The Religion Thread

[Mr.B]

"What if that's the real test Mr. B? Would you follow a god regardless of what you knew was right? At least I can justify my decisions, can you?"

Sure I can. I don't follow "a god". I worship God; God of all Creation.

What you and I consider 'right' is different as night and day; we're not the same person; we each have our own likes, dislikes, personalities, tastes, etc. The decisions I make may be right to me and wrong to you and vice-versa. I made my decisions; you've made yours. Unless either of us change somewhere down the road, they're decisions we have to live with.

Sin, to me is sin no matter how you try to white-wash it. I've said this before and I stand by it....
When I was a kid growing up, I had no links to nor desire to go to a church or even read the Bible....yet I had common sense to know that same-sex trysts is an unnatural act, and was something that people should keep to themselves. Nowadays unnatural acts are perfectly normal and OK and to feel this way makes me a bigot, homophobe, or whatever name the zealots can dream up.....even God the Creator is called a bigot, etc. (Sort of like the joke "Remember when air was clean and sex was dirty?")

Anyhow....

[Mr.B]

"Speaking of religion....They adopted a toddler from China.....I didn't give them a single penny."

Ol' tightwad! I don't know the whole other rant; don't think I really want to.

I never donate money on the Internet. (I did send off for some 'Miracle Spring Water' though....I suddenly came up with an unexpected $15,000 of which I was prompt in sending $14,500 of it to Peter Popoff.)

[bannination]

"What if that's the real test Mr. B? Would you follow a god regardless of what you knew was right? At least I can justify my decisions, can you?"

Sure I can. I don't follow "a god". I worship God; God of all Creation.

What you and I consider 'right' is different as night and day; we're not the same person; we each have our own likes, dislikes, personalities, tastes, etc. The decisions I make may be right to me and wrong to you and vice-versa. I made my decisions; you've made yours. Unless either of us change somewhere down the road, they're decisions we have to live with.

Sin, to me is sin no matter how you try to white-wash it. I've said this before and I stand by it....
When I was a kid growing up, I had no links to nor desire to go to a church or even read the Bible....yet I had common sense to know that same-sex trysts is an unnatural act, and was something that people should keep to themselves. Nowadays unnatural acts are perfectly normal and OK and to feel this way makes me a bigot, homophobe, or whatever name the zealots can dream up.....even God the Creator is called a bigot, etc. (Sort of like the joke "Remember when air was clean and sex was dirty?")

Anyhow....

Well in this case I don't care if homosexuality is right or wrong, natural or unnatural. It does not affect me or anyone else whatsoever what two consenting adults do, therefore it's none of my business. Sure I'd vote for them to have equal rights.... because that's only fair and right.... No human should be treated any less than another. Apparently your worship teaches you differently. Well, either that or you're scared to stand up for someone else, or your scared you might be gay.

Of course our definitions of right and wrong will differ, I'm using objective reasoning on what's right and wrong, you're using common sense based on.... well, who knows, your own personal feelings and bias apparently.

[neoplacebo]

"Speaking of religion....They adopted a toddler from China.....I didn't give them a single penny."

Ol' tightwad! I don't know the whole other rant; don't think I really want to.

I never donate money on the Internet. (I did send off for some 'Miracle Spring Water' though....I suddenly came up with an unexpected $15,000 of which I was prompt in sending $14,500 of it to Peter Popoff.)

I sometimes send letters to religious organizations asking for money from them so that I will be able to "do good." I go into minute detail about the nature of the "good" that will be done as well as how "good" it would make me, and them, feel should the money and the "good" be forthcoming. So far, nothing.....needless to say, there's lots of "good" that's not getting done. Not my fault. As for the not good story about the kids surreal birthday bash, the wildest girls or guys I ever knew were the daughters or sons of preachers or from uber religious upbringing.

[JTA]

"Speaking of religion....They adopted a toddler from China.....I didn't give them a single penny."

Ol' tightwad! I don't know the whole other rant; don't think I really want to.

I never donate money on the Internet. (I did send off for some 'Miracle Spring Water' though....I suddenly came up with an unexpected $15,000 of which I was prompt in sending $14,500 of it to Peter Popoff.)

I sometimes send letters to religious organizations asking for money from them so that I will be able to "do good." I go into minute detail about the nature of the "good" that will be done as well as how "good" it would make me, and them, feel should the money and the "good" be forthcoming. So far, nothing.....needless to say, there's lots of "good" that's not getting done. Not my fault. As for the not good story about the kids surreal birthday bash, the wildest girls or guys I ever knew were the daughters or sons of preachers or from uber religious upbringing.

You see though, something good did happen. You are still alive and well. You cut Pat Robertson a check for ten grand and he gives you holy protection.

It's like paying off the mob for protection.

[Mr.B]

"Well in this case I don't care if homosexuality is right or wrong, natural or unnatural. It does not affect me or anyone else whatsoever what two consenting adults do, therefore it's none of my business. Sure I'd vote for them to have equal rights.... because that's only fair and right.... No human should be treated any less than another. Apparently your worship teaches you differently. Well, either that or you're scared to stand up for someone else, or your scared you might be gay."
I too, have said before that homosexuality is their business; it's the SIN of homosexuality that's what's wrong. Being humans, they shouldn't be denied 'rights' no more than anyone else; however 'gay' marriage is an endorsement of sin; but since this world has turned it's back on God, nothing matters anymore. My worship does not teach to treat anyone any differently; "hate the sin, not the sinner".

I am not scared to stand up for anyone, nor am I scared I might be 'gay'.

"Of course our definitions of right and wrong will differ, I'm using objective reasoning on what's right and wrong, you're using common sense based on.... well, who knows, your own personal feelings and bias apparently."
So you're saying those who have differing opinions on what's right or wrong; as related to sin, is simply expressing "bias"?

[Mr.B]

"Are you now saying that SSM should be legal or do you still support the long list of discriminatory law and policy that you have in the recent past and have never retracted?"

What part of "'gay' marriage is an endorsement of sin" did you fail to comprehend?

[bannination]

Found one of Mr. B's true Christians (tm).

I think. His criteria is a bit fuzzy.

[bannination]

The only thing I got out of Mr. B's speech there was that his God doesn't tell him he has to discriminate, but he does it for free!

[Mr.B]

[bannination]

Except that would never happen in a real life science class. It would certainly happen in a church though.

[Mr.B]

"Except that would never happen in a real life science class. It would certainly happen in a church though."

And what part of your great intellect and insight tells you that is a true statement?

[bannination]

"Except that would never happen in a real life science class. It would certainly happen in a church though."

And what part of your great intellect and insight tells you that is a true statement?

Personal experience, with similar things happening in a church, vs some biology classes. In fact it was the creationists that were the obnoxious ones. Most left the class changed though. When there is that much evidence something is true staring you right in the face it's hard to hold on to those beliefs that have no supporting evidence whatsoever.

Besides, a (good) teacher is never going to act like an ass like that if he or she wants to educate.

That's the difference between the real world and the religious world. Different opinions are rarely welcomed in the religious community. Different opinions are praised in the educational community as long as you have supporting evidence for your argument. "GODDIDIT" isn't going to fly obviously.

The dead giveaway is the teacher asking if they "believe in evolution". Belief is not required. Either you accept the overwhelming evidence or not. No faith or belief required.

[neoplacebo]

Today is Sunday; I didn't go to church today or even watch it on tv. But I did take a moment to reflect on Jim and Tammy Bakker and their tragic fall from grace. I am currently making plans to either not attend church next Sunday or make a trip to Black Mountain and attempt to make contact, and prayer time, with Franklin Graham, who has told me in confidence that he is contemplating changing his name to Fracklin' Graham and usher in a new era of prosperity for us all as soon as he gets the word. It's really exciting and I'm just about beside myself.

[bannination]

There is no end to religious stupidity.

http://www.goodfight.org/a_v_williams_robin.html

Robin Williams acknowledged that he had opened himself up to transformative demonic powers that aided him on stage. Without the aid of such demonic powers, it is likely that you would have never have heard of Robin Williams and many other famous celebrities. Williams also recognized that these powers had manifested a very evil influence on stage and that there could be a hefty price to pay for their assistance. Williams told James Kaplan of US Weekly:

[neoplacebo]

There is no end to religious stupidity.

http://www.goodfight.org/a_v_williams_robin.html

Robin Williams acknowledged that he had opened himself up to transformative demonic powers that aided him on stage. Without the aid of such demonic powers, it is likely that you would have never have heard of Robin Williams and many other famous celebrities. Williams also recognized that these powers had manifested a very evil influence on stage and that there could be a hefty price to pay for their assistance. Williams told James Kaplan of US Weekly:

I've been offered demonic powers, as well as fame and riches, but so far have resisted it. I wonder if I'm making a mistake?

[bannination]

Alabama Atheist Who Opposed City’s “In God We Trust” Display Received Death Threat from Correctional Officer

Not sure if true Christian or not. Never can tell these days. God did make examples of killing people for much less, so I guess it's ok.

[neoplacebo]

I find it fascinating that Christians believe that after they die, they will go to "heaven" and reside in the "kingdom of God" forever. Logically, you'd think this was a goal to aspire to.....to want to experience as soon as possible. But they've given themselves an out by pronouncing suicide a sin. On the other hand, radical Islamists seem to be seeing this conundrum logically, wishing for the chance to be a martyr. I myself think that this right here, right now, is all there is. It's a real dilemma for us all.

[neoplacebo]

I've been offered demonic powers, as well as fame and riches, but so far have resisted it. I wonder if I'm making a mistake?

I'm about ready to quit offering.

[bannination]

I find it fascinating that Christians believe that after they die, they will go to "heaven" and reside in the "kingdom of God" forever. Logically, you'd think this was a goal to aspire to.....to want to experience as soon as possible. But they've given themselves an out by pronouncing suicide a sin. On the other hand, radical Islamists seem to be seeing this conundrum logically, wishing for the chance to be a martyr. I myself think that this right here, right now, is all there is. It's a real dilemma for us all.

I'm fascinated by that as well. There seem to be so many ways out of that "out".... nothing says you can't do extremely dangerous things, and if you die, it's not suicide. Everything is essentially a risk, you know you have a risk of getting in a car and someone crashing into you. So either risky things don't count, or Christians aren't taking this suicide thing seriously enough.

I've also wondered why do Christians have kids? That seems like an evil thing to do considering that if they don't find God on their own, they get to burn in hell for eternity. Then there is that whole judging by the fruit thing.... maybe the parents get a one way trip to hell if their kids aren't Christian.... who knows, but it's definitely weird.