One definition of Religion: a pursuit or interest to which someone ascribes supreme importance.

 

All Religion isn't about a deity or God.

 

How many definitions did you skip to get to that? By that definition, math is a religion. Gravity would be a religion.

Play all the word games you want. I have a religious person arguing that religion doesn't have to do with god. No sense in continuing to talk to people who argue such silliness.

You guys want to make religion and science equivalent so you can then put it in schools and force on people, because you aren't really happy in your beliefs unless you are bullying others. But the arguments you make are disingenuous to the point of being dishonest. Truly dishonest, this level of playing with words. If there was a God, he would be ashamed of the tripe spewed out his name.

How many definitions did you skip to get to that? By that definition, math is a religion. Gravity would be a religion.

Play all the word games you want. I have a religious person arguing that religion doesn't have to do with god. No sense in continuing to talk to people who argue such silliness.

You guys want to make religion and science equivalent so you can then put it in schools and force on people, because you aren't really happy in your beliefs unless you are bullying others. But the arguments you make are disingenuous to the point of being dishonest. Truly dishonest, this level of playing with words. If there was a God, he would be ashamed of the tripe spewed out his name.

It was by the way the third definition since you asked.

 

I gave you a definition of the word Religion no more and no less without comment. Many people subscribe to region without deities many even claim Science to be their Religion.

 

One don't put words into my mouth, I've never advocated for forcing religion or my beliefs on anyone.

 

I'm not the one bullying others for their beliefs or making condescending remarks about what others believe.

 

I'm not nor was I making any argument, so I don't know if you are pointing to me or just broad stroking all Christians that have posted on here.

 

I don't usually comment or discuss these issues with people that are Anti-Religion as you seem to be. I'll discuss them with an honest Atheist or Agnostic all day but the bullying and condensation that comes from the Anti-Religion crowd isn't worth comment in most cases and are rarely productive.

What is your take on the issue? I just can't fathom a loving God allowing that kind of evil to happen when(assuming He is omnipotent) he could disallow it. Also, do you believe God is something in the abstract or a physical being? Was Jesus the physical manifestation of God? In addition, along with most other scientists, I believe it is a virtual certainty that life has sprung up elsewhere in the Universe( or in other universes). Probably millions or billions of times. Does that life serve the one God--your God? Would Jesus be God incarnate for those civilizations as well? Did Jesus die on a cross for the sins of the beings on other planets or was there a different salvation story from planet to planet? Just curious about your take on some of these things. If you want to tackle a couple of those just very briefly I'd appreciate it. Thanks a bunch. I doubt you will convince me of God , but I am curious about your take on these things. Thank you.

 

I've numbered these to try to answer everything. They are big questions that I am trying to answer concisely.

 

1. The evil thing. I struggle with this too. In Job when God allowed Satan to do those terrible things to him he kind of says at the end "I am God. I am good. I am all powerful. Trust me. That should be good enough for you." Not a very straight answer. I recognize that the Bible teaches us that we live in a very dark world. One where King Herod murdered a village-full of Toddler Boys just to get to Jesus. The bible is blunt about the fact that evil exists. But the Bible also says that Jesus is the light and the darkness will not overcome it. It is a hard issue to deal with. I struggle with my Dad, who is a preacher, slowly dying of cancer. IDK.

 

2. What is God? I believe he is an actual being/person with characteristics, emotions, desires, and providence. I am not sure if you consider that abstract or not. I believe he is an actual spiritual person.

 

3. The whole universe thing. I do not believe in aliens or UFOs. In this entire galaxy I can understand that maybe germs, bacteria, virus, and plant life could maybe exist. How did it get there? IDK but I guess I would have to believe that God put it there. I believe that Humans on Earth are the only ones created in God's image.

 

You also mentioned something about all Christians wanting the Ten Commandments posted everywhere, creationism only taught in schools, and other such things. I do not think this is accurate. I love the freedom in this country. I love that people can pick where they go to choose. If citizens make decisions about symbols, then so be it.

 

I think its okay for evolution to be taught in school. There is nothing wrong with learning about other theories. I am right now reading the Koran. I am over half way and have learned a lot. It is a really hard read though. IT does not flow nearly as smoothly as the Bible.

I've numbered these to try to answer everything. They are big questions that I am trying to answer concisely.

 

1. The evil thing. I struggle with this too. In Job when God allowed Satan to do those terrible things to him he kind of says at the end "I am God. I am good. I am all powerful. Trust me. That should be good enough for you." Not a very straight answer. I recognize that the Bible teaches us that we live in a very dark world. One where King Herod murdered a village-full of Toddler Boys just to get to Jesus. The bible is blunt about the fact that evil exists. But the Bible also says that Jesus is the light and the darkness will not overcome it. It is a hard issue to deal with. I struggle with my Dad, who is a preacher, slowly dying of cancer. IDK.

 

2. What is God? I believe he is an actual being/person with characteristics, emotions, desires, and providence. I am not sure if you consider that abstract or not. I believe he is an actual spiritual person.

 

3. The whole universe thing. I do not believe in aliens or UFOs. In this entire galaxy I can understand that maybe germs, bacteria, virus, and plant life could maybe exist. How did it get there? IDK but I guess I would have to believe that God put it there. I believe that Humans on Earth are the only ones created in God's image.

 

You also mentioned something about all Christians wanting the Ten Commandments posted everywhere, creationism only taught in schools, and other such things. I do not think this is accurate. I love the freedom in this country. I love that people can pick where they go to choose. If citizens make decisions about symbols, then so be it.

 

I think its okay for evolution to be taught in school. There is nothing wrong with learning about other theories. I am right now reading the Koran. I am over half way and have learned a lot. It is a really hard read though. IT does not flow nearly as smoothly as the Bible.

 

 

Thank you so much.

Anybody that argues that evolution is a religion is just wrong. Just because there are two sides to an issue doesn't make them equal. And, we can't structure our society based on the erroneous belief of someone who thinks evolution is a religion.

 

You are stating your opinion. Nothing more, nothing less. What makes your opinion more correct than another?

 

You seem to be fine with a belief as long as it is the same as yours. Wonder who the close minded one, forcing their beliefs on another is?

Thank you so much.

 

That's it?

That's it?

 

Yes. No Trumpesque retort this time. I just wanted to hear what you had to say on those things. I knew our views would diverge sharply but just wanted your take on those issues.

That's it?

 

Yes. No Trumpesque retort this time. I just wanted to hear what you had to say on those things. I knew our views would diverge sharply but just wanted your take on those issues.

Yes. No Trumpesque retort this time. I just wanted to hear what you had to say on those things. I knew our views would diverge sharply but just wanted your take on those issues.

 

Ok. But never hesitate to react or respond. This is actually my favorite subject to talk about. You could probably teach me a couple things that I've never thought of before

Ok. But never hesitate to react or respond. This is actually my favorite subject to talk about. You could probably teach me a couple things that I've never thought of before

 

Ok, thank you. I enjoy pondering questions about life in the Universe, spirituality, science vs religion...all those types of things. I appreciate your input.

I'm not saying that you do, but that is the problem that atheists and agnostics have with religious folk. Believe whatever you want. That's your right. If it makes you happy and gives you peace of mind, that's a good thing. Just don't try to force or legislate those beliefs into the public sphere. If Christians had their way, there would be Ten Commandments in all buildings and public schools. Creationism taught in schools. Prayer... and on and on. Do all of these things as much as you want in your private realm. I'm all for you doing that. But it has to stop there! Otherwise,that would be forcing your beliefs on those who believe differently. You do what you want in private. I do the same. I don't want to walk into a school or a courthouse and see your Ten Commandments or a prayer meeting no more than you would want be exposed to things that are not part of your belief system. I'm assuming an iconic Islamic symbol on top of a city water tower would not be okay with you. It wouldn't be okay with me either. I think those types of things shold be displayed only on private property. So let's all keep it private.

 

But religion is public not just private. The free exercise of most people's religions require them to practice it publicly. The constitution does not endorse or stipulate anyone keep their religion private. It does stipulate that everyone be free to exercise their religion and that government not endorse any one religion.

 

I am not saying this is what you intended but there does seem to be a tendency today towards expecting people to keep their religion "to themselves" and perhaps only practicing it while in private. This will actually result in the oppression of religion. Being tolerant and respectful of others doesn't require that one be silent and secular in public and only vocal and observant in private. That is the repression of religion.

 

The freedom of speech and the free exercise of religion are in the 1st Amendment for a reason. The repression of those two is usually where tyranny starts.

 

Again, Science Friction, I recognize you are talking about the state or federal government posting the 10 Commandments in government owned buildings and having children in public schools recite the Lord's Prayer, and such, but I am drawing attention to the bolded statement in your post because it is an overstatement that if followed as stated (and not as you probably intended) will lead to government repression of religion, also a violation of the constitution as amended.

Edited November 2, 201510 yr by oldgrappler
removing redundance... again