:roflmao:
Now that's funny!!
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Atheism is a belief.
- Thread starter Tht1Gy!
- Start date
Now that's funny!!
atheism is not a religion.
Who said it was? Anti-religion maybe...
How do you know "nothing of substance has been altered"?
Surely that's an assumption.
this is what made the dead sea scrolls such a hit.
al though they only go back 2000+ years, its rather remarkable how so little has changed in regards to the hebrew bible.
atheism is not a religion.
correct, its an insult directed at those who do not believe in the christian god.
correct, its an insult directed at those who do not believe in the christian god.
It's the Hebrew God, actually, because they are the same thing, and Judaism came first.
And what makes a person believe in that god as opposed to others? Why not Judaism? Or Islam? Why not Buddhism? What about the gods that the Native Americans believed in? Or the Romans? Mayans?
The reason anyone believes in their particular brand of religion boils down to two potential causes:
1) They were raised in a household that prescribed to a particular religion, and they were brought to their particular house of worship as a child, perhaps taught in their particular religion's schooling system; basically, they were introduced to the religion as children, and were made to believe it was true before they had the means to decide for themselves.
Or,
2) They found the faith as adults, and something about it was beneficial to them. In many cases, drug addicts get clean with the help of faith-based detox and recovery programs, which of course is attributed to the strength of God (or L. Ron Hubbard, in some cases), and thus the recovering addict is religious. Or they lose a loved one and find religion to be a crutch (not in a bad way) to support them during their grief.
One is dependent on the impressionability of a child's mind, and the other is based on a person's weaknesses, vices, in order to convert them. Meanwhile, Atheism is just a word, and requires no impressionable youth or drug-addiction for membership. There's no belief system involved. As you can see, in most cases, what religion you are is dependent on what your parent's religion was, so you are, in effect, Atheistic in regards to Thor, or Ra, but only because you weren't born in those lands in those times, and you only heard of these gods referred to as myth.
Therefore, Atheism is not a belief, but a result. A word that simply means that a person has either not been introduced to any particular religion, or simply doesn't believe that any of them have any real merit. Key words: Doesn't believe.
capslockf9
Registered Senior Member
Someone who believes in Baal could call you an Anti-Baalian,
whether you identify yourself that way or not, the Baal-worshiper is going to refer to you as such.
whether you identify yourself that way or not, the Baal-worshiper is going to refer to you as such.
JesseLeigh
Registered Member
Evening JDawg!
With reference to your above post, sometimes people who are brought up in an irreligious/atheistic home, and who have quite a different, even a focused destiny planned for themselves, are give a 'Damascus Road' experience, and are informed by God that He has just altered their plans. Such people are apprehended and commissioned to do the work of God. That's precisely what happened to me and I still show up for duty every day to see what it is God's Will is for me. It has been an enlightening and intriguing journey thus far.
Shabbat shalom - Jesse.
With reference to your above post, sometimes people who are brought up in an irreligious/atheistic home, and who have quite a different, even a focused destiny planned for themselves, are give a 'Damascus Road' experience, and are informed by God that He has just altered their plans. Such people are apprehended and commissioned to do the work of God. That's precisely what happened to me and I still show up for duty every day to see what it is God's Will is for me. It has been an enlightening and intriguing journey thus far.
Shabbat shalom - Jesse.
Fraggle Rocker
Staff member
People have both aural and visual hallucinations every day. They're not evidence of the existence of a supernatural universe full of creatures who capriciously meddle in our lives. Saul/Paul was clearly one taco short of a combination plate. It's a shame that his mental instability inspired him to help unleash a second and more virulent Abrahamist religion on this hapless planet.. . . . sometimes people who are brought up in an irreligious/atheistic home. . . . are given a 'Damascus Road' experience, and are informed by God that He has just altered their plans.
Evening JDawg!
With reference to your above post, sometimes people who are brought up in an irreligious/atheistic home, and who have quite a different, even a focused destiny planned for themselves, are give a 'Damascus Road' experience, and are informed by God that He has just altered their plans. Such people are apprehended and commissioned to do the work of God. That's precisely what happened to me and I still show up for duty every day to see what it is God's Will is for me. It has been an enlightening and intriguing journey thus far.
Shabbat shalom - Jesse.
You may have perceived it that way, and I'm not going to try to convince you otherwise. I don't believe it's true, simply because the evidence says it isn't. There have been millions of people who have believed in other gods than yours, and even more who never even knew of your god.
JesseLeigh
Registered Member
Hello again JDawg!
I should have made it clear that the first *dramatic* interaction I had with God was merely the first of a series which has continued for thirty-four years - formally - as I've worked in the missionary field. Reflection later in life has shown me that God has been with me all my life, carefully guiding me - The Potter molding His clay. (I'm 52, btw.)
ALL people know of YHWH, their Creator, for He has written His Laws 'Upon the hearts of *all* people,' whether they recognize those Laws or not.
You may find it curious to learn that Malaysian Christians call God Allah. It surprised me, but I know a fellow missionary there who gives me frequent insight into what's going on with the brethren in a part of the world I've not been to yet.
It's true that millions have believed in other gods - small 'g' gods, IOW - not the Creator. The Bible says,
I believe everyone is in for a few surprises when Christ returns, as Christians, Jews, and Moslems believe He will - despite their differences.
'THERE IS ONE GOD... and ONE Lord.'
'God *hates* divisions and sects.'
'Christ died once for ALL men.'
I believe many argue over trivialities, not recognizing them as such.
Shabbat shalom - Jesse.
“ Originally Posted by JesseLeigh
Evening JDawg!
With reference to your above post, sometimes people who are brought up in an irreligious/atheistic home, and who have quite a different, even a focused destiny planned for themselves, are give a 'Damascus Road' experience, and are informed by God that He has just altered their plans. Such people are apprehended and commissioned to do the work of God. That's precisely what happened to me and I still show up for duty every day to see what it is God's Will is for me. It has been an enlightening and intriguing journey thus far.
Shabbat shalom - Jesse. ”
JDawg: You may have perceived it that way, and I'm not going to try to convince you otherwise. I don't believe it's true, simply because the evidence says it isn't. There have been millions of people who have believed in other gods than yours, and even more who never even knew of your god.
I should have made it clear that the first *dramatic* interaction I had with God was merely the first of a series which has continued for thirty-four years - formally - as I've worked in the missionary field. Reflection later in life has shown me that God has been with me all my life, carefully guiding me - The Potter molding His clay. (I'm 52, btw.)
ALL people know of YHWH, their Creator, for He has written His Laws 'Upon the hearts of *all* people,' whether they recognize those Laws or not.
You may find it curious to learn that Malaysian Christians call God Allah. It surprised me, but I know a fellow missionary there who gives me frequent insight into what's going on with the brethren in a part of the world I've not been to yet.
It's true that millions have believed in other gods - small 'g' gods, IOW - not the Creator. The Bible says,
'There is no God but one. For even if there are so-called gods whether in heaven or on earth, as indeed there are many gods and many lords, yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him. However not all men have this knowledge....'
I believe everyone is in for a few surprises when Christ returns, as Christians, Jews, and Moslems believe He will - despite their differences.
'THERE IS ONE GOD... and ONE Lord.'
'God *hates* divisions and sects.'
'Christ died once for ALL men.'
I believe many argue over trivialities, not recognizing them as such.
Shabbat shalom - Jesse.
JesseLeigh
Registered Member
Evening Fraggle Rocker!
First, I'd like to say that I don't consider this planet 'Hapless.' It was created perfectly and I've seen much of it, and it wouldn't be in the mess it's in now if we'd treat it properly, being caretakers of it instead of just takers from it.
With respect to your post - and yourself - what makes you so sure it is I and not you who are having hallucinations? Do many people have the same hallucination at the same time frequently? (I'm well aware that this phenomenon has occurred at times.)
Several of my interactions with God have not been entirely personal. My daily interactions are, but often God reveals Himself to groups of us as we gather together. We can't all be having the same hallucinations - there are just too many. We're not on LSD or other mind-altering substances, nor are we victims of mass delusions - hundreds of 'em.
Just something to think about. It's easy to say you believe in nothing and rest on your laurels, but can you prove to me that nothing exists?
Shalom - Jesse.
“ Originally Posted by JesseLeigh
. . . . sometimes people who are brought up in an irreligious/atheistic home. . . . are given a 'Damascus Road' experience, and are informed by God that He has just altered their plans. ”
People have both aural and visual hallucinations every day. They're not evidence of the existence of a supernatural universe full of creatures who capriciously meddle in our lives. Saul/Paul was clearly one taco short of a combination plate. It's a shame that his mental instability inspired him to help unleash a second and more virulent Abrahamist religion on this hapless planet.
First, I'd like to say that I don't consider this planet 'Hapless.' It was created perfectly and I've seen much of it, and it wouldn't be in the mess it's in now if we'd treat it properly, being caretakers of it instead of just takers from it.
With respect to your post - and yourself - what makes you so sure it is I and not you who are having hallucinations? Do many people have the same hallucination at the same time frequently? (I'm well aware that this phenomenon has occurred at times.)
Several of my interactions with God have not been entirely personal. My daily interactions are, but often God reveals Himself to groups of us as we gather together. We can't all be having the same hallucinations - there are just too many. We're not on LSD or other mind-altering substances, nor are we victims of mass delusions - hundreds of 'em.
Just something to think about. It's easy to say you believe in nothing and rest on your laurels, but can you prove to me that nothing exists?
Shalom - Jesse.
Just something to think about. It's easy to say you believe in nothing and rest on your laurels, but can you prove to me that nothing exists?
The burden of proof is not on the non-believer. It is on those who claim the invisible is really there.
I'm not asking for proof, though. I know there isn't any, and that I can't convince you that God doesn't exist. Just as long as you don't use that faith to justify hate or oppression of others, then I have no qualms with your beliefs.
JesseLeigh
Registered Member
.Dude, people have been saying "just wait for Jesus to come back" for like 1500 years
JDawg - my name is Jesse, not dude, and with respect, that's no way to address a lady.
Now then,
people waited for Jesus for over 4,000 years *before* He came, and have been waiting for His promised *return* for over 2,000 *since* He came, but then, we've always known the wait would be this long. (Genesis 3:14-15.) God didn't leave us in the dark as to the timing of Christ's appearance - both times. We may not know 'The day and the hour' but we certainly know that the 'season' is here and the 'harvest' is ripe and ready.
I don't concern myself with timing as our Father knows what He is doing. Whether I live to see the return of Christ, or am resurrected later, makes little difference to me.
Peace be upon you - Jesse.
JesseLeigh
Registered Member
I'm not asking for proof, though. I know there isn't any, and that I can't convince you that God doesn't exist. Just as long as you don't use that faith to justify hate or oppression of others, then I have no qualms with your beliefs.
JDawg - no, you *don't* know. You simply do not subscribe to the belief that God exists, but you cannot know He doesn't - that's absurd.
I don't hate, nor do I oppress anyone. I'm a pacifist and do not support or condone violence of any kind. Faith is a gift of God - not a whimsy.
'Faith is the *assured* expectation of things hoped for, the evident demonstrations of realities though not beheld.' (Hebrews 11:1)
While I do have faith, with regard to the existence of God our Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, the above definition of the word does not apply to me. I know and have seen Jesus, and while I have not seen God with my physical eyes, I have heard Him and felt His Presence many times. I feel God's Presence as I type these words, but there have been times, times of mortal danger, when God's Presence was far more dramatic than the pefect peace He gives me now. I am never without Him. Jesus promised 'I will never leave you nor forsake you,' and He doesn't.
Peace be upon you - Jesse.
JDawg - my name is Jesse, not dude, and with respect, that's no way to address a lady.
If I had any idea you were a woman, I wouldn't have called you "dude". But in fairness, lighten the fuck up.
people waited for Jesus for over 4,000 years *before* He came, and have been waiting for His promised *return* for over 2,000 *since* He came, but then, we've always known the wait would be this long. (Genesis 3:14-15.) God didn't leave us in the dark as to the timing of Christ's appearance - both times. We may not know 'The day and the hour' but we certainly know that the 'season' is here and the 'harvest' is ripe and ready.
But the Jews knew that he wasn't who he claimed to be. Also, saying "It's gonna happen, just keep your money coming!" is a nice scam, but after 2000 years, it gets a little old.
JDawg - no, you *don't* know. You simply do not subscribe to the belief that God exists, but you cannot know He doesn't - that's absurd.
I never claimed to know there wasn't a god. I simply said there wasn't any evidence. And I *know* there isn't.
I know and have seen Jesus,
Now that is absurd. Pass the acid, please.
I am a doctor, a naturopath, Q, but if you don't believe what I said about color - Google it!
Sorry, but naturopaths aren't doctors. They have been allowed to use that moniker, much to the chagrin of the medical profession.
You know, the people who are doctors.
It's true that millions have believed in other gods - small 'g' gods, IOW - not the Creator. The Bible says
Whatever the bible says about believing that the Christian god is the only god is exactly the same thing most other religions claim.
Why would you think Christianity has a monopoly on making those claims?
I believe everyone is in for a few surprises when Christ returns, as Christians, Jews, and Moslems believe He will - despite their differences.
Ah, the threat of impending return. It might have worked on the ignorant masses of medieval times, but no one actually takes it seriously that a figure who can't even be shown to have existed will make a return debut. It's an empty threat meant to keep the sheeple in line.
It was created perfectly and I've seen much of it, and it wouldn't be in the mess it's in now if we'd treat it properly, being caretakers of it instead of just takers from it.
You can thank your religions doctrines for the "mess it's in now," thank you very much.
http://members.aol.com/porchnus/memorial/skeppie9.htm
With respect to your post - and yourself - what makes you so sure it is I and not you who are having hallucinations?
That's a gimme.
Several of my interactions with God have not been entirely personal. My daily interactions are, but often God reveals Himself to groups of us as we gather together. We can't all be having the same hallucinations - there are just too many.
Oh, yes you can.
http://www.o4sr.org/publications/pf_v2n1/Memory.htm
It's easy to say you believe in nothing and rest on your laurels, but can you prove to me that nothing exists?
No, no Jesse, it's easy to say you believe in the invisible and undetectable, but can you demonstrate it exists?