Never understood how Islam can call Jesus a Messiah, a Messenger of God when Jesus himself claimed to be the Son of God and that he would send the Holy Spirit in the New Testament. Either he told the truth and is the Son of God or he lied and disqualified himself from being a Messiah or Messenger of God and in no way could be believed in much like any other false prophet.
He explains it in the video. He also said the media basically butchered what he was trying to say by pointing out the "tyranny and oppression" part. If I recall correctly, Hakeem disagreed with Abdul-Rauf's position back then saying that he should show respect during the Anthem. I watched the whole thing and actually enjoyed it. I got to understand the guy a bit better. I admire his convictions and respect him for that. I remember in college this guy was one of the most incredible scorers I'd ever seen. It was ridiculous how fast he could jack a shot up from damn-near anywhere on the court. There were games where he was unstoppable. One thing I noticed during the interview was that he seems to have his Tourette syndrome in check. He used to always have that blink/twitch when he played that would fire seemingly every few seconds. It didn't seem so prevalent in the video. For anyone interested in a couple of Rockets references during the video : 25:25 : Hakeem Olajuwon and he both elevated their games during Ramadan, and the one that blew me away - he says he was the one that got Olajuwon to start fasting. They were driving around after a game and Abdul-Rauf said he had to get something to eat because he had been fasting and was starving. Olajuwon apparently was shocked by this and started fasting as well. 37:35 : Rudy T asking people why the heck Abdul-Rauf wasn't getting playing time; everytime the Rockets played against him, the entire defense was geared around trying to stop him.
Boy, that's the truth. If I were coaching young perimeter players today, I'd show them so much tape of him getting his shot off. He could have a 6'8" defender facing up right in his grill and he could get that shot off after picking up his dribble. I've never seen anyone better (quicker release) than him.
I'm pretty sure the Jewish Pharisees knew exactly what he was claiming when he said "before Abraham was I AM". It was a clear reference to the great I AM (God) and he was declaring before Abraham even existed he was the I AM. Those experts of the law knew perfectly well he meant to say he was God and that's why they picked stones to try to kill him, because according to their law he was blaspheming. It wouldn't be the only time he would equate himself to God either and it would eventually bring about his death at the cross and consequent resurrection. So, I don't see much of a debate. Jesus himself said it. From that point on, I you can either accept all he said and claim him as Lord or simply deny the New Testament and the claims it makes about Jesus. But to claim a half-way point like Islam does? That makes no sense at all because either he lied and was no prophet or he told the truth and is God. There simply isn't a middle point.
Imagine, a guy's career damaged badly because he wouldn't respect an anthem and a flag i.e. a song and a made-up symbol. I completely understand why some people still cling to these things closely, but it's not a good enough reason to damage a person's career. I applaud him for standing by his principles. Having said that, he knew what was likely to happen when he chose those positions, so it's all on him really.
I'll raise your wikipedia (which by the way, asserts what I've been saying all along, they agreed he said it after all the discussion and considered him God) to John 8:58. It's still in all versions of the bible 2000 years after it was written, after having countless experts and councils reviewing the bible no one has found a way to refute it and take it out yet. There is a reason why Jesus is still considered the Christ and God over the vast majority of Christian denominations and pretty much over all the Christian theology. There are other scriptures that support his statement throughout the gospel. Point is, he clearly said it and I don't understand how anyone can say he was only a prophet when he claimed much more than that. Either he lied and was a false prophet or he told the truth and is God. Can't claim a half-way point like Islam does. That being said, Amaru and desi tmac91 are right. If this discussion is to go on it shouldn't be on the dish but on the hangout.
My dad took me to see him play when he was at LSU. I got to meet Shaq and Big Stan too. Those were some amazing teams.
Basketball is its only religion. The only religion conversationally acceptable on this basketball forum.
Was a huge fan of him as a basketball player. Unbelievable scorer and was a beautiful to watch when he was unstoppable. Came into the league over weighted but recovered nicely before the controversy destroyed his BB career. If he's playing in today can't touch the guard nba, he would easily be a star.
Not advocating anything or be disrespectful to Christ, but wanted to make the point that you can absolutely tell your truth, absolutely believe in it and still be wrong. Doesn't necessarily have to be a lie. Happens all the time with people today.
That's a great point and you are not being disrespectful at all. If Jesus was wrong then he was neither God nor prophet and he is not to be worshiped or respected in any way or manner as he would basically be a crazy person. The new testament would be based upon fallacy since you couldn't believe anything else he said since he was wrong on his biggest claim, that he claimed to be God which got him crucified. Basically, all that can be done is look at all the evidence and make up your mind whether you believe his claims or you just think the bible is a bunch of BS. Simply put, there is no middle point like Islam claims. Either he is God or he isn't. In your case, if you were right, then he was just crazy. If you aren't, then he is God.
