soothing far,
Is the fragrant breath of my mild cigar!

In the dim twilight of an autumn night,
A walk in the country lane,
When Nature fair wafts her censer there,
Refreshes the soul again;
But all my peace and delight 'twould mar
To walk there minus a mild cigar!

I love to go thro' the frost and snow,
When the air is crisp and clear,
To the Serpentine, with a flask of wine,
To skate with my Katie dear;
But tho' dear to me these pleasures are,
The dearest still is the mild cigar!

J. Reginald Owen.

The Golden Saying Of Epictetus, V

Rufus used to say, If you have leisure to praise me, what I say is naught. In truth he spoke in such wise, that each of us who sat there, thought that some one had accused him to Rufus:—so surely did he lay his finger on the very deeds we did: so surely display the faults of each before his very eyes. -Epictetus, speaking of C. Musonius Rufus, a stoic philosopher.

Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you;
reprove a wise man, and he will love you.
Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser;
teach a righteous man and he will increase in learning.
Prov. 9:8-9

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
but a wise man listens to advice.
Prov. 12:15

This specific golden saying is brief in it's message, but the proverbs that relate are very telling. The proverb that I would like to focus on is the latter.

The foolish man does not typically see himself as foolish. I say the word "typically" since there are exceptions where a Christian would be acting foolish, but is aware of it. The only reason they are doing this is to serve themselves. But aside from that, a fool sees everything he does as right. What we find ourselves doing is treating a habit of ours as normal and neutral. We do not give a second thought to whether or not the action is foolish or a sin. We are stuck in ruts, and it would be healthy to examine our actions. I have no examples to support this, sadly, but I know it happens.

Be not righteous overmuch, and do not make yourself overwise; why should you destroy yourself?
Eccl. 7:16

This passage his to help those who have become too introspective of all their actions. They consequently entangle themselves in over thinking their actions. An example might be: 1. Pride is sin. 2. Thanking people for their good deed can encourage pride. 3. I should not thank people for their good deeds, because I do not want to be a stumbling block for them. Although this is an attempt to be wise, the person is very thick headed, because the bible directly tells us that we honor each other. Though, one should always be mindful of other peoples advice, and not believe that everything they do is not an offense.

A Few Reasons Why Time Does Not Exist.

• 1. Have you seen it? "But Gunn, that same argument is used by atheists against God." Yes, that is true but God is actually in my life. Has time operated in your life really, or have convinced yourself that the regular rotations of the planets around the sun is time? Has it occurred to you that they are just in regular motion and that is what God has given us so that we may make plans for a later date?

• 2. Say time does exist. How do you suppose then that our Father is Eternal. An existence of time would require a beginning in which God begins. Does the existence of time mean that there is a predetermined future to happen? Are the actions of God also predetermined by Time? Is time more powerful than God? The answer is NO.

• 3. "Easy fix for the last one Gunn; God is outside of time and only we live inside of it." So, God exists outside of time because he created it, and so he is looking down on us and seeing the whole span of time from the beginning to the end because God is omnipotent. So he is browsing the eras and then He comes to the reign of Tiberius and notices that his Son, Jesus Christ, is still there on the cross. Why is Jesus still on the cross, and especially why has He not yet ascended to heaven. Every action anyone has ever done or will do is on that time-line happening over and over and there is no end to it. We are always sinning on this time-line. This time-line assumes predetermination as a truth, but I will not mention that, unless people start asking for it.
  

I'm sorry, but I could not resist telling you what is up.