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#401 | |
Head Hollara
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Texas
Posts: 751
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As for that second part, I hope you asked your leaders. If you did, and they could not answer you sufficiently, did you get a second opinion through friends or leaders of other faiths? If all you did was question your religion and drop it altogether because the answers weren't handed to you without any effort, I daresay you didn't try hard enough.
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"People used to ring up and say 'Don't quit your day job' or 'sell your synth', but the joke's on them: we were fired and the synth is broken!" -John Flansburgh from They Might Be Giants Ever heard of Mormons? I'm one. Click here to know more about us. |
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#402 | |
the Shrike
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: San Francisco, CA <3
Posts: 10,647
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"Binary solo! 0000001! 00000011! 0000001! 00000011!" ~ The Humans are Dead, Flight of the Conchords |
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#403 |
The Rogue Elf
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,722
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I seek no answer (though many think I'm lying when I say this) because it will not be revealed in my time, and may never be. Overall, I believe in possibilities. I believe it's a possibility that when we die there's nothing else. I believe it's a possibility that there may be some greater power. I believe it's a possibility that it's a reincarnation thing and life goes ever, ever on without an end. I believe in possibilities, because there is no hardcore proof of either, though science has the upper hand of all thanks to its facts and truths and not blind faith.
If there is a greater power, it/he/she did not have any part in the bible, for the bible speaks of man's view of God, not God's view of himself. And until it is proven to my face that the greater power did have influence in writing it, do not ever count on me picking up your faith. Such a powerful creator would not be so ashamed to show me its/his/her face. Hiding, to me, is taken as either shame, detachment, or fear. And if not here - what is it/he/she but hiding? It's so easy to make a big dramatic appearance and gain the once lost belief of many people. Creator to its creation is like a parent to its children - which makes God a few centuries late in paying the child support bill. One thing I've always disliked about Christianity was the whole "do not accept God and you shall go to Hell". If I was God, I would never hurt those who didn't believe in me because I would not show myself to them. Instead, I would grant them a place in Heaven, and show them that it is indeed a wonderful place. If this is so, I'm more compassionate than this "god" you speak of. Ironic, isn't it? Sure, I joke about religion and call it a "fairy tale", but no more than the believer that looks at me and says they pity me. Not too long ago when I first told my best friend I no longer believed in God, she wrote my name on the prayer board at her church. She said she was only trying to help, but it sickened me. I respected her and her beliefs - not only that, but I supported her - and she turns around without an ounce of faith or respect for me and my beliefs. I refused to let the friendship end, though, and I told her how it made me feel. We're still friends to this day because of my faith in her. What's ironic is that all of her Christian faith couldn't have saved our friendship, because she judged rather than understood. I seek to understand; not to judge. Though sometimes I pretend I do. Sometimes I act as if I think something is wrong, but in my heart I know I can't say that honestly. Therefore, I never do. Most of it is just sarcasm. The point in this, is religion influences judgement, while what I believe in influences understanding. Judgement comes as black and white. Understanding comes as grey. The grey matter is what matters most, and yet it is the most ignored of the three worlds. I refuse religion because I refuse judgement. The lioness does not think twice about killing the hyena after it attacks her cubs - why should we? Understand why she does it: protection of family, of loved ones. We are no different no matter how much we try to separate ourselves from the rest of the living creatures. The truth is stranger than fiction. That speaks very loud for the statistics of religious people making up 90% of the world and non-religious people making up only 10%. Which is stranger in the eyes of humans? To not believe in God. And if truth be stranger than fiction, 90% of the world has been denying the truth for far too long. Often have I found the strangest thing was the truth, because usually it is what the majority does not expect. Rather long post, I know, but I hope those on this thread have read it in its entirety... and has understood ![]() Last edited by Rána Eressëa : 03-27-2002 at 11:15 PM. |
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#404 | |
Elf Lord
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: minneapolis MN
Posts: 920
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Gandalf lives...oh and Frodo too. Haldir Lives!!! |
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#405 | |
the Shrike
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: San Francisco, CA <3
Posts: 10,647
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"Binary solo! 0000001! 00000011! 0000001! 00000011!" ~ The Humans are Dead, Flight of the Conchords |
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#406 | |
Elf Lord
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: minneapolis MN
Posts: 920
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I agree. ![]() As for people disbelieving scientific evidence, well, to paraphrase you, that comes down to human fallacy, not religion as a method. Some religious people can handle scientific discoveries. P.S. I know you know this, I just felt like spoutin' off again. ![]()
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Gandalf lives...oh and Frodo too. Haldir Lives!!! |
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#407 | |
the Shrike
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: San Francisco, CA <3
Posts: 10,647
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"Binary solo! 0000001! 00000011! 0000001! 00000011!" ~ The Humans are Dead, Flight of the Conchords |
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#408 | ||
Head Hollara
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Texas
Posts: 751
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"People used to ring up and say 'Don't quit your day job' or 'sell your synth', but the joke's on them: we were fired and the synth is broken!" -John Flansburgh from They Might Be Giants Ever heard of Mormons? I'm one. Click here to know more about us. |
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#409 | |
Elf Lord of the Grey Havens
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: somewhere else
Posts: 2,381
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There exists a limit to the force even ther most powerful may apply without destroying themselves. Judging this limit is the true artistry of government. Misuse of power is the fatal sin. The law cannot be a tool of vengance, never a hostage, nor a fortification against the martyrs it has created. You cannot threaten any individual and escape the consequences. -Muad'dib on Law The Stilgar Commentary |
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#410 |
Elf Lord
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Slow down and I sail on the river, slow down and I walk to the hill
Posts: 2,389
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I've noticed on this thread so many people fighting about evolution/creationism.
I would just like to state that it IS possible to be a Christian (or any 'creationist' religion) and still believe in evolution.
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“The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, but wiser people so full of doubts.” –Bertrand Russell |
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#411 | ||
the Shrike
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: San Francisco, CA <3
Posts: 10,647
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"Binary solo! 0000001! 00000011! 0000001! 00000011!" ~ The Humans are Dead, Flight of the Conchords |
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#412 | |
The Rogue Elf
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,722
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#413 | |
the Shrike
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: San Francisco, CA <3
Posts: 10,647
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Quote:
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"Binary solo! 0000001! 00000011! 0000001! 00000011!" ~ The Humans are Dead, Flight of the Conchords |
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#414 |
Elf Lord
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Slow down and I sail on the river, slow down and I walk to the hill
Posts: 2,389
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It's funny that everyone seems to think that people become Christians because it's the easy way of life, and it's acceptable. I can tell you, that especially in my school, some people do not find it acceptable that you believe in God. My friends and I have been cussed out simply because the person knew that we were Christian. Our biology teacher repeatedly attacks my friends on their religious beliefs.
I think the worst thing that goes on is there are people at my school that claim that they are 'as unprejudiced as they can get' and are 'all for people doing their own thing', but then come out and insult us and mock our beliefs. Kind of like this girl that claimed she is the most tolerant person in our school, right after saying she's an atheist because all Christians are stupid and brainwashed.
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“The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, but wiser people so full of doubts.” –Bertrand Russell |
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#415 | |
The Rogue Elf
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,722
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To me, it's better to have ideas than beliefs. Ideas can be changed, whereas beliefs are trickier. People fight for beliefs, people kill for beliefs, people die for beliefs. If you've seen "Dogma", forgive me, I could not resist ![]() |
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#416 |
Elf Lord
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Slow down and I sail on the river, slow down and I walk to the hill
Posts: 2,389
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A lot about being a 'true' Christian is actually having an experience with God, and it's hard to understand without the Holy Spirit.
That probably sounds like a bunch of hooey, but it does being able to believe with all your heart has a lot to do with the Holy Spirit (at least, I think so)
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“The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, but wiser people so full of doubts.” –Bertrand Russell |
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#417 | ||
Elven Warrior
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Canada
Posts: 479
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I'll give a really dumb example. Suppose you have a stick you are trying to measure the length of. Say the stick is 2 metres long. If you use your measuring method (I don't know...measure against your feet, eyeball it, whatever) and you get an answer of 1.5 m. You try again and you get 1.49, 1.52, 1.47, 1.51, and so on, I'd say your method is pretty precise. That's because the variability isn't very huge. You can say that your answer is in and around 1.47-1.52. You always get close to the same answer. But, I'd have to say the method is not very accurate, because you were WAY off the true value of 2 m. On the flip side, maybe your method gives you answers ranging from 1.5 to 2.5. Accurate, but not precise. The best is precise AND accurate. Rouge Elf, that was a very good post. Quote:
I think as to what is "easier" or more "acceptable", (this is for you, Starr! ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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#418 | |
The Rogue Elf
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,722
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If that's not what you meant, don't mind me, Starr ![]() Last edited by Rána Eressëa : 03-28-2002 at 12:45 AM. |
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#419 | |
I am Freddie/UNDERCOVER/ Founder of The Great Continent of Entmoot
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Plainsboro, NJ
Posts: 9,431
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I agree BeardofPants - most of the atheists have experienced both religion and no-religion. I even looked at other religions before fully deciding on atheism. All Religions are basically based on "unfailing, unquestioning belief".
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I base my beliefs on scientific findings - when those findings change - I will change my views. As I've said before more science supports evolution than creationism. That's why my schools taught evolution - even though they were Catholic schools. However in Indiana most religious schools do not teach evolution. A god makes no sense to me. That's why I don't believe. Why does there have to be a god? My life is no better or worse with or without god. I've had a lot of religious people tell me that I should find god - that it's make my life easier - my life wasn't any easier when I did "believe". Everyone has told me my mother is in heaven waiting for me and if I don't believe I'll never see her again. She is in the ground in Piscataway NJ in Sacred Heart Cemetary. Cemetaries and funerals are a way to make us feel better about death - and heaven is an extension of that concept.
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#420 |
Elf Lord
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Slow down and I sail on the river, slow down and I walk to the hill
Posts: 2,389
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No, you took what I said out of context. More tommorow, too ill and tired to respond.
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“The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, but wiser people so full of doubts.” –Bertrand Russell |
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Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
Religious Knowledge Thread | Gwaimir Windgem | General Messages | 631 | 07-21-2008 04:47 PM |