Are You: Response-Able?
Table of Contents
A. Responsible Means Response-Able
B. This Website: www.Response-Able.net
C. Advantages of the Response-Able System
Organization, Sequencing, and Interconnection
Not Enough Time? Not a Problem!
Getting to the Bottom, Exposes Errors and False Claims
Promotes Careful Reasoning, and Intelligent Answers
Easy Identification of Response-Able Doctrines
"And Then Shall the End Come"
D. Implementing the Response-Able System
Response-Able Religious Register
Terrorists and Persecutors Are Not Response-Able
Will the Response-Able System Really Work?
A. Responsible Means
Response-Able
In the title above, you can see that the spelling of the word "responsible" has been intentionally
revised (Response-Able); with this revised spelling, the ultimate meaning of the word really jumps out at
you! Here is the very first definition of "responsible", in Merriam-Webster's Reference Library (dictionary
& thesaurus on CD-ROM, Copyright 2001; underlines added): "Liable to be called upon to answer for one's
acts or decisions: answerable"!
Are You: Response-Able? In other words, are you "ready always [able] to give an answer
[response]" to questions about what you believe? Even in secular education, a primary method of testing
someone's knowledge and understanding is through questions (and answers). Can you imagine any student
getting a perfect score and top grade, if he never answered any questions on any tests? The fact is, that even
if you only left part of the questions unanswered, you still would not get top scores and top grades. Leaving
some questions blank might not get you any lower of a score than if you gave wrong answers to the same
questions; so not answering may be as good as (or perhaps better than) giving incorrect answers--yet the best
of all, is answering every single question correctly!
But who decides whether the answers are correct or incorrect? That is the teacher's job. However,
it is possible for the teacher to have a wrong understanding, and therefore he may not score the test
accurately. In that case, if the student really does have a better understanding than the teacher: then the
student can ask the teacher questions, which will show that the teacher didn't understand something as well
as the student; and in such cases, the teacher and student have temporarily reversed roles.
These same concepts apply also to education in religious topics. If what you believe is really truth,
and you really know and understand the subject correctly: then you will be able to give a response to any
questions that are asked regarding what you believe. But if what you believe is not correct, and someone else
does have a better understanding of the subject than you: then that person can ask you questions, which will
show that you didn't understand things quite as well as you had previously thought. And whenever you are
not able to answer a question (whenever you are not Response-Able): it is the greatest possible evidence, that
you do not understand one or more things in relation to the question.
Response-Able.net
This website (www.Response-Able.net) is dedicated to putting the Response-Able (give an answer) principle into actual practice, instead of merely being a theory. Furthermore, this website is designed to include an entire "Response-Able" system. Some of the logistics and details will be available for you to read later, if and when you become involved enough to need the further detail; but for now, the basic concepts of the system will be described here.
There will be a list of subject titles, which have already been introduced into the system (only one new subject will be added at a time; but once a subject has been introduced, it will remain in the system permanently). Each subject title will also have a brief description of the subject (anywhere from one sentence long, to no more than a paragraph); this will be to further clarify what that specific subject is about (in case the title alone is not sufficient).
Then for each different subject, there will be access to read and/or download evidence in support of (or even against) that subject. Throughout the evidence--and/or at the end of the evidence--there will be numbered questions, which relate to the evidence presented. After reading the evidence, people will have the option to answer any of the questions--or even ask questions of their own; and any answers, as well as any new questions (along with any new answers to the new questions, etc), will also be made readily available.
If anyone does not agree with what is taught regarding a certain subject, that's fine. If they wish, they can show that they have a better understanding regarding the matter: by answering the questions, and/or asking their own questions. Any short questions or answers (no more than a few sentences each) will be published on the Response-Able.net website; but if someone wants to give further evidence regarding any questions or answers: they will have the opportunity to put a link to another website, where an unlimited amount of further evidence either for or against the same subject can be published.
By using this system, the truth on any issue should automatically come to the surface before too long: it will be seen that all the questions are answered on one side of the issue, while there are unanswered questions on the other side. And the side that is indeed Response-Able (has answered all the questions), is most likely the same side of the issue which has the truth on that subject. Occasionally, there may be a subject where the evidence and answers (or unanswered questions) remains about the same on both sides of the issue: and as long as that is the case, it should be considered as a subject which may not be clearly revealed (perhaps at a later time, more evidence will surface to reveal what the truth is on that issue).
No subject will ever become a permanently closed case. At any time, new questions or new answers--if they really are new--will be allowed; but redundancy of the same basic questions or answers already listed will not be allowed, for that would just be a waste of time and space, etc.
In short: www.Response-Able.net is intended to become a hub, from which any evidence on either side of any religious belief may be found. But more than that, it will provide a way to easily and quickly identify what issues are or are not supported by reasonable answers to all questions regarding that subject. This will make it relatively fast and easy to find the truth (at least for those who are honestly seeking it); and therefore it should greatly reduce honest ignorance (or honest errors), on a whole array of different subjects.
The S.T.U.D.Y. ministry (www.S-T-U-D-Y.org) will be the operator of the Response-Able system, although others can be involved through the question and answer aspect of the system (and again: others can also publish further evidence on another website, with a link to it from the Response-Able system's website). S.T.U.D.Y. newsletters will include at least an overview of the subject(s) added to the Response-Able system since the previous newsletter, as well as a brief update (at times) on subjects that are already in the system.
C. Advantages of the Response-Able System
The Response-Able system has several significant advantages, especially when it comes to resolving differences on doctrinal issues. This section covers some of the more common problems, which are solved by the Response-Able system.
Organization, Sequencing, and Interconnection
Usually one doctrinal truth is built upon the foundation of another--which means that in order to understand the second doctrine correctly, one needs to already have a correct understanding of the first doctrine. Or, even in cases where it doesn't matter too much which one of the doctrines comes first: often there is still an overlap (or relationship) between different subjects, so that a correct understanding of one subject will provide you with a better understanding of other subjects. With the Response-Able system, there will be an organized sequence of subjects--so that the cart doesn't come before the horse; and there will also be a very easy way to find and study related subjects.
These advantages should stand out in sharp contrast to the more normal methods, which have been used for so long--such as reading an array of disconnected books, and other materials (including watching videos, etc). Such methods result in a lack of organized sequence and connections, and all too often there is unnecessary redundancy of information as well.
These and other problems can also be found in the regular weekly church service, especially in this day and age of mobility and travel. The poor teacher or preacher barely finishes building a foundation, when some new people come in. He then must choose between continuing to build upon the foundation, and leaving the new people to trail behind in the dust (where they will probably get lost in the haze, and be unable to follow)--or else starting all over, and boring the people who have already heard the foundation (maybe even dozens of times). Similar problems can occur when anyone in the audience is gone for a period of time, and then comes back.
The Response-Able system not only provides thorough organization, sequencing, and interconnection between related subjects--but it also eliminates unnecessary repetition (especially with the questions and answers, though there may be some redundancy on other linked websites). For those who want the repetition, to help it sink in: they can read the evidence again, and again, etc. And for those who don't feel the need for any repetition: they can read it just once. Everyone can go at their own pace, according to their own abilities.
Not Enough Time? Not a Problem!
Another aspect, which is similar, is the fact that some people will be able to spend more time than others. And especially when it comes to detailed subjects: in order to really get to the bottom of something, it may take anywhere from a few dozen to a hundred or more questions. Under normal circumstances and methods, many people would be overwhelmed if there were a hundred questions to answer; so they might just give up, and not even attempt to answer the questions--especially if they didn't have a lot of time to dedicate to that subject, and/or they didn't have the answers on the top of their head (and would have to do some research before answering). The end result of this problem is that you rarely if ever get to the very bottom of any doctrinal subject.
Response-Able.net provides the solution to this problem, by allowing everyone to be involved in answering the questions. If you can't answer all of the questions, because of a lack of time (or any other reason): that's okay, just give whatever answer(s) you can--and let others answer the remaining questions. But once again: if nobody can be found, who is able to "give an answer" to the questions, then it is time to realize that something is wrong with a belief which can't be supported by clear answers to questions regarding that belief.
And for those who can't take the time to read through all the evidence on both sides of a doctrinal issue (including all the questions and answers, and all the links to various other websites, etc), they can still get a pretty good understanding of the truth in a relatively short amount of time: by reading an overview of the evidence, and/or reading the questions and answers on both sides of the issue. Even with a complex subject, that has around a hundred questions and answers (each one of which is no more than a few sentences, any detail beyond that will have to be through a link to another website): the average reader could easily read through them in no longer than an hour or two, and quickly see which questions have a clear answer (and which questions have a flimsy answer, or no answer at all). The elimination of redundancy (mentioned above) also saves time for the reader.
Getting to the Bottom, Exposes Errors and False Claims
As a general rule, when there is a difference of belief on a specific subject: the side that does not want to take the time to look at all the evidence, is the same side that has the wrong understanding. This is because of the fear that further examination will reveal the error. However, in some cases, "lack of time" may be a genuine reason (and not merely an excuse): but with the Response-Able system, it really doesn't matter whether or not there is a genuine lack of time--because this system still works, regardless of whether you have a lot of time or very little time! And with the "lack of time" problem being removed, there is a real high likelihood that you can get to the rock bottom of any particular subject.
Along the same lines, error can only survive when you don't get to the bottom of things. In order to be successful, error and deception must hide in the darkness of incomplete information. When all of the information on a specific subject is available, then the distinction between what is true and what is not true becomes quite obvious. To put it another way: truth can stand up to the closest examination, but error can't; the real truth doesn't have anything to hide, but error does. So by using a system that eliminates the ability for error to hide in obscurity, the light of truth will automatically shine through.
Error doesn't usually go around claiming to be error! No, error goes around claiming to be truth. But it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that some things, which claim to be truth, are actually error. It is relatively easy for someone to claim that they have the truth, and/or claim that others are in error; in fact, it's really not very hard to quote some Bible verses, which may indeed seem to support such claims. On the other hand, however, it's not quite so easy to present overwhelming evidence that you actually do have the truth; and it is even more difficult to answer every question regarding what you claim is truth. The Response-Able system is designed to draw a clear-cut line between shallow claims, which don't hold up under close examination--and those claims that can be supported by a real answer to every real question.
Promotes Careful Reasoning, and Intelligent Answers
With verbal disagreements: all too often emotions go straight to the ceiling, and calm intelligent reasoning goes straight to the floor. The normal result of this is that neither side comprehends much if any of what the other side was trying to say, and so nothing gets resolved; the intended goal of more unity is not achieved--quite the opposite, more disunity is usually the end result.
Response-Able.net overcomes this problem, by having all the evidence (including questions and answers) in documented form and readily available for everyone to carefully examine. This means that people can take however much time they want to examine the evidence, and they can do it in an environment that promotes rational thought and logical conclusions (instead of high emotions and low comprehensions).
Furthermore, with the questions being organized and numbered, this prevents both accidental and intentional ignoring of evidence. With verbal discussions (and some other methods), portions of the evidence and questions are almost always ignored; and regardless of whether this is accidental or intentional, the fact still remains that it is often difficult or impossible to pin down the points that are being ignored. But with written and numbered questions, there will be no uncertainty regarding which questions (and therefore what evidence) remains unanswered--people will have to face up to all of the evidence.
Also, since the questions and answers are not only written--but published on the Internet, for the whole world to see: this will greatly reduce the tendency for people to give answers (or excuses) which are evasive, side-tracking, and/or nonsense. When Moses asked Aaron about the golden calf, Aaron's excuse was: " I cast it [the gold] into the fire, and there came out this calf." (Exodus 32:24). The Response-Able system will help to prevent excuses like: "the golden calf just jumped out of the fire! "In most cases, evasive answers can be quickly identified: by merely restating the original question, and/or adding a few new questions. Of course in the final analysis, each individual will need to judge whether or not an answer is merely an excuse (and remember that GOD will judge your judgment). And although it is too complicated to explain here: there will also be barriers built into the system, designed to block people from jamming the system with totally bogus questions and answers.
Easy Identification of Response-Able Doctrines
Yet another advantage, of the Response-Able system, is that it provides a very quick and easy method of identifying whether or not a specific doctrine is supported by answers to all of the questions on that same subject. And in turn, this advantage opens up several other benefits--some of which will be described here, in the remainder of this subsection.
It doesn't matter how many pages (or hundreds of pages) someone is capable of presenting, in favor of what they believe: if they can't give a few simple answers to a few simple questions, then there can be no doubt that they don't understand something--and it is also quite likely that what they do believe (at least on that one subject) is not correct. This is especially true, if nobody can answer the questions on the subject!
Therefore, when there is a subject that can't be supported by simple answers to simple questions: then there is no need for anyone to waste further time wading through pages and pages of details (on other linked websites), about a subject which does not pass the Response-Able test. And this aspect ends up not only saving you time, but also saving you from being deceived by a large amount of evidence which--without the Response-Able system--may appear to be very convincing.
It seems as though hardly two people in the world believe everything the same. There are so many different religions--and even within each religion: you are sure to find various individuals within that one religion, with variations in their own personal beliefs. But the ease of identifying Response-Able doctrines should help to greatly increase unity of belief; there are several reasons for this, including the elimination of disunity between people with honest misunderstandings (and maybe even eliminating some not-so-honest errors).
Because of the fact that anyone can be involved, on either side of an issue: the focus is taken away from a disagreement between two specific people or two specific entities; instead, the focus is directed towards the correct understanding of any doctrinal issue (with multiple people and even multiple entities involved). This should also help to increase unity, since the focus is taken away from a division between certain people or entities.
With the focus taken away from a disagreement between specific people, the focus is at the same time taken away from trusting in man (which is condemned in the Bible; see Proverbs 3:5-7; Jeremiah 17:5-10; etc). In fact, many other aspects of this Response-Able system will help to keep people from trusting in man--including the man in the mirror (yourself)!
All too often, people base what they believe on what they want to believe--and/or what is popular--instead of making their beliefs harmonize with all of the evidence on each subject. But the Bible says that we should not follow our own ways; and it also says, "Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil " (Exodus 23:2; see Proverbs 1:31; 14:12,14; Isaiah 53:6; 56:11; 58:13; 66:3; Ezekiel 22:31; 36:17,32; 2 Peter 2:2; etc).
The popular tide needs to be turned away from any and all specific beliefs, and turned in favor of the Response-Able principle. It really doesn't matter how few or how many people are involved in answering the questions on a specific subject--even if you yourself did not originate any of the answers: you can still qualify as being Response-Able, if you understand the subject and know the correct answers.
Are You: Response-Able? This is a very simple question; and if you can honestly answer "Yes"--then you are already facing the evidence, not trusting in man (either yourself or others), or merely believing what you want to believe, or going by popular opinion, etc.
"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world [World Wide Web] for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." (Matthew 24:14). For those who don't already know, the "www" in an Internet address is an abbreviation for: "World Wide Web"; and yes, "all the world" will be able to access www.Response-Able.net (full title: World Wide Web Response-Able Network).
The language barrier problem is a future project, but for now let it be pointed out that English: " is spoken in more parts of the world than any other language " (Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia 2000, on CD-ROM; article "English Language", underlines added). English is also recognized by many as the universal language: " English in the 20th century enjoyed relative universality in diplomatic, scientific, and commercial circles." (Ibid; article "International Language", underlines added).
This brings us to yet another major advantage, of the Response-Able system. If people will follow this system (see next section, below): it will be one of the easiest and fastest ways (if not the easiest and fastest way) to get the whole truth to the whole world--"and then shall the end come"!
There are many people who won't take the time to read even one single book that you give to them; but they may well take a little bit of time to read a one page flyer, or maybe even a small booklet. However, you can't get to the very bottom of any important subject, in a small flyer or a short booklet. So how in the world can you get the whole truth to the whole world, in a little flyer or booklet? You can't! Then how can you get the whole truth to the whole world, when many people won't bother to read more than a little flyer or booklet? With the methods that have been used up to now: it would be extremely difficult (and time-consuming) at best, and probably even impossible.
However, you can distribute a small flyer (and/or a booklet) that: #1 presents the need for everyone to: STUDY To Understand Doctrines Yourself; and #2 includes the need for everyone to "be ready always to give an answer", or be Response-Able; and #3 outlines the basic principles, or "first principles", of arriving at truth (this is the very first subject in the Response-Able system); and #4 gives the readers an easy point of contact (website, phone number, etc), where they can apply these principles for themselves.
The Response-Able system is designed to incorporate all 4 of these aspects, in a single flyer or booklet. These can then be distributed much easier and quicker, than the distribution of dozens or hundreds of various books and materials (on various different specific subjects). This then has the added advantage of not only speed and ease, but also very low cost (relative to other methods): both because the quantity of materials to distribute is greatly reduced, and also because Internet publishing is probably the least expensive method of mass publication that has ever existed in the history of our world.
Because of the low cost of Internet usage, as well as its many other advantages: the Internet is very large, and rapidly growing. For those who still do not have Internet access at home, most can go to their library and use the Internet (also, for those who don't have Internet access: others who do have it can print out information for you, from www.Response-Able.net).
It is not a coincidence that GOD has allowed the World Wide Web to come into existence at this time of earth's history (it was started in 1989). And the Internet is now so thoroughly ingrained into society around the world: that it will be very difficult or impossible, for the enemies of GOD and His truth, to uproot this channel of communicating truth.
With the way that things have been up to now: the truth has been getting farther and farther behind, while error has been getting farther and farther ahead; and there is disunity everywhere you turn. At the current rate of things, the whole truth will never get to the whole world--and the end will never come; so there must be a change in the way things have been, so that the end may come.
Many are just waiting for GOD to change things, and magically fix it all Himself. But if that were the only problem, then GOD could have (and would have) fixed things a long time ago--in fact, to say this would virtually be putting the blame on GOD, for not magically fixing things earlier. No, GOD is not the problem--man is the problem; so there MUST be a change in the way that man has been operating!
D. Implementing the Response-Able System
And what better way is there, to improve upon the way that things have been, than to implement the Response-Able system? This system is designed for everyone: whether Catholic, Protestant, Jew, Muslim, Buddhist, New-Ager, Satanist, Atheist, or whatever it be--even a believer in absolutely nothing whatsoever! Whatever somebody believes (or doesn't believe): if it is truth, it will hold up under the scrutiny of this system; and if it is not truth, it will not hold up--simple as that!
Response-Able Religious Register
The Response-Able Religious Register (RRR) might be vaguely comparable to a religious version of the Better Business Bureau--except that it will be much simpler. For each subject in the Response-Able system, if the subject does not have unanswered questions associated with it: there will be an RRR (or a list) of all religions, denominations, congregations, ministries, and/or other websites that want to be listed as being in agreement with that particular subject.
There will also be a master RRR, which will be a list of only those who are on every RRR in the entire Response-Able system. This master list will serve to quickly reveal what religious entities are staying in harmony with all Response-Able doctrines (by changing their teachings, if necessary); and everyone will be strongly encouraged to make no donations to any religious entity that is not fully Response-Able (not on the master RRR).
No doubt Satan and his agents will be livid mad at any system which will expose and uproot the devil's dangerous deceptions; therefore, we can be quite certain that the devil's agents will conjure up an array of seemingly pious excuses for not being Response-Able, and they will also try to convince others to avoid the system. However, " if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God." (Acts 5:38,39).
Certainly there will be objections to the Response-Able system, and a response (Response-Able) will be given to each objection: and then you can decide whether or not the objection is merely a veiled excuse. However, objections or not, no religious entity needs to agree with this system; if the people in general use the system, it will still work (see the last subsection, below). But if objections, excuses, and all other methods fail: we can expect the devil and his agents to use persecution, in attempts to stop the truth from getting out--which brings us squarely to the next subsection.
Terrorists and Persecutors Are Not Response-Able
And here it should be emphatically stated that S-T-U-D-Y.org and Response-Able.net are not at all into terrorism, killing those who don't believe the same way, or persecuting in any sense. The last resort of false religion is force; we should seek to win others with love, with convincing evidence, and with clear answers--not with force and persecution. Yet we should have the freedom of speech to identify false teachings, and false religions--including and especially the ones that do use force, persecution, terrorism, etc!
On the other hand, disagreement and even controversy is not the same as physical force and violence, etc. So in case anyone thinks that it is wrong to have controversy, on religious matters, here are a few verses regarding religious controversy. "Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel: for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land." (Hosea 4:1; see Micah 6:1-3; Acts 15:1-7; etc). "Then there arose certain of the synagogue disputing with Stephen. And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake." (Acts 6:9,10). They were not able to respond with intelligent answers, so they killed him (see 7:57-60). "And he [the apostle Paul] spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him." (Acts 9:29).
In these and many other Bible passages: we see that it is the enemies of GOD, who engage in terrorism and persecution. True, the Bible does speak about good "soldiers" with "armour" who "fight" in a "war"; but these verses are about a spiritual battle (yes, a controversy), in defense of the truth (see Ephesians 6:10-20; 1 Timothy 1:18,19; 6:12; 2 Timothy 2:3; 4:7; Jude 3; etc).
Apparently, the terrorists think that GOD is calling for a literal (physical) war; but " we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God " (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). JESUS warned against those who would try to make it a literal war: " the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service." (John 16:2; see 16:3; 11:47-53; 12:10,11; Matthew 23:27-38; 24:9-14; Revelation 13:15-17; 18:4,5,24; etc).
By the way, this persecution subject brings up yet one more advantage of the Response-Able system. It is not dependent upon any single person for it to operate; therefore, the enemies of truth cannot stop the system by killing any particular individual.
Will the Response-Able System Really Work?
Yes, the system will be effective--there is no question about that. The only question is how effective it will be; and the answer to that question depends upon whether or not you use the system! The strength of the system will be equal to the percentage of people who use the system.
For those who want to help the system be more effective, you can: #1 study the subjects, and ask or answer questions (as needed); #2 let everyone know that you will only donate to fully Response-Able religious entities (those listed on the master RRR); #3 promote the system through flyers, booklets, bumper-stickers, billboards, sending e-mail to everyone in your e-mail address list, etc. As soon as time allows: flyers and booklets, etc, will be printed and made available for only the cost of printing and shipping. When these become available, it will be announced here on the Response-Able website--and also in the newsletter, for those who are on the mailing list.
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