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Post by Dave on Mar 18, 2008 20:25:59 GMT -5
why?
I don't mean this to be a debate, but simply an explanation. I am agnostic at best, athiest at worst (raised fundemental christian). There have been times in my life (once for sure) when the Bible saved my life. I have no doubt about that and i respect anyone's conscious decision and am genuinly curious:
what do you believe and why?
please be respectful (who am i kidding??)
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Post by wizer on Mar 18, 2008 20:53:48 GMT -5
I don't believe in god, the paranormal, or anything else that hasn't been proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Why? Because there's no proof.
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Post by Phyxius on Mar 18, 2008 20:56:58 GMT -5
I'm an agnostic. I don't claim to have that answer and think anyone else who claims certainty in that area is full of shit...
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Post by wizer on Mar 18, 2008 20:58:27 GMT -5
I'm an agnostic. I don't claim to have that answer and think anyone else who claims certainty in that area is full of shit... But didn't you hear? They found Noah's Ark! Surely that should convince the naysayers!
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Post by kittenhart on Mar 18, 2008 21:16:09 GMT -5
I believe in the bible as an artifact, as written evidence passed down through time, probably highly garbled in places...people always rewrite things to make themselves look better.
I believe that useful information can come from questionable sources, if one is willing to listen.
I believe in the intrinsic healing power of forgiveness for all social animals (but especially for primates) and that whether you think Jesus was the Son of God, a schizophrenic carpenter, or an extraterrestrial, it really doesn't change the message either way.
Sometimes it's best to take what is useful from a set of information that is presented, and withhold judgement on the rest of the stuff.
Just my opinion....happy Easter.
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Post by Dave on Mar 18, 2008 21:22:21 GMT -5
I believe in the bible as an artifact, as written evidence passed down through time, probably highly garbled in places...people always rewrite things to make themselves look better. I believe that useful information can come from questionable sources, if one is willing to listen. I believe in the intrinsic healing power of forgiveness for all social animals (but especially for primates) and that whether you think Jesus was the Son of God, a schizophrenic carpenter, or an extraterrestrial, it really doesn't change the message either way. Sometimes it's best to take what is useful from a set of information that is presented, and withhold judgement on the rest of the stuff. Just my opinion....happy Easter. that sounds like a church i could attend.
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Post by freckles on Mar 18, 2008 22:52:57 GMT -5
why? I don't mean this to be a debate, but simply an explanation. I am agnostic at best, athiest at worst (raised fundemental christian). There have been times in my life (once for sure) when the Bible saved my life. I have no doubt about that and i respect anyone's conscious decision and am genuinly curious: what do you believe and why? please be respectful (who am i kidding??) The Bible is 100 percent True and Truth directed by God Angels are Real God is Real also Evil is Real That is they Way it is
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Post by wizer on Mar 18, 2008 22:57:10 GMT -5
The Bible is 100 percent True and Truth directed by God Angels are Real God is Real also Evil is Real That is they Way it is Thanks for clearing that up Frecks.
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Post by lumpy on Mar 19, 2008 0:41:32 GMT -5
Rolls over in his grave.
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Post by jules on Mar 19, 2008 1:12:33 GMT -5
I am a believer. Mainly because I have a hard time fathoming that life on this earth is merely random chaos with no meaning. I think that our time on this earth is merely a piece of something larger than we can fathom. And that there is a plan, though we are not capable of understanding it.
Also, my faith has been my one constant throughout my life, and several times it has been the one thing that has kept me going. I pray, though I don't know if some would consider it praying. Mainly I talk to God. (Sometimes using a lot of curse words.) And I try to listen. Sometimes I get guidiance, sometimes I don't. I can't prove that it's God talking to me. But I can't prove that it's not, either. I do know that there have been times I've said "I can't handle anymore; you take over." And somehow I've made it through.
As for the Bible, it was written by human beings who may have been inspired by God, but their interpretation was affected by the times in which they lived and their own personal biases. It was also heavily edited by religious leaders who decided to leave out much, such as the Gospel of Mary Magdelene, the Gospel of Judas, and many other works which have been found throughout the years.
Frankly, I'm pretty pissed off at God right now. My faith is probably shakier than it's been in my entire life. But I'm still trying to hold on. Because the alternative is just too depressing. My faith is something that is part of who I am, though I'm not one to talk about it unless the subject is raised. I'd never try to convince others to see things my way. I've done an awful lot of personal reflection on this topic throughout the years, and I'm pretty comfortable with my overall beliefs, and knowing what feels right for me.
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Post by sheyd on Mar 19, 2008 8:20:24 GMT -5
I believe much like Kittenheart and Jules. The bible (or any other religious writings, like the Torah, Qu'aran (sp), etc.) as an absolute truth - not so much. It is words, after all, and words can be and are warped by humans and their understandings. However, it can and has helped and saved many people. Some through belief, some through guidance. I believe there is power in that, and I would NEVER want to take away someones belief in something that makes them happier and stronger than they are on their own.
I believe there is SOMETHING special and bigger - I can't witness/experience the birth of a child and not realize that. Just the way the leaves blow in the wind tells me that. To me it is heavily tied to natural things, though, and less to books and words. At the same time, sometimes a church service can move me, too - humans are natural, and our brains are positively AMAZING. So the words sometimes are too.
Shey
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Post by JimB on Mar 19, 2008 8:24:29 GMT -5
The bible is a classic piece of literature. And that's it.
Spirituality is an important part of life. But I just can't buy into a supreme being - it seems too much like something constructed out of the human desire to believe there is something beyond this life. There ain't, kids - this is all we've got. Make the most of it.
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Post by wizer on Mar 19, 2008 8:32:14 GMT -5
There ain't, kids - this is all we've got. Make the most of it. Oh boy. There's going to be hell to pay when Freckles reads this.
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Post by Dave on Mar 19, 2008 9:29:08 GMT -5
thanks for the responses so far . .. i grew up as a fundementalist Christian and what never made sense to me was the idea that we are to suffer in this life for our reward in the next. . . .
thanks again.
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Spike
Full Member
Posts: 123
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Post by Spike on Mar 19, 2008 10:20:19 GMT -5
I'm going to jump on the bus, Phyx is driving. If we had the answers, then what would we debate??
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