scott_harpell

That's fine OW. I was just asking out of courtesy. I know that people get mad over Feng Shuey being ostracized and thought mabe i would point out that a fairly important symbol in the Christian faith is being mounted by a fish. I just wanted to show the difference in attitudes about two different religions. ave a nice night.

Well Paul, in scripture, Christ says, "I am the way, the Truth and the Light; No-one can go to the father except through me"... The mere belief in Christ as one's savior is all that is required to salvation. Christ associated with the prostitutes and tax men, to show that all can be saved and our eternal destination is not determined by a life of good works. I am not really aware of any verses that conclusively say that there is a tangible hell or that someone will go there if they do not believe... for what it is worth.

A very interesting question. The associated question: Why does religion try to make us feel guilty? is even more interesting. IMHO, the severe feelings of guilt that Christianity has instilled in millions of people is counterproductive to living a joyous life (fyi, joy is one of the fruitages of the spirit...that's somewhere in the New Testament). When one steps out from under the oppressive bonds of "Christian" guilt, life takes on a whole new meaning....I've seen it happen many times. That begs the question, is 'Christianity' in it's modern form anything like Christianity was in the first century? Thank you! I agree. Modern Christianity is nothing like it was in the first century. I try to subscribe to the 1st century ethic, but admittedly, it is tough. Look at who Christ was. He was oppsed to big churches and prefered small philosophical chats by the fire. He abhored money and was enraged by the desecration of the temple by the money changers. The list of differences goes on, but I assure you that there are Christians who know this and are trying to fix this problem. Likely this problem originated in the creeds of Calcedon etc. where the first kinds of orthodoxy were created. Thanks for the question.

Paul, Iain said that Religion creates solace, no? I believe that it does not and likely is supposed to do the opposite.

If this is how you see it then how about, Evolution is society's coping mechanism for the harsh reality that they're going to hell. They provide a half-baked hypothesis that is supposed to comfort them so they can feel guilt free while sinning. Huh? How so? Christianity says that if you're good then you'll go to Heaven when you die, and you'll keep living up there. Thus it's comforting when your son dies, because you know he'll keep living in heaven and you'll see him there. Also, when life sucks, you can console yourself that you'll go to heaven soon and life is perfect here. That's how it's comforting. But how does the theory of evolution comfort us and keep us from feeling guilty? You are wrong about salvation Paul. That is not the way to Heaven.

was in reply to a post by me. I don't REALLY think you're implying that I've shown any disrespect to any religion on this thread.... And this posting of yours: was in response to Cracked: I still have to say I'm not tracking with you. What minority in Cracked's posting are you referring to? Were you REALLY implying I was disrespecting someone's religion. And on a further note, sure, I think people should be free to believe what they want to. But I also think they should be willing to discuss it and back it up with solid reasoning for WHY they believe what they do, unless of course they are not secure enough in their beliefs to have such a discussion. I've encountered young people, people very new to their faiths, and insecure people, and I typically recognize that it wouldn't be kind to question their belief system as it's forming. But when someone has been steeped in the dogma for years I love to pick their brains and find out how they rationalize any obvious contradictions. edit: maybe the 'circus' comment could be construed as disrespectful, but I claim it's still within the bounds of fair play for this thread. I was not blaming you solely. I just think that we should try and tolerate everyone else's opinion, no? I DO think you (and others) have disrespected a religion in this thread. Do you know what those letter mean (the ones geting mounted by the fish)? I dont care if a minority of the posts are disrespectful; There are still some that are disrespectful. I think that: 1) we should not disrespect other's beliefs and if we must, 2) We must fully understand the position before doing so. That is all.

Scott, since you don't seem to get it I'll explain what Iain said. Life sucks. But Jesus says that we should embrace suffering. Since Jesus tells us to embrace[life], we feel less like victims, and more as noble stoics. As such, religion makes you feel better when life sucks. Complicated, no? YOU are not getting it Paul. Religion is not supposed to make you feel better. That is my point.

Sorry Iain, but you said precisely the opposite...

Seems to me that's exactly what I'm saying. As far as religion goes I only do what my rice krispies tell me to do. No, you didn't. This is quite the opposite of what I was saying. You claim this faith as solace, but in reality, we are supposed to embrace Christianity so that we may take upon the burden of a life of faith. Hope this clears some things up for you.

I cannot comment on the actions of other Christians. We are flawed as humans and therefore cannot live the life to which we strive for. I apologize for that Paul. Many Christians would see me as a troublemaker. I believe that Jesus was the first socialist. If you think about it, it actually makes a lot of sense. I am not one for orthodoxy, but I would appreciate it if mabe you would repsect those of us who are trying to live our lives in this manner. Thanks in advance!

Not to offend you Iain, but you dont know much about the Christian faith. Jesus Christ said that it is divine to suffer and that we are to embrace suffering. Just thought you should know.

Thank Lars.

I see. So am I to assume that the only way you will talk with another person of different faith than you is make fun of them... Or just Christians? That is cool. Just wanted to make it clear. If you all believe what you say, that "people can believe whatever they want," then mabe you should calm down and be a bit more respectful. I know this is the part where you say "I dont have to if you keep forcing your judeo-christian morals on me," but really, have I ever done that? Have a nice night! and no Thinker, the air is fine...

I can see where some might take offense to that. Hey! This isn't halftime at the stuporbowl, this is life. Well I just thought you, who were purporting the tolerance of other religions on another thread might see that your actions look a bit hypocritical. Perhaps this explains my postition.

I can see where some might take offense to that.

I was just wondering if you could mabe have some respect for other cultures. Would that be possible? Just a thought. You left-of-centerds are all concerned about other minority cultures. Why are you not concerned about this one? It is clearly a minority, so how about some respect? Thanks!

*bump how is tomorrow (friday)?

Its a gym yo! anyways, I got some climbing in at squish the other day. It was bluebird!

Yeah I have a few partners up here, but I was just seeing if people wanted to come up here and see how mince the fishing is right now. climbingmonk at hotmail dot com peace kids.

Dru. If you are ever at the Rock Wall in Maple Ridge lemme know. I go there when the weather is shitty. Gotta admit they grad pretty soft. I was climbing v5 there!

Anyone up for some B.C. winter run cutties and/or steelhead? Lemme know. Going out a few times this week.

I am moving up there in April. See ya there?

Me too. Partners section only. Hasta. Have fun in the Liberal wasteland.

Dru

eat me grandma