09 Nov 05
Originally posted by dj2beckerAtheist does not define me, my way of life or my beliefs. All it says is that among other things I don't believe in gods, your or anyone elses
Okay, so the title of the page is a little misleading. But it did get your attention. And you immediately reacted to it, because you knew that the title made no sense. Is there any advantage to being an atheist? Testimonies about the power of atheism to change lives are difficult to find. When you do find them, most atheists talk about being free to think ...[text shortened]... ed through the power of Jesus Christ.
See:http://www.godandscience.org/apologetics/power.html
09 Nov 05
Originally posted by dj2beckerChristianity has no power in itself to change lives. People sometimes use christianity as a motivation to change; they learn to fear the big guy in the sky, because they don't believe they are capable of change on their own.
When it comes to morality, atheists tend to be very quiet about what role atheism plays in shaping their personal morality. You won't find atheists saying that their atheism was influential in getting them off of drugs, stopping their alcoholism and ending their addictions to pornography, gambling, or any other personal moral fault. The fact is that atheism has no power at all to change personal morality (in a positive way).
However, religion alone is not enough. Look through the churches and you'll find the same addictions and personal problems that exist in the rest of the world. Without a personal decision to change, religion is helpless.
Morally wrong habits have more tangible consequences than some imaginary judgment day with a mythical god. However, sometimes people turn to religion for some 'extra' motivation. It's similar to kids being programmed to believe in Santa Claus.
09 Nov 05
Originally posted by dj2beckerYour religion or lack of it does not determine how much you help the poor!
From a societal viewpoint, atheists are generally not involved in helping the economically and socially disadvantaged. The truth of this statement was never made more clear to me than last Christmas. A local church, the Dream Center, in downtown Los Angeles sponsored an outreach to the 500 neediest blocks in South Central Los Angeles. Ten thousand Christia ...[text shortened]... sure that there were no atheists at the event, but all of the 60+ people in our bus were Christians.
Maybe you had no atheists on your bus because because it was sponsored by: "A local church, the Dream Center,"
or maybe:
The fact that it was "Christmas" meant that the Christian element was more interested in this particular event.
Atheists help poor people just as much as Christians they just don't have a guilty consciene if they didn't do what Jesus would have done.
Just because Christians feel they are morally superior does not necessarily mean they are.
09 Nov 05
Originally posted by dj2beckerWhy would I want to change someone else's life?
Okay, so the title of the page is a little misleading. But it did get your attention. And you immediately reacted to it, because you knew that the title made no sense. Is there any advantage to being an atheist? Testimonies about the power of atheism to change lives are difficult to find. When you do find them, most atheists talk about being free to think ...[text shortened]... ed through the power of Jesus Christ.
See:http://www.godandscience.org/apologetics/power.html
And even more importantly, why do YOU want to change other people's lives?
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10 Nov 05
Originally posted by BigDoggProblemChristianity has no power in itself to change lives.
Christianity has no power in itself to change lives. People sometimes use christianity as a motivation to change; they learn to fear the big guy in the sky, because they don't believe they are capable of change on their own.
However, religion alone is not enough. Look through the churches and you'll find the same addictions and personal problems ...[text shortened]... for some 'extra' motivation. It's similar to kids being programmed to believe in Santa Claus.
The "Religion" means nothing without a relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ changes lives all the time.
People sometimes use christianity as a motivation to change; they learn to fear the big guy in the sky, because they don't believe they are capable of change on their own.
Sure they are. People can change themselves all the time. I heard about a guy that said smoking is no problem to him. He said it's so easy to stop smoking. He said that he had stopped smoking a thousand times! The difference is that Christ changes lives forever.
However, religion alone is not enough. Look through the churches and you'll find the same addictions and personal problems that exist in the rest of the world. Without a personal decision to change, religion is helpless.
Very true. And I could just add that personal decision to change, without the help of Christ is only temporary.
Morally wrong habits have more tangible consequences than some imaginary judgment day with a mythical god.
By what criteria do you define "morally wrong habits"?
However, sometimes people turn to religion for some 'extra' motivation. It's similar to kids being programmed to believe in Santa Claus.
The difference is that Santa Claus has never set anyone free from sin. Jesus Christ is the only one that can.
10 Nov 05
1 edit
Originally posted by dj2beckerYou do understand what the word 'sometimes' means, don't you? Re-read the following, please, and pay close attention to that word:
"People sometimes use christianity as a motivation to change; they learn to fear the big guy in the sky, because they don't believe they are capable of change on their own."
The difference is that Christ changes lives forever.
If that's true, then why do some christians 'backslide'? A religious conversion isn't foolproof. Surely you would not claim that christians are incapable of any self-destructive behavior.
Very true. And I could just add that personal decision to change, without the help of Christ is only temporary.
If even one atheist has decided to stop smoking and held to that decision for the rest of his or her life, then that proves you wrong. Better yet, I will offer my own example. I have never smoked, and I don't need to have any faith in a god to avoid this behavior.
By what criteria do you define "morally wrong habits"?
Habits that cause harm that outweighs any benefits they offer.
The difference is that Santa Claus has never set anyone free from sin. Jesus Christ is the only one that can.
You don't need to be set free from sin. All you need is to break your bad habits and live sensibly.
EDIT: fixed formatting
10 Nov 05
Originally posted by telerionAnd of the two, which one's existence is easier to prove?
[b]The difference is that Santa Claus has never set anyone free from sin. Jesus Christ is the only one that can.
Yeah, but Jesus never flew around on Xmas eve handing out toys. Santa Claus is just a much cooler imaginary hero than Jesus.[/b]
I know I've seen Santa.
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11 Nov 05
Originally posted by wibWhy would I want to change someone else's life?
Why would I want to change someone else's life?
And even more importantly, why do YOU want to change other people's lives?
As an Athiest you should have no desire to change someone's life.
And even more importantly, why do YOU want to change other people's lives?
Because my life has been changed for the better and I wish the same for everybody else.
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11 Nov 05
Originally posted by telerionYeah, but Jesus never flew around on Xmas eve handing out toys.
[b]The difference is that Santa Claus has never set anyone free from sin. Jesus Christ is the only one that can.
Yeah, but Jesus never flew around on Xmas eve handing out toys. Santa Claus is just a much cooler imaginary hero than Jesus.[/b]
Neither did Santa. But Jesus has changed thousands of lives and set has set me free from the bondage of sin.
Santa Claus is just a much cooler imaginary hero than Jesus.
You say this because Jesus has never set you free from the bondage of sin.
