The Truth of Christianity vs. All Other Belief Systems

[Moochie]

I believe that people and the world are basically good. Yes there are people who do evil but a lot of them are inspired to so because of ideology and religion. The notion that they are right and every one else are wrong. Yes there are exceptions to this, murderers, thieves, people who prey one the innocent, and they're mostly motivated by greed. But the worse atrocities in history are motivated by ideology (including religion) because it fosters an "us vs. them" view point. Anyone who isn't like you, who believes different stuff than you do, are "evil" and must be exteminated because they're a threat to your world view and what you believe.

I have a degree in anthropology, I've studied comparative religions. To me it is extreme hubris to declare that your way is the only true way. And isn't excessive pride and being judgmental a sin in Christianity? People are incredibly diverse, cultures are incredibly diverse - isn't it stupid and judgmental to consider your view the only true view? I pity people who are so close minded that they cannot appreciate and wonder at the good in this world and the amazing diversity in this world. We're all human although we may have different beliefs. Celebrate mankind, don't condemn people because they're not like you. Learn to appreciate them because they are like you - they want to do good, they love their families, they want to survive, and if they can, they want to contribute to the societies they live in.

I think that people are basically effed, that is to say, perhaps there's a missing gene or something.

I offer as evidence the state of the planet right now. Most if not all scientists agree that if humans continue on their current path, ie, raping and pillaging the environment (and, I think, each other), there is likely to be a denouement that will "take care" of the problem.

I think KK and CD are witless idiots that have made "sense" of the planet's present condition by retrofitting biblical text to fit that condition. Their "answer" is basically bull manure: believe twaddle and everything will be all right.

Well, "everything" will not be all right, unless we understand a very basic fact: we all (every living and non-living thing) depend on each other for our continued existence.

It's as simple as that.


M.

 

[Moochie]

I would agree that God does not change (although Process Theology, I think it is, has some interesting thoughts on God's experiences being changed because of created things, as opposed to God's nature being changed).

Where I would differ, kathy, is that I think people have viewpoints limited by time culture, gender etc, seeing through a glass darkly. Jesus himself develops ethics, saying Moses said this but I say to you (Sermon on the Mount). Remember that Xtians think that the Jews didn't get the whole picture and didn't grasp fully the nature of the messiah, or that the early Xtians thought that Christ would be returning very soon. He's not back yet so they got that wrong too. Remember also that thought in the Bible concerning who would be saved has developed too; at first we get the idea that God will only save the Jews, then there are ideas in the prophets that the gentiles are included too, then in the NT the whole world.

You need to stop talking any kind of sense to KK -- it will cause her to self-destruct in an apoplectic fit.


M.

 

[six7s]

Alright, sometimes it is only biscuits. Stop quibbling.

When the cake runs out, there is chicken and white wine... but biscuits? Really?

Eddie Izzard: Cake or Death​

Longer version of the above with NSFW language:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAOLOGGftTY&feature=related​

 

[Moochie]

When the cake runs out, there is chicken and white wine... but biscuits? Really?

Eddie Izzard: Cake or Death​

Longer version of the above with NSFW language:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAOLOGGftTY&feature=related​

I like Izzard a lot. This one's mirthful, too. It's from the same performance I think.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ope-1Zb5t-k&NR=1


The "Church of the Psychotic Bastard." Seems to fit.


M.

 

[Fireshadow]

You need to stop talking any kind of sense to KK -- it will cause her to self-destruct in an apoplectic fit.


M.

And this would be a bad thing because...?

 

[Moochie]

And this would be a bad thing because...?

Because KK's a human bean, like you and me. Don't make the fundamental mistake of thinking she's so different. She isn't. She could be your mom. LOL.


M.

 

[Fireshadow]

Because KK's a human bean, like you and me. Don't make the fundamental mistake of thinking she's so different. She isn't. She could be your mom. LOL.


M.

No, my mom rejected all of that bible thumping BS and raised her children to question everything.

 

[Moochie]

No, my mom rejected all of that bible thumping BS and raised her children to question everything.

Twist of fate. Do you question everything? I doubt many of us do. We all have our ideology or whatever we call it.


M.

 

[Fireshadow]

Twist of fate. Do you question everything? I doubt many of us do. We all have our ideology or whatever we call it.


M.

Ok, so maybe "question everything" was a bit of an exaggeration. But I was raised to not blindly accept things on authority, and encouraged in that by my friends. It helped shape who I am today. Perhaps more accurate would be to say that my mother encouraged us to find our own spirituality...there was never any overt religious teaching from either of my parents, but I single out my mom because she was raised Southern Baptist and rejected it, which influenced her decision not to force religion on her children. I've never really discussed religion with my dad...subject has never come up.

 

[six7s]

No, my mom rejected all of that bible thumping BS and raised her children to question everything.

You're one of the very, very privileged few!

Most of us, throughout history have been born into a cloud of flatulent superstition

This ain't gonna disperse whilst the likes of kk et al persist in regurgitating crap

 

[Moochie]

Ok, so maybe "question everything" was a bit of an exaggeration. But I was raised to not blindly accept things on authority, and encouraged in that by my friends. It helped shape who I am today. Perhaps more accurate would be to say that my mother encouraged us to find our own spirituality...there was never any overt religious teaching from either of my parents, but I single out my mom because she was raised Southern Baptist and rejected it, which influenced her decision not to force religion on her children. I've never really discussed religion with my dad...subject has never come up.

Thanks for your response -- I appreciate it.

If your dad's still around, bring it up in a conversation with him. Do this, even if it's very difficult. ◊◊◊◊ it, we all have to find a way, or we're ◊◊◊◊◊◊, as far as I can see (which isn't very far, thanks to this cheap vodka).


M.

 

[kurious_kathy]

No, my mom rejected all of that bible thumping BS and raised her children to question everything.

Oh and you think that's a good thing? I often think if my parents had not got divorced and raised me to know God through his Word I would not have had to learn so much the hard way. I was once so lost in this world, but Jesus changed that. Now I am set free and forgiven. The truth of Christianity is Jesus, he is the way! No other religion has Jesus right that's why we know they aren't true! The only way to the Father is through the Son!!

 

[joobz]

Oh and you think that's a good thing?

yes.

I often think if my parents had not got divorced and raised me to know God through his Word I would not have had to learn so much the hard way.

So you blame your parents for your mistakes?

ETA:
This is one of the things I dislike the most about your brand of religion. The lack of taking responsibility for one's actions.

 

[Lrrr]

Oh and you think that's a good thing?

Why yes. Yes, I do think that is a good thing. Please explain how repeating the company mantra of God Inc. is better. And do so without invoking any "because God and Jesus are just swell" rhetoric.

I often think if my parents had not got divorced and raised me to know God through his Word I would not have had to learn so much the hard way.

Amazingly, children of divorced parents have gone on to do good things in the world. Some even better than endlessly spewing the same sermons more often than reruns of Seinfeld.

I was once so lost in this world, but Jesus changed that. Now I am set free and forgiven. The truth of Christianity is Jesus, he is the way! No other religion has Jesus right that's why we know they aren't true! The only way to the Father is through the Son!!

<TV Guide mode>
Friday - 3:30 p.m. on "I am Kurious, Kathy"
Kathy tries (again) to convert the evil athiests at the JREF forum. Much wackiness and ridicule ensues.
Original broadcast date: 5 years ago
</TV Guide mode>

 

[Roadtoad]

Oh and you think that's a good thing? I often think if my parents had not got divorced and raised me to know God through his Word I would not have had to learn so much the hard way. I was once so lost in this world, but Jesus changed that. Now I am set free and forgiven. The truth of Christianity is Jesus, he is the way! No other religion has Jesus right that's why we know they aren't true! The only way to the Father is through the Son!!

Yes, Kathy. That is a good thing. I don't know Fireshadow, but I'm willing to bet that since he/she is here, that we're discussing someone with intellectual and spiritual courage. I'm willing to bet that Fireshadow knows a thing or two about honesty. I'm even willing to bet that Fireshadow would be willing to admit to having made a mistake.

Considering, Kathy, you are either incapable or unwilling to demonstrate any of that, I would say that is a very good thing.

 

[Fireshadow]

Yes, Kathy. That is a good thing. I don't know Fireshadow, but I'm willing to bet that since he/she is here, that we're discussing someone with intellectual and spiritual courage. I'm willing to bet that Fireshadow knows a thing or two about honesty. I'm even willing to bet that Fireshadow would be willing to admit to having made a mistake.

Considering, Kathy, you are either incapable or unwilling to demonstrate any of that, I would say that is a very good thing.

I'm frankly surprised that Kathy decided to respond to one of my posts, as I've done my best to avoid addressing her brand of hate directly (I can only stomach her by reading the quotes in other people's responses to her). As far as admitting mistakes--of course I can. I realize that I'm not perfect, and I do the best I can with what I have. Do I think that not having religion is a good thing? Yes. I can honestly say that I think the way I was raised makes me a better person. But, Kathy, you're blaming your parents' divorce on the bad things in your life--I have to say boo-hoo. My mother walked out on our family on my twelfth birthday and I didn't speak to her for over six months afterward. Do I blame that event, 21 years ago, for all the bad decisions I've made in my life? Not even close. My parents both gave me good tools to think for myself, live for myself, and know who I am, and I am forever grateful for it. I would not be who I am today if it weren't for the lessons I was taught by both of my parents--and I am proud of the fact that I am able today to stand on my own feet. My parents helped to shape the person I am today, but the bulk of the blame for my shortcomings, and the majority of the credit for my strengths, comes from me. Not my parents, though I love and respect them. Not my friends, though they've helped me to find new ways of looking at things. And certainly not from some legend who, if he ever existed, has been dead for 2000 years. There is no entity that controls my destiny other than me.

 

[Roadtoad]

I'm frankly surprised that Kathy decided to respond to one of my posts, as I've done my best to avoid addressing her brand of hate directly (I can only stomach her by reading the quotes in other people's responses to her). As far as admitting mistakes--of course I can. I realize that I'm not perfect, and I do the best I can with what I have. Do I think that not having religion is a good thing? Yes. I can honestly say that I think the way I was raised makes me a better person. But, Kathy, you're blaming your parents' divorce on the bad things in your life--I have to say boo-hoo. My mother walked out on our family on my twelfth birthday and I didn't speak to her for over six months afterward. Do I blame that event, 21 years ago, for all the bad decisions I've made in my life? Not even close. My parents both gave me good tools to think for myself, live for myself, and know who I am, and I am forever grateful for it. I would not be who I am today if it weren't for the lessons I was taught by both of my parents--and I am proud of the fact that I am able today to stand on my own feet. My parents helped to shape the person I am today, but the bulk of the blame for my shortcomings, and the majority of the credit for my strengths, comes from me. Not my parents, though I love and respect them. Not my friends, though they've helped me to find new ways of looking at things. And certainly not from some legend who, if he ever existed, has been dead for 2000 years. There is no entity that controls my destiny other than me.

And this, Amigo, is the main reason that Kathy engenders no respect on this board, or probably anywhere else, and why she never will.

Kathy cannot and will not accept responsibility for what happens in her life. And in the end, in spite of this, she shows up on a board like this, declaiming, "IT'S ALL ABOUT MEEEEEEEE!"

Bull****. It isn't about Kathy, it's about people like Starthinker, who opens his heart and expresses his pain for a relationship that will never be. It's Skeptic, speaking passionately for his nation. It's about Kittynh, seeking ways to help the people she encounters daily. It's Darat, trying like hell to continue the fight for his basic civil rights.

It's about people with courage, with integrity. It's about FACTS, and the willingness to defend them. It's Rolfe, taking on Homeopathy, it's Robert Lancaster taking the fight to Sylvia Browne. It's people who deal in reality, because if we can't get that right, nothing else if going to matter.

It's not about a moral coward like Kathy, who's sole intent is to look good for her pastor. Frankly, if I could, I'd be on the phone to him, letting him know in no uncertain terms what this harridan has been doing on this board, and the disgrace she represents. I'd be asking him to take steps to discipline this kind of slander against the Christians on this board that I respect, and the church that they stand for. I would ask that people like Kathy be confronted, their pharisaical actions condemned, their ticket punched and their positions removed. I'm sick of the disgrace.

 

[Sun Countess]

Now I am set free and forgiven. The truth of Christianity is Jesus, he is the way! No other religion has Jesus right that's why we know they aren't true! The only way to the Father is through the Son!!

Set free? I'm sorry, but you seem positively shackled to your ideas, including the idea that you are a horrible evil sinner who deserves nothing less than suffering and death. How does that make you feel free? How do you feel forgiven in the here and now when you tell us yet another tale of woe, about the much-deserved physical and mental suffering you endure? (Note: I don't believe that Kathy deserves her suffering, but she certainly believes it. Even innocent babies deserve to starve to death or die from a curable disease, according to her brand of goodness and morality.)

It's all about what's coming to you at the end of the rainbow, ain't it? Your god won't be waiting to "reward" you by providing you with gleeful glimpses at all those other lost souls that he's torturing for all eternity.

 

[yy2bggggs]

Oh and you think that's a good thing? I often think if my parents had not got divorced and raised me to know God through his Word I would not have had to learn so much the hard way.

I don't know, kurious_kathy. My parents, who are still married, did raise me to, uhm, "know God through his Word" as you call it (standard fundamentalist Southern Baptist circa the 80's), and I had to unlearn all of that stuff the hard way. I was once so lost in Jesus, but critical thinking changed that. Now I am set free.

No other religion has Jesus right that's why we know they aren't true!

Funny. That's exactly what the other religion down the road said.

The only way to the Father is through the Son!!

Which is good if you want to achieve fantasy.

But Galileo Galilei once said:

Mathematics is the language with which God has written the universe.

Now, I'm not quite sure what to make of Galileo's god either.

However, since you brought up God's Word... I think Galileo's bible is much more reliable than yours.

 

[MarkCorrigan]

And this, Amigo, is the main reason that Kathy engenders no respect on this board, or probably anywhere else, and why she never will.

Kathy cannot and will not accept responsibility for what happens in her life. And in the end, in spite of this, she shows up on a board like this, declaiming, "IT'S ALL ABOUT MEEEEEEEE!"

Bull****. It isn't about Kathy, it's about people like Starthinker, who opens his heart and expresses his pain for a relationship that will never be. It's Skeptic, speaking passionately for his nation. It's about Kittynh, seeking ways to help the people she encounters daily. It's Darat, trying like hell to continue the fight for his basic civil rights.

It's about people with courage, with integrity. It's about FACTS, and the willingness to defend them. It's Rolfe, taking on Homeopathy, it's Robert Lancaster taking the fight to Sylvia Browne. It's people who deal in reality, because if we can't get that right, nothing else if going to matter.

It's not about a moral coward like Kathy, who's sole intent is to look good for her pastor. Frankly, if I could, I'd be on the phone to him, letting him know in no uncertain terms what this harridan has been doing on this board, and the disgrace she represents. I'd be asking him to take steps to discipline this kind of slander against the Christians on this board that I respect, and the church that they stand for. I would ask that people like Kathy be confronted, their pharisaical actions condemned, their ticket punched and their positions removed. I'm sick of the disgrace.

Nominated. That is all.