24 Feb 05
Why does the belief in a personal God matter? To satisfy his ego? That seems preposterous to me. We will never come to a conclusion of God/no God so these debates are a collossal waste of energy better spent on working on ourselves. If I spend my time trying to lessen my own selfishness, do my best to consider others as at least as important as myself, and develop real compassion in the process, isn't that quite alright? If God exists, he would be pleased with my doing so. If he does not exist, my life and the lives of those around me near and far are made better by doing so.
Does it really matter?
24 Feb 05
Originally posted by eagles54Yes. It does.
Why does the belief in a personal God matter? To satisfy his ego? That seems preposterous to me. We will never come to a conclusion of God/no God so these debates are a collossal waste of energy better spent on working on ourselves. If I spend my time trying to lessen my own selfishness, do my best to consider others as at least as important as myself, and ...[text shortened]... he lives of those around me near and far are made better by doing so.
Does it really matter?
A vast majority of religious people believe that matters will get sorted out in the next life.
This tends to make people more accepting of the situation and conditions they live under in this life.
Whilst the majority of people think that the evil doers of this world will meet their fate in the next life, we're doomed to have to suffer in this one.
That's why I oppose religion, its doctrines and its pushers.
24 Feb 05
Originally posted by shavixmirand the fact that people do all kinds of barbarous things in the name of god is another reason why it needs to be confronted.
Yes. It does.
A vast majority of religious people believe that matters will get sorted out in the next life.
This tends to make people more accepting of the situation and conditions they live under in this life.
Whilst the majority of people think that the evil doers of this world will meet their fate in the next life, we're doomed to have to suffer in this one.
That's why I oppose religion, its doctrines and its pushers.
24 Feb 05
Originally posted by frogstompI actually have to disagree with you on this one.
and the fact that people do all kinds of barbarous things in the name of god is another reason why it needs to be confronted.
Religion is never the ends. It's just a means of gaining support for power and wealth.
If you say: "Hey...I wanna become richer... you send your son out to die for me." Very few people are gonna listen.
However, if you say: "Our freedom of religion is being surpressed by that religion, or that nation, or that *random group of other people*" you'll get masses flocking to do your bidding.
Wars and barbarous acts are not about religion, colour, race or anything so mundane. They're about a few people wanting ever more power and ever more wealth (land).
24 Feb 05
Originally posted by eagles54I think people should wake up to the fact that they're being used and that they should try to change their situations now.
Are you saying that the notion of God should be rejected then, because of it giving rise to organized religion?
Not wait until death and an ever-better afterlife.
24 Feb 05
Originally posted by shavixmirI agree with the first part, but without the religion. the the few don't have the same level of persuasion over the many.
I actually have to disagree with you on this one.
Religion is never the ends. It's just a means of gaining support for power and wealth.
If you say: "Hey...I wanna become richer... you send your son out to die for me." Very few people are gonna listen.
However, if you say: "Our freedom of religion is being surpressed by that religion, or th ...[text shortened]... ng so mundane. They're about a few people wanting ever more power and ever more wealth (land).
24 Feb 05
Originally posted by eagles54I agree whole-heartedly. It doesn't matter one iota. My belief in God has absolutely nothing to do with the afterlife or some other punishment sceme. On the contrary hand, I don't seek to better myself to impress God either; I do that for myself. Religion doesn't matter. How when or why the world was created doesn't matter. Whether or not you go to Heaven or Hell doesn't matter.
Why does the belief in a personal God matter? To satisfy his ego? That seems preposterous to me. We will never come to a conclusion of God/no God so these debates are a collossal waste of energy better spent on working on ourselves. If I spend my time trying to lessen my own selfishness, do my best to consider others as at least as important as myself, and ...[text shortened]... he lives of those around me near and far are made better by doing so.
Does it really matter?
I do agree with shavixmir in that religion is often a brainwashing entity that does more harm than good. However, it is a human entity and ultimately has nothing to do with God and everything to do with humanity. If religion started wars, then humans started wars. If religion is blind and ignorant, then humans are blind and ignorant. Leave God out of the quibbles. Not that I think he would mind--I picture God hearing an insult and smiling with a knowing nod--I just think that blame should be placed with those at fault.
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24 Feb 05
Originally posted by frogstompConfronted? Are you confronting me? What would you hope to gain by confronting me about my religion. Sorry, but that just doesn't seem realistic.
and the fact that people do all kinds of barbarous things in the name of god is another reason why it needs to be confronted.
I do believe however this thread started with the author saying that arguing over religion is pointless. I agree, except I think that arguing is kind of entertaining 🙂