[QUOTE=FlakAttack;24307237]Interesting that we both came to very similar conclusions. I think the man might be on to something.
I was going more for us mistaking some universal force (like quantum mechanics) for a god but that is an equally interesting alternative.[/QUOTE]
I would argue that is entirely the case in all nature based theology.
I'd like to think I'm a sensible Christian, therefore this thread seems kind of insulting to me. Just because most Christians are ignorant doesn't mean all of us are. Hell, I don't really like posting in here because I believe people should keep their faith to themselves unless asked. If someone wanted to know about my faith, I'd tell them. But if someone says "I'm an atheist", I don't jump all over them. It's called respecting another person's beliefs. I don't want people calling me a moron for believing in an all-powerful being, so I don't call people morons for not believing in one.
A very interesting and logical idea, It was a good read.
[QUOTE=kellybear;24307259]That's true, but as Mormons are seen as having some of the strictest interpretations of the Bible, I feel that his opinion and conclusion on the subjects of heaven and hell weighs a little heavier.
I dunno, maybe I'm just stupid and trying to participate in a debate for smart people.[/QUOTE]
If Xenocide has taught me anything, input from uneducated observers can be very valuable. :smile:
[QUOTE=kellybear;24307259]That's true, but as Mormons are seen as having some of the strictest interpretations of the Bible, I feel that his opinion and conclusion on the subjects of heaven and hell weighs a little heavier.
I dunno, maybe I'm just stupid and trying to participate in a debate for smart people.[/QUOTE]
The Mormons also think Jesus sailed to America, and that black people turn white if they're Mormon enough.
[editline]04:58AM[/editline]
[QUOTE=Ender_Wiggin;24307300]If Xenocide has taught me anything, input from uneducated observers can be very valuable. :smile:[/QUOTE]
Xenocide was the worst book.
[QUOTE=BlueFlash;24307286]I'd like to think I'm a sensible Christian, therefore this thread seems kind of insulting to me. Just because most Christians are ignorant doesn't mean all of us are. Hell, I don't really like posting in here because I believe people should keep their faith to themselves unless asked. If someone wanted to know about my faith, I'd tell them. But if someone says "I'm an atheist", I don't jump all over them. It's called respecting another person's beliefs. I don't want people calling me a moron for believing in an all-powerful being, so I don't call people morons for not believing in one.[/QUOTE]
Sigh... you didn't read the OP did you?
It was kind of (actually a third of it) about respecting others' beliefs.
-snip for racism, i don't wanna get banned-
[QUOTE=Mr. Scorpio;24307304]The Mormons also think Jesus sailed to America, and that black people turn white if they're Mormon enough.
[editline]04:58AM[/editline]
Xenocide was the worst book.[/QUOTE]
That doesn't mean it wasn't awesome :smile:
[QUOTE=BlueFlash;24307286]I'd like to think I'm a sensible Christian, therefore this thread seems kind of insulting to me. Just because most Christians are ignorant doesn't mean all of us are. Hell, I don't really like posting in here because I believe people should keep their faith to themselves unless asked. If someone wanted to know about my faith, I'd tell them. But if someone says "I'm an atheist", I don't jump all over them. It's called respecting another person's beliefs. I don't want people calling me a moron for believing in an all-powerful being, so I don't call people morons for not believing in one.[/QUOTE]
If you're a moron, then every person on Earth is a moron.
Incidentally, they are.
[QUOTE=BlueFlash;24307286]I'd like to think I'm a sensible Christian, therefore this thread seems kind of insulting to me. Just because most Christians are ignorant doesn't mean all of us are. Hell, I don't really like posting in here because I believe people should keep their faith to themselves unless asked. If someone wanted to know about my faith, I'd tell them. But if someone says "I'm an atheist", I don't jump all over them. It's called respecting another person's beliefs. I don't want people calling me a moron for believing in an all-powerful being, so I don't call people morons for not believing in one.[/QUOTE]
Pretty well put.
[QUOTE=BlueFlash;24307286]I'd like to think I'm a sensible Christian, therefore this thread seems kind of insulting to me. Just because most Christians are ignorant doesn't mean all of us are. Hell, I don't really like posting in here because I believe people should keep their faith to themselves unless asked. If someone wanted to know about my faith, I'd tell them. But if someone says "I'm an atheist", I don't jump all over them. It's called respecting another person's beliefs. I don't want people calling me a moron for believing in an all-powerful being, so I don't call people morons for not believing in one.[/QUOTE]
:golfclap:
[positiveapplause]
[QUOTE=jjsullivan;24307342]:golfclap:[/QUOTE]
Why does he get a golf clap for being a normal, respectable person? Oh wait, those kind of people are uncommon here on the internet
[QUOTE=BlueFlash;24307286]I'd like to think I'm a sensible Christian, therefore this thread seems kind of insulting to me. Just because most Christians are ignorant doesn't mean all of us are. Hell, I don't really like posting in here because I believe people should keep their faith to themselves unless asked. If someone wanted to know about my faith, I'd tell them. But if someone says "I'm an atheist", I don't jump all over them. [B]It's called respecting another person's beliefs. I don't want people calling me a moron for believing in an all-powerful being, so I don't call people morons for not believing in one.[/B][/QUOTE]
I believe in stoning gay people. Hey man, respect my beliefs. You're being closed minded. Are you advocating some sort of thought control?
I could go on.
EDIT: That reasoning looks nice on paper but has no bearing in reality. If you say it's okay to question the belief in stoning gays, why do you think we should stop at religion?
Well, I've had my fill. You definitely steered this thread well thirty9th, perhaps someday you'll be mod material? Who knows. superdinoman, I've grazed the edge of thinking like that a few times but was never able to really get into it. What you said seems remarkably realistic and is very likely true. Definitely gives me something to think about.
Have fun guys.
I think it is funny that some Atheists hate Religious Extremists and how they try to force their beliefs down their throat. Yet some Atheists have a tendency to do the same at times.
Why bother trying to change someones views on life?
[QUOTE=Bobv2;24307370]I believe in stoning gay people. Hey man, respect my beliefs. You're being closed minded. Are you advocating some sort of thought control?
I could go on.[/QUOTE]
You could, but you also ignore that the majority of Christians who think like that don't see God as the type to support the stoning of gays - he's supposed to love all people equally, etc.
[QUOTE=Ender_Wiggin;24307368]Why does he get a golf clap for being a normal, respectable person? Oh wait, those kind of people are uncommon here on the internet[/QUOTE]
It's positive applause.
[QUOTE=Bobv2;24307370]I believe in stoning gay people. Hey man, respect my beliefs. You're being closed minded. Are you advocating some sort of thought control?
I could go on.
EDIT: That reasoning looks nice on paper but has no bearing in reality. If you say it's okay to question the belief in stoning gays, why do you think we should stop at religion?[/QUOTE]
Christians don't stone gays.
[editline]10:03PM[/editline]
[QUOTE=Sgt.Kiddles;24307395]I think it is funny that some Atheists hate Religious Extremists and how they try to force their beliefs down their throat. Yet some Atheists have a tendency to do the same at times.[/QUOTE]
This
[QUOTE=Bobv2;24307370]I believe in stoning gay people. Hey man, respect my beliefs. You're being closed minded. Are you advocating some sort of thought control?
I could go on.
EDIT: That reasoning looks nice on paper but has no bearing in reality. If you say it's okay to question the belief in stoning gays, why do you think we should stop at religion?[/QUOTE]
And this is where Locke-esque ideals come into play. The scenario you described interferes with one's right to life.
[QUOTE=kellybear;24307407]You could, [B]but you also ignore that the majority of Christians who think like that don't see God as the type to support the stoning of gays[/B] - he's supposed to love all people equally, etc.[/QUOTE]
Then they're going to roast in hell for being good, sensible people.
[QUOTE=jjsullivan;24307410]It's positive applause.[/QUOTE]
That's how I was thinking of it, I was just pointing out the irony in applauding someone for simple decency.
[QUOTE=Bobv2;24307370]I believe in stoning gay people. Hey man, respect my beliefs. You're being closed minded. Are you advocating some sort of thought control?
I could go on.
EDIT: That reasoning looks nice on paper but has no bearing in reality. If you say it's okay to question the belief in stoning gays, why do you think we should stop at religion?[/QUOTE]
Maybe you should stop focusing on what people say and more on what they do?
[QUOTE=amcwatters;24307425]Christians don't stone gays.[/QUOTE]
Thank God.
[QUOTE=Bobv2;24307447]Then they're going to roast in hell for being good, sensible people.[/QUOTE]
Not by their beliefs, which are generally united and could be considered a subdivision of Christianity.
[QUOTE=jjsullivan;24307452]Maybe you should stop focusing on what people say and more on what they do?[/QUOTE]
People's beliefs have a direct bearing on what they do.
EDIT: You don't start a "Let's discuss Christianity" thread and then use the "why can't we all respect each others beliefs" argument.
[QUOTE=Ender_Wiggin;24307448]That's how I was thinking of it, I was just pointing out the irony in applauding someone for simple decency.[/QUOTE]
:golfclap:
Good show sir.
[/pun]
[QUOTE=Bobv2;24307150]Herping and derping.
I would change my opinion in a heartbeat if evidence were to suggest that they were wrong. You see, the difference between me and you is that I've formulated my opinions from taking as much as I can in, and pulling it all together with hours of contemplation. You base yours on a thousand year old book. It kind of sucks to have an outlook on life I've been carefully crafting and updating all of my life toppled by "you're just close minded." It's extremely aggravating and I understand why people want to punch things sometimes when they hear it. It's a load of horse shit, and I can't believe people still accept it as a valid argument.
So I contest that [B]you're[/B] the one who's closed minded, and when you think about it, it makes perfect sense. I do nothing but try to understand your side, and when I question it all's I get back is "You're just not opening your eyes, man." I don't get all hissy and defensive when someone's presented me with an interesting, new, solid opinion that compromises mine. It's an opportunity to be enlightened.
And this isn't just you. It's all Christians. There's good in most of them, but good doesn't always mean smart.
So, yeah. Come up with something better.[/QUOTE]
I think you misunderstood my post. I wasn't trying to say anyone questioning my or anyone else's beliefs is close minded, I'm trying to say that people are entitled to their beliefs. If they don't want to take the time to make good decisions on the subject that's their choice, but no matter how much time you have it doesn't give you the right to tell others that they can't have their beliefs.
[QUOTE=Bobv2;24307467]People's beliefs have a direct bearing on what they do.[/QUOTE]
Okay maybe I should draw the line a bit closer.
If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.
[quote=kellybear]If God sees that you have put thought into it and arrived at your own conclusion rather than hearing something from another and instantly believing it, and you are genuinely good-hearted and have done good for other people out of selflessness and not desire to earn something material for yourself, he will accept you as his own, knowing that in the end of all things, you have seen the light in meeting him.
[/quote]
Couldn't have said it better myself. This perfectly explains my views on the matter.
Also, woo! Finally understood how to quote.
[QUOTE=Bobv2;24307467]People's beliefs have a direct bearing on what they do.
EDIT: You don't start a "Let's discuss Christianity" thread and then use the "why can't we all respect each others beliefs" argument.[/QUOTE]
For the purpose of civilised debate, it's better to respect each other's beliefs
Sorry, you need to Log In to post a reply to this thread.