Why are you not a Christian

[Proteus_MST]

Good writing

And it were the same questions like Wernazuma had that lead me from a christian faith to the unitarian universalist approach in religion several years ago (well, without being able to name my belief accordingly through most of these years; I only discovered maybe 2 years ago that the approach I have to religions now is the unitarian universalist one)

[Asher]

Originally posted by Dr Strangelove
Let's see, 1.3 billion atheist Chinese living in a country that persecutes gays, 1.1 billion Hindu and Muslim Indians living in a country where gay sex is illegal, but only 2 billion Christians, most of whom live in countries which tolerate homosexuality, countries where there has been no widespread opposition to those rights by Christians and yet you conclude there is an undeniable correlation between opposition to homosexual rights and Christianity.

This is deja vu, but don't play games with me Doc.

It's not just Christianity that doesn't support homosexual rights, it's virtually every religion in the world. Of course. Your point isn't made here.

Second, if you want to tell me that "tolerating" homosexuality (your words) is the same as supporting equal homosexual rights, you got hit in the head a few times.

And I find it incredibly insulting for you to tell me that there's no widespread opposition to equal rights by Christians in the US, and in Canada. Are you completely out to lunch?

[Traianvs]

Wernazuma: what you're saying just proves that the bible is merely some man-made combination of writings by a number of ancient philosphers, story-tellers etc. There are so many contradictions, so many incongruities, so many anachronisms that the most obvious value of it is that it gives us an impression of the thoughts and social environment of the (different) times in which the books were written. I cannot even begin to understand why anyone would consider the entire bible as a book that guides your belief - exactly because of all those contradictions (of which you have mentioned a few).

Most Christians don't even know how to read the bible. They read it at face value and don't know how to interpret what is being said there. Most people don't even realise that the chapter they are reading was written some 2500 years ago in a culturally and environmentally distinct time and space. Some people try to bring it all up-to-date, but then you're not really studying the bible, but simply a modern version of it and then that bible becomes irrelevant from a religious point of view because you're not interpreting the scriptures like they were way back.
-> It would be like basing all scientific work on assumptions and conclusions postulated in the 1900. Nobody does that if newer and better research is available. Only the general principles apply in that case

[Ben Kenobi]

They read it at face value and don't know how to interpret what is being said there. Most people don't even realise that the chapter they are reading was written some 2500 years ago in a culturally and environmentally distinct time and space.

If I may be excused by Jon.

That perspective you quote there is very modern. How long has that been an important part of textual criticism?

Some people try to bring it all up-to-date, but then you're not really studying the bible, but simply a modern version of it and then that bible becomes irrelevant from a religious point of view because you're not interpreting the scriptures like they were way back.

Agreed. This is why there is considerable tension between the two schools. One says that Christianity is transcendent, that it teaches truths that are always applicable to everybody. Same with culture. Christian culture is not confined to a particular geographic area, or even a language. The other rejects these beliefs, and has proven very harmful.

It would be like basing all scientific work on assumptions and conclusions postulated in the 1900. Nobody does that if newer and better research is available. Only the general principles apply in that case

Your second point is the right one. We should interpret things as closely to the source material as possible. That means reading the church fathers and what they have to say. Newer, at least in history isn't always the better unless new manuscript evidence has been uncovered.

Anyways, Christianity rejects the principle that their teachings are confined to a specific area in time, rather they should apply to everyone everywhere and should be just as applicable today.

[Blake]

Now if Christainity could accept Atheism it would be getting somewhere!

Because when it comes to fundamental truths, "God Exists" is clearly not one of them! It's more of a fundamental speculation .

[Elok]

Yes, please tell us more about the origins of Buddhist civilization, Blake. You know we're all just dying to hear.

[Ben Kenobi]

I just fixed that sarcasm detector Elok!

[Blake]

Originally posted by Elok
Yes, please tell us more about the origins of Buddhist civilization, Blake. You know we're all just dying to hear.

Also a speculative question, but science suggests it evolved from self-replicating molecules.

[Grandpa Troll]

Originally posted by Blake


Because when it comes to fundamental truths, "God Exists" is clearly not one of them! It's more of a fundamental speculation .

Blake, you the man when it comes to AI indeedy

But your way off on God, he does exist, just because you say he doesnt, that doesnt hold an ounce of proof.

God exists, look around at the world he created.

If you chose to not believe in God, thats your choice.

It is a fundamental truth, God exists.

Speculation can easily be applied to Budda, but you chose to worship Budda all you want. This doesnt make Budda all knowing and the author of creation. God is the author of creation.

Gramp[s

[Blake]

God is a girl and his name is Eris!


I look around at the world, and I see that the world is. I don't see proof that God created the world!

[Blake]

Do you see what is there, or does your mind persist in weaving stories to explain what you see?

[Grandpa Troll]

Originally posted by Blake
God is a girl and his name is Eris!


I look around at the world, and I see that the world is. I don't see proof that God created the world!

One day you will, we all will

[Grandpa Troll]

Originally posted by Blake
Do you see what is there, or does your mind persist in weaving stories to explain what you see?

Well, it dont see a fat statute that just sits their, no I see a statue of Budda, and know Budda is supported by Heretics.

[Zkribbler]

Oops. Getting a little hot in here. Everyone, take a deep breath, count to ten, and chill.

[Grandpa Troll]

Originally posted by Zkribbler
Oops. Getting a little hot in here. Everyone, take a deep breath, count to ten, and chill.

Yup, that will make everyone accept the others views