Religion = Delusion?

I'm just not one to be moved to delve into literature written to "speak to the choir" of any denomination.

If believers of all denominations concentrated on His teachings instead of spending so much time looking for what they think is wrong/misguided about the others, they are the best representatives of their beliefs. And even more likely to reach those who might find their discipleship has merit.

The bickering among Christian denominations turns off more atheists and agnostics than it impresses.

Most of the points of contention were not even present when hordes of Christians refused to recant and went to the lions.

Angeline
Speakeasy Moderator

with RC and other churches. I recall even as a boy being impressed with the [pre-Vatican II] stand. I thought, 'That's the way a religion should be!' (Not having any particular one myself.)

So something else must be keeping the mainstream coffers full - but the coffers are getting empty. Most major denominations have financial problems. My former one- Episcopalian- is in serious trouble worldwide and in USA. Catholics are closing church buildings all over the country, partly from priest shortage and partly from lack of parishioners to support the local parish. (Like the towns in the Midwest that close down because all the kids moved to the big city.) So-called evangelicals, from Mormon through 'Holy Ghost' through Jehovah's Witnesses to any storefront church, are growing rapidly. The famous "megachurches" are almost all in that theological camp, but they vary widely in doctrine and some aren't on speaking terms. (Eph 4:5)

Any denomination that's successful has a good helping of what Paul mentioned in 2 Tim 4:3, and notice that it was a prophecy: 4:2.

As I've told you before with all possible tact, get off your lazy fanny and study the bible! Your "own path" started here
Gen 3:1
and will continue to
Rev 16:14
Do you really think you're smarter than the 'kings of the earth'? They follow their own paths, and look where they've got us.

Mt 16:24; Mr 8:34; Lu 9:23; John 10:27, 12:26
All leading to
Mt 28:19,20; 1 Pet 2:21

Besides this

http://forums.cnet.com/5208-6130_102-0.html?forumID=50&threadID=211232&messageID=2281336#2281336

we have a new book, Come Be My Follower.

never be slave to fashion.

remember: the past does not exist

From the National Association of Evangelicals:

Statement of Faith

? We believe the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative Word of God.

? We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

? We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal return in power and glory.

? We believe that for the salvation of lost and sinful people, regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential.

? We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life.

? We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; they that are saved unto the resurrection of life and they that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation.

? We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Just in case there is confusion on that point.

if anything, then a "thing" an "it"

.,

parts of the New Testament. Jesus, for example, speaks of sending a 'comforter' who will guide the disciples into the truth. Jesus also chastises the Pharisees for insulting the Holy Spirit;

Matt 12:32 " Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come.
NASU

Before I blast you. I'm going to say that I believe that the Catholic church handles international politics very well at least in modern times. Quietly working behind the scenes, never directly getting involved in politics. At times voicing opposition and complaints. Always pressure, pressure, pressure. I'm reminded of the civil rights movement, the peace movement and then again in central and south America and Poland. Well done, a good model for religions world wide. Did you hear that Protestants?

A thought just crossed my mind. In a curious sort of way I feel a little like Jesus when he lost his cool and really gave the rabbi's hell, for what was it gambling? Bingo! Didn't he go as far as rough up the church a bit? I've always liked that story about him. Showed his human side, must of got it from Mary. Do you thank they spanked him as a boy? Bet they did. Boy, I bit Mary was really sweating the first time. May have even sat around waiting for a lightening bolt to come down on her. Might make a good sit-com what do you think? Sort of an anti-Simpson's.

So for this delusional old guy what do you call him? Pope. Is he delusional, sure, but boy does he have a nice house. Has a good job too, writes a few papers and looks good for TV. Didn't Jesus mostly hang out with the whores and leapers. Don't think he had much schooling either. Wasn't he a carpenter. Probably had strong hands must of hurt like hell when they put nails through them. Yep that guys got a nice house. Wasn't Jesus born in a shack. Wonder if he had fine clothes. Maybe he should sell that place in Rome to help the sick and homeless. Might want to go work with Mother Theressa for awhile to get back to the people. Is she still alive? Wonder how she does it working with the truly poor bet Jesus gets along with Mother Theressa just fine.

Do you think Jesus really cares how close to the apostles the church is? Do you really think that matters to him? It might, it might because just saying it separates people makes them feel estranged, left out. Might even make them angry. Do you think that promotes the work of "any" church. No church speaks the word of God. God does. He can speak for himself. And what he wants you to do is help people, not debate the message, the message is simple.

Also, you might be delusional but I'm not. I don't think I'm Jesus Christ.

"final note"

http://forums.cnet.com/5208-6130_102-0.html?forumID=50&threadID=256225&messageID=2541491#2541491

Say something false or that might be considered as derogatory about them, their culture or religion. After which, be prepared to face the unknown. Be certain to stay within the guidelines here. Then, be prepared to face the unknown as you never know who is lurking nearby.

Simple having this discussion is breaking the rules. I am not afraid.

who identified herself a Muslim. Don't know what happened to her.

BTW, there are reports of banned posters coming back (reincarnating?) with different userid. The rants remained the same, so they got banned again.
Have you ever heard of someone having two id's at the same time? Each one with a slightly different style, but same basic slant on things.

She was an artistic sort and has a web site I visited a time or two. Obviously talented, IMO, but not a style I have much appreciation of. I've suspected some have more than one registered name due to similarities in writing style but mostly it was the topics and other people whose posts they'd seem to be drawn to. That was a give away.

"Drawn to", and then reacted to in predicable ways. Not a problem, though; just click right on by.

been missing about a year

http://www.cnet.com/5304-4_1-0-2.html?tag=tab&ursRegID=20151882193750364922017765069685

Object lesson there about religious practice vs. 'catechisms': She says her philosophy comes from Ayn Rand, but "Islam" has the meaning of 'compelete submission to Allah'. No room there for Randism.

Recognizing the problem is the first step.

Dan

The only difference is that at some point a child usually comes to the realization that he has been led to believe the untenable. If more children came to more such realizations the environment for the dangerous frictions you correctly identify would become far less hospitable.

Dan

In the cases of Santa and the Tooth Fairy the kid usually figures it out and then questions their belief with the parent which eventually gives in and admits to the fallacy of the belief. When it comes to Gods though the parents just keep feeding the belief without ever giving in if the kid questions the belief in God(s).....

what what you mean by "I do think this friction is a danger to the progress of the human race."?

By this I mean, to what objective would this "progress" be leading toward that is in danger?

I will add that "friction" is sometimes little more than "creative conflict" that, itself, adds value to achieving a positive outcome. It's by dealing with friction that we grow and learn that tolerance is required for survival just as much as is perfect harmony. Friction, I don't think, is caused by religion per se. It's causes are many. It could be because two people want to occupy the same space. It might be that two people covet the same item. It's caused by differing opinions...many of which deal with what's right, wrong, fair and unfair. It just so happens that religion tries to deal directly with these subjects and is a natural scape goat, alibi, or what have you.

As for Santa Clause, the Tooth Fairy, and maybe even religion, I think it's natural to go through an emotional period when one feels they've been "had". Some anger and distrust can be expected but that should subside in most cases. A rational person, I would think, knows...or will come to know...who really means harm to them and be able to deal with it appropriately.

Many are like oil and water and a portion of their members are never going to get along with the members of beliefs they oppose. This will be a never ending source of conflict between people of the world...

from the earth that harmony would suddenly happen? or would be wretched human types just find something else to bicker about?


BTW, I think this has been a worthwhile, informative, and enjoyable thread.

would not cease. But all friction between religious groups would.

Take a look at the world today and tell me that we would not be better off if there were no religious group vs religious group conflicts.

Dan

Religion is not the root of all evil but it is certainly responsible for a considerable amount....