quote:Originally posted by T:man: I really don't like religion, can someone change my mind. Also I'd like a good argument.
Can I change your mind, no I am sure that I can not. I don't like religion is a very blank statement and hard to discuss back. It would be like me saying I don't like history prove to me I should like history. History and Religion are very broad relms of discussion. I can, however, explain how religion works in my life and why I am a religiouos person. Would that change your mind about religion? I doubt it but it is the best one could do with such a vague and broad situation such as "I don't like religion".
Posts: 176 | Registered: Jun 2008
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My mom used to tell us to go outside and play and then lock the door behind us. "Play in the shade!" I used to think that she was mean.
That's my religious thought for the day.
(Also, I'm getting some sort of zen saying of the day in my email lately. A lot of them have misspellings, which bugs me. I can't remember signing up for these zen sayings.)
Posts: 628 | Registered: Nov 1999
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Dude. I have a bit of a reputation around here, but I don't think I ever posted quite so blatant a troll. (In the sense of picking a fight, not flaming.) Why not just dare someone to knock the chip off your shoulder?
My prediction: You won't get any serious responses.
My reasoning:
a) It's a troll. b) You have never showed that you will actually take part in a debate. You post one-liners and little throwaways, never anything substantial. Why should we take the trouble of writing long responses to you?
Posts: 10645 | Registered: Jul 2004
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Look, Monty Python quotes have been overdone, and anyway that sketch is not their best. Can we please stop beating this dead parrot now?
Posts: 10645 | Registered: Jul 2004
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quote:Originally posted by twinky: I have a religious dilemma: I've always wanted to have sex in a confession booth...
At least then you can accomplish consummation, confession, and absolution simultaneously; brilliant!
Posts: 14316 | Registered: Jul 2005
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quote:Originally posted by rivka: You did. In a previous life.
Oh, and right after I posted, terrible storms came through here. I don't think they were religious storms, but I'm never sure of anything.
Posts: 628 | Registered: Nov 1999
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Here is the thing you most need to know; there is religion and there is religion, the two not necessarily being the same. Once you accept that, the path is easy.
On one hand there is the corrupt power hungry controlling money grubbing bureaucracy run by failed flawed fallen human beings. It's no wonder you would be turned off by that.
But there is also the religion of the underlying message, and that message is valuable. Though certainly more complicated from a practical perspective, I can sum up all religious philosophy in six word, two phrases of three words each.
Do no harm.
Do some good.
What else do you really need to know? Love they neighbor. Have compassion. Be charitable and forgiving. Be honest and truthful. And certainly many more catch phrases, but aren't they all included in those 6 simple words quoted above.
Next we must ask if a humble man like Jesus really wanted the whole world to worship and adore him? I'm not convinced. I think if he saw the state of the religion based on his life, he would be very disappointed.
Take the phrase - I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one enters the kingdom of Heaven but by me.
But what is the context of this statement. Is this Jesus telling us to blindly worship him, or is he telling us to follow his example?
Is the implied context - I am showing you the Way. I am showing you the Truth. I am showing you the Life. No one enters the kingdom of Heaven but by what I have shown you.
I personally think the latter.
Which brings me to a core point. You can be a religious and spiritual seeker without succumbing to the greed and corruption that infect the bureaucratic church. You don't need to fight in their petty battle for power, control, and wealth.
If you do feel the need to be associated with a church, find a nice small quiet church that feels comfortable to you, and take solace in your fellow seeker of wisdom and truth, and forget about the overriding bureaucracy.
Otherwise seek wisdom and truth where you can. Take what works for you, and forget the rest.
My own spirituality has been influenced by Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, and new age. I think they all have some worth. They all have some wisdom for me.
I believe that we are each on a spiritual journey seeking, oddly, ourselves. Some times it is necessary to stray from the Path, so that when you find it again, you will be able to recognize it.
Also, remember that from a Protestant perspective, the Church is only your guide. The ultimate truth, and right or wrong of things, is resolved between you and God.
It doesn't matter what the church says about gay marriage; if you examine your heart and the scriptures, and believe you understand it in the proper perspective and context, and you are OK with it. Then that is a matter resolved. Your spirituality is between you and God, and is not to be judged by others. Especially not other flawed fallen failed alleged Christians.
So, you need to separate your own spiritual quest while you remain in mortal form on this earth, from the flawed bureaucracy of the church.
posted
I assume that was kq's intention. I didn't think it was particularly explicit, but we all know that I have no borders and can't be allowed in more respectable society.
Posts: 11187 | Registered: Sep 2005
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I think she was probably joking, both because of all the exclamation marks and because she quoted it herself.
Posts: 16059 | Registered: Aug 2000
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I didn't read KQ's post that way (edit: the way Kate did), but I didn't want to leave mine hanging out there (so to speak) by itself.
Posts: 3846 | Registered: Apr 2004
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Ah...sorry for misunderstanding. I am doing a lot of that today! I'm glad you thought it was funny.
Posts: 11187 | Registered: Sep 2005
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