compes -> RE: Religion (8/18/2004 12:47:37 AM)
|
Okay, this is probably not the forum for discussions like this - try www.infidels.org. There is a lovely forum there for those non-believers, or for those who wish to attempt to 'save' non-believers. Fair warning – these people are SHARP! If you haven’t done your homework first – they’ll tear you up. As for me, yes, I doubt Jesus’ existence - as do a great many other people, some who are learned scholars. Was there a Jesus? <shrug> Sure, why not? Jesus was a popular name. Jesus son of Joseph would also be a popular combination. Shoot, there is a Jesus Ramirez where I work - but I don't think he's the son of (a) God. Was there a Christ? No. There wasn't. That would assume the existence of a biblical god, and I see no proof of such a being. Is God Love? If I believed in such a being I would want him to be at least neutral to us. But I would have to say that the old testament argues AGAINST a loving god. Explain the Midianites. As for something being shown on the Discovery channel as being the 'true' - I say bullshit. Discovery channel often shows biased, unproved shows for the same reason as any other mass-media outlet - for profit. Having a show that 'disproves' Jesus wouldn't sell very well. You have a book on cults? So do I. I have a bookshelf full of ‘em – along with 9 different bibles, the Quoran, and several feet of books that basically demolish the bible. (the psychology of science, pseudoscience, and religion are a hobby for me. It comes from being born in an odd town.) Can I DISPROVE God? Nope. Sure can’t. I also can’t disprove dragons, invisible pink unicorns, or Thor. But I don’t worship them either. Over 70% of America is Christian of one sect or another (some of ‘em are darned strange too!) So if you were born and raised in America the chances of you being Christian are pretty darned good. If you had been born in another country, say Iran, the chances of you being Islamic would be pretty darned good. The two religions are mutually incompatible. Each says the followers of the other are going to Hell (or at least NOT going to heaven) If there IS a loving god, he has automatically damned a great many people, just for being in the wrong geographic area. Islamic fundamentalists scare the crap outta me – these people can be brainwashed by their leaders into being human bombs. But Christian fundamentalists also scare me. Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell – I see little difference from these people and Osama. Robertson advocates nuking Washington and replacing our Democracy with a Theocracy, Falwell says that anyone who is not born again is a failure as a human, that AIDS is God’s punishment on AMERICA for harboring gay people. And then our presidents listen to this crap and say stupid things. There is a trend in America that I find fascinating. The “Cafeteria Christian.” These are the people who take what they want out of the bible, and ignore the rest. I don’t understand how a Christian could do that and still call themselves devout. The biggest bit of cafeteria nonsense I see are those Christians who believe in Heaven, but not in Hell - which is a heresy that would have had them jailed in Boston in the late 1600's. Lastly, there is a lot of stuff that gets slung at me by the religious intolerant in hateful tones. I’ll answer a few of ‘em now to save a bit of time: Yes, I read the bible – I’ve studied it for years. Which part do you want explained? No, I won’t move to another country – one of my rights as an American is free speech. Another right is the ability to work within our government to change it. No, majority does NOT rule in America – if it did, Gore would be president! Minorities are protected in America, get your history teacher to explain that to you. Better yet, get the son or daughter of a slave to explain it to you. No, I won’t sit quietly and respectfully while you advertise your religion – not as long as your religion does not return the favor. Yes, you can pray for me if you like - it won't hurt or help, but I'll appreciate the gesture. Let me know you're doing it and I'll keep you in my thoughts too. Yes, I'll admit that I sometimes sound hateful- it is due to me being insulted over and over again, it is due to having political leaders who dismiss me. I'll treat individuals with respect automatically, and expect that in return. If I don't get it, I'll "brush the dust from my sandals" and keep on going. Compes For those who I've offended, I apologize. I'd be glad to talk with you about your faith if you are still interested. As I've said, the psychology of religion is a fascinating hobby. And yes, I know I have odd hobbies - but then on this board, who doesn't??
|
|
|
|