Why you believe what you believe I

[Nurvingiel]

Originally Posted by Lief Erikson

I believe that the surface of the world will be consumed in a nuclear holocaust.

Sadly, I think this is one of the more likely possibilities.

When we die, I believe we will go to heaven. I have to go soon, but I can get into this more later.

I'm not very certain what heaven is. I like the romantic ideas around the "typical" Christian interpretation, but I think this is more a way to interpret something that's impossible to understand into something tangible.

I can get into this more if someone wishes me too, or we can discuss something else. It's all good.

Who are you to arbitrarily decide I am wrong about homosexuality being a sin and you are right about its being fine?

I didn't intend my original statement to be a criticism of people who do feel homosexuality is wrong, though I see now it can be construed this way.

The reason I do not feel my beliefs are arbitrary is because I realize that I could be dead wrong. I will live my life according to my beliefs. If it turns out that I'm wrong, when I die and go to heaven (which I believe will happen to everyone, going to heaven I mean) I will apologize to God then.

I respect your right to live your life according to your beliefs, and for the rational reason that many people hold these beliefs. It is due to this, and the acknowledgement that I may be wrong, that I do not feel my beliefs are somehow better than yours, or automatically right etc. (I don't think you feel you're automatically right, I say this merely to outline why I'm not being arbitrary As a side note, perhaps all our beliefs are arbitrary to a certain degree, because we have to make assumptions at some point in our reasoning).

The reason I even used the word arbitrary in the first place is this:
You and I are both rational human beings who read the Bible, a complex and deeply meaningful holy book. I interpret a passage one way, you another. Since both of us have the equal chance of being ultimately right about it, perhaps it is better to choose the path that respects human rights, which sometimes transcend religion. Despite my ultimate belief that I'm right, I believe my previous paragraph still stands.

(I'm pretty sure you're Christian so forgive me if I'm wrong in this assumption.)

I really have to go, but I realize some of my points and/or intentions may be unclear, so I'll be back later.

Also, Lief is completely right about Anglicans. We are a very diverse group of people.

Cheerio!

And thank you all for your intelligent and thoughtful questions. I'm really enjoying this!