Let's have a heated debate!
Given the multitude of faiths out there, how do you know yours is the 'right' one? For example, there are very few differences between Catholic beliefs and Protestant ones, so which is right?
Most people tend to stay with the religion they are born into. Does this mean they haven't chosen the religion in question?
On a slightly unrelated topic, lots of people believe in life after death, but does anyone believe in life before birth?
Jesus, Shes back with a bang...
Well me i a dont give a dam about religion...As for life before birth...
If thats the case i must have been Jack the ripper or something like that to deserve what i got now....
Life after death, I hope not once was more than enough for me....
Lets add some fuel to the debate...
All religious faiths are the same they believe in something that can be neither seen,touched or felt....Yet they fight like cat and dog with each other over a mythical beast and who's is the best and trueist.
God its worse than sport or politics.....
Sorry, I don't believe there is one correct religion. The world's cultural makeup doesn't allow for that. What, if you aren't Popular Religion X, then you are going to spend the rest of eternity in damnation? Never mind if you live on a remote island and have never heard or Popular Religion X. I don't think so.
The premise behind most religions is a good one; be kind to yourself, your neighbor and the earth. However, if you give, give for the right reasons and from the heart not in an attempt to buy yourself into eternal bliss. Even if there isn't an after-life, at least this life will be more tolerable.
I know who God is and I know that there is a God. One need know no more.
Chip
None of these opinions sound very well researched. Did you all just come to these conclusions because they feel right? Because of the little bit of evidence that you have observed? Have you done any historical research? Its easy to make up what you believe. Its HARDER to BELIEVE THAN NOT TO. Thats my two cents. I cant come up with another explanation for Jesus, so I conclude no matter what my circumsatnces and no matter what evil and suffering I see that there is a God and HE is as close to seeing Him that Ill ever get.
I was born into a poor farming family in the hill country of Kansas - yes there are some hill in Kansas - which was of a German Lutheran heritage.
In my twenties I spent time going through severl denominations of evangelical, fundamentalist kinds of concepts.
In my thirties I would have argued with you about religion at the drop of a hat because I had arrived at my own synthesis that I was pretty sure was close to right. May as close as I have ever been?
In my forties I was in Africa and exposed to a multitude of religions and christian denominations and some challenges to my "well thought out ideas".
In my fifties I have been more challenged that ever in my life. It is great! I have been able to leave a lot of stuff that separated and judged other people.
Shortly after my 50th BD I started to attend a synagogue (some say temple) & have found a new avenue of thought that I am still enjoying.
I think life is about what we can learn here in relationship with all of the experiences that we are forced to face. One of the things life may be teaching us is about our interconnectness - or as someone has said: "no man is an island". This kinda goes against my German,Protastant, self-sufficient, we're-right, independent upbringing --- but I'm happy here.
I think we are eternal beings. That means that we always were and always will be in the image of the Creator. At this point in my life, it tend to think that what some call "being born again" is about discovering our real, eternal self that has sameness and connection with all other humans, if not other forms of life.
I now believe that those who say they KNOW God and KNOW exactly what is right are probably some of the most arrogant, judgmental and shallow thinking people on earth.
Watch out the Bible thumpers are comming. I'm outa here!
during this first week of lent, what is the Biblical basis for Christians celebrating lent or easter. There seems to be no new-testament instruction to do either.
I have spent 43 years comming to my opinion...Originally posted by Night Train
None of these opinions sound very well researched.
You see folks going to church all their lives saying "god" will look after us, yet at some point in their lives something bad will happen to them. They then say what have we done to "god" to deserve this...
Well it's life.
There is no "Big god" up there looking after us, or nothing bad would happen in the world....
That statement carries with it the presumption that either:Originally posted by John R
There is no "Big god" up there looking after us, or nothing bad would happen in the world....
1) the "Big god up there" only allow good to happen to his creation,
or
2) that human beings can actually know the difference between what is good and what is bad for them.
I think there is evidence that neither one of the statements are completely true.
That is because Historians and Archeologists have already proven that He existed. From what I have read about Him, I doubt that he would want one human being to damn another human being just because they do not belong to Popular Religion X. He seemed more focused on people treating each other kindly and respectfully.Originally posted by Night Train
... I cant come up with another explanation for Jesus ...
Not to mention, what gives human beings the right to judge other humans in terms of eternity anyway. I am not about to cast the first stone.
My doubts about some organized religions comes from the what seems like hypocrasy. All year round we know about the unfortunate people of the earth; many of us find some way to help out just a little bit. One religion asks for money all year round to help the unfortunate. Then every Christmas they are on TV holding services in settings that contain enough wealth to feed a small country for years. How can you ask us to give of ourselves and help the poor while wearing silk robes infront of alter areas of gold.
No wonder opticians have such a bad time, the godless among us appear to out number those who know God.
Chip
are you saying that not belonging to or identifying with a religious group is the same as being "godless" - whatever that means?
You know
Sometimes if you all listen we are talking about the same thing. There is a supreme being. Look at the creation of our world and universe and explain. What we humans call that being is up to each of us. If it be nothing that is the right we have. Fighting over names and history is futile. What counts is how we treat others and how we enjoy this gift of life.
It might be a bit sappy but it comes down to a realistic look at humans and their history.
:D Jerry
The mighty oak tree was once a little nut that held its ground
"Religon " A very touchy subject indeed!
My opion is based on watching man threw out the ages. Back in the old times before science had explained much about nature man used God to explain much of what he saw around him and made Gods of the sun, wind, ect.
Man now uses God to explain the other things he can't explain like the creation on the universe or things he can't deal with like the death of a loved It is easier to deal with thinking of them going on to a better place.
I believe that God is a great idea and I choose to believe in His existance because I want to live in a world where we are more than the most advanced animals. I admit to being somewhat jaded when it comes to churches because more people have been killed the God than any other reason. I don't believe that any God would want that so I'm not sure I'm convinced that killing aren't more than a ploy by man to get rid of people that oppose them or their beliefs. Part of my jaded church beliefs may date back to my attending a Catholic church in North Attlebero where Father Porter molested many children that I know. I was spared but no thanks to the church which when they found out about the allagations sent him to another church where he able to continue his actions. If there is a hell there should be a special place for the church higher ups who allowed that to happen!
Just one mans opion,
May God bless,
Tom
Good comments!
Optiboarders,
Let's see if we can have a "heated debate" and treat each other with dignity at the same time.
Homer
:cheers:
I agree, debate is good for the soul.
Jerry
The mighty oak tree was once a little nut that held its ground
REIGION
with so many differing beliefs they can't all be correct. As for life after death it would be nice to have one before.
guess i am just an old sceptic i'll wait and see.
on another point without religion we would have been hard pressed to find anything to fight wars over.
http://www.optispares.btinternet.co.uk
jack
It is by universal misunderstanding that all agree. For if, by ill luck, people understood each other, they would never agree.
Here's what amazes me,
Neither side of this arguement holds any water. Those who don't believe base this on ignorance. Those that do believe base their knowledege of the other on ignorance. So basically what we have are so many ignorant people that there is no possible way to solve the delima, except... :)
Disbelief over belief: If one believes in God one does not have to "believe" in religion. Believing is a private matter as praying is also. It's between you and your God not you and the rest of the world. Those that do believe, truely believe and understand what it means to believe, know that God does not foresake anyone and is with non believers moreso than those that believe and trust in him. Why? Because there's less work involved with the believers so God spends most of his time trying to keep the rest out of trouble ;)
John is correct when he said that "All religious faiths are the same they believe in something that can be neither seen,touched or felt....Yet they fight like cat and dog with each other over a mythical beast and who's is the best and trueist.
God its worse than sport or politics....." BUT that has to do with the religious faiths as an entity. Politics plays no roll in true faith. Those that argue the points 'for' are as "godless" as anyone else.
Maria has some valid questions. I do not attend the religious faith that I was raised in. I was raised Baptist and switched to Presbyterian a few years back. Why did I change? Easily explained...One doesn't go to church to get religion. One goes to church for unity and fellowship the way one believes is personal. I switched church faiths because I can identify better with the people at my current church of choice. I have nothing against Baptists or the Baptist church but I didn't feel as at home as I do now. It's not their fault it's just how I felt.
As to life before birth, life is what it is. Life is cyclical and eternal whether one believes it or not.
Man can argue for or against the existence of God but in the end it doesn't really matter does it? After all at that time it becomes a moot point and the arguments cease.
What religion is the right one? Whichever makes you happy. Everyone should also remember that Agnostic and Atheist are also "beliefs." For many it is easier not to believe, that way their actions are never in question which is called "convenience." Also remember that even if one doesn't believe in God, God still believes in you.
One more thing for John before I go:
"I have spent 43 years comming to my opinion...
You see folks going to church all their lives saying "god" will look after us, yet at some point in their lives something bad will happen to them. They then say what have we done to "god" to deserve this...
Well it's life.
There is no "Big god" up there looking after us, or nothing bad would happen in the world...."
It's amazing that I'm a church going person and when bad things happen to me (and trust me I've had my fair share of bad things happen to me including some bad things for others as well ;) I don't blame God nor do I expect God to take care of me or provide for me unless I'm willing to tote the line myself. When the bad things come I look upon them as my cross to bare so to speak. Jesus died an excruciating death for the sins of people he didn't even know so if loosing everything I've worked hard for is all I have to endure then so be it. It's the least I can do for a selfless God. I learn from the bad and it makes me stronger because I can rebuild and it's always better than it was before. I can hack it.
Understand that these are my beliefs not yours. Take them for what they are and ignore them if you must either way it makes no difference to me. I'm secure in my beliefs as I hope all others are as well ;)
Take care,
Darris C.
Oh yess
I stand humbled by the master praise :bbg:By Darris
John is correct when he said that
I just knew thered be a kick in the pants somewhere....One more thing for John before I go:
True Darris, no one should expect anyone else to take their beliefs as read, and expect all others to follow their lead.
Also notice folks that Darris always has to have the longest post in any thread.. I could just see Darris stand in the pulpet delivering the sunday sermon
Couldn't have been said better. That's why i've always said "To each their own"Originally posted by Darris Chambless
Neither side of this arguement holds any water. Those who don't believe base this on ignorance. Those that do believe base their knowledege of the other on ignorance. So basically what we have are so many ignorant people that there is no possible way to solve the delima
Well, sorry, you are all incorrect
: )
The correct answer is Catholic.
Laurie : )
Actually i'am Catholic.I just feel everyone in some way has their own religion........and should have the right to practice their own belief's as they choose.Originally posted by Laurie
Well, sorry, you are all incorrect
: )
The correct answer is Catholic.
Laurie : )
I said that I don't agree with many organized religions; however, they do have their place. Without faith in their religion there are many people and families that never would have made it through many of history's events. World War II is a good example. Faith got people throught the holocaust, foreign occupations and bombings.
It is also true that religion has caused a number of military compaigns. The Inquistion and the Crusades are other good examples of suffering due to opposing beliefs.
If any of you missed this post by Darris, I think it might be relevant and, if nothing else, worth at least a moment of pause and reflection:
"I, personally, am a Frizbeterian. We believe that when you die your soul goes up on the roof and you can't get it down ."
As for me, I am a Christain...and If yoiu could rate my ability to live out my faith as the Bible would prescribe on a scale of 1-100. I'df be at about 2.5. Ive got a long ways to go and I have virtually nothing figured out. So you wont catch me telling othyer people what to beleive. I will point them to Jesus though.
Homer:
I don't mean that the Methodists, Baptists, Catholics, or whatever have the exact proper approach down pat. I do think the buddist, moslems, cow, dog, rat worshipers etc. have it wrong.
I do mean that that those that do not believe in God or choose to follow same are going to find out that this is wrong. I think God did enough for me placeing me on this rock (which I like) an making me a man. If there is no life in the hereafter, this hasn't been bad and I am gratefull for what I have had in this life. I could have been on some other rock, or even in another country, or been a lower species (yea, I know some think I am).
My God is the God of Abraham.
Chip
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