Sorry Celivia - I shouldn't have been confrontational there. I understand that you don't believe the same things runner does (which, some of the time, appear to mirror some of the things I believe). I also know that runner is often confrontational and, at times, downright insulting in responses to others. I just get a little concerned when such things that lie at the core of my belief system are dealt with so coarsely, all for the sake of an apparent "cheap shot".

While not every Christian on here is tolerant of others, and not every Christian on here treats the beliefs of others with respect, I'd like to think that I do (with some regrettable bad mood foot-in-mouth moments). What I meant to say was that some of us who mean no harm and openly embrace the ideas of others can be offended by these barbs as well.

Again, sorry.

I have lived in times like this before.
I know it is not for some as visible as it is to me.
Defamation, lies, a form of xenophobia and blindness.
This thread, ones naming the PM as a shrew, the headlines in todays media.
Manufactured news slanted half true news.
Despite the polls I think we are better than that, I think Australia will return this government.
Rudd with leaks possible coming from some one very close to him, is showing if guiltily he indeed may be only interested in him self.
I have to admit it is just as likely we will not be returned but the consequences are horrific.
Workchoices,remember no GST? cuts to just about every thing and no extra tax for our future we let others export.
As the campaign is now mud and lies we can but remember John Howard pledge that GST was dead.

Belly

This thread is a wonderful opportunity for Runner to vilify Julia Gillard and he is making the most of what OLO has to offer. The fact that he is simply confirming his hypocrisy and bigotry in the eyes of many is beyond the beam in his own eye to notice.

Otokonoko

I couldn't help but be stunned by the vehemence in your post to Celivia, I am sure she appreciates your apology. It is true that many do not (and never will) see religion and, specifically, Christianity through your eyes. I think the point Celivia was trying to make was that Mary was not given any choice (if you believe that stuff) in her pregnancy and god simply helped himself; Mary was unlike other women who get to choose to use IVF.

In the competitive world that is politics, testosterone would be in abundance (testosterone is produced by both sexes BTW) I wonder if, in fact, that everyone has had a liaison with everyone else at some stage (with the exception of John Howard), not unlike first year Uni.

As for the title "Sleeping your way to the top" being linked to Julia Gillard's sex life.... maybe OLO had better check with its law administrator, if it has one.

If Julia does win this election, it will have nothing to do with her abilities in the boudoir and everything to do with her ability as a leader.

Runner,

I don't like your chances of proving that JG slept her way to the top.
it might be noted that her romantic judgement may have been some what less than impeccable.
One problem with being so all fired Christian doctrinaire (fundamentalist) as you tend to be is that you ignore so many verses in your own bible that simple advocate you leaving judgement up to god. And I'm sure you are not always entirely without sin.
But hey if you want to be selectively hypercritical who am I to complain.

SM,

Good grief man elections certainly do tend to warp your logic.
i can't wait for it to be all over and you return to your usual reasoned self. If poor judgement in love was a reason to then no one except the unctuous and the self deluded

Otokonoko,
Severin explained exactly where I was coming from. Indeed, god helped himself. Mary had no choice- she was never asked if she wanted to be pregnant. And Joseph was expected to look after a child that was not his.

I am not going to walk on eggs around Runner just because he is a fundamental Christian. I do not deliberately offend, but since Runner always cherry-picks bits of the bible that suit him, I will, and should be able to, highlight some parts that he deliberately ignores.

Perhaps, if Runner is so fundamental as he would like to be, he would not even EVER criticise any political leader or government at all.
He would need to accept that Paul's words are the truth, and that ALL authority comes from God.
Yes yes! Even Julia Gillard- an atheist who had an affair.
Lol!

"Every person should obey the government in power. No government would exist if it hadn't been established by God. The governments which exist have been put in place by God. 2Therefore, whoever resists the government opposes what God has established. Those who resist will bring punishment on themselves."

Romans 13:
http://gwt.scripturetext.com/romans/13.htm

Naughty, naughty Runner for criticising God's choice of authority.

Celivia

Amazing how good you are at quoting a source you claim has no relevance. Why did John the Baptist lost his head.

Unlike much of the lawless left who often demonstrate violently I am prepared to accept and pray for God given authority. The laws of this land do however give Australians a right to an opinion and free speech. Your vile posts are good examples of this.

If the people of this land have been so blinded and are so morally bankrupt that they are prepared to vote for men or women who have affairs with others with kids, knife sitting prime ministers in the back then so be it.

No doubt along with numerous other secularist you would love for seared consciences of many who are prepared to murder the unborn, promote the porn industry and enjoy guilt free immorality go unchallenged.

Personally I care more about future generation than I do about allowing let country continue its slide.