Artos Academy | Angelica | Activity

Angelica replied to the discussion What impressed you about the idea of “adorning the doctrine of God”? in the forum Discussion Forum

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 12:29:51 -0400

Reply to What impressed you about the idea of “adorning the doctrine of God”?

I had never really noticed this section of scripture before. For me, it encouraged me to keep studying and seeking God, to keep learning Scripture and continue to get to know His heart so I can best be there to show others His love.

Angelica replied to the discussion How did your study on the doctrine of Christ give you a deeper love for the Savior? in the forum Discussion Forum

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 12:24:49 -0400

Reply to How did your study on the doctrine of Christ give you a deeper love for the Savior?

Studying the doctrine of Christ helped me to remember my intimate need of a Savior. It reminded me that we are not able to do this alone, and there is absolutely no way to get to God without what Jesus did for us on the cross. Even more, going over the different aspects of God and his nature, and being able to go step by step through the…

Angelica replied to the discussion Do you think it’s important to approach worship reverently? Explain. in the forum Discussion Forum

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 02:46:16 -0400

Reply to Do you think it’s important to approach worship reverently? Explain.

Yes, I think there are times for reverent worship to God, like in a church service. Or during worship time while listening to worship music and praising Him. But I also think there is a time and a place for more informal prayer, informal speaking to God and communing with Him throughout the day and throughout our lives.

Angelica replied to the discussion What does it mean to combine your faith with obedience to God’s commands? In what ways do you feel inspired to do this? in the forum Discussion Forum

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 02:43:59 -0400

Reply to What does it mean to combine your faith with obedience to God’s commands? In what ways do you feel inspired to do this?

You can know who God is without having active faith and obedience to God. I think combining faith with obedience to God’s commands is taking your faith and what we believe in God and applying it in an active way in our lives. I feel inspired to do this by trying to live out my faith on a daily basis. By seeking God in prayer. By getting into the… Read more

Angelica replied to the discussion Consider Gerry Breshear's words, "When evil gets to be so large and pain gets to be so agonizing, it's really hard not to give up to despair." How can you keep from being overwhelmed in that despair? in the forum Discussion Forum

Sat, 04 Oct 2025 16:20:14 -0400

Reply to Consider Gerry Breshear's words, "When evil gets to be so large and pain gets to be so agonizing, it's really hard not to give up to despair." How can you keep from being overwhelmed in that despair?

I think the only thing that will truly keep us from being overwhelmed and stuck in that despair is crying out to God and asking Him for comfort and help in our difficulties. For me, everything else I have tried has always failed to truly help me or keep me from being overwhelmed in my pain and despair.

Angelica replied to the discussion As Paul Brand described the fear he felt over the possibility of losing his wife, he also described the peace they shared during that time. Are there events in your life that seem beyond even God's peace and ability to comfort? in the forum Discussion Forum

Sat, 04 Oct 2025 16:18:41 -0400

Reply to As Paul Brand described the fear he felt over the possibility of losing his wife, he also described the peace they shared during that time. Are there events in your life that seem beyond even God's peace and ability to comfort?

I don’t think there is anything outside of God’s peace and ability to comfort us, but I do think that we suffer more in those times that we choose to figure something out on our own, or dwell in our own pain without seeking God with it. There have definitely been things that have happened in my life that felt beyond God’s peace and ability…

Angelica replied to the discussion How do the concepts taught in this lesson inspire you to adopt a posture of gratitude? in the forum Discussion Forum

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 02:35:33 -0400

Reply to How do the concepts taught in this lesson inspire you to adopt a posture of gratitude?

Remembering that all these things come from God better allows me to have a more solid grounding in gratitude and thankfulness. There is so many amazing things that God gives me on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. The reminder that we are not in control of our lives or the day to day, as much as we want to be, is super comforting. God… Read more

Angelica replied to the discussion Has this lesson changed how you think about either the fear of God or the pursuit of happiness (or both)? Explain why and how. in the forum Discussion Forum

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 02:32:46 -0400

Reply to Has this lesson changed how you think about either the fear of God or the pursuit of happiness (or both)? Explain why and how.

This lesson helped me to remember that the times and duration of events in our lives, positive or negative, are out of our human control. It allowed me to better reflect on the idea that we should enjoy the gifts that God gives to us- all these things come from Him.

Angelica replied to the discussion Vernon Grounds quoted Isaiah's words, "In all their affliction, He was afflicted." How can that simple thought help you when you suffer? in the forum Discussion Forum

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 01:57:14 -0400

Reply to Vernon Grounds quoted Isaiah's words, "In all their affliction, He was afflicted." How can that simple thought help you when you suffer?

It is a great comfort that God is not a far off and distant God, watching us experience pain staying aloof and uncaring. It is an amazing comfort that God experiences our pain with us, does not leave us alone, and loves us dearly.

Angelica replied to the discussion Respond to Douglas Groothuis' observation that "God has really experienced the evil of the world more profoundly than any human being." Do you agree? Why? Why not? in the forum Discussion Forum

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 01:54:19 -0400

Reply to Respond to Douglas Groothuis' observation that "God has really experienced the evil of the world more profoundly than any human being." Do you agree? Why? Why not?

Yes, I agree. I think that God has suffered everything that we have suffered and more. He took the pain of all of our sins on Himself, enduring separation from God and immense physical and emotional pain.

Angelica replied to the discussion As you consider the story of Elie Weisel (shared by Ravi Zacharias), you are confronted with Ravi's bottom line, "When you talk about the problem of suffering, there is no answer outside the cross of Jesus Christ." How does this reveal the depth of God's love for you? in the forum Discussion Forum

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 01:50:28 -0400

Reply to As you consider the story of Elie Weisel (shared by Ravi Zacharias), you are confronted with Ravi's bottom line, "When you talk about the problem of suffering, there is no answer outside the cross of Jesus Christ." How does this reveal the depth of God's love for you?

Jesus took our place. We deserved to be punished for our sins. We deserved death for our sins and complete separation from God. But because of God’s great love for us, He provided a way for us to still have close relationship with Him. This says so much about the depth of God’s love, and I love the reminder here that the true answer to pain…

Angelica replied to the discussion Dr. Grounds said, "I'm very much aware that there are those individuals around us who literally long for release from the bodily distress and weakness which they are experiencing." How does that longing for release correlate to Paul's words in Philippians 1:21? Do you ever feel it in your own experience? in the forum Discussion Forum

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 21:40:51 -0400

Reply to Dr. Grounds said, "I'm very much aware that there are those individuals around us who literally long for release from the bodily distress and weakness which they are experiencing." How does that longing for release correlate to Paul's words in Philippians 1:21? Do you ever feel it in your own experience?

I’m not entirely sure how that longing for release correlates to Paul’s words in Philippians 1:21. I do think I can relate. I have felt some experiences where I want relief from bodily pains or weaknesses at times.

Angelica replied to the discussion How much do you anticipate heaven when life is good? When life is hard? in the forum Discussion Forum

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 21:12:08 -0400

Reply to How much do you anticipate heaven when life is good? When life is hard?

I think for a very long time I associated my fear of the unknown with heaven…. leading me to not really anticipate it one way or another. I think though that when life gets hard, there is this concept and idea of thinking about the future and being with Jesus and being in a place with no pain, no sin, no death that is absolutely desirable.… Read more

Angelica replied to the discussion Do you agree with Kerby Anderson's comment, "If everything was just wonderful here, we wouldn't really want to leave this life”? in the forum Discussion Forum

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 20:53:56 -0400

Reply to Do you agree with Kerby Anderson's comment, "If everything was just wonderful here, we wouldn't really want to leave this life”?

I absolutely agree. I think humans are creatures of habit, and we like safety and security in the things we can see, feel, and do. I think if everything was wonderful here on Earth a lot of people wouldn’t want to leave this life.

Angelica replied to the discussion What went through your mind when Dr. Brand said, "I believe that Christians should not too frequently ask, 'Why me?' but ask the question 'What now, Lord?'" Do you think that is realistic or unfair? in the forum Discussion Forum

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 13:18:33 -0400

Reply to What went through your mind when Dr. Brand said, "I believe that Christians should not too frequently ask, 'Why me?' but ask the question 'What now, Lord?'" Do you think that is realistic or unfair?

I think it really hit home how much I tend to ask God these angry, blaming questions. Where instead asking, ‘What now, Lord”, is a much better response because it looks at the situation and still sees God above it all. In a way, it is a submission to Him that we cannot do this without Him and need His help to move forward. I think it can be… Read more

Angelica replied to the discussion The word "synergism," describing two forces or activities that work together, is seen in God's dealings with Job. What were the forces at work, and how did they result in Job's good? in the forum Discussion Forum

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 13:15:32 -0400

Reply to The word "synergism," describing two forces or activities that work together, is seen in God's dealings with Job. What were the forces at work, and how did they result in Job's good?

I think the two forces at work was God’s will, and Job’s obedience or submission to God. Both of these things together allowed a kind of synergy between God and Job throughout Job’s sufferings. I don’t think it means that Job was on the same level as God or anything like that. But in a sense they were working together because Job had… Read more

Angelica replied to the discussion Have you ever felt like you “had it all” from a worldly perspective? If so, did it leave you with a deep and lasting sense of satisfaction? Explain. Conversely, have you ever felt like you were always wanting more? Do you think getting your deepest desires will give you a deep and lasting sense of satisfaction? Explain. in the forum Discussion Forum

Sun, 28 Sep 2025 17:17:49 -0400

Reply to Have you ever felt like you “had it all” from a worldly perspective? If so, did it leave you with a deep and lasting sense of satisfaction? Explain. Conversely, have you ever felt like you were always wanting more? Do you think getting your deepest desires will give you a deep and lasting sense of satisfaction? Explain.

I think in my life I often have felt like I was always wanting more. Always chasing after the next video game, or other form of entertainment. Always jumping from one fun thing to the next because I somehow believe that this other new thing will provide that lasting sense of satisfaction and enjoyment. I don’t think that getting my…

Angelica replied to the discussion Dr. Heim concludes the lesson with this statement: “Whether we have much or little, there is nothing better than to live in the presence of God and enjoy the good things of life, as and when He gives them.” Do you find it easy to agree with this statement? Why? Whether or not you can easily agree, how does it look in practice to view life this way? in the forum Discussion Forum

Sun, 28 Sep 2025 17:14:03 -0400

Reply to Dr. Heim concludes the lesson with this statement: “Whether we have much or little, there is nothing better than to live in the presence of God and enjoy the good things of life, as and when He gives them.” Do you find it easy to agree with this statement? Why? Whether or not you can easily agree, how does it look in practice to view life this way?

I do think that I agree with this statement, though I probably wouldn’t have agreed or felt the importance of this statement a few months ago. I think this is because when our hearts are busy seeking things other than God, and when our hearts are focused on chasing after all of these “things” such as a need for constant entertainment,…

Angelica replied to the discussion What has been your experience with the book of Ecclesiastes up to this point? What has been your perception or view of the book, and what do you hope to gain from this class? in the forum Discussion Forum

Sat, 27 Sep 2025 05:16:59 -0400

Reply to What has been your experience with the book of Ecclesiastes up to this point? What has been your perception or view of the book, and what do you hope to gain from this class?

Previously, I had only ever read small sections of Ecclesiastes where I think I took it out of context and believed that the author was just saying that life was meaningless. However, this past week I took the time to read the entire book of Ecclesiastes. This made me want to study it more in depth which is why I joined this class. I hope to… Read more

Angelica replied to the discussion Dr. Heim draws several connections between the teachings of Ecclesiastes and Jesus’ teachings. What is your reaction to this? in the forum Discussion Forum

Sat, 27 Sep 2025 05:14:05 -0400

Reply to Dr. Heim draws several connections between the teachings of Ecclesiastes and Jesus’ teachings. What is your reaction to this?

Initially, I thought it was odd because I thought we were just studying the book of Ecclesiastes. But after listening to Dr. Heim, I realized that he was expressing similar ideas between both passages and talking about the continuity and connections between both the Old and the New Testament, which was very interesting.

Angelica replied to the discussion What are some events where you have seen communities or neighborhoods pull together because of a catastrophe of some sort? in the forum Discussion Forum

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 23:11:15 -0400

Reply to What are some events where you have seen communities or neighborhoods pull together because of a catastrophe of some sort?

People often pull together from all around when a big disaster strikes. People come together to help communities devastated by wildfires, floods, and earthquakes. It makes me think of the flood that happened by the summer camp. Whole communities banded together for search and rescue efforts.

Angelica replied to the discussion How can human touch respond to your fear and pain in times of struggle? How was this seen in the leprosarium in India? in the forum Discussion Forum

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 22:47:41 -0400

Reply to How can human touch respond to your fear and pain in times of struggle? How was this seen in the leprosarium in India?

Human touch can actually help calm both fear and pain during difficult times. I personally experienced a reduction in pain during childbirth with my kids when my husband was with me and holding my hand. I think human touch is powerful. As mentioned in the video, the patients with leprosy who had their families tending to them and providing…

Angelica replied to the discussion How does the habitual practice of sin deaden our spiritual pain nerves? in the forum Discussion Forum

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 00:58:57 -0400

Reply to How does the habitual practice of sin deaden our spiritual pain nerves?

When we first engage in sin, we generally start off feeling bad or feeling guilty for what we did. Over time, the more we engage with sin and don’t turn to repentance to Christ, causes a deadening of our spiritual pain nerves. We end up less affected by our sin the more it becomes a habitual practice.

Angelica replied to the discussion Consider the difficulties the researchers encountered in preparing a "painless personal warning system" for human beings. Can you think of other options to pain as a defense against danger? in the forum Discussion Forum

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 00:52:51 -0400

Reply to Consider the difficulties the researchers encountered in preparing a "painless personal warning system" for human beings. Can you think of other options to pain as a defense against danger?

I think knowledge can sometimes protect us against pain. Scripture contains a lot of wisdom that when applied to our everyday life can help us build contentment in Christ and protect us from future hurts and pain. Also, our senses of sight and hearing can help protect us from pain in the natural world by allowing us to sense danger around us.…

Angelica replied to the discussion Before viewing the video, how accurate was your understanding of leprosy? What characteristics of leprosy make it such a strong analogy for sin? in the forum Discussion Forum

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 00:41:58 -0400

Reply to Before viewing the video, how accurate was your understanding of leprosy? What characteristics of leprosy make it such a strong analogy for sin?

I only knew that leprosy was a skin condition. I did not know that leprosy caused the individual affected to not be able to feel pain any longer. I think this is a strong analogy for sin because when we are engaged with sin, we become less sensitive to the desires of God and His will. We are seeking the wrong thing, and therefore our focus is…

Angelica replied to the discussion What “broken” parts in your life do you want God to make beautiful? in the forum Discussion Forum

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 23:42:52 -0400

Reply to What “broken” parts in your life do you want God to make beautiful?

My sinful past and the previous decisions I made while in pain and having a hurting heart. My heart responses to those who have hurt me or caused me pain. The parts of my heart that have been bitter or angry with God. My fear of the world around me and the darkness in the world.

Angelica replied to the discussion How is God, through you, using your brokenness to reach others? in the forum Discussion Forum

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 23:41:28 -0400

Reply to How is God, through you, using your brokenness to reach others?

I think God has given me a love of speaking and sharing the things of my heart. I think through talking to others about what God is doing in my life and how God has redeemed my story allows for God to use my past and even my current brokenness to reach others. I needed the reminder to talk through the things that God is doing in my life with…

Angelica replied to the discussion What do you think it means to love God perfectly? in the forum Discussion Forum

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 21:40:08 -0400

Reply to What do you think it means to love God perfectly?

It would be to love others perfectly. It would be to follow all of His rules perfectly. It would be keeping our thoughts aligned with His and not thinking anything that is impure, rude, mean, angry, harsh, or unkind. I don’t think it’s possible to love God perfectly, but I think we should strive to.

Angelica replied to the discussion What are some practices you can put in your life, to show your commitment to your brothers and sisters in the faith? in the forum Discussion Forum

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 21:38:57 -0400

Reply to What are some practices you can put in your life, to show your commitment to your brothers and sisters in the faith?

We can listen to them, love on them, and help guide them closer to Jesus.

Angelica replied to the discussion In what ways do you want your brothers and sisters of the faith to be dedicated to you? in the forum Discussion Forum

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 21:38:14 -0400

Reply to In what ways do you want your brothers and sisters of the faith to be dedicated to you?

I want my brothers and sisters in Christ to lead me closer to God and teach me more about Him.

Angelica replied to the discussion What seasons of life mentioned in Ecclesiastes have you lived through? in the forum Discussion Forum

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 19:59:25 -0400

Reply to What seasons of life mentioned in Ecclesiastes have you lived through?

I have been in seasons of searching, seasons of apathy. Right now I am in a season of true, genuine, seeking God.

Angelica replied to the discussion How has your life experiences effected your desire to know God? in the forum Discussion Forum

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 19:54:18 -0400

Reply to How has your life experiences effected your desire to know God?

The affect on my life experiences have changed my desire to know God over time. As a child and teenager, I thought I was seeking God with my whole heart. I went through times of passion and times of seeking Him. And then I experienced some really painful things that really made me struggle with my faith. One of the big things I struggled with… Read more

Angelica replied to the discussion What are three things about yourself you wish you could change? in the forum Discussion Forum

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 02:05:59 -0400

Reply to What are three things about yourself you wish you could change?

I wish I could change some of the past relationships I had. I wish I could grow my faith in an instant instead of having to go through life experiences to grow it. And I wish I could change some of the grudges I have held in the past and let go of those past hurts.

Angelica replied to the discussion After reading the Scriptures we’ve worked through, do you believe that God sees you as his masterpiece and not a mistake? Explain your answer. in the forum Discussion Forum

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 02:04:08 -0400

Reply to After reading the Scriptures we’ve worked through, do you believe that God sees you as his masterpiece and not a mistake? Explain your answer.

Yes, Psalm 139:13-18 expresses how loved we are by God and what He truly thinks of us. It details how we were woven together by God and how precious our thoughts are to Him! Luke 12:7 states, “Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.” How amazing is it that God has counted all of…

Angelica replied to the discussion Can you see how those experiences, once you’ve healed from them, could be used to help someone else out later in your life? in the forum Discussion Forum

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 01:05:30 -0400

Reply to Can you see how those experiences, once you’ve healed from them, could be used to help someone else out later in your life?

Yes, I can see how the things I experienced in the past could be used in the future to help someone else later on in life. I don’t know how exactly God plans to use my past experiences for his glory, but I can trust that He has a plan and will use my experiences to help others someday.

Angelica replied to the discussion Have you had any life experiences that you don’t understand why you had to go through them? in the forum Discussion Forum

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 01:04:17 -0400

Reply to Have you had any life experiences that you don’t understand why you had to go through them?

Yes, there are many life experiences that I have had where I don’t understand why I had to go through them. I am learning though that God has a bigger plan and purpose, even through the things that I go through that I may not understand. His plan and his purpose is far greater than mine, even when these things don’t make sense to me.

Angelica replied to the discussion Has there ever been a time in your life when you thought God did not exist? in the forum Discussion Forum

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 00:25:45 -0400

Reply to Has there ever been a time in your life when you thought God did not exist?

I grew up in a Christian home so the idea of God existing was all around me, even from a young age. I don’t think I ever wondered if God didn’t exist, but there were various times in my life where I struggled to stay close to Him and feel His presence.

Angelica replied to the discussion Respond to this statement by Douglas Geivett: "Because God cares to give us freedom, which sometimes results in suffering, He wants to bring good out of those sufferings that do come our way—even though He does not specifically intend the suffering itself." Do you agree or disagree? in the forum Discussion Forum

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 23:54:14 -0400

Reply to Respond to this statement by Douglas Geivett: "Because God cares to give us freedom, which sometimes results in suffering, He wants to bring good out of those sufferings that do come our way—even though He does not specifically intend the suffering itself." Do you agree or disagree?

I agree that our suffering is not pointless, nor is it a surprise to God when we go through things that bring about pain and suffering. Romans 8:28 states that “28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” I also think that the free will that we have causes…

Angelica replied to the discussion If, as Jerry Solomon said, great wisdom comes from profound suffering, are you willing to accept profound suffering? in the forum Discussion Forum

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 23:35:13 -0400

Reply to If, as Jerry Solomon said, great wisdom comes from profound suffering, are you willing to accept profound suffering?

I think most people, when given the choice, would not willingly choose profound suffering. I also think that wisdom can come in many forms, not just through suffering.

Angelica replied to the discussion Do you think that the emergence of the modern state of Israel was worth the suffering of the Holocaust, which gave birth to this new nation? in the forum Discussion Forum

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 23:33:43 -0400

Reply to Do you think that the emergence of the modern state of Israel was worth the suffering of the Holocaust, which gave birth to this new nation?

I agree with some of the others that I am not sure this is a question we can really appropriately answer. I think God is able to see how all things work together for His glory.

Angelica replied to the discussion In what ways do you think suffering can awaken us to the reality and inevitability of the eternal? in the forum Discussion Forum

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 16:44:20 -0400

Reply to In what ways do you think suffering can awaken us to the reality and inevitability of the eternal?

Suffering allows us to reach the end of ourselves. It creates a natural stopping point where we realize that we cannot do this alone. We have reached the end of our own abilities, and start to seek out help and support from others. It is in those moments of pain and suffering that we begin to look for answers. I think it is in those moments…

Angelica replied to the discussion As you see the cattle car used to carry Jews to the death camps of World War II, what thoughts most vividly come to your mind? Are you able to enter into their experience? in the forum Discussion Forum

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 16:41:35 -0400

Reply to As you see the cattle car used to carry Jews to the death camps of World War II, what thoughts most vividly come to your mind? Are you able to enter into their experience?

It is hard to see images and pictures that bring to light the awful experiences that the Jews being carried to the death camps experienced. I don’t think I can ever fully understand what they went through or really enter into their experience because I imagine I would have had to have been there to ever fully understand. But I can imagine…

Angelica replied to the discussion Think about the amount of pressure required to transform coal into a diamond. What would be the human counterpoint of that necessity for pressure? How can pressure affect us? in the forum Discussion Forum

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 13:11:02 -0400

Reply to Think about the amount of pressure required to transform coal into a diamond. What would be the human counterpoint of that necessity for pressure? How can pressure affect us?

I think that pressure is necessary to keep our hearts turned towards God, instead of away from Him. If everything is going well and we aren’t experiencing any difficulties or hardships in life, we can get trapped in this false thinking that we have everything under control and that we don’t need God. That pressure allows us to recognize our…

Angelica replied to the discussion Paul Brand spoke of patients "taking off the mask" in private. Why do you think it is important for God to unmask our hearts—even if suffering is required to accomplish it? in the forum Discussion Forum

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 13:08:23 -0400

Reply to Paul Brand spoke of patients "taking off the mask" in private. Why do you think it is important for God to unmask our hearts—even if suffering is required to accomplish it?

I think that when we aren’t going through difficult things or “trials”, we strive to accomplish everything on our own. We walk around acting like everything is fine, and have a false belief that we are in control of it all. The reality, though, is that none of us are in true control. I think that suffering requires us to remove that mask and…

Angelica replied to the discussion Douglas Geivett said that people sometimes respond to suffering by becoming bitter against God or by rejecting Him. Can you identify some Bible characters who displayed those responses? in the forum Discussion Forum

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 13:06:46 -0400

Reply to Douglas Geivett said that people sometimes respond to suffering by becoming bitter against God or by rejecting Him. Can you identify some Bible characters who displayed those responses?

Job’s wife responded to the trials presented to their family with extreme bitterness against God.

Angelica replied to the discussion Ravi Zacharias said, "Love cannot be brought about by robotic coercion; it has to be done by freedom of will." Do you agree or disagree? Why? in the forum Discussion Forum

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 21:35:35 -0400

Reply to Ravi Zacharias said, "Love cannot be brought about by robotic coercion; it has to be done by freedom of will." Do you agree or disagree? Why?

Yes, I agree. I think that true love always must include the ability to choose to love. And without that choice, all we would be as people would be robots. This would take away all true ability to love. Even though the ability to love also means that people will choose to not love, we must have that balance in order to experience genuine love.

Angelica replied to the discussion In response to Dr. Paul Brand's statement, would you exchange your freedom to choose in order to enjoy freedom from pain? in the forum Discussion Forum

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 21:33:00 -0400

Reply to In response to Dr. Paul Brand's statement, would you exchange your freedom to choose in order to enjoy freedom from pain?

No, I would not exchange my freedom in order to enjoy freedom from pain. I had never thought about it this way. This perspective shows that true freedom will always come with some measure of pain. Everyone would have to lose their freedom to choose in order to live a life without pain.

Angelica replied to the discussion Douglas Geivett said, "A great deal of responsibility for suffering or for evil generally in the world today is rooted in how we exercise the freedom we have." What are evidences you have seen of the connection between the freedom to choose and human suffering? in the forum Discussion Forum

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 21:30:56 -0400

Reply to Douglas Geivett said, "A great deal of responsibility for suffering or for evil generally in the world today is rooted in how we exercise the freedom we have." What are evidences you have seen of the connection between the freedom to choose and human suffering?

An example that comes to mind that shows the connection between freedom to choose and human suffering would be acts of violence in the world including attacks, fighting, inflicting harm on others, or even murder. It is because people have the choice in their behaviors and actions that we have people choosing selfishness over selflessness,…