Is Religion Nonsense?

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Profile thorin belvrog
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Message 481894 - Posted: 14 Dec 2006, 4:18:35 UTC - in response to Message 481814.  

I'm a Christian (fundamentalist Baptist even) and I could jump into this debate with both feet and run my views by you all. But I seriously don't think I would be able to convince (convert) anyone here with my views and faith concerning theology. :)

I've read through some of the various religious threads and in my opinion they are pretty much pointless. Not once have I read in any of them that someone has changed their mind due to some other's reasoning and/or proof. I guess they work as a sounding board of sorts but most seem to flame out at some point.

I just want to say that I'm happy with my faith and I try (and sometimes fail) to abide by the teachings put forth in the Bible. I think that Jesus summed it all up best when he put this answer to the Pharisees' question about the greatest commandment in the Law: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." If everyone religious or not would adhere to even the second of those words, the world would be a much calmer place.

Call me a fool or whatever, it's no matter to me. If I die and there is no heaven's gates for me to enter, what have I lost? Nothing.
But if my faith is well placed...





Wonderful answer! I couldn't have said this better! God bless you!
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Message 483707 - Posted: 16 Dec 2006, 23:22:58 UTC - in response to Message 479699.  

It is not the requirement of the non believers to prove anything - it is those that are making the claims of something that need to prove it. Just as it is not the requirement in science, those that claim such and such, must be able to provide proof of such and such.


I don't know about that. Yes, if someone is trying to ram religion down your throat, you're entitled to ask for proof. But nobody who quietly and unobtrusively believes in one God or another has to answer to anybody. You want them to cahnge their minds, you prove you're right.



I don't want anyone to change their minds - you don't see Atheists knocking on your door Saturday morning, or any other morning do you ? Didnt think so, and you never will.
You don't see Atheists going to battle of silly thoughts of who's god is greater, or Atheists headed out in droves to convert or torcher and kill those that do believe in their way of thought do you ? Nope, and you never will. It is the religionists that head out in droves with their missionaries, "holy" wars, and their crusades.

It is not the Atheists or non-believers trying to convince anybody of anything.

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Message 483715 - Posted: 16 Dec 2006, 23:28:57 UTC

I have just posted this on the Religious Thread. For interested viewers in the UK there is an interesting programme on atheism.

'The Trouble with Atheism.' On Monday, 18th, Dec. Channel Four, 8.00 p.m.
Presented by Ron Liddle.

I have not pre-viewed the programme so cannot comment as yet.
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Message 483723 - Posted: 16 Dec 2006, 23:37:42 UTC - in response to Message 483707.  

It is not the requirement of the non believers to prove anything - it is those that are making the claims of something that need to prove it. Just as it is not the requirement in science, those that claim such and such, must be able to provide proof of such and such.


I don't know about that. Yes, if someone is trying to ram religion down your throat, you're entitled to ask for proof. But nobody who quietly and unobtrusively believes in one God or another has to answer to anybody. You want them to cahnge their minds, you prove you're right.



I don't want anyone to change their minds - you don't see Atheists knocking on your door Saturday morning, or any other morning do you ? Didnt think so, and you never will.
You don't see Atheists going to battle of silly thoughts of who's god is greater, or Atheists headed out in droves to convert or torcher and kill those that do believe in their way of thought do you ? Nope, and you never will. It is the religionists that head out in droves with their missionaries, "holy" wars, and their crusades.

It is not the Atheists or non-believers trying to convince anybody of anything.

Oh you should hear those atheists: "Everyone who believes in a higher power is a fool." "You can't take anyone seriously who believes in any God." "Building a church is just waste of money."... Isn't this even more insulting than those rather informing (okay, even sometimes annoying) missionaries nowadays? Or this denying of the First Amendment - isn't this also a kind of a converting battle?
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Message 483724 - Posted: 16 Dec 2006, 23:39:00 UTC - in response to Message 483723.  

It is not the requirement of the non believers to prove anything - it is those that are making the claims of something that need to prove it. Just as it is not the requirement in science, those that claim such and such, must be able to provide proof of such and such.


I don't know about that. Yes, if someone is trying to ram religion down your throat, you're entitled to ask for proof. But nobody who quietly and unobtrusively believes in one God or another has to answer to anybody. You want them to cahnge their minds, you prove you're right.



I don't want anyone to change their minds - you don't see Atheists knocking on your door Saturday morning, or any other morning do you ? Didnt think so, and you never will.
You don't see Atheists going to battle of silly thoughts of who's god is greater, or Atheists headed out in droves to convert or torcher and kill those that do believe in their way of thought do you ? Nope, and you never will. It is the religionists that head out in droves with their missionaries, "holy" wars, and their crusades.

It is not the Atheists or non-believers trying to convince anybody of anything.

Oh you should hear those atheists: "Everyone who believes in a higher power is a fool." "You can't take anyone seriously who believes in any God." "Building a church is just waste of money."... Isn't this even more insulting than those rather informing (okay, even sometimes annoying) missionaries nowadays? Or this denying of the First Amendment - isn't this also a kind of a converting battle?

Don't confuse me...
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Message 483791 - Posted: 17 Dec 2006, 0:56:14 UTC - in response to Message 483707.  

I don't want anyone to change their minds - you don't see Atheists knocking on your door Saturday morning, or any other morning do you ? Didnt think so, and you never will.
You don't see Atheists going to battle of silly thoughts of who's god is greater, or Atheists headed out in droves to convert or torcher and kill those that do believe in their way of thought do you ? Nope, and you never will. It is the religionists that head out in droves with their missionaries, "holy" wars, and their crusades.

It is not the Atheists or non-believers trying to convince anybody of anything.


Yeah.
Sure.
Right.
I'll give you this. You're not abusive or hostile like Chuck.
I'll also give you that you have not called me, a man who was raised Lutheran but has not attended many services in the past 6.5 years and who has his doubts, a religious fanatic like Chuck has.
What I won't give you is this "not trying to change anyone's mind" idea, because here you and others like you are posting anytime you like in a 24/7 period, from the comfort of your home.
Wasn't it you that mentioned the ridiculous idea of Pastafarianism? Wasn't it Chuck who brought "Intelligent Falling," to our attention? Anyone that spends a few minutes can find out "Intelligent Falling" is meant to be a "silly" farcical response to "Intelligent Design." Unfortunately, some even begin to believe those adhering to a faith believe intelligent falling! LOL!!! They begin to make "silly" claims like Christians believe Jesus' walking on water disproved gravity. Oh, the silliness and the farce. Rather than battle the real words and thoughts of those adhering to a faith, this kind must make up a farce that seems similar to what sounds farcical to them, attributes those thoughts and words to others and then do battle against them! Hilarious! So, I just provided a counterexample to your claim: "You don't see Atheists going to battle of silly thoughts of ..."
Your response would be interesting. But I can already see who it is in the thread to whom you wish to respond, the more die-hard.
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Message 483793 - Posted: 17 Dec 2006, 0:58:51 UTC - in response to Message 481814.  
Last modified: 17 Dec 2006, 1:00:36 UTC

I think that Jesus summed it all up best when he put this answer to the Pharisees' question about the greatest commandment in the Law: "[i]Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment.

You see, that is why I have a problem with religion. Jesus commands me. But I refuse. I say go to hell. Rot where you stand, and other blasphemous things, as if to his face.

Does that mean, how did you put it "If I die and there is no heaven's gates for me to enter, what have I lost? Nothing.
But if my faith is well placed..."

Does that mean if I obey, like a mindless robot, place myself correctly, I get to enter your gates? And now I don't because I just said some nasty words to Jesus?

Do you think God really cares what I say? Do you really think He is listening to me?

You will say he does, and he is; but you don't know nothing. You are just guessing. Afraid of dieing and what might happen to after you die. Afraid of your religion.

I have no religion. I am not afraid. I know where I am going after I die, and what I do or say while I live will make no difference at all to that destination.


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Message 483805 - Posted: 17 Dec 2006, 1:04:42 UTC - in response to Message 483793.  

You will say he does, and he is; but you don't know nothing. You are just guessing. Afraid of dieing and what might happen to after you die. Afraid of your religion.


LOL. Yet another who thinks all adhering to a faith do so because they are unthinking, foolish, scared children. This argument is getting old and, dare I say it, rather dogmatic?!?

Come up with some better answers. Not guesses. STUDY IT!!!

iX, where'd you sudden nasty streak come from? Please bring back Maverick, the Top Gun ace or some such thing. ;)
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Message 483817 - Posted: 17 Dec 2006, 1:08:48 UTC - in response to Message 483805.  

You will say he does, and he is; but you don't know nothing. You are just guessing. Afraid of dieing and what might happen to after you die. Afraid of your religion.


LOL. Yet another who thinks all adhering to a faith do so because they are unthinking, foolish, scared children. This argument is getting old and, dare I say it, rather dogmatic?!?

Come up with some better answers. Not guesses. STUDY IT!!!

iX, where'd you sudden nasty streak come from? Please bring back Maverick, the Top Gun ace or some such thing. ;)

Awwww, you know I'm just stirring the pot. I have a lot of positive views about religion and like to start at the extremes before homing in on the crux of the matter :)


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Message 483822 - Posted: 17 Dec 2006, 1:11:06 UTC - in response to Message 483723.  


Oh you should hear those atheists: "Everyone who believes in a higher power is a fool." "You can't take anyone seriously who believes in any God." "Building a church is just waste of money."... Isn't this even more insulting than those rather informing (okay, even sometimes annoying) missionaries nowadays? Or this denying of the First Amendment - isn't this also a kind of a converting battle?


Huh ? When was the last holy war started by Atheists ? What were the "holy" crusades about? Persecution of the Jews ? The slaughter of millions of "heathen" Africans, or "heathen" South American Indian's. What about the Muslims - are they not the true religion? Or hey, how about the war between the Muslims and the world of "infidels"(commonly called terrorism). Oh, I suppose I could go on, but it is not worth my time.

Christians say "Don't confuse me with the facts, my mind is made up" So be it.
Name me one time, just once that an Atheist came knocking on your door trying to convert you to to join them in their holy crusade against the unholy religionists and I will join whatever religion you like. I don't care what you believe, if you believe in a god - great, good for you. And if it makes you happy, even that much better. But don't try to convert me to believe in some fairy tale along with you. And as far has history goes, the crusades for one is vicious proof that religion breeds hatred, not love.

And I happen to agree, building a church is a waste of money, however, many of the churches do look nice.

Tax the churches! Separation of State and Church!

The title of the thread, "Is Religion Nonsense" I guess I have to ask, why ask such a silly question. Of course it is. Very little in religion makes much sense. Yes religion teaches us to be good, and moral and don't have sex with other peoples women or men, or kill other people, or lie, or steal, or cheat etc.. but isn't that really just common sense anyway? For any community to flourish, there must be a common goal of morality or eventually it will fail. With or without religion telling us what we should or should not do. Why is it that religionists say - Be good and you will go to heaven, but on the other hand they say, Be good and don't care about the blessings of being good. Religion breeds hypocrisy.

The world is flat, just ask any Christian before the days of the Viking or Columbus.

Why is it Greek Mythology, not the Ancient Greek Religion ? Because we grew up and as a society got smarter. In 1000 or 2000 years from now, possibly less, will it be called Christian Mythology ?

Once Science discovers the truth about things, like Zeus really did not live on top of a mountain, or the world is really not flat. Then those that desire to have power and control over us by fear of the unknown, must tell grander stories. Or loose that power.
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Message 483825 - Posted: 17 Dec 2006, 1:12:47 UTC - in response to Message 483707.  


You don't see Atheists going to battle of silly thoughts of who's god is greater, or Atheists headed out in droves to convert or torcher and kill those that do believe in their way of thought do you ?


Soviet Russia?
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Message 483829 - Posted: 17 Dec 2006, 1:14:29 UTC - in response to Message 483825.  
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You don't see Atheists going to battle of silly thoughts of who's god is greater, or Atheists headed out in droves to convert or torcher and kill those that do believe in their way of thought do you ?


Soviet Russia?

Well done, nicely put, add N. Korea if you will

PS They're the barmy ones with nukes


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Message 483856 - Posted: 17 Dec 2006, 1:45:27 UTC - in response to Message 483791.  


Wasn't it you that mentioned the ridiculous idea of Pastafarianism? ......... They begin to make "silly" claims like Christians believe Jesus' walking on water disproved gravity. Oh, the silliness and the farce. Rather than battle the real words and thoughts of those adhering to a faith, this kind must make up a farce that seems similar to what sounds farcical to them, attributes those thoughts and words to others and then do battle against them! Hilarious! So, I just provided a counterexample to your claim: "You don't see Atheists going to battle of silly thoughts of ..."
Your response would be interesting. But I can already see who it is in the thread to whom you wish to respond, the more die-hard.


No, I wont attack you for your beliefs, not my way. It is the religionists that attack me for not believing is such and such a way. I believe everyone has the right to their own beliefs and opinions. But try keep them to yourselves, don't come to my door trying to convert me and selling me bibles.

Pasta man ? no, I did not bring first bring it up, I only re-presented it in a different light. I could have used any fictional character to make my point, maybe I should have used Zeus instead. And why is is any more ridiculous than believing in a god that you can not see, touch, smell or hear? What about a god that looks like a cow and is made out of gold ? What about a god that looks like a man and is made out of stone?

As far a jesus walking on water ? Well, that came out of a book didn't it. It does not prove or disprove anything. Anymore than any work of fiction proves or disproves anything. The Christian bible is not a factual book of history. One of my favorite authors Frank Herbert wrote a book called The Man of Two Worlds, great read! IMO, Herbert has an entirely better view of who we are, and explains what humankind is all about better than the Christian bible. Any religion that bases their belief on a book written by a group people, under the guidance of a politician - well you should get the point. One of the best comments I have heard concerning the christian bible and truth is "I know that jesus lives because the bible tells me so". You have to love that one! It is like me saying that "I know that pasta man lives because the Wiki tells me so."

I have extensive studies in religion, not just Christian, or Hindu, or Greek, but have studied many. And the common theme that runs through them all. If you don't believe or behave in such a way, you are going to be punished. Do we really need religion to tell us this? This is common knowledge.

I don't hunt animals, I don't torcher animals, I don't have sex with other men's wife's, I don't steal, I don't cheat, and I don't need some one telling me that if I don't have some water poured over my head that, or get my penis circumcised, or if I eat cow, or pig, that I am going to hell.

Some people need religion, some feel the need to be able to believe that there is a higher purpose in life than just procreating and working for the common good of humankind. Fine, and if makes them feel good, fine. But for those of us that don't have this need, that should be fine with the religionists as well. But history, and current events tell us otherwise.
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Message 483860 - Posted: 17 Dec 2006, 1:48:21 UTC - in response to Message 483825.  


You don't see Atheists going to battle of silly thoughts of who's god is greater, or Atheists headed out in droves to convert or torcher and kill those that do believe in their way of thought do you ?


Soviet Russia?



Nope, they do not battle for religion, at least not in recent history, they battle for power, for oil, or against those that would try enslave them(Hitler). As a general rule Soviet Russia are Athiest.

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Message 483898 - Posted: 17 Dec 2006, 3:18:17 UTC - in response to Message 483860.  


You don't see Atheists going to battle of silly thoughts of who's god is greater, or Atheists headed out in droves to convert or torcher and kill those that do believe in their way of thought do you ?


Soviet Russia?



Nope, they do not battle for religion, at least not in recent history, they battle for power, for oil, or against those that would try enslave them(Hitler). As a general rule Soviet Russia are Athiest.


You miss my point. Soviet Russia was, in fact, guilty of persecutions carried out in the name of atheism.

See here

Oh, and you might also want to look here before again asserting that silly old myth that Christians thought the Earth was flat.
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Message 483949 - Posted: 17 Dec 2006, 5:26:34 UTC - in response to Message 483898.  

Oh, and you might also want to look here before again asserting that silly old myth that Christians thought the Earth was flat.


An interesting read!
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Message 484038 - Posted: 17 Dec 2006, 8:37:11 UTC

The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was to convince the world that he didn't exist.
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Message 484043 - Posted: 17 Dec 2006, 9:05:51 UTC - in response to Message 484038.  

The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was to convince the world that he didn't exist.

He never convinced me


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Message 484232 - Posted: 17 Dec 2006, 15:51:25 UTC - in response to Message 484038.  
Last modified: 17 Dec 2006, 15:54:34 UTC

The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was to convince the world that he didn't exist.



The greatest trick god ever pulled ..... well god never pulled a trick, he is a figmant of our imagination - something that someone made up.

As far as the devil - well he is in the same position as god - he never convinced anyone of anything either.

All that this convincing someone of something is man made

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