Those people were destroyed because they either 1) Had commited horrible sins, told God to go **** himself, and God decided to do something about it. God's soverignty as creator allows Him to act as he pleases with someone in open rebellion.
Or, 2) They would have posed a threat to God's chosen people.
I should have said "advocates murder."
If I were a potter, and made a really pretty pot, would it be OK for me to destroy it? Would it be OK to tell my little sister to destroy it? Yes, perfectly fine.
So, assuming that God did create us, he has every right to tell who he wants to take out who he wants. He needed those people destroyed, in order to save the Jews, in order to deliver Christ to the world. Those people had all walked away from God, and in every case of OT ****-kicking by the Jews, those who repented were saved. Rahab? Lot and his family? All decided to ask for forgiveness, and were saved. In Sodom, people were struck blind by angels, and yet the people still tried to rape them. As I said, God would not be fully good if he didn't fully hate that sort of sin.
<!--QuoteBegin--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->And on the other hand, the people who believe in God would still believe even if he never ever came down from there <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Ok, maybe you have a point. But the fact is, that 2000 years ago, a guy named Jesus WAS born, did walk the earth, and did call himself the messiah, which fit into over 300 old testament prophecies about the time, place, and things he would do while he lived. He was even crucified, in the manner described in the NT. Read Lee Strobel's <u>Case for Christ</u> or Josh McDowell's <a href='http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0785243631/104-5279429-2819164?v=glance' target='_blank'>New Evidence that Demands Verdict.</a>
By the looks of it, Christ may or may not have been God coming down to show himself. I believe he was, the people he told believed Him, set up churchs to spread the good news, and Christianity started.
I haven't read most of this thread, but i have one thing to say the debochery of a such 'insurance policy' is pointless. Faith is what religion is to me. I put my life in his hands because thats what I believe is right. Science is your belief system, faith is mine. Based on my life so far, there is nothing to be missed when you have the chance of eternal happieness with all your loved ones, how could someone be so cold as to not want that? As for some other things being said, It takes as much faith to believe in scientific theories than it does God, think about it. If what i know and believe to be true turns out to be true, what have i gained? Everything. To me, if i am wrong and there is nothing else , my life was happy and fruitful living the way that made me happy. Atheists are flawed in their thinking, you always have free-will just because the bible says you aren't supposed to do it doesnt mean you cant , just because you put your life in his hands doesnt mean you dont make the choices. If there are no wrong signals how can you yourself make the wrong choice , or one that isnt your own. You make the choices, you have the ability to its just up to you as a person to decide how you want to live your life. It isnt really a free-will thing, its a 'i want to live forever and not perish and burn in hell' Also for those who say , well you think this because some guy gets up on a podium and talks to you every sunday, i hardly go to church and my belief system was made from reading the Bible(which i recommend to any and everyone willing) take some time to read that it has many amazing things that are just awesome to behold. im not purposly trying to make you think your values are worthless/wrong i simply mean to tell you how i think and how i wish you would think. Dont take it as pushing it upon you. Again you have the freewill to read this post all i ask is that you do and consider what i say, in the unorganized manner which it was written.
Welcome to the forums angel - small tip to wise, always pretend like you have read the whole thread, never admit to the contrary <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->
The only think I have to add to that is the verse "Do not give up meeting together, as others are in the habit of doing". I know Paul said it, I just dont know where. Christians go to church mainly for a good chat and few biscuits, and the chance to learn something. Who knows, if you read the Bible on your own, you may be just as well off - but then again you might take a certain verse a certain way, and with noone there to challenge/affirm your view, you may very well have taken it right out of context.
dont get me wrong , i wasnt saying i dont care about the unread part of the thread i was just giving my views on religion my friend. Also im not saying i dissagree with the institution of church , i like it , i just am not a fan of the churches in my area. Everyone evern Theistic Scholars can take the bible out of context, alls im sayin is that ,to me, religion, christianity, isnt so much as what the pastor, priest etc... says about god its about what you think , admitedly some people are led to christ by others whereas i was led to him by my curiosity and upbringing. If people think me ignorant for not reading the whole thing let them, its not my place to degrade others for their opinions.
<!--QuoteBegin--sen^FallenAngel+Oct 16 2003, 06:44 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (sen^FallenAngel @ Oct 16 2003, 06:44 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> dont get me wrong , i wasnt saying i dont care about the unread part of the thread i was just giving my views on religion my friend. Also im not saying i dissagree with the institution of church , i like it , i just am not a fan of the churches in my area. Everyone evern Theistic Scholars can take the bible out of context, alls im sayin is that ,to me, religion, christianity, isnt so much as what the pastor, priest etc... says about god its about what you think , admitedly some people are led to christ by others whereas i was led to him by my curiosity and upbringing. If people think me ignorant for not reading the whole thing let them, its not my place to degrade others for their opinions. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd--> OMG!!!!!!!! Finally a religious person on here that ISNT a zealot to destroy all us heathens. Ive said it before. I'm not religious, I'm spiritual. I hate organized religion with a passion, aka, having priests preachers rabis etc lead people. Think for yourself. Decide what YOU want to believe. Don't be a sheep.
<!--QuoteBegin--dr.d+Oct 16 2003, 07:12 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (dr.d @ Oct 16 2003, 07:12 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> nvm just gunna get the thread locked. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd--> How is that a bad thing?
I'm with angel, geminosity would you believe in a religion that tells you to murder someone? I don't think so and anybody in there right mind deep down knows that its not right. If someone honestly (keyword: honestly) sits down and reads the bible then there is absolutely no way you could take a verse out of context to where you think its telling you to murder someone....What's one of the greatest teachings of the bible? Love your fellow man.....Can you truely love your fellow man (like you love yourself) and murder them? I personally don't think so and you probably don't think so either.
actually I was just being cheeky to legionnared for his pottery post ^~
I don't really believe in a 'religion' anyways (my personal way of living life sounds a lot like humanism, but I got here on my own without any knowledge of it and there might be differences I'm not aware of), but no I wouldn't believe in a religion that tells me to murder people... or do anything else for that matter because I don't need told how to live my life. I'll use my 'free-will' for that <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->
<!--QuoteBegin--OttoDestruct+Oct 16 2003, 08:11 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (OttoDestruct @ Oct 16 2003, 08:11 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> <!--QuoteBegin--sen^FallenAngel+Oct 16 2003, 06:44 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (sen^FallenAngel @ Oct 16 2003, 06:44 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> dont get me wrong , i wasnt saying i dont care about the unread part of the thread i was just giving my views on religion my friend. Also im not saying i dissagree with the institution of church , i like it , i just am not a fan of the churches in my area. Everyone evern Theistic Scholars can take the bible out of context, alls im sayin is that ,to me, religion, christianity, isnt so much as what the pastor, priest etc... says about god its about what you think , admitedly some people are led to christ by others whereas i was led to him by my curiosity and upbringing. If people think me ignorant for not reading the whole thing let them, its not my place to degrade others for their opinions. <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd--> OMG!!!!!!!! Finally a religious person on here that ISNT a zealot to destroy all us heathens. Ive said it before. I'm not religious, I'm spiritual. I hate organized religion with a passion, aka, having priests preachers rabis etc lead people. Think for yourself. Decide what YOU want to believe. Don't be a sheep. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd--> Being a zealot and wishing the destruction of people are two very, very different things.
I would like to think myself zealous in my practicing of my faith, but I know I'm probably nowhere near vigilant enough in my day to day life to be considered so. As far as wishing the destruction of others, no true Christian or member of a peaceful religion would want anything but the salvation of their fellow man...The most "zealous" followers of Christ would probably be members of cloistered orders--monks or nuns--as they live every day of their life in relative poverty, devotion and simplicity--forsaking riches and earthly pleasures to an amazing extent.
However, the most destructive followers of Christ were members of the Spanish Inquisition and participants in the Crusades.
LikuI, am the Somberlain.Join Date: 2003-01-10Member: 12128Members
<!--QuoteBegin--CommunistWithAGun+Oct 12 2003, 08:41 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (CommunistWithAGun @ Oct 12 2003, 08:41 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> I don't like or accept the idea of someone controlling my life, even if its non-intrusive. I may have free will- to an extent. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd--> Exactly, I'd quote Neo, but you know...
<!--QuoteBegin--Marine01+Oct 16 2003, 05:46 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Marine01 @ Oct 16 2003, 05:46 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> The Boer War - evil muslims tried to take over SA? NO! Brits vs dutch, no religion involved. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd--> The Brits vs Afrikaaners you mean.
Also, ever noticed how in most wars both (all) sides continually ask for God's blessing / believe God to be on their side ? Interesting...
<!--QuoteBegin--Geminosity+Oct 16 2003, 09:05 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Geminosity @ Oct 16 2003, 09:05 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> actually I was just being cheeky to legionnared for his pottery post ^~
I don't really believe in a 'religion' anyways (my personal way of living life sounds a lot like humanism, but I got here on my own without any knowledge of it and there might be differences I'm not aware of), but no I wouldn't believe in a religion that tells me to murder people... or do anything else for that matter because I don't need told how to live my life. I'll use my 'free-will' for that <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo--> <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd--> Welcome to the discussion boards... you seem to have a certain wisdom about you <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->
This reminds me of a discussion I had with my reiki teacher... she always told us to have the joy of being inside us.
I understood what she meant very well. Surviving a car-accident... you're just happy to be alive, plain and simple. Near drowning ... again you're just happy to be alive. Think of that people.
Boggle and co: Why is having love for your family and friends not enough of a reason to live in and of itself ? Humanity isn't perfect...but geez, it's not all bad you know.
P.S.: I'm still waiting for my explanation as to why Yaweh allowed a hymn to Baal to be modified and put in his book <!--emo&::nerdy::--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/nerd.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='nerd.gif'><!--endemo-->
<!--QuoteBegin--Legionnaired+Oct 16 2003, 05:53 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Legionnaired @ Oct 16 2003, 05:53 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> If I were a potter, and made a really pretty pot, would it be OK for me to destroy it? Would it be OK to tell my little sister to destroy it? Yes, perfectly fine.
So, assuming that God did create us, he has every right to tell who he wants to take out who he wants. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd--> And youv'e just justified abortion <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->
<!--QuoteBegin--FilthyLarry+Oct 17 2003, 07:01 AM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (FilthyLarry @ Oct 17 2003, 07:01 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Boggle and co: Why is having love for your family and friends not enough of a reason to live in and of itself ? Humanity isn't perfect...but geez, it's not all bad you know. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd--> My family is the reason i live, God is the reason i am not afraid of death. It is possible to care about more that one thing
<!--QuoteBegin--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> P.S.: I'm still waiting for my explanation as to why Yaweh allowed a hymn to Baal to be modified and put in his book <!--emo&::nerdy::--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/nerd.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='nerd.gif'><!--endemo--><!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Yeah, im still waiting for your explanation as well... <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif'><!--endemo-->
<!--QuoteBegin--FilthyLarry+Oct 17 2003, 12:54 AM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (FilthyLarry @ Oct 17 2003, 12:54 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> <!--QuoteBegin--Marine01+Oct 16 2003, 05:46 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Marine01 @ Oct 16 2003, 05:46 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> The Boer War - evil muslims tried to take over SA? NO! Brits vs dutch, no religion involved. <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd--> The Brits vs Afrikaaners you mean.
Also, ever noticed how in most wars both (all) sides continually ask for God's blessing / believe God to be on their side ? Interesting...
Religion is a perfect excuse for war. <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd--> Well. the Afrikaaners are Dutch, or at least Dutch descendants. Lets put it as the Dutch inhabitants of South Africa.
Of course, everyone asks for their deity's help in times of war, but that in no way makes religion the cause or the start of that war. Religion IS the perfect excuse for war, but its nothing more than that - an excuse, not a reason. Religion rarely starts wars - people start wars, and then try and bring their religion along for the ride.
And anyway, using similar logic to yours, if two atheists attack and attempt to kill each other, does that mean atheism starts wars?
Teflon, the Bible claims that God created and pwnes EVERYONE. Your parents have stewardship over you, but they dont own you. Thus they cannot kill you, or they are stealing what is Gods.
unless god told them to, in which case it's perfectly fine <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif'><!--endemo-->
The only reason God told the isralites to kill the other people was becuase they were in the ladn God had promised them. God cannot breaka promise, and he didnt want them to live side by side, so they had to go. Besisdes, that was in the old testament, and is not really as important as the new one
because a forgiving, merciful, loving god couldn't have just driven the people out with plagues of locusts or magically just relocated them. Nope, "Hey folks! Grab your pitchforks!"
<!--QuoteBegin--Z.X. Bogglesteinsky+Oct 17 2003, 08:06 AM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Z.X. Bogglesteinsky @ Oct 17 2003, 08:06 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> The only reason God told the isralites to kill the other people was becuase they were in the ladn God had promised them. God cannot breaka promise, and he didnt want them to live side by side, so they had to go. Besisdes, that was in the old testament, and is not really as important as the new one <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd--> So, what if hitler said "God told me to", would that justify the slaying he did? I sure hope not Mr.Boggle...I can't see you agreeing with THAT <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->
<!--QuoteBegin--CommunistWithAGun+Oct 17 2003, 08:30 AM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (CommunistWithAGun @ Oct 17 2003, 08:30 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> So, what if hitler said "God told me to", would that justify the slaying he did? I sure hope not Mr.Boggle...I can't see you agreeing with THAT :) <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd--> It's ok, a year after the holocaust he could have gone and helped an old lady cross the street. He may have slaughtered thousands the previous year, but thats <i>not really as important</i> as what he does a year later.
Hah, so God isn't as benevelent as we all thought? So the reasons for worship would be so he doesn't smite us with a bolt of lightning?
Considering "God" exists in our heads, and minds, anyone like Hitler could believe that God told him to do what he did, and the only one you have to blame is the chemical reaction in his brain.
One question to the atheists, if evolution created everything then is evolution your god? and if not who created evolution? or does most everyone accept there is a creator but they just don't know which spiritual walk is the true road to God? or do most of you not believe in evolution at all?
P.S.-this is not a flame so don't get angry...its curiousity and btw i'm assuming the atheists in here believe in evolution, once again not a stereotype but an assumption. no flaming intended as my comment could be taken in offense.
for me evolution is just a label slapped on something that happens. It's not a god. It's not something to be worshipped or appeased or followed because it's neither conscious or really a 'thing'. It's more like breathing; it's just a life process =3 The idea of there being a need for some imaginary architect is just another 'we need a reason' cry for a comfort blanket to me =/
In my world there are no gods <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->
it didn't 'come about' it happens silly. Evolution isn't a 'thing' its a naturally occuring phenomenon. Why? Since when did the simple fact that if something doesn't work it dies off because it can't support itself need to 'come about'? o.O Evolution is basically just Natural selection working on a grand scale.
<b>edit:</b> or have I been living under the wrong impression of what evolution is for all these years? If I'm wrong then someone please tell me ^^
I'm beginning to see how you view things, we just see things differently, which is ok <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo--> I'll help you understand where I'm coming from the way i see things is that something had to create evolution or how you say it "the something that happens" something had to create that, I mean why does evolution even exist? why do we exist ?did we just happen? is that kinda the same thing as being created if we happened?how did we "happen"?; In short i guess the way I see it things happen for a reason, you probably think I just need comfort in my life by telling myself this but It would in my mind be illogical for soemthing to just happen I mean even if it just "happened" there had to be some outside force for it to just "happen" maybe it wasn't a god that forced evolution into existance (i understand you think its just a label but it is a process and I'm asking how this process came about) but then again what created that outside force that made evolution "happen" if that outside force wasn't created then what outside force made that outside force "happen" was that 2nd outside force created? see the way I see it is somewhere along the line something had to be created to affect what happens here maybe it wasn't created directly but eventually something had to be created to even allow some outside force to affect the universe to allow us, mankind, to "happen". (Looking back at this post, don't allow the quotations to look like I'm mocking what you said but rather I'm trying to say it from a point of view that maybe you would understand to where you could understand me better...haha if that makes any sense at all <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo--> )
Comments
Or, 2) They would have posed a threat to God's chosen people.
I should have said "advocates murder."
If I were a potter, and made a really pretty pot, would it be OK for me to destroy it? Would it be OK to tell my little sister to destroy it? Yes, perfectly fine.
So, assuming that God did create us, he has every right to tell who he wants to take out who he wants. He needed those people destroyed, in order to save the Jews, in order to deliver Christ to the world. Those people had all walked away from God, and in every case of OT ****-kicking by the Jews, those who repented were saved. Rahab? Lot and his family? All decided to ask for forgiveness, and were saved. In Sodom, people were struck blind by angels, and yet the people still tried to rape them. As I said, God would not be fully good if he didn't fully hate that sort of sin.
<!--QuoteBegin--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->And on the other hand, the people who believe in God would still believe even if he never ever came down from there <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Ok, maybe you have a point. But the fact is, that 2000 years ago, a guy named Jesus WAS born, did walk the earth, and did call himself the messiah, which fit into over 300 old testament prophecies about the time, place, and things he would do while he lived. He was even crucified, in the manner described in the NT. Read Lee Strobel's <u>Case for Christ</u> or Josh McDowell's <a href='http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0785243631/104-5279429-2819164?v=glance' target='_blank'>New Evidence that Demands Verdict.</a>
By the looks of it, Christ may or may not have been God coming down to show himself. I believe he was, the people he told believed Him, set up churchs to spread the good news, and Christianity started.
The only think I have to add to that is the verse "Do not give up meeting together, as others are in the habit of doing". I know Paul said it, I just dont know where. Christians go to church mainly for a good chat and few biscuits, and the chance to learn something. Who knows, if you read the Bible on your own, you may be just as well off - but then again you might take a certain verse a certain way, and with noone there to challenge/affirm your view, you may very well have taken it right out of context.
By the way, I just murdered someone but it's ok because god told me to. He was tired of his pot ^^
OMG!!!!!!!! Finally a religious person on here that ISNT a zealot to destroy all us heathens. Ive said it before. I'm not religious, I'm spiritual. I hate organized religion with a passion, aka, having priests preachers rabis etc lead people. Think for yourself. Decide what YOU want to believe. Don't be a sheep.
How is that a bad thing?
I don't really believe in a 'religion' anyways (my personal way of living life sounds a lot like humanism, but I got here on my own without any knowledge of it and there might be differences I'm not aware of), but no I wouldn't believe in a religion that tells me to murder people... or do anything else for that matter because I don't need told how to live my life. I'll use my 'free-will' for that <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->
OMG!!!!!!!! Finally a religious person on here that ISNT a zealot to destroy all us heathens. Ive said it before. I'm not religious, I'm spiritual. I hate organized religion with a passion, aka, having priests preachers rabis etc lead people. Think for yourself. Decide what YOU want to believe. Don't be a sheep. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
Being a zealot and wishing the destruction of people are two very, very different things.
I would like to think myself zealous in my practicing of my faith, but I know I'm probably nowhere near vigilant enough in my day to day life to be considered so. As far as wishing the destruction of others, no true Christian or member of a peaceful religion would want anything but the salvation of their fellow man...The most "zealous" followers of Christ would probably be members of cloistered orders--monks or nuns--as they live every day of their life in relative poverty, devotion and simplicity--forsaking riches and earthly pleasures to an amazing extent.
However, the most destructive followers of Christ were members of the Spanish Inquisition and participants in the Crusades.
Exactly, I'd quote Neo, but you know...
And Magic's not really my thing.
The Brits vs Afrikaaners you mean.
Also, ever noticed how in most wars both (all) sides continually ask for God's blessing / believe God to be on their side ? Interesting...
Religion is a perfect excuse for war.
I don't really believe in a 'religion' anyways (my personal way of living life sounds a lot like humanism, but I got here on my own without any knowledge of it and there might be differences I'm not aware of), but no I wouldn't believe in a religion that tells me to murder people... or do anything else for that matter because I don't need told how to live my life. I'll use my 'free-will' for that <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo--> <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
Welcome to the discussion boards... you seem to have a certain wisdom about you <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->
This reminds me of a discussion I had with my reiki teacher... she always told us to have the joy of being inside us.
I understood what she meant very well. Surviving a car-accident... you're just happy to be alive, plain and simple. Near drowning ... again you're just happy to be alive. Think of that people.
Boggle and co: Why is having love for your family and friends not enough of a reason to live in and of itself ? Humanity isn't perfect...but geez, it's not all bad you know.
P.S.: I'm still waiting for my explanation as to why Yaweh allowed a hymn to Baal to be modified and put in his book <!--emo&::nerdy::--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/nerd.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='nerd.gif'><!--endemo-->
I've got about as much common sense as a potato =3
If I were a potter, and made a really pretty pot, would it be OK for me to destroy it? Would it be OK to tell my little sister to destroy it? Yes, perfectly fine.
So, assuming that God did create us, he has every right to tell who he wants to take out who he wants. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
And youv'e just justified abortion <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->
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My family is the reason i live, God is the reason i am not afraid of death. It is possible to care about more that one thing
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P.S.: I'm still waiting for my explanation as to why Yaweh allowed a hymn to Baal to be modified and put in his book <!--emo&::nerdy::--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/nerd.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='nerd.gif'><!--endemo--><!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Yeah, im still waiting for your explanation as well... <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif'><!--endemo-->
What hymn?
The Brits vs Afrikaaners you mean.
Also, ever noticed how in most wars both (all) sides continually ask for God's blessing / believe God to be on their side ? Interesting...
Religion is a perfect excuse for war. <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Well. the Afrikaaners are Dutch, or at least Dutch descendants. Lets put it as the Dutch inhabitants of South Africa.
Of course, everyone asks for their deity's help in times of war, but that in no way makes religion the cause or the start of that war. Religion IS the perfect excuse for war, but its nothing more than that - an excuse, not a reason. Religion rarely starts wars - people start wars, and then try and bring their religion along for the ride.
And anyway, using similar logic to yours, if two atheists attack and attempt to kill each other, does that mean atheism starts wars?
Teflon, the Bible claims that God created and pwnes EVERYONE. Your parents have stewardship over you, but they dont own you. Thus they cannot kill you, or they are stealing what is Gods.
So, what if hitler said "God told me to", would that justify the slaying he did? I sure hope not Mr.Boggle...I can't see you agreeing with THAT <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->
It's ok, a year after the holocaust he could have gone and helped an old lady cross the street. He may have slaughtered thousands the previous year, but thats <i>not really as important</i> as what he does a year later.
Considering "God" exists in our heads, and minds, anyone like Hitler could believe that God told him to do what he did, and the only one you have to blame is the chemical reaction in his brain.
P.S.-this is not a flame so don't get angry...its curiousity and btw i'm assuming the atheists in here believe in evolution, once again not a stereotype but an assumption. no flaming intended as my comment could be taken in offense.
The idea of there being a need for some imaginary architect is just another 'we need a reason' cry for a comfort blanket to me =/
In my world there are no gods <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->
Evolution is basically just Natural selection working on a grand scale.
<b>edit:</b> or have I been living under the wrong impression of what evolution is for all these years? If I'm wrong then someone please tell me ^^
And, yes, in a way natural selection is a form of evolution, making a species become more adapted to its enviroment over time.