Notice how the differing viewpoints and interpretations are derived "from" the same source [the bible] in question. The net result would be circular regardless of the answer.

It's like interpreting a horoscope through astrology. For example, pokkets says "Faith can see beyond that which will disappear."

However, "faith" is clearly epistemologically invalid, as it provides no method for determining a true from a false proposition (in any world: material, spiritual, make believe, whatever...).

Since faith cannot determine the truthfulness of anything whatever, how can it provide "sight" beyond anything?

The answer to the Colossians question is purely based on the superstitions of the cu...

Notice how the differing viewpoints and interpretations are derived "from" the same source [the bible] in question. The net result would be circular regardless of the answer.

It's like interpreting a horoscope through astrology. For example, pokkets says "Faith can see beyond that which will disappear."

However, "faith" is clearly epistemologically invalid, as it provides no method for determining a true from a false proposition (in any world: material, spiritual, make believe, whatever...).

Since faith cannot determine the truthfulness of anything whatever, how can it provide "sight" beyond anything?

The answer to the Colossians question is purely based on the superstitions of the culture at the time, as evidenced by the answers given here, (even mine).

In the absence of an external gauge for comparing truth, (the Natural world, for example), any answer is as valid (read "invalid") as any other.

jatfla's answer "sounds" good... But how could anyone know if it's true? (Including jatfla?) Repeating the same astrology that made the claim is circular.

That is an impossible conclusion by anyone understanding the theological clarity of the Bible. Maybe you should point out the varying viewpoints rather than just making assumptions. Where are the opposing viewpoints? Where is the disagreement? where is there theological inconsistency?
The context, purpose, and theology implied from the text is clear and that is what Jatfla so eloquently stated. It is not something she just derived from these verses. It is an excellent statement of Christian theology.
It appears to me there is just a thirst for understanding a minute point of semantics or Paul's choice of words. To take from this that there is any disagreement may strengthen your faith, but...

That is an impossible conclusion by anyone understanding the theological clarity of the Bible. Maybe you should point out the varying viewpoints rather than just making assumptions. Where are the opposing viewpoints? Where is the disagreement? where is there theological inconsistency?
The context, purpose, and theology implied from the text is clear and that is what Jatfla so eloquently stated. It is not something she just derived from these verses. It is an excellent statement of Christian theology.
It appears to me there is just a thirst for understanding a minute point of semantics or Paul's choice of words. To take from this that there is any disagreement may strengthen your faith, but it is not based on anything substantive.
However, your words provide an excellent backdrop to the discussion and in some vacuous way truth to the highlighted scriptures being discussed here. Maybe a point of clarity divinely inspired.

It is an excellent statement of Christian theology.

My point exactly. And any other statement of Christian theology would be just a valid. That's why there are hundreds of Christian denominations even right here in America.

From an article on Christian denominations:

"Today in America, there are more than 1500 different faith groups professing many diverse and conflicting beliefs. It would be an understatement to say that Christianity is a severely divided faith."


See? For the reasons stated, any interpretation is as good as any other. So how do...

It is an excellent statement of Christian theology.

My point exactly. And any other statement of Christian theology would be just a valid. That's why there are hundreds of Christian denominations even right here in America.

From an article on Christian denominations:

"Today in America, there are more than 1500 different faith groups professing many diverse and conflicting beliefs. It would be an understatement to say that Christianity is a severely divided faith."


See? For the reasons stated, any interpretation is as good as any other. So how do you (or anyone) know which one is true, if any?

Answer: It doesn't matter, because... It's all pretend. And you know it. That's why I said it depends on the superstition of the culture of the time. Even this one!

As for your argument that stating there is no God is a religion, it does not hold up.

I don't think I said it was a religion. I said it was a faith. I think skwirl is the only one I have seen make the comment that Atheism is a religion. I think materialism is a religion. Atheism is a faith. And, by the way, it is a faith without evidence or logical support.

Speaking up to stop the religious people from dictating to the world
how they think the world should be is in now way is a religion or a
faith.

Neither is speaking out for religion a faith. The faithful are not the ones dictating anything to anyone. It is the Materialists that strive to dictate to the world ...

As for your argument that stating there is no God is a religion, it does not hold up.

I don't think I said it was a religion. I said it was a faith. I think skwirl is the only one I have seen make the comment that Atheism is a religion. I think materialism is a religion. Atheism is a faith. And, by the way, it is a faith without evidence or logical support.

Speaking up to stop the religious people from dictating to the world
how they think the world should be is in now way is a religion or a
faith.

Neither is speaking out for religion a faith. The faithful are not the ones dictating anything to anyone. It is the Materialists that strive to dictate to the world and separate the World into groups, see forms of Materialism :Nazism, Communism, Socialism, Atheism, Statism, Anarchism, Liberalism, Racism, Environmentalism and Stupidism.

Those of the Christian faith only support their moral views and fight to change hearts and minds, not to impose anything. The whole idea of Liberty is foundational to Christians.

Pointing out the fact that no human can prove anything about God to
these religious people for the purpose removing their claim of
authority to tell us what God says is in now way a religion or faith.

It is if you cannot back it up with evidence or some sort of logical foundation.

Before Christ, the high priest was intercessor, between God and Man. The high priest was mortal, and was replaced. When Jesus died, He became the intercessor, and high priest. at his death, the curtain in the temple was rend in two. There was to be no more division. False teachers maintain that there are particular requirements, they can quote Christs name but insert themselves in his place, they claim blessed with the 'true' knowledge that must be accepted to be saved. They are usually driven by self promotion, and if there is the word of God to be heard, they will speak over it. Jesus inheriting the priesthood, through being untainted at the crucifixion, by virtue of the way he lived his l...

Before Christ, the high priest was intercessor, between God and Man. The high priest was mortal, and was replaced. When Jesus died, He became the intercessor, and high priest. at his death, the curtain in the temple was rend in two. There was to be no more division. False teachers maintain that there are particular requirements, they can quote Christs name but insert themselves in his place, they claim blessed with the 'true' knowledge that must be accepted to be saved. They are usually driven by self promotion, and if there is the word of God to be heard, they will speak over it. Jesus inheriting the priesthood, through being untainted at the crucifixion, by virtue of the way he lived his life. His resurrection, was testimony to that virtue. We no longer need a mortal priest or authority to intercede between us and God.
"Were paying the price, when there's no price to pay, it's a lover's trust no money down" Lou Reed.
I can't see what others see, they can't see what I see. I cannot comment on anyone else's sight. only show them where to look. And when they show me where they are looking, they can only improve my sight. The Law should not to be followed through coercion, but through recognition of it's veracity.