The Comedian Who Laughed His Way to Jesus (Norm Macdonald and the Image of God)

Sdílet
Vložit
  • čas přidán 21. 08. 2024
  • Comedian Norm Macdonald waged an epic nine-year battle with cancer and fought cancer to a draw. When he occasionally got serious during interviews, he would share his ideas about God, Jesus, Christianity, the Bible, evil, and the soul. In this video, David Wood examines Norm's thoughts on people being created in the image of God, and shows how Norm was actually fumbling his way to the Gospel.
    PATREON: / acts17apologetics
    SUBSCRIBESTAR: www.subscribes...
    PAYPAL: www.paypal.me/...
    STORE: acts-17-merch....
    #NormMacdonald #ImageOfGod

Komentáře • 1,1K

  • @doctorg.k.spoderminsr.2588
    @doctorg.k.spoderminsr.2588 Před rokem +1475

    Norm was the smartest guy in the room playing the dumbest guy in the room. A lot of people didn't realize how deep a thinker he was and what a profound sense of irony he had.

    • @rickytavilla4259
      @rickytavilla4259 Před rokem +15

      Well put

    • @randykerkman7246
      @randykerkman7246 Před rokem +36

      True, he was so overlooked because people missed his genius. What other comedians discussed their personal search openly?

    • @jaystannard
      @jaystannard Před rokem +40

      He was an old chunk of coal who didn't own a doghouse.

    • @displeaseddog7504
      @displeaseddog7504 Před rokem +8

      @@jaystannarda wagon with five wheels for sure.

    • @kirkstable
      @kirkstable Před rokem +17

      I always say I know God has a sense of humor because he created me.. God employs irony, everywhere in the universe

  • @heavencanwait421
    @heavencanwait421 Před rokem +494

    My husband of 50 years passed away from cancer a year ago. He always respected my faith, and in his last months gave his life to Jesus. I mention this because he also had a great sense of humour and loved Norm. Hopefully they are meeting up in Heaven. God bless. 🙏🏻

    • @jeannine1739
      @jeannine1739 Před rokem +23

      I'm so thankful he came to Jesus, sorry for your loss, and thankful for the promises that ensure that we know where he is. God bless you!

    • @raolhooley
      @raolhooley Před rokem

      Omg he finally weakened ..lol..poor bastard..it was all those crazy tracts you left laying around..he should never have recanted...just because you believe that bullsheeet..

    • @heavencanwait421
      @heavencanwait421 Před rokem +43

      @@raolhooley NEVER did I leave a tract around. I lived it, as best I could. I have no idea what has caused your bitterness and cynicism, but there is no real need to reach out like this.

    • @raolhooley
      @raolhooley Před rokem

      @@heavencanwait421 tough titty darlin... remember the crusades as well I suppose..lol

    • @ghouliesgarage3922
      @ghouliesgarage3922 Před rokem +9

      So Great That he came to Jesus.! Praying

  • @abelturner2999
    @abelturner2999 Před rokem +815

    This is the kind of stuff that makes me want to actively love Jesus more. Thanks David

    • @killerrabbit2693
      @killerrabbit2693 Před rokem

      He wasn't that bright, he believed in an invisible, undetectable being.
      Not so bright.

    • @chikkipop
      @chikkipop Před rokem

      Why does anyone concern themselves with loving an ancient character?

    • @BobbyVans-hf8mq
      @BobbyVans-hf8mq Před rokem +8

      Sure is an “Ancient Character” the one the only Supreme GOD.
      No matter what you want to call it or not.

    • @abelturner2999
      @abelturner2999 Před rokem +7

      @@chikkipop imagine what it means if Jesus is real and is exactly who he claimed to be. If he truly is divine then the ramifications are beyond description and of transcendent importance.

    • @chikkipop
      @chikkipop Před rokem

      @@BobbyVans-hf8mq *"the one the only Supreme GOD"* What "god" and how do you know about it? You could win a very prestigious science award for this stunning information. I wonder why no one has won the Nobel Prize for showing a "god" exists. 🤔
      Give me your evidence and I'll nominate you for the award! 😅

  • @user-dt5uk5lv6j
    @user-dt5uk5lv6j Před rokem +143

    Jesus is Lord of Lords.

  • @smartereveryday
    @smartereveryday Před 7 měsíci +106

    Norm was both an original thinker and courageous. I often go back and go down the Norm McDonald rabbit hole on CZcams and try to imagine what was going on in his mind. Looking forward to a conversation with him one day.

  • @manaman9625
    @manaman9625 Před rokem +220

    This, to me, is just more proof that the Christian perspective is the most intuitive, logical, and truest. In the image of God but fallen and wretched. There is a great divide between us and animals. There is also a great divide between us and God. Jesus remains the only bridge

    • @calebe4266
      @calebe4266 Před rokem +21

      It's just recently that i finally understood that, i'm thankgul that God revealled that to me while i'm still young

    • @bassjeff2005
      @bassjeff2005 Před rokem +3

      Getting it young is a wonderful thing. Keep seeking and you will find truth. Jesus is the way the truth and the life. God doesn’t make mistakes. He is in charge and has a plan that is better than anything we could ever imagine. Trust and obey. He will always be there.

    • @chikkipop
      @chikkipop Před rokem +1

      *"more proof that the Christian perspective is the most intuitive, logical, and truest"*
      How so? I don't see the slightest indication that it's true or logical. Or intuitive. At all.

    • @calebe4266
      @calebe4266 Před rokem +2

      @@chikkipop What make you feel that way? What isn't logical and imtuitive?

    • @chikkipop
      @chikkipop Před rokem

      @@calebe4266 Believing things without evidence isn't logical, and intuitions are *feelings* about things, often due to the lack of *actual knowledge.* Now, you could present something you think is logical, but unless there is evidence for it it's just a guess. Let me know what you've got!

  • @timothyjudsontaylorofficia9786

    Norm pretended to be dumb, but very clearly was very clever, and an absolute savage with his humor. Miss him very much.

    • @namapalsu2364
      @namapalsu2364 Před rokem +7

      Comedian is usually very smart.

    • @norm77
      @norm77 Před rokem +5

      Norm was genious

    • @JoelSquire85
      @JoelSquire85 Před 11 měsíci +3

      He always said no one likes someone smarter than themselves.

  • @josephdykes1820
    @josephdykes1820 Před rokem +165

    No other celebrity death has ever bothered me. I still miss Norm. I hope to see him in Heaven.

    • @FixYouNowYT
      @FixYouNowYT Před 9 měsíci

      you wont

    • @josephdykes1820
      @josephdykes1820 Před 9 měsíci +24

      @Grendhar lol, glad your judgment means nothing, but God's judgment means everything

    • @jamesn151
      @jamesn151 Před 7 měsíci

      cun.t@@FixYouNowYT

    • @hellomate639
      @hellomate639 Před 7 měsíci +6

      I have a sense that he is now experiencing profound peace. And also still being his goofy self.

    • @josephdykes1820
      @josephdykes1820 Před 7 měsíci +3

      @@hellomate639 same

  • @garrettmckuin7294
    @garrettmckuin7294 Před rokem +150

    Norm was just an old loveable chunk of coal, I sure hope he got to be a diamond. I hope we all do.

  • @BuildingUpFaith
    @BuildingUpFaith Před rokem +356

    I'm glad to see this video again! I loved this line, "the work of a genius is the work of an even greater genius." It remind me of the watchmaker argument. Thanks as always, David!

    • @rawdayoussef4223
      @rawdayoussef4223 Před rokem +5

      I love to watch David’s superior intelligence in debate apologetics with areas other than Muslim-themed subjects. I think it is easier for other ideologies to accept rational or logical ( my knowledge is too limited to know the difference between one and the other) but other ideologies or most may accept logical evidence, explanations, deductions while Muslim ideology very easily detect where a logical explanation is heading, their intellect, which is definitely far superior than all the people they so revere whether past or present instinctively panic and shy away from continuing the “philosophical world problem” (as my uneducated self sort of regard it) to its logical conclusion where I can finally write down my Q.E.D. as trained long ago in mathematics proof problems at school. The conversation is abruptly interrupted by : Of course, we know all that ……. Followed by the usual Muslim completely warped version of the Christian gospel I was trying to tell or begin to introduce.
      Unlike David I have lived and been raised among them I know every Muslim ideological concept and warped version of the truth. But my friends are so like trying to get hold of a drop of mercury spilled from old thermometers. Has anyone tried that ?

    • @futurereflections4097
      @futurereflections4097 Před rokem +4

      Why is he questioning Norms Christianity. Norm has said he is a Christian many times. I am done with this Christian hatred.

    • @adrianC1998
      @adrianC1998 Před rokem +2

      @@futurereflections4097 Norm also said many times he wasnt a christian. which is it?

    • @Adam-tp8py
      @Adam-tp8py Před rokem +1

      I’m an atheist, but a fan of David’s commentary and his videos with AP. I’m an ex-Muslim, and I heard the watchmaker argument all the time in mosques. I never found it particularly convincing, because I was in advanced physics classes at 13, and it was clear to me that the rules of the universe don’t apply before the universe. Are religious people sincerely convinced by this argument?

    • @BobbyVans-hf8mq
      @BobbyVans-hf8mq Před rokem

      It’s just getting worse and worse each day the straight Christian white male especially working class is in big trouble.
      This country is going half backwards

  • @jessehunt6537
    @jessehunt6537 Před rokem +237

    Norm was my favorite comedian/celebrity by far! I believe that he found Christ in the end. You can see compassion/empathy in his eyes. Love the channel! God bless 🙏🇺🇸🇺🇲

    • @jamesrecknor6752
      @jamesrecknor6752 Před rokem +11

      Hope you are right, wishing him the best.

    • @NotDuncan
      @NotDuncan Před rokem +8

      He was Christian for a long time

    • @chikkipop
      @chikkipop Před rokem +2

      *"I believe that he found Christ in the end."* Where did he find this person? And why was he missing?

    • @GoyBenius_0901
      @GoyBenius_0901 Před rokem

      ​@@chikkipopThat's either a brilliant Norm-esque joke, or you're a miserable athiest.

    • @earthwormandruw
      @earthwormandruw Před rokem +6

      @@chikkipopFinding something doesn't mean it was lost.

  • @rawdayoussef4223
    @rawdayoussef4223 Před rokem +176

    Welcome back David. I realize now how much I missed you. You see I am neither an ex Muslim, nor a Muslim seeking to confound your arguments, I am a middle eastern, middle aged Christian woman who is just inspired by the story of your conversion, and most importantly you are THE only philosopher who has the wonderful ability to make philosophy intelligible to me. You make things so simple and logic and easy to understand. Christianity is logical. The Bible to whomever gives himself the chance and the time and shuts up his big mouth to humble himself and read it from page one to page xxxx( whatever it might be in the translation he chooses), the Bible is logical. This is what I concluded when I decided to find out for myself and picked it up to begin reading starting from page 1 in hard copy AVD Bible. I kept doggedly reading and falling in love with a Book that I had been fed propaganda that it is false and contradictory and many many slander since my early school days and in every media channels. I remember it was nearly 3:am and I was reading Hebrews 4:14 when I felt I had an experience similar to Paul’s when the scales fell from his eyes and he saw. It’s not that I hadn’t been Christian before and became Christian,no but to me I have no date, hour or year that I can name when I first knew Jesus as my Lord and Savior because I as baptized as a baby of 1 year old and I grew up calling Jesus “Lord”, But He became my true savior during a crisis in my life when I was 25 years old. Anyway I want to say please please my dear atheist or agnostic, gnostic, skeptic, Muslim, Jew anybody who is not a follower of Jesus Christ, please humble yourself for a few days and take the time choose an authorized translation that is easy for you to understand and pick up the Bible and read it. Then go on with your life as before if you are uninterrupted by the God of the Bible, because if you have honestly read through the whole Bible and He has not called you maybe you are one of the many that are invited but not of the few who are chosen. Proceed with your life and forget about Him if so you wish. I just wonder why so many atheists don’t believe the God of the Bible even exists, and are sure we evolved from a lump of cells, why do they blaspheme and badmouth someone who is not even there? What makes them so angry?

    • @gregorybyrne2453
      @gregorybyrne2453 Před rokem

      Be in the world not of the world child if you want a better world as this world is passing away.
      TicTok You are not God's. You can no more change your gender than you can change the climate of this planet.
      The galactic Milankovitch cycles cause our climate trends and cataclysms.
      The 240,000 year rotation of the galactic bulge Eccentricity causes epoch level cataclysms at perihelions.
      The Obliquity precession of the Sun's orbit between the galaxies Fermie bubbles magnetosphere causes close mate trends.
      The precession of the equinoxes, Earth's orbit between the two Fermie bubbles of the Sun's Oort cloud causes these the climate change END TIMES Jesus warned us to watch and prepare for.
      These are just the birthing pains.
      Mother Earth's WATER won't break until the MOON pulls the Earth's increased magnetosphere and oceans OUT and around the planet east to west as in the days of Noah.
      The first of 19 Antidiluvian deluges will happen with the conjunction of mercury -venus-moon and earth in 2033 and every 40 years thereafter for the millennium it takes to eclipse the nucleus of the Sun's magnetosphere. We started crossing in 2012 and Gobekli Tepe were buried by 19 Antidiluvian deluges spaced 40 years apart spanning a Millennium.
      The truth Jesus the Christ/Messiah told us will set us free but the truth is inconvenient and the false flag, red herring, false dichotomies lies are comfortable.

    • @dorothyhinkel185
      @dorothyhinkel185 Před rokem +15

      God makes sense and his plan makes sense.

    • @Peginafication
      @Peginafication Před rokem +1

      Completely see your point about atheists, rather than just being indifferent to God (which is non existent to them) they are angry about it. Almost as if they are angry at God and, for that reason, choose to not believe in him as an expression of their anger. It's strange and yet also makes perfect sense as I think the knowledge that God exists is ingrained in the innermost part of our being. Maybe they're not angry at God, but they're angry at themselves for not being able to turn off the faint feeling that He exists. I could be wrong of course but believing that everything came from literally nothing is a much larger leap of faith than believing in God. Some athiests even go as far as choosing the explanation that an infinite number of universes created themselves from nothing rather than the much more simpler/logical explanation that a powerful being created 1 universe. I have athiest friends that are super intelligent and I truly love them but their logic is completely broken when it comes to this topic.
      God bless you and all people, especially athiests!!

    • @paulleannefischer1148
      @paulleannefischer1148 Před rokem +15

      Wonderful, wonderful, and heartfelt comment. Thank you. Well put! Thanks so much for sharing your testimony.

    • @rawdayoussef4223
      @rawdayoussef4223 Před rokem +8

      @@paulleannefischer1148 thank you. May God bless you

  • @McDingus360
    @McDingus360 Před 8 měsíci +12

    Not a Christian, but I’ve been reading the Bible because of norm. Norm is my favorite comedian, and learning about how interested he was in religion is starting to rub off on me. I started reading the Bible because he said you should never judge a book you’ve never read, so simple, sounds like something I’ve heard other people say a million times. But when he said it, I realized he was right. Going to read all of the Bible and see where it takes me. I grew up Mormon, and it kind of ruined my view of religion, norm has somewhat repaired my biases.

    • @kingambrosius9125
      @kingambrosius9125 Před 7 měsíci

      How are you making it?

    • @McDingus360
      @McDingus360 Před 7 měsíci +1

      @@kingambrosius9125 It has been interesting, for sure a slow process. There's so many parts of it that I find confusing, and I still have my skepticism. But like norm I have somewhat of an inclination toward a higher power. Some days I read it and some days I don't, I'm reading in chronological order, because I really want to grasp it. I am currently on Genesis 31. I remember when I read about the tower of babel I asked a question to my father about it, there was something I found confusing. After the conversation I realized he has likely never actually read the bible, just funny because it's the inverse of that norm quote, he's in the same situation I was in, just on the opposite side. I enjoy some parts of it, others I find strange. I'm not quite sure what I believe, but it's honestly a fun read. My dad always used to say that the book of mormon is much more fun to read than the bible, but after starting the bible I totally disagree. The historical context alone is worth the read. But I have no one to talk about it with. The religious side of my family is mormon, and it always circles back to that. The rest of my family are on the hippy spectrum, and they don't really see too much value in traditional religious concepts. Thank you for asking that question!

    • @kingambrosius9125
      @kingambrosius9125 Před 7 měsíci +2

      @@McDingus360 Good on you for making the attempt, at least. I would recommend that once you reach Leviticus, you pair your reading with Joshua onwards. Leviticus, Deuteronomy, and Numbers mainly deal with ceremonial procedures, which, while extremely important for understanding the shadows of Christ, do not make for exciting reading. So, if you pair them with the following books, it might make it easier for you. It may also help to pair 1 and 2 Chronicles with 1 and 2 Kings since they mostly overlap.

    • @McDingus360
      @McDingus360 Před 6 měsíci

      @@kingambrosius9125 I'll keep that in mind for when I get there, thank you for the advice!

    • @quettabird2707
      @quettabird2707 Před 6 měsíci

      The interesting thing about the Bible is it is a historical document... at the same time, it’s useful for every situation

  • @__.Sara.__
    @__.Sara.__ Před rokem +56

    This video is so deep! Definitely one to watch again.

    • @JesusmySavior15
      @JesusmySavior15 Před rokem

      @@mynameis......23
      Stop spamming the comments with your stu...d thought
      You're an abdool !!!

    • @doolbor2382
      @doolbor2382 Před rokem

      Come on. All you have do to do is Just asking why? What's deep about it. A guy who claims he knows god's plan and his goal of creating world. Don't give credit to him for these nonsense . after you watched his whole speech ,all you have to do is, just ask why? What's the point? If a person does something like that, what you think about him? Let's say a scientist, built a miniature world to be his image and all that pointless bullshit, what you think of that guy? Not exactly a all knowing powerful divine God. If that's his goal , i don't give a shit about it. I'm just here to make a dude feel better about himself? What a great plan. So smart. Oh im so so blessed to be image of a fuckin retard

  • @JaneSmith0709
    @JaneSmith0709 Před rokem +52

    I loved Norm from the day I first saw him do standup in the early 90s. I watched him grow and evolve and came to love him more and more. I'm sooo happy he found Jesus before he left this world!

  • @bryanpeed5334
    @bryanpeed5334 Před rokem +105

    Norm was one of those comedians I could never put my finger on. I first saw him on Star Search in the 80s and was too young to appreciate his humor/perspective. Then anyone who actually listened to him realized his advanced intellect. I just pray he accepted the true Christ before his end.

    • @dirty_cowboy
      @dirty_cowboy Před rokem +22

      Hey brother me too. Loved norm form his comedy and he sparked my interest in Christianity. Now I am in a relationship with the Lord.
      The tweeted this on October 31 2017
      “Scripture. Faith. Grace. Christ, Glory of God. Smart man says nothing is a miracle. I say everything is.”

    • @bryanpeed5334
      @bryanpeed5334 Před rokem +11

      @@dirty_cowboy that's awesome, praise God and I'm praying for you and your walk with Christ 🙏

    • @machtnichtsseimann
      @machtnichtsseimann Před rokem +14

      IMO, Norm accepted God/Christ. Maybe not in "praying the sinner's prayer" specifically, maybe not "accepting Jesus as Lord", i.e. maybe it comes down to God seeing his heart and that's just fine. As a Christian, Norm was the kind of man and fellow Believer who I could relate to: dry, smart, crass in a sophomorically revealing-your-hypocrisy kind of way, crude in a shockingly humorous manner, grounded, thoughtful, fun, engaging, old-fashioned, hilarious, unapologetic about his views, free. Real. Sadly, I haven't met many Christians who are this type of free and real. Their sense-of-humor, IMHO, reflects their view of God as a pent-up sourpuss who is TOO offended by the slightest ribbing or tease or even joke about Himself! Obsession over words and slightest tittle of the Law vs the Spirit. A "religious spirit" vs the Spirit. People might disagree with me here. I'm used to it. LoL. Still, we can agree on missing Norm. R.I.P.

    • @dianecourtney2724
      @dianecourtney2724 Před rokem +2

      @@machtnichtsseimanngreat comment ✌🏼

    • @mjproductions312
      @mjproductions312 Před rokem

      He will be resurrected and have 1000 years to know Christ in His kingdom as He prophesied in the book of Revelation

  • @warriorsaint9430
    @warriorsaint9430 Před rokem +8

    Greetings from Serbia! Some parts of my country were under Turkish rule for 500 years! And we survived! You know why? Because of our faith, our christian church and because of taking up our crosses and forcing up on that hill called freedom! Stand strong christians, hard times are coming 💪😎

  • @belindadunne4312
    @belindadunne4312 Před rokem +70

    You explain very complex and deep topics extremely well. Thank you so much. Your approach is refreshing and to the point. :)

    • @rawdayoussef4223
      @rawdayoussef4223 Před rokem +3

      Yes, he is the only philosopher that has the talent to explain philosophy and make it understandable to ordinary “non philosopher” citizens like myself. I feel so inclined to understand Jordan Peterson, however one minute into the video and I am at a complete loss, I feel he is speaking several intellectual layers above mine so that even though the subject he discusses is interesting and I would like to follow and learn from him, it is beyond my capability to comprehend his superior mentality so I give up and leave. David is perhaps more intelligent but he has the talent to simplify difficult concepts that are hard for most people.

  • @Cegros
    @Cegros Před rokem +45

    Really loved that “the more I don’t care for it” in regard to cancer 😭 also thanks for making this video. Strangely enough, the Norm rabbit hole (along with countless other seemingly unlikely subjects) has definitely been a large part of my journey in faith. And strangely enough, “intuition” also had a fair amount to do with all of this.

    • @jimma1432
      @jimma1432 Před rokem +4

      Same. It really is some wild gateway to the faith lol.

  • @Dallas_Vaughn
    @Dallas_Vaughn Před rokem +47

    It’s awesome to hear DW talking theology.
    Psalm 8 is another great place to go to see man’s position in the created order. It’s an incredibly beautiful and epic chapter.

  • @waynepayne9875
    @waynepayne9875 Před rokem +13

    Norm is my all time favorite comedian and has been since I was 15. Never been hit harder by a celebrity death. Knowing he loves God only makes him easier to love.

  • @lambrosk3790
    @lambrosk3790 Před rokem +18

    The “intuition,” Norm felt was his spiritual discretion. All logic, reasoning, philosophy and science (if viewed in context with all other ideologies) eventually brings us to the scriptures. Using wisdom, all roads lead to Jesus Christ. I pray for myself and all others who can be saved to constantly seek and receive Salvation by God’s Grace in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen 🙏

    • @bobloblaw2958
      @bobloblaw2958 Před rokem

      But what of those who also possess wisdom that didn't lead to Christ? Are you sure you want to say that human reasoning can lead one to Jesus? The bible puts that notion to rest.

    • @lambrosk3790
      @lambrosk3790 Před 10 měsíci

      @@bobloblaw2958 correct. It does. There’s earthly knowledge ( which will bring you to the Bible) Then there’s heavenly/ divine knowledge. Which only God knows. It’s our faith that’s being tested.

  • @evanthesquirrel
    @evanthesquirrel Před rokem +14

    I've been getting nothing but norm on my feed for years. I never expected this crossover.

  • @Deluseon
    @Deluseon Před rokem +28

    Beautiful video about a beautiful man. I had only really been into his stuff for about a month before his draw with cancer, and despite having only been familiar with him so briefly, his death had far more of an impact on me than that of any other celebrity. His appeal to intuition is what pushed me into theism. He helped me to realise that I'd never not believed, I had only been denying my instincts. Thank you, you ol' chunk o' coal. Rest in peace

  • @griznation9942
    @griznation9942 Před rokem +65

    Norm had an extremely unusual God given gift of evangelism that he probably didn’t even realize he had. In his special way of influence influencing people with logic, sarcasm, and humor, I wonder if he’s unknowingly led more to souls Christ than most who pose the question, “Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?”

    • @CJ-lr4uq
      @CJ-lr4uq Před rokem +3

      Probably, considering that "accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior" doesn't save anyone. Believing the Gospel is what saves a person.

    • @moldyshishkabob
      @moldyshishkabob Před rokem +3

      @@CJ-lr4uq It's semantics, but even the demons know and believe that the Gospel is true. I'm certain there are people who believe that the Gospel can save, but to surrender to Christ means giving up the glory they gather for themselves in this life.

    • @CJ-lr4uq
      @CJ-lr4uq Před rokem +1

      @moldyshishkabob uh, no. It doesn't say the demons believe the Gospel, the verse states that they believe there is one God. Believing in one God doesn't save, believing the Gospel does. And demons can't believe the Gospel because Jesus did not die for demons.
      Please actually read the Bible before you go around misquoting it and spreading misinformation. These are peoples' souls we're talking about here.
      When you do get around to actually reading the Bible, you'll find that nowhere does it state that "surrendering glory to Jesus Christ" is a requirement to save a person. It does however state time and time again to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved. Believe that He died, was buried and rose again on the third day so that you could be forgiven and have eternal life. That's it.
      Now I can already tell that you are a faith+works backloader, and that you have a false Gospel. No one can be argued into the truth; it's a heart issue. You'll figure it out on your own at some point, hopefully before it's too late.
      And before you start mindlessly vomiting up scriptures out of context that you think declare a person must do certain works to be saved, spare me. I've heard them all. I'm not concerned with what you can fabricate through twisting scripture, I'm concerned with what God's Word actually tells us in its entirety.

    • @moldyshishkabob
      @moldyshishkabob Před rokem

      @@CJ-lr4uq The Gospel is the good news that Jesus Christ died for the sins of all mankind. The Gospel is the good news that belief in Jesus Christ leads to His eternal kingdom.
      Of course the demons believe the Gospel, they obey Jesus when he rebukes them and casts them out of people. They recognize His authority and know His power. They know God's saving power but, in their pride, want to yank people away from Him. They know God can and will destroy them in time, but will take everyone they can with them.
      They certainly have an understanding of the Gospel and believe that, yes, Jesus Christ saves. But they decided to rebel and not have fealty to God.

    • @CJ-lr4uq
      @CJ-lr4uq Před rokem +1

      @moldyshishkabob The point is, you're using that passage to insinuate that believing the Gospel is not enough save a person, and that is tragically wrong. It is the one and only requirement to be saved. Nothing more, nothing less.

  • @deborahhoover7608
    @deborahhoover7608 Před rokem +22

    You are such a gifted communicator. Thank you for sharing your gift.

  • @TerryTrowbridge
    @TerryTrowbridge Před rokem +17

    Thanks "I'm not Norm" for all the great Norm content, and thank's David for your teaching:D

  • @cpsheedy
    @cpsheedy Před rokem +24

    I am familiar with most of Norm's comedy, and never have I once heard him say anything disparaging about religion. In retrospect, I assume that he held in such great esteem that it should be beyond the reach of mockery. I hope you are with Lord now.

  • @am7442
    @am7442 Před 7 měsíci +4

    I really hope norm got saved and is in heaven with Jesus

  • @Sunshine-is_here_to_stay
    @Sunshine-is_here_to_stay Před rokem +16

    We have missed you Dave!!! 💟🙏✝️ Thank you for continuing to shine light ✨️ upon the world! 🌎

  • @AndrewHenderson23
    @AndrewHenderson23 Před rokem +15

    David this is probably my favorite video that you’ve ever put up. Thanks for the reupload!

  • @blenderbones
    @blenderbones Před rokem +6

    David, I loved the old you, ruthlessly attacking the silliest arguments for Islam. However, I really love the new you, brother. I like the way you weave in the Gospel, revealing the God-given truth in such a methodical and directional way. Thanks, brother. Jesus is Lord.

  • @simonjonasmusic8410
    @simonjonasmusic8410 Před 11 měsíci +6

    I truly miss him. Thank you for this video, highlighting a lesser known side of a comedic genius that made many people very happy, yet didn't burden even his closest friends with his personal battles.

  • @christophsan4040
    @christophsan4040 Před rokem +26

    Great stuff. I wonder if Norms thoughts ended up leading anyone to Christ.

    • @briggy4359
      @briggy4359 Před rokem +21

      Me

    • @leigholding1397
      @leigholding1397 Před rokem

      Probably leading more away. Can't stand catholics proclaiming God then turn around and cures viel words. David letterman asked norm, so.. are you are Christian now... then he 🤬 and letterman Laugh 😂 because he understood he's mocking...

    • @joinjen3854
      @joinjen3854 Před rokem +2

      ​@@briggy4359very cool.

    • @murkartik
      @murkartik Před 11 měsíci

      and me

  • @jeromyperez5532
    @jeromyperez5532 Před rokem +27

    The more we hear from his friends about his death, it reveals how truly sentimental that old chunk of coal was and how deeply he loved his friends.

  • @jonathantownsend4699
    @jonathantownsend4699 Před 5 měsíci +2

    Excellent video. Thank you David. We're watching this in our small group. Keep up the good work!

  • @peruseperusing5027
    @peruseperusing5027 Před rokem +22

    Awesome!!! Great sermon David!! RIP Norm. :) :)

  • @margaritachernenko2599
    @margaritachernenko2599 Před rokem +9

    David!! We miss you!!! So glad to finally hear your voice! May the Lord continue to bless your ministry!

  • @kbeetles
    @kbeetles Před rokem +8

    Thanks David, you definitely brought a new angle to this - and I finally got the message!

    • @doolbor2382
      @doolbor2382 Před rokem

      Come on. What's the message. That your life means nothing and you only here to a guy in clouds feel better about himself? Is that really sounds convincing to you? And for what reason? Is god trying to prove himself to someone or what? this guy is saying he knows god's plan and his goals. And you thanking him. Nice

    • @kbeetles
      @kbeetles Před rokem +3

      @@doolbor2382 man, you are overreacting. What's your sore wound?

    • @rickytavilla4259
      @rickytavilla4259 Před rokem +1

      @@kbeetleswow they are so angry at God. Heartbreaking. Well I used to be that guy ,not as angry though

  • @LordBeezleDwarf
    @LordBeezleDwarf Před 9 měsíci +1

    Lol “the more i hear about cancer. The more i dont care for it” was perfect

  • @Peginafication
    @Peginafication Před rokem +17

    I'm going to image God by liking, subscribing and commenting on your video for the algorithm.
    But in all seriousness, this was great. Thank you and God bless you and your viewers

    • @apologeticsroadshow
      @apologeticsroadshow  Před rokem +4

      Welcome aboard!

    • @Peginafication
      @Peginafication Před rokem +2

      @@apologeticsroadshow thank you. Have actually seen lots of your vids but not sure why I wasn't subscribed! Remedied today :-)
      God bless

  • @michaelfreemandatarheeldem9382

    Rest in paradise norm you are missed

  • @smiller6925
    @smiller6925 Před rokem +7

    thank you for this tribute to Norm and our great God whom he found.

  • @donscott2681
    @donscott2681 Před rokem +21

    David is my favorite theologian and Norm was my favorite comedian. Simply epic stuff.

    • @chikkipop
      @chikkipop Před rokem

      People are easily convinced when they wish to believe something. It's called self-deception.

    • @lapacesiaconvoi
      @lapacesiaconvoi Před 11 měsíci

      i don't know dw, but i liked listening to him because didn't criticize different Christian religions.

  • @CarterQuillenP.E.
    @CarterQuillenP.E. Před rokem +3

    You are breaking the mold of being a "Christian" and are a true "Follower of Christ". Please keep up the "good works".

  • @ndoepp
    @ndoepp Před rokem +11

    He's the only celebrity I've ever cried for over their death.

    • @lapacesiaconvoi
      @lapacesiaconvoi Před 11 měsíci +1

      i didn't follow lisa marie presley like a fan, but i grieved her death because like elvis' mother, she had to be as precious to him.

  • @2tommyrad
    @2tommyrad Před rokem +2

    "how will YOU image God today"? Well done David. That question readdresses our responsibility in the relationship between us and our Creator, Savior.

    • @skippy675
      @skippy675 Před rokem

      I always picture Jesus going to town on my sausage. He always gets the job done. Thanks Jesus, that was Heavenly!

  • @JohnSmith-tu6ps
    @JohnSmith-tu6ps Před rokem +4

    Norm-ally I don’t like religious breakdowns of people, but I really liked everything I heard in this video. Well put together, good job!

  • @bobs2809
    @bobs2809 Před rokem +4

    I remember when Norm told Larry King that he had a God shaped hole in his heart

  • @evermoremystic17
    @evermoremystic17 Před rokem +5

    This was stunningly beautiful to listen to. Your content is top notch. Thank you very much for this.

  • @Kritical_Chris
    @Kritical_Chris Před rokem +1

    I Love the way David Wood breaks down very complex topics and make them absorbable for dummies like me. You're a gift.

  • @jonboy9030
    @jonboy9030 Před rokem +2

    I think what I most appreciate about this video is that it isn't one of those rabbid Christian posts that sounds like "LOOK A FAMOUS PERSON BECAME A CHRISTIAN! SEE CHRISTIANITY IS TRUE! BECAUSE A FAMOUS PWRSON BELEIVED IT!" As if Christianity needed famous people to validate it.
    Rather, I feel like you honored who Norm was, with all the complexities, not immediately jumping to one conclusion or another. And you helped us understand the doctrine of the image of God, as well as other philosophical beliefs in the process. As well as providing some comedic relief 😂Well done brother, and thank you for sharing.

  • @joseph-jg2ie
    @joseph-jg2ie Před rokem +14

    Of course Norm Macdonald finds his way into my spiritual life

  • @nuerboi
    @nuerboi Před rokem +6

    I just found your channel through your talks about Islam and especially the jordan Peterson video on the scientific revolution. I love your work! You bring a new light to the faith. You expand the scope so much and open up the minds of Christian’s to explore Gods works as well as his word. Incredible stuff! I love you man

  • @dbyd777
    @dbyd777 Před rokem +1

    I don't have much longer to live and currently preparing my advance directives. This video will be included so my daughter can get a very powerful perspective of how God works in It's mysterious ways. THANK YOU 🙏🏾 ❤

    • @PanhandleFrank
      @PanhandleFrank Před rokem +1

      Go with God. Grace to the end. 🙏

    • @destroyerofyorks
      @destroyerofyorks Před 11 měsíci

      God bless your heart, all things are possible with Jesus! Keep following Him and praying what your heart desires! It doesn't have to be the end if in God's will.

  • @luismuzquiz
    @luismuzquiz Před rokem +1

    Someone should give you a medal for this kind of reflection. Greetings from Mexico.

  • @slick_Ric
    @slick_Ric Před rokem +6

    love Norm, mainly when he was clean (surprisingly often for a big comic). thanks a lot for this video, and for the challenge at the very end.
    how am i going to image God today?
    if we focused on this question daily, boy would we impact the world for Christ

  • @dananewc66
    @dananewc66 Před rokem +4

    Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful! God bless D Wood!

  • @Ok-_-719
    @Ok-_-719 Před 3 měsíci +1

    This thought process is so beautiful and magnificent, made me tear up a bit too.

  • @Frank7489
    @Frank7489 Před rokem +1

    I appreciated how this message was delivered without being overly preachy

  • @Mymle
    @Mymle Před rokem +4

    Thank you David. These help me understand, as someone who has been struggling a lot with mental illness these videos help me understand.

  • @halim1016
    @halim1016 Před rokem +6

    You fired up my faith Dr. Wood. Jesus bless you.

    • @doolbor2382
      @doolbor2382 Před rokem

      Oh yeah? How faithful you are saying thank you to a guy who claims to know whats god plan and his goals of creating world. Based on nothing. Just because something sounds good it doesn't make it true

    • @halim1016
      @halim1016 Před rokem

      @@doolbor2382 What makes you think what I hear sound good to me?

    • @destroyerofyorks
      @destroyerofyorks Před 11 měsíci +1

      ​@@doolbor2382What are you saying?

  • @MattyD315apologetics
    @MattyD315apologetics Před 9 měsíci +1

    Man, I appreciated this video on multiple different levels.
    As you may have felt a connection to Norman, some of us had that with Nabil, even you. This was very thought filled.

  • @user-gd8io7qo2h
    @user-gd8io7qo2h Před rokem +12

    Jesus says he is life itself.
    _"I_ am the resurrection and the _life._ Whoever believes in _me_ will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in _me_ will never die." (John 11:25-26)
    Jesus says he will give rest to your soul.
    "Come to _me,_ all you who are weary and burdened, and _I_ will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)
    Jesus says he will quench your spiritual thirst.
    "Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, 'Let anyone who is thirsty come to _me_ and drink. Whoever believes in _me, as Scripture has said,_ rivers of living water will flow from within them.' By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in _him_ were later to receive." (John 7:37-39)

    • @user-gd8io7qo2h
      @user-gd8io7qo2h Před rokem

      @@mynameis......23 God bless! Thank you for your comments.
      Here are some catholic sources debunking transubstantiation:
      Clement of Alexandria said the wine is "the SYMBOL of the sacred blood" _(The Instructor,_ 2.2).
      Theodoret said of the bread, "[Christ] broke the SYMBOL and distributed it" _(To the Monks of Constantinople)._
      Origen called the bread "a SYMBOL of gratitude to God" _(Against Celsus,_ 8.57).
      Cyprian said the wine "REPRESENTS the Blood of Christ" (Epistle 63:7).
      Eusebius of Caesarea called the wine "the SYMBOL of [Christ's] blood," and the bread "the SYMBOL of His body" _(Demonstratia Evangelica,_ 8.1.76-80).
      Augustine explained Jesus' words, "Understand SPIRITUALLY what I said; you are NOT to eat this body which you see; nor to drink that blood which they who will crucify me shall pour forth ... Although it is needful that this be visibly celebrated, yet it must be SPIRITUALLY understood" _(Exposition of the Psalms,_ 99.8).
      He said plainly that the bread is NOT Christ's body, and the wine is NOT his blood.
      Augustine said of John 6, “If [Jesus'] command...seems to enjoin [encourage] a crime or vice ... IT IS FIGURATIVE. ‘Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man,’ says Christ, ‘and drink His blood, ye have no life in you.’ This seems to enjoin [encourage] a crime or a vice; IT IS THEREFORE A FIGURE [SYMBOL], enjoining that we should have a share in the sufferings of our Lord, and that we should retain a sweet and profitable MEMORY of the fact that His flesh was wounded and crucified for us" _(On Christian Doctrine,_ 3:16:24).
      He said that, since Jesus appeared to be encouraging cannibalism (a crime), he must have been speaking symbolically.
      Athanasius said, "What [Christ] says is NOT FLESHLY but spiritual. For how many would the body suffice for eating, that it should become the food for the whole world? But for this reason He made mention of the ascension of the Son of Man into heaven, in order that He might DRAW THEM AWAY FROM THE BODILY NOTION" (Festal Letter, 4.19).
      He said the bread cannot be Christ's body because there wouldn't be enough to feed everyone.

  • @magonus195
    @magonus195 Před rokem +3

    This was a great take, man. Thanks for putting this video together. I loved your explanation of the _imago dei_ as a verb.

  • @Terri7665
    @Terri7665 Před rokem +3

    This is such a great video and makes so much sense. May God continue to use your amazing gift of communicating draw others to the truth. God bless you David 🙏🙏🙏

  • @samuelflores1419
    @samuelflores1419 Před rokem +2

    Great video brother! I caught with Sister Hatun and your plans are working perfectly! To God be All the Glory! God bless you brother and your ministry!

  • @killharryclinton9312
    @killharryclinton9312 Před rokem +2

    I'm so happy to see Dr David Wood again. It's been a long time!

  • @jacovawernett3077
    @jacovawernett3077 Před rokem +3

    You expressed God wonderfully. God is the conductor. We are His instruments.

  • @way_truth_life_of_love
    @way_truth_life_of_love Před rokem +3

    God sees your efforts to image him and share the great gifts He gave you….you inform and inspire us and we thank you for all you put into your videos !

  • @garytakvorian6204
    @garytakvorian6204 Před rokem +2

    Romans 1:18 how we withhold/suppress the truth/image of God thru our unrighteousness jumped out at me. Only second video and a new subscriber. Wonderful expounding of Biblical concepts. Praise the Lord

  • @willteuscher8253
    @willteuscher8253 Před rokem +2

    There’s still a chance to see Norm live someday. When we’re all home.

  • @Jared_Wignall
    @Jared_Wignall Před 8 měsíci +3

    Norm Macdonald wasn’t just one of the greatest comedians of all time, but one of the smartest and amazing people that has ever lived. The man played dumb, because he knows people didn’t like it when comedians acted as if they’re smarter than you. He was an amazing talent and is missed. RIP Norm.

  • @michaelnapper4565
    @michaelnapper4565 Před rokem +6

    A Classic. Thanks

  • @lauriecolvin3620
    @lauriecolvin3620 Před 2 měsíci

    I took a lot from this. I listened twice. Thank you!

  • @lesevans6567
    @lesevans6567 Před rokem

    Thank you so much for this video. I know it won’t be long enough. Because anytime I come across something I feel I need to help me understand. What I can’t seem to grasp. It’s gone. I love Mr. MacDonald. I understood his comedy. As much as an uneducated person could. I envied his friendship with Billy Joe Shaver. And I’m a huge fan of outlaw country music. But, there’s this. I believe Mr. MacDonald , lie so many born again Christians I’ve known throughout my life. Asked God for salvation. I felt he’d sought it through Jesus Christ. Because it is the thing that makes sense. Yet, I felt R MacDonald, doubted himself. His faith. I felt Mr. MacDonald understood how great the gift of salvation is. And, feared he was not worthy. Yet, he knew it was available if one just merely asked. Because like you sir. I traveled CZcams for Norm Macdonald videos. And, the more they came. In one of his podcasts. Larry King revealed he did not believe in God. Then somewhere in another video. Mr. MacDonald told someone he missed some function. Because, Larry King was in the hospital dying. And, he didn’t believe in God. And, he thought someone should be with him. And, wholeheartedly believe he saw a need for this. Was in case Larry King might be saved. I could be wrong. But, I’m a wretched soul. Who sometimes hears and see things that just make sense. Pray Norm MacDonald is with our Lord and Savoir Jesus Christ. I didn’t weep while writing this. I’ve cried like it hurts.

  • @andywright4538
    @andywright4538 Před rokem +3

    Thank you David for this video, it is very powerful

  • @thimychan202
    @thimychan202 Před rokem +5

    You explained it so well because I was riddled with what image of God meant.

  • @jdarling5315
    @jdarling5315 Před rokem +1

    I love how varied the age of the comments on this video are. I take it as a testament to the profound impact of a man never fully appreciated except by those who knew he was something special. I think the voice of norm macdonald will be with me until my dying days.

  • @rachellejones1361
    @rachellejones1361 Před 4 měsíci

    Thank you so much, brother, once again for continuing to use the wonderful gifts God has given you. This message is fantastically helpful in something I pray about frequently due to it being such a struggle, unfortunately. Really grateful that I was able to watch this and hear the message about the image of God. It has already helped me to look at everyone in a more loving way. My mind and heart are opening up in a greater way to loving everyone as the Spirit has shown, because no matter what someone is doing, they are made in His image and for good or bad we are called to LOVE. WITH MUCH LOVE

  • @rememberbancroft8617
    @rememberbancroft8617 Před rokem +6

    dw you are a great speaker and a great thinker. add teacher to that..

  • @chrismba777
    @chrismba777 Před rokem +4

    That passage from Dostoevsky could also be used in a discussion as to why there is a literal Hell, and that it most certainly contains those particular Turks.

    • @rickytavilla4259
      @rickytavilla4259 Před rokem +1

      I’m going with you on that. Yikes that was hard to listen to

    • @Alien1375
      @Alien1375 Před rokem

      Unless they became christian. Then they have gotten away with it.

  • @RogueA.I.
    @RogueA.I. Před rokem +2

    I saw Norm live in a church that was converted into a venue. He did about 20 minutes about religion. You could tell he was riffing on the fly. It was absolute genius.

  • @alejandrogarcia6187
    @alejandrogarcia6187 Před rokem +2

    Praise God for your gift, may He bless you, your work and your family!!

  • @WhereWhatHuh
    @WhereWhatHuh Před rokem +6

    I love the video, and the use of Norm's thoughts to explain Christian Theology. But it makes me think of the 25th and 26th chapters of Acts: Felix in 25:19 does not quite understand the gospel, and in 26:24 rejects it; Agrippa in 26:28 understands the gospel but is almost persuaded. I fear that Norm only understood and was almost persuaded. God grant that he in fact was more than almost persuaded.

  • @Aksm91ManNavar
    @Aksm91ManNavar Před rokem +3

    This was an amazing video. You earned a new sub. God bless, also rest in peace, Norm!

  • @AndrewKarmona
    @AndrewKarmona Před rokem +1

    Glad to have you back ❤❤❤

  • @courtcrea.
    @courtcrea. Před rokem +2

    I'm sooo happy I finally found your channel. You're very knowledgeable and insightful. And I hope everybody finds Jesus and accepts the gift of everlasting life. ❤️

  • @houseofhikmah
    @houseofhikmah Před rokem +9

    David why are you back on CZcams!? I thought you deleted your channel! Just kidding just said that to annoy you. God bless bro

  • @nikokapanen82
    @nikokapanen82 Před rokem +6

    When Watching South Park of Quentin Tarantinos movies, it is hard to see God being imaged there, rather it is the exact opposite, Satan is being imaged there in full glory.
    Even my dad, who is a nonbeliever, was disturbed by his movies because of the amount of pure evil in them.

  • @kal-el4781
    @kal-el4781 Před rokem +1

    This is one of my personal favourite David Wood video!! An absolute masterpiece!!

  • @joearnold4508
    @joearnold4508 Před 2 měsíci

    This is my favorite video you've ever done. Thanks.

  • @BrianPruett
    @BrianPruett Před rokem +6

    What a gem. Great deep work brother. Keep reflecting The Light of Christ 💡

  • @WunderOps
    @WunderOps Před rokem +3

    Thanks for covering this man's story. The comedy scene was ironically so direly tragic back in the 80s and 90s when McDonald was at his popular height. I pray that God will raise up comedians who understand that they can do the job while living a Christian life of character and integrity and above reproach. A comedian has an opportunity to make a difference for ideals like the inalienable human rights we find in the U.S. Declaration of Independence. After all, laughter is like medicine for the soul, even a grieving one!

    • @theYungOldBoi
      @theYungOldBoi Před rokem

      The Declaration of Independence was created occultists and Deists... its inherently not christian

  • @jman2005
    @jman2005 Před rokem

    As someone who formerly deconverted from evangelical Christianity, became atheist/agnostic for over 2+ years, and recently came back and surrendered to Christ, I can tell you this video is spot on. Norm was a comedic genius and I'm glad he articulated these thoughts on record. Having been one myself who was a prodigal that returned by
    God's calling through my wife, all I can say is the grace and mercy of Jesus exceeds all imagination. Just my two cents. Great vid.

  • @victor-antonioali378
    @victor-antonioali378 Před rokem +2

    Thank you for bringing me to tears, I hope to fully understand the image of God someday

  • @okhomit
    @okhomit Před rokem +4

    i love your work!

  • @kaneinkansas
    @kaneinkansas Před rokem +3

    This a great and profound video. Thanks David for this. So much of metaphysics always brings me back the Prodigal Son parable. Every religion/epistomological assertion, to be valid, must answer these 3 questions: 1) Why is there something instead of nothing, 2) Why is there free will or choice? and 3) Why does suffering exist? These are all permanent imprints in creation. Islam does not answer any of these, however it uses #3 to attempt to eliminate #2 and says it all exists at the whim of Allah. Metaphysically, Islam cannot be taken seriously. But Judeo-Christianity does answer #1 & #2 and only half way has a posit on #3.
    Genesis answers #1 "because it is good". Another way of saying that is, "something is better than nothing."
    #2 is a very complex topic, but its theology is neatly and simply explain in the Parable of the Prodigal Son. God gives us free will. He wants us all to make our own prodigal journey with the hope that it ends up taking us to him. (Norm McDonald seems to have made that journey.) The point is, God wants us to find our way to him via our own volition. For each of us, its is going to be a different journey because we are all different. Augustine said that since God is truth, finding a truth, one finds God. For a person with an aptitude in science, finding a truth in science means one has come closer to God. Not everyone is born with a scientific aptitude, so our journeys are all unique to who we are, what natural and artificial endowments we are born with, and our own desire to find a truth in different areas. The Prodigal Son parable is each of ours' biographies told from God's perspective. And it is very encouraging. David was born a psychopath. That means he cannot find God through emotive sphere of his mind. His experience is completely intellectual and logic based. That is vastly different from, say my quest which feels guilt at every turn and at every step, and oh, I was born with a desire to learn geography, history and the social sciences, so I seek truth in other areas. These are just examples of the larger concept of the role of free will.
    #3 - Christianity nor Judiaism really answers the issue of suffering. But we saw Judaism suffer mightily during World War II. Hitler often saw "providence" as his guide and destiny. He didn't define "providence" but it looks occult, and if Jews were God's favorite people then, his occultness is most striking indeed. The suffering in death camps really makes no sense. Why did God create a creation (the univese) and allow for suffering, especially unjust suffering, to occur? In the Gospels this topic does come up - where a tower fell upon some people - "why does suffering, especially the suffering of non-deserving people occur?" Jesus does not really answer the question. It is worth asking why he did not fully explain why suffering is allowed in creation. That is a great mystery. However, we do know that instead of answering the question of why suffering, especially unjust suffering, exists, Jesus, instead, puts himself thru suffering, and a completely unjust suffering at that. It is as if the Christian response is: "we aren't allowed to know the reason why suffering exists, but it is so important to creation that rather than eliminate suffering in creation, God instead himself, puts himself through suffering.
    This is important on many levels. Before Christ suffered, God is kind of a sadist: he created creation which allows suffering (regardless as to our ability to sin, he created us with that ability and we exercised it at almost the first opportunity that we had). That means, prior to Christ, God is a sadist - watching us (all creatures with a self awared identity and a capacity to feel pain) suffer in a creation he created. It is heart breaking for anyone with a pulse and a mind to ponder. But then God puts himself thru suffering. This then makes God a masochist. But it also puts Jesus in the position to be the final judge: he's been there, done that. But there is also something else - very important.
    The elexir to sufferance is love. My mother went to all kinds of great deeds for me and my siblings when we were young. She didn't complain about doing most of that. She just did it. For 4 years she drove me 4 nights a week, every autumn to junior football league practice, a 40 minute ride thru suburbia, then waited 2 hours for practice to end, then drove me back. She never complained, she just did it as she thought it was the best thing for me. But if some stranger would have imposed a duty for her to do the same trip for no reason at all, she would have complained ever single minute (my mother was a great externalizer of her discomfort). She never complained about driving me to football practice because she loved me. We see lots of instances of boys who are sloppy and lazy and never clean their room or their car (if they have one), then suddenly fall in love with some girl, and suddenly they are straightening out their act: cleaning themselves, getting timely haircuts, cleaning their room, cleaning their car especially. They don't complain. They've fallen in love. Love has evaporated the sufferance. It is hard to show love in prose, but it shows up very well in song (poetry +melody). It is hard to see a photograph of what love looks like - it just doesn't show up. But there is one way in which it does show up - in the photo-negative of love, sufferance. This is why the Catholic church has crucifix's everywhere. It shows Jesus' sufferance. He is able to do that, put himself thru that, because it is negated by the massive amount of love he has for each of us, something a psychopath like David would find difficult to understand without that photo-negative (a psychopath cannot understand love, but they can understand pain and humiliation). This is why I am favorably disposed to the Shroud of Turin. It itself is a photonegative of the crucifition. Jesus, being God, was capable of creating that photo-negative. Having put himself thru such great suffering, it is not unreasonable to think he wanted and would create a permanent photograph capturing that. Remember always, that suffering shows its opposite, love.
    This has interesting metaphysical aspects. Maybe Satan is unable to feel/understand love but is able to understand pain. So when God created the Universe, Satan saw its flaws, but didn't see its virtue, and so he took on the cast of the anti-christ. The only way humanity could be redeemed is for Jesus to put himself thru the ultimate in suffering and humiliation. If one cannot feel love, than this kind of voluntary sufferance seems impossible. Since Satan couldn't see/feel/comprehend love, he couldn't see how Jesus could, ultimately, put himself thru it. But we all know now Jesus did. (But for good measure, Satan saw to it that Islam deny that Jesus did this, even after he did it: Islam is, I suspect, Satan's response to Christ, and it emerges 500 years after Christ died - Satan having been imprisoned for 500 years for his role in the Christ's crucifixion). (Note that in 535 Plague arose, which demolished cosmopolitan empires, but would have been less contagious to bedouin Arabs living in the desert - which helped alter the balance of power even before the Islamic conquest began). So Jesus did suffer and die, this allows us to be saved and reconciled to God even though we keep our ability of free will. The universe, then, is an engine that is slowly increasing goodness, sifting out badness, thru the engine of love, manifested in Christ's suffering, death and resurrection. At least that's a view that can be taken of it.

  • @donfigueroa4779
    @donfigueroa4779 Před rokem +1

    God bless you David.
    This added more love and obsession with our loving, almighty creator. Thank you!

  • @EQOAnostalgia
    @EQOAnostalgia Před rokem +1

    I can see Norm arriving in heaven now "Ohhhh, hey, WHOA, didn't think i'd see this place, hey! Oh hey aunt Fran! Whoa! Alright!"