-->
@Stephen
so what, - ME
in the light of all of these other cases of biblical characters " doubting", do you not see the unfairness ofZacheras' punishment? Do you not see the bias? Do you not see the over reaction to what was a simple enquiry? Do you not see that compared to these other occasions of people doubting, how ridiculous the whole story is? - YOU
No, I do not see any unfairness. Who are you to question God's "fairness?" How does a relative, subjective human being come up with fairness without an absolute, objective, unchanging reference point? Again, who are you to judge God as overreaching?
When you say doubting, often the punishment is related to a flat out denial of God, but not with true believers.
There was a reason for Zacharias' muteness. It was 1) a lesson to Zacharias, 2) it confirmed the message of the angel as being from God.
therefore it is reasonable to believe God was gracious to him, - ME
Yes, That is all you are left with isn't it. You cannot explain away this disgraceful behaviour by god towards his faithful servant Zacharias who was "righteous before his God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord" and was "blameless" in the eyes of his god..The story is a pack of lies and is beyond doubt, a cover story for something more sinister . Zacharias was told to keep his mouth shut " struck dumb" and his wife was ordered to hide herself away. - YOU
Explain it away? I'm not trying to explain away his behavior. I'm explaining the justification for his behavior and the judgment of God. God used this doubt to confirm His message as true.
You keep putting the "story" down as a pack of lies BECAUSE you are an unbeliever. It does not help your purpose in your rebellion towards God, to admit to its truthfulness. If you admitted that God's word is true you would be in a dilemma that you are not willing to face. That dilemma is hat you have sinned before God and are accountable. If you deny Him you think it lets you off the hook.
And if you knew your scripture better, you would understand that the Old Testament story of Abraham's first born by his Egyptian Servant would 'fit' the story of the Baptist more closely. - YOU
Please explain your reason for this statement. I'm not sure what you are getting at? I will be willing to put my knowledge of John the Baptist up against yours. The Bible will be our test. If you convince me then I will admit you have a good case in this particular statement.
If you want, we can carry this discussion on further on your John the Baptist thread claims.