Has religion served its purpose?

-Removed-

You really need to read the whole Bible, not just the cherry-picked verses you think backs up your doctrine.

@kellyjay said
You really need to read the whole Bible, not just the cherry-picked verses you think backs up your doctrine.

I disagree, KJ. I think we must also consider that the Bible, even though a guide, might be a false idol and a distraction from looking Godward and from seeing each other with God's loving eyes.

@divegeester might snicker that I have written this, but in my view he is an overgrown retrograde jackass who only wants to bully other Christians with his own idiosyncratic and self-serving, self-pleasing interpretation of Christianity.

The Light of Christ is brighter, more all-encompassing and sublime, and certainly less petty and adversarial than any itty-bitty false Christian battle-bots can emit.

-Removed-

Neo, why do you resist the Chrism of the Most High upon your transitory and arbitrary mind?

-Removed-

This too shall pass.

@josephw said
No.
Yes.
Yes.

You've mischaracterized. It's "believe in me and live forever."

Presuming to accuse God of being unjust is folly and the consequence of erroneous thinking.

By your own logic can that which is perfect be flawed?

Is God flawed because He so loved the world that He gave His Son to die in our place so that we who believe will have eternal life?

And ...[text shortened]... He metes out justice to those that reject the author of life?

Get your head screwed on straight.

In what fantasy is eternal torment "justice"?

@kevin-eleven said
I disagree, KJ. I think we must also consider that the Bible, even though a guide, might be a false idol and a distraction from looking Godward and from seeing each other with God's loving eyes.

@divegeester might snicker that I have written this, but in my view he is an overgrown retrograde jackass who only wants to bully other Christians with his own idiosyncratic a ...[text shortened]... , and certainly less petty and adversarial than any itty-bitty false Christian battle-bots can emit.

When we study the Bible, it all is the Word of God, not just hand-picked parts we like over those we dislike. As such, it self corrects us; we cannot take a passage about revenge and think we have the right to do it ourselves while reading the whole thing; we see that vengeance belongs to God, not us; we are to forgive as God forgave us. Some here have a habit of taking a verse or two, making them mean what they want even though within the whole of scripture, what they are claiming is entirely contradicted in some cases outright spelled out what they are saying is wrong, explicitly pointing to their warped doctrine that runs counter to them. If what you think about God is from within you over scripture, that alone should tell you something about your high view of you.

@kellyjay said
When we study the Bible, it all is the Word of God, not just hand-picked parts we like over those we dislike. As such, it self corrects us; we cannot take a passage about revenge and think we have the right to do it ourselves while reading the whole thing; we see that vengeance belongs to God, not us; we are to forgive as God forgave us. Some here have a habit of taking a ve ...[text shortened]... is from within you over scripture, that alone should tell you something about your high view of you.

So you boast [all the time] that you have studied the bible. So tell me where in the bible these doctrines which at some point in the recent past you have promoted, are to be found
1. Angels have wings
2. Christians go to heaven when they die
3. A relationship with Christ is critical for going to heaven
4. NonChristians are tormented for eternity
5. The soul is immortal

@rajk999 said
So you boast [all the time] that you have studied the bible. So tell me where in the bible these doctrines which at some point in the recent past you have promoted, are to be found
1. Angels have wings
2. Christians go to heaven when they die
3. A relationship with Christ is critical for going to heaven
4. NonChristians are tormented for eternity

Christians go to heaven when they die; I think you'll have to refresh to me the context. I don't believe I have ever promoted angels to have wings; I did point to a passage where two did have wings once; beyond that, I don't think so. Since Jesus tells some depart from me I never knew you, knowing Christ is important, His sheep know His voice, they follow no other. If this isn't true of you, the sound (depart from me I never knew you) you shouldn't be shocked when you hear it. Sinners will cast into the lake of fire the second death; they will be there forever and ever.

If you want to dig into one of these topics, pick one.
Then you can also explain why scripture teaches us it isn't by our works of righteousness we are saved.

Titus 3:4-6
English Standard Version
But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,

@fmf said
"Religion has served its purpose of uniting people, setting up structures in society, developing trust and cooperation." Thoughts?

Here's an excellent post from former stalwart Spirituality Forum non-believer JS357 from a few years ago that's pertinent:

"I think religion offers a number of utilitarian benefits, such as: a rationale for survival beyond the grave, a rationale for life having an overarching narrative, in a way an adventure story pitting good versus evil in which we are active participants, and on a more mundane note, a rationale/motivation for socially acceptable behavior."