While the gospels instruct followers of Christ to help the poor, oppressed, maligned, mistreated, sick, and those most in need of help, Christians in America have largely supported measures that have rejected refugees, refused aid to immigrants, cut social services to the poor, diminished help for the sick, fueled xenophobia, reinforced misogyny, ignored racism, stoked hatred, reinforced corruption, and largely increased inequality, prejudice, and fear.
The election of President Donald Trump has proven that numerous Christians are more worried about power, influence, and control than the gospel messages of humility, generosity, ministering to others, and love.
Of course there are exceptions, but it should be sobering for Christians to realize that that many who claim to follow the Prince of Peace, the Healer, the Light of the World, supported policies that are bringing darkness and pain to so many people.
https://sojo.net/articles/american-christianity-has-failed
Quote from: Murder_me_Rachel on January 27, 2017, 08:32:40 AM
I was raised religious; went to church and sunday school, heavily involved in youth group, young life, etc. It made me the liberal I am today because, through volunteer work, I saw how great I had it, and how few were doing what Jesus actually taught: held those poorest among us. Unfortunately, while I admire the teachings of Jesus, I can't deal with american "religion". It just an institution of power used to control people. I am actually pretty disgusted by it. Especially the types like Trump, who preach the bullshit known as the "prosperity gospel". If there is a God, it is self-evident he would smite someone like Trump, who is arrogant, self-centered, throws people out of their homes to build golf courses, lies at will, and whose number one motivation for all decisions is greed, pure and simple. Holy shit am I depressed now, just thinking about this horse shit.
Word for word, MmR, my life as well. I now refer to these types as "christians", lower-case intentional, because they have nothing to do with the message or gospel of Jesus. In the entire written word of his life, he apparently lost his cool only once. That was with the people who were pretending to be "godly" but were really worshiping the god of wealth. He was not real tolerant of their ways, to say the least.
If Jesus were to appear in America today, these christians would vote him off the island by sundown, as he is FAR too liberal for them.
I feel all of y'all because I have had similar issues with people I used to go to church with, or at least they had issues with me. But as disillusion as you or anyone believing in the true tenets of Jesus Christ's teachings and actions, I say keep being the thorn on their side.
I am Catholic but how I felt about gay marriage, the right to choose, opening relations to Cuba, among other things had put me at odds with many in my church groups who preferred I stick with congregants that see things my way or even leave the church altogether. But for many years I have come to the belief that the Catholic church NEEDS people like me practicing my faith than it does me not practicing it. If you have serious irreconcilable differences with the teachings of your church or your faith itself then I understand one's leaving but the old adage "I never left so-and-so church or faith, so-and-so church or faith left me" always struck me as horse shit placing all the blame solely on the religion - most breakups are never that simple or cut and dried as to what exactly was as fault, and that is particularly true with a breakup of faith.
And I don't want to come off as being this symbolic progressive beacon of light. The reason I never faced any outright ostracism in these circles despite my disagreements is not because of what I stand against or my core beliefs, it's because I've always been welcoming, listening, courteous, respectful, and kind as members of my groups have been that way to me. And as a result, even though I've since moved on but most of these people I've had disagreements with remain very dear friends of mine today.
There may very well be some "crisis" in faith, but the extent of it is proportional to the extent you are "involved" with it.
Jesus taught us to not be an ass to each other. Live by that and all is good. You don't need a religion, a church, etc...just don't be an ass.
Quote from: Murder_me_Rachel on January 27, 2017, 08:32:40 AM
I was raised religious; went to church and sunday school, heavily involved in youth group, young life, etc. It made me the liberal I am today because, through volunteer work, I saw how great I had it, and how few were doing what Jesus actually taught: held those poorest among us. Unfortunately, while I admire the teachings of Jesus, I can't deal with american "religion". It just an institution of power used to control people. I am actually pretty disgusted by it. Especially the types like Trump, who preach the bullshit known as the "prosperity gospel". If there is a God, it is self-evident he would smite someone like Trump, who is arrogant, self-centered, throws people out of their homes to build golf courses, lies at will, and whose number one motivation for all decisions is greed, pure and simple. Holy shit am I depressed now, just thinking about this horse shit.
Being "raised religious" creates it's own theological problems....Christianity IS NOT a religion. You were raised on church doctrine, not Christianity.
Quote from: JaxJersey-licious on January 27, 2017, 10:52:29 AM
I feel all of y'all because I have had similar issues with people I used to go to church with, or at least they had issues with me. But as disillusion as you or anyone believing in the true tenets of Jesus Christ's teachings and actions, I say keep being the thorn on their side.
I am Catholic but how I felt about gay marriage, the right to choose, opening relations to Cuba, among other things had put me at odds with many in my church groups who preferred I stick with congregants that see things my way or even leave the church altogether. But for many years I have come to the belief that the Catholic church NEEDS people like me practicing my faith than it does me not practicing it. If you have serious irreconcilable differences with the teachings of your church or your faith itself then I understand one's leaving but the old adage "I never left so-and-so church or faith, so-and-so church or faith left me" always struck me as horse shit placing all the blame solely on the religion - most breakups are never that simple or cut and dried as to what exactly was as fault, and that is particularly true with a breakup of faith.
And I don't want to come off as being this symbolic progressive beacon of light. The reason I never faced any outright ostracism in these circles despite my disagreements is not because of what I stand against or my core beliefs, it's because I've always been welcoming, listening, courteous, respectful, and kind as members of my groups have been that way to me. And as a result, even though I've since moved on but most of these people I've had disagreements with remain very dear friends of mine today.
There may very well be some "crisis" in faith, but the extent of it is proportional to the extent you are "involved" with it.
I'm Catholic too - almost 2,000 years Christianity has been around, in many different forms but each still fundamentally the same as the other in their core beliefs and practices. Beliefs and practices going all the way back to when Jesus physically walked among us and taught the absoluteness of God's love and word.
Who are you again?
"[a]Do not judge and criticize and condemn [others unfairly with an attitude of self-righteous superiority as though assuming the office of a judge], so that you will not be judged [unfairly]. 2 For just as you [hypocritically] judge others [when you are sinful and unrepentant], so will you be judged; and in accordance with your standard of measure [used to pass out judgment], judgment will be measured to you. 3 Why do you look at the [insignificant] speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice and acknowledge the [egregious] log that is in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me get the speck out of your eye,' when there is a log in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite (play-actor, pretender), first get the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.
6 "Do not give that which is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, for they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.
7 "[c]Ask and keep on asking and it will be given to you; seek and keep on seeking and you will find; knock and keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who keeps on asking receives, and he who keeps on seeking finds, and to him who keeps on knocking, it will be opened. 9 Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will [instead] give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will [instead] give him a snake? 11 If you then, evil (sinful by nature) as you are, know how to give good and advantageous gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven [perfect as He is] give what is good and advantageous to those who keep on asking Him.
12 "So then, in everything treat others the same way you want them to treat you, for this is [the essence of] the Law and the [writings of the] Prophets.
13 "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad and easy to travel is the path that leads the way to destruction and eternal loss, and there are many who enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow and difficult to travel is the path that leads the way to [everlasting] life, and there are few who find it.
15 "Beware of the false prophets, [teachers] who come to you dressed as sheep [appearing gentle and innocent], but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them [that is, by their contrived doctrine and self-focus]. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the unhealthy tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore, by their fruit you will recognize them [as false prophets].
21 "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me on that day [when I judge them], 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, and driven out demons in Your name, and done many miracles in Your name?' 23 And then I will declare to them publicly, 'I never knew you; depart from Me [you are banished from My presence], you who act wickedly [disregarding My commands].'
24 "So everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, will be like a wise man [a far-sighted, practical, and sensible man] who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods and torrents came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not do them, will be like a foolish (stupid) man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods and torrents came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell—and great and complete was its fall."
- Jesus
Jesus was made up* and if you live your life by that rubbish, it says a lot about your gullibility.
*A guy named Jesus might've lived, but no way was he the son of god.
Quote from: Adam White on January 27, 2017, 01:38:35 PM
Jesus was made up* and if you live your life by that rubbish, it says a lot about your gullibility.
*A guy named Jesus might've lived, but no way was he the son of god.
I have gone from being sure his divinity was definitely true to having no idea, one way or the other. What I do know is this: what a great role model he is to live by. Love your neighbor. Feed the poor. Shelter the needy. Don't judge. If we all simply did that, how much better would Earth be? Sadly, "greed is good" took over and it ain't going away.
Quote from: TimmyB on January 27, 2017, 03:14:02 PM
Quote from: Adam White on January 27, 2017, 01:38:35 PM
Jesus was made up* and if you live your life by that rubbish, it says a lot about your gullibility.
*A guy named Jesus might've lived, but no way was he the son of god.
I have gone from being sure his divinity was definitely true to having no idea, one way or the other. What I do know is this: what a great role model he is to live by. Love your neighbor. Feed the poor. Shelter the needy. Don't judge. If we all simply did that, how much better would Earth be? Sadly, "greed is good" took over and it ain't going away.
I don't disagree. I just hate it when people act as if the words of Jesus have some authority. I have no objection to people having religious beliefs - I just think they should keep them to themselves. Unfortunately, they are all too often used as a rod to beat others with. And the people who seem to object the most to the (usually perceived) actions of Muslims are the people doing basically the same thing.
Quote from: stephendare on January 27, 2017, 03:35:13 PM
Quote from: Adam White on January 27, 2017, 03:33:11 PM
I don't disagree. I just hate it when people act as if the words of Jesus have some authority. I have no objection to people having religious beliefs - I just think they should keep them to themselves. Unfortunately, they are all too often used as a rod to beat others with. And the people who seem to object the most to the (usually perceived) actions of Muslims are the people doing basically the same thing.
meh. How is this different from any philosophy or idea?
Welcome to the human condition.
Well, religion has killed a lot more people than, say, opinions on which Beatles album is the best. Or Chevy vs Ford.
I don't entirely disagree when it comes to some philosphies - there are all sorts of offenders - and I would offer a similar opinion on threads about those. APL mentioned Stalin in one if his comments on a different thread and I'm always up for bashing him. Can't let Jesus and Hitler get all the attention.
Quote from: stephendare on January 27, 2017, 03:44:04 PM
Quote from: Adam White on January 27, 2017, 03:41:28 PM
Quote from: stephendare on January 27, 2017, 03:35:13 PM
Quote from: Adam White on January 27, 2017, 03:33:11 PM
I don't disagree. I just hate it when people act as if the words of Jesus have some authority. I have no objection to people having religious beliefs - I just think they should keep them to themselves. Unfortunately, they are all too often used as a rod to beat others with. And the people who seem to object the most to the (usually perceived) actions of Muslims are the people doing basically the same thing.
meh. How is this different from any philosophy or idea?
Welcome to the human condition.
Well, religion has killed a lot more people than, say, opinions on which Beatles album is the best. Or Chevy vs Ford.
I don't entirely disagree when it comes to some philosphies - there are all sorts of offenders - and I would offer a similar opinion on threads about those. APL mentioned Stalin in one if his comments on a different thread and I'm always up for bashing him. Can't let Jesus and Hitler get all the attention.
A lot of communists (and socialists) would say that economics has been the hidden force behind war, no matter what the pretext. Even if the official reason was 'religion'.
Yes, that is often the case. But it could also be indirect - religion is part of the superstructure of society, which mirrors (or is informed by) the relations of production.
Quote from: Adam White on January 27, 2017, 03:33:11 PM
Quote from: TimmyB on January 27, 2017, 03:14:02 PM
Quote from: Adam White on January 27, 2017, 01:38:35 PM
Jesus was made up* and if you live your life by that rubbish, it says a lot about your gullibility.
*A guy named Jesus might've lived, but no way was he the son of god.
I have gone from being sure his divinity was definitely true to having no idea, one way or the other. What I do know is this: what a great role model he is to live by. Love your neighbor. Feed the poor. Shelter the needy. Don't judge. If we all simply did that, how much better would Earth be? Sadly, "greed is good" took over and it ain't going away.
I don't disagree. I just hate it when people act as if the words of Jesus have some authority. I have no objection to people having religious beliefs - I just think they should keep them to themselves. Unfortunately, they are all too often used as a rod to beat others with. And the people who seem to object the most to the (usually perceived) actions of Muslims are the people doing basically the same thing.
LOL. This is a thread about the Church and Christianity. If there were ever a time to bring Jesus into a conversation, this one makes sense. You might want to turn your hatred down a little bit. Hate is never a good look.
Quote from: FlaBoy on January 27, 2017, 03:50:41 PM
Quote from: Adam White on January 27, 2017, 03:33:11 PM
Quote from: TimmyB on January 27, 2017, 03:14:02 PM
Quote from: Adam White on January 27, 2017, 01:38:35 PM
Jesus was made up* and if you live your life by that rubbish, it says a lot about your gullibility.
*A guy named Jesus might've lived, but no way was he the son of god.
I have gone from being sure his divinity was definitely true to having no idea, one way or the other. What I do know is this: what a great role model he is to live by. Love your neighbor. Feed the poor. Shelter the needy. Don't judge. If we all simply did that, how much better would Earth be? Sadly, "greed is good" took over and it ain't going away.
I don't disagree. I just hate it when people act as if the words of Jesus have some authority. I have no objection to people having religious beliefs - I just think they should keep them to themselves. Unfortunately, they are all too often used as a rod to beat others with. And the people who seem to object the most to the (usually perceived) actions of Muslims are the people doing basically the same thing.
LOL. This is a thread about the Church and Christianity. If there were ever a time to bring Jesus into a conversation, this one makes sense. You might want to turn your hatred down a little bit. Hate is never a good look.
I don't hate anyone. But I do think religion is stupid and people who waste their lives on some made up bullshit and quote scripture are idiots.
Quote from: stephendare on January 27, 2017, 03:44:04 PM
A lot of communists (and socialists) would say that economics has been the hidden force behind war, no matter what the pretext. Even if the official reason was 'religion'.
No doubt true, but "having God on our side" probably made the combatants all the more intransigent.
Quote from: stephendare on January 27, 2017, 04:02:52 PM
Quote from: Adam White on January 27, 2017, 03:58:05 PM
Quote from: FlaBoy on January 27, 2017, 03:50:41 PM
Quote from: Adam White on January 27, 2017, 03:33:11 PM
Quote from: TimmyB on January 27, 2017, 03:14:02 PM
Quote from: Adam White on January 27, 2017, 01:38:35 PM
Jesus was made up* and if you live your life by that rubbish, it says a lot about your gullibility.
*A guy named Jesus might've lived, but no way was he the son of god.
I have gone from being sure his divinity was definitely true to having no idea, one way or the other. What I do know is this: what a great role model he is to live by. Love your neighbor. Feed the poor. Shelter the needy. Don't judge. If we all simply did that, how much better would Earth be? Sadly, "greed is good" took over and it ain't going away.
I don't disagree. I just hate it when people act as if the words of Jesus have some authority. I have no objection to people having religious beliefs - I just think they should keep them to themselves. Unfortunately, they are all too often used as a rod to beat others with. And the people who seem to object the most to the (usually perceived) actions of Muslims are the people doing basically the same thing.
LOL. This is a thread about the Church and Christianity. If there were ever a time to bring Jesus into a conversation, this one makes sense. You might want to turn your hatred down a little bit. Hate is never a good look.
I don't hate anyone. But I do think religion is stupid and people who waste their lives on some made up bullshit and quote scripture are idiots.
I dont feel particularly idiotic.
I suspect you (and half the posters on here) probably find me so at times, although not connected to the fact that I think that there is a lot of validity to scriptural ideas and quote them fairly often.
Are you acquainted with the ideas of Mircea Eliade?
Or Joseph Campbell?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mircea_Eliade
I don't think you're an idiot Stephen and I think you probably realise that (I hope). Perhaps I should've expressed my opinion as:
But I do think religion is stupid and it's idiotic to waste your life on some made up bullshit and quote scripture.
We all do plenty of idiotic things. Campbell was a very intelligent man (supposedly). I know he studied myths - I have no idea how much he believed in them. I don't know anything about the Romanian guy.
Quote from: Adam White on January 27, 2017, 03:58:05 PM
Quote from: FlaBoy on January 27, 2017, 03:50:41 PM
Quote from: Adam White on January 27, 2017, 03:33:11 PM
Quote from: TimmyB on January 27, 2017, 03:14:02 PM
Quote from: Adam White on January 27, 2017, 01:38:35 PM
Jesus was made up* and if you live your life by that rubbish, it says a lot about your gullibility.
*A guy named Jesus might've lived, but no way was he the son of god.
I have gone from being sure his divinity was definitely true to having no idea, one way or the other. What I do know is this: what a great role model he is to live by. Love your neighbor. Feed the poor. Shelter the needy. Don't judge. If we all simply did that, how much better would Earth be? Sadly, "greed is good" took over and it ain't going away.
I don't disagree. I just hate it when people act as if the words of Jesus have some authority. I have no objection to people having religious beliefs - I just think they should keep them to themselves. Unfortunately, they are all too often used as a rod to beat others with. And the people who seem to object the most to the (usually perceived) actions of Muslims are the people doing basically the same thing.
LOL. This is a thread about the Church and Christianity. If there were ever a time to bring Jesus into a conversation, this one makes sense. You might want to turn your hatred down a little bit. Hate is never a good look.
I don't hate anyone. But I do think religion is stupid and people who waste their lives on some made up bullshit and quote scripture are idiots.
That sure sounds like some hatred of religion to me. ??? Calling things bullshit and people being idiots or stupid, may border on that...
Quote from: FlaBoy on January 27, 2017, 05:47:00 PM
Quote from: Adam White on January 27, 2017, 03:58:05 PM
Quote from: FlaBoy on January 27, 2017, 03:50:41 PM
Quote from: Adam White on January 27, 2017, 03:33:11 PM
Quote from: TimmyB on January 27, 2017, 03:14:02 PM
Quote from: Adam White on January 27, 2017, 01:38:35 PM
Jesus was made up* and if you live your life by that rubbish, it says a lot about your gullibility.
*A guy named Jesus might've lived, but no way was he the son of god.
I have gone from being sure his divinity was definitely true to having no idea, one way or the other. What I do know is this: what a great role model he is to live by. Love your neighbor. Feed the poor. Shelter the needy. Don't judge. If we all simply did that, how much better would Earth be? Sadly, "greed is good" took over and it ain't going away.
I don't disagree. I just hate it when people act as if the words of Jesus have some authority. I have no objection to people having religious beliefs - I just think they should keep them to themselves. Unfortunately, they are all too often used as a rod to beat others with. And the people who seem to object the most to the (usually perceived) actions of Muslims are the people doing basically the same thing.
LOL. This is a thread about the Church and Christianity. If there were ever a time to bring Jesus into a conversation, this one makes sense. You might want to turn your hatred down a little bit. Hate is never a good look.
I don't hate anyone. But I do think religion is stupid and people who waste their lives on some made up bullshit and quote scripture are idiots.
That sure sounds like some hatred of religion to me. ??? Calling things bullshit and people being idiots or stupid, may border on that...
Maybe you don't understand what "hatred" means?
But, you guys are all dancing around the important question! Which one is it: Chevy or Ford???
Quote from: TimmyB on January 27, 2017, 06:32:44 PM
But, you guys are all dancing around the important question! Which one is it: Chevy or Ford???
Toyota!
(http://www.decalguy.com/prod_images_large/148.jpg)
Quote from: Adam White on January 27, 2017, 06:37:42 PM
Quote from: TimmyB on January 27, 2017, 06:32:44 PM
But, you guys are all dancing around the important question! Which one is it: Chevy or Ford???
Toyota!
(http://www.decalguy.com/prod_images_large/148.jpg)
I'm a Benz guy, but in my impending retirement, will have to be more realistic! :D
Quote from: Adam White on January 27, 2017, 06:25:26 PM
Quote from: FlaBoy on January 27, 2017, 05:47:00 PM
Quote from: Adam White on January 27, 2017, 03:58:05 PM
Quote from: FlaBoy on January 27, 2017, 03:50:41 PM
Quote from: Adam White on January 27, 2017, 03:33:11 PM
Quote from: TimmyB on January 27, 2017, 03:14:02 PM
Quote from: Adam White on January 27, 2017, 01:38:35 PM
Jesus was made up* and if you live your life by that rubbish, it says a lot about your gullibility.
*A guy named Jesus might've lived, but no way was he the son of god.
I have gone from being sure his divinity was definitely true to having no idea, one way or the other. What I do know is this: what a great role model he is to live by. Love your neighbor. Feed the poor. Shelter the needy. Don't judge. If we all simply did that, how much better would Earth be? Sadly, "greed is good" took over and it ain't going away.
I don't disagree. I just hate it when people act as if the words of Jesus have some authority. I have no objection to people having religious beliefs - I just think they should keep them to themselves. Unfortunately, they are all too often used as a rod to beat others with. And the people who seem to object the most to the (usually perceived) actions of Muslims are the people doing basically the same thing.
LOL. This is a thread about the Church and Christianity. If there were ever a time to bring Jesus into a conversation, this one makes sense. You might want to turn your hatred down a little bit. Hate is never a good look.
I don't hate anyone. But I do think religion is stupid and people who waste their lives on some made up bullshit and quote scripture are idiots.
That sure sounds like some hatred of religion to me. ??? Calling things bullshit and people being idiots or stupid, may border on that...
Maybe you don't understand what "hatred" means?
Merriam-Webster defines it as:
"1: extreme dislike or disgust
2: ill will or resentment"
Would you say you extremely dislike religion? Maybe even some ill will towards religion?
Quote from: FlaBoy on January 27, 2017, 07:28:47 PM
Quote from: Adam White on January 27, 2017, 06:25:26 PM
Quote from: FlaBoy on January 27, 2017, 05:47:00 PM
Quote from: Adam White on January 27, 2017, 03:58:05 PM
Quote from: FlaBoy on January 27, 2017, 03:50:41 PM
Quote from: Adam White on January 27, 2017, 03:33:11 PM
Quote from: TimmyB on January 27, 2017, 03:14:02 PM
Quote from: Adam White on January 27, 2017, 01:38:35 PM
Jesus was made up* and if you live your life by that rubbish, it says a lot about your gullibility.
*A guy named Jesus might've lived, but no way was he the son of god.
I have gone from being sure his divinity was definitely true to having no idea, one way or the other. What I do know is this: what a great role model he is to live by. Love your neighbor. Feed the poor. Shelter the needy. Don't judge. If we all simply did that, how much better would Earth be? Sadly, "greed is good" took over and it ain't going away.
I don't disagree. I just hate it when people act as if the words of Jesus have some authority. I have no objection to people having religious beliefs - I just think they should keep them to themselves. Unfortunately, they are all too often used as a rod to beat others with. And the people who seem to object the most to the (usually perceived) actions of Muslims are the people doing basically the same thing.
LOL. This is a thread about the Church and Christianity. If there were ever a time to bring Jesus into a conversation, this one makes sense. You might want to turn your hatred down a little bit. Hate is never a good look.
I don't hate anyone. But I do think religion is stupid and people who waste their lives on some made up bullshit and quote scripture are idiots.
That sure sounds like some hatred of religion to me. ??? Calling things bullshit and people being idiots or stupid, may border on that...
Maybe you don't understand what "hatred" means?
Merriam-Webster defines it as:
"1: extreme dislike or disgust
2: ill will or resentment"
Would you say you extremely dislike religion? Maybe even some ill will towards religion?
I think the key word there is "extreme" and I'd say I don't have an "extreme" dislike of religion. My dislike is not intense enough to qualify as hatred. Anyway, there's "hate" as in "I hate anchovies on my pizza" and then there's "hate" as in "I hate black people". The word "hate" has different connotations, depending on how it is being used. When you're talking about people, then it's the second kind of hate and that kind of hate is far more severe than the way the word is used in the first example. And I don't hate anyone.
Thinking something is stupid and a massive waste of time is not hatred. I may be sanctimonious or judgmental, but I wouldn't say I'm hateful.
I also think people who believe in ghosts and psychics are dumb.
https://www.youtube.com/v/j4XT-l-_3y0
Quote from: finehoe on January 28, 2017, 11:30:55 AM
https://www.youtube.com/v/j4XT-l-_3y0
As an aside, Clinton was entirely correct. But people would rather laugh at it than think about what he was saying.
Quote from: Adam White on January 27, 2017, 01:38:35 PM
Jesus was made up* and if you live your life by that rubbish, it says a lot about your gullibility.
*A guy named Jesus might've lived, but no way was he the son of god.
As hurt or offended as some believers may be from comments like that, I as a big fan of Jesus have no problem with it at all. As long as you're open to a debate and even some pushback, a statement like that may have some resonance given the double standard shitshow laid out by certain voters in 2016.
We always hear how important it is too have Christian elected-officials that share and uphold their Christian values. But during the Republican primary these same people kicked the candidates with bonafide Christian credentials to the curb so eagerly when Trump started gaining momentum. I don't doubt that Trump is a Christian but through most of his life and even to this day, most of his actions and words have been marked by selfishness, pettiness, and lies. Face it, there were others more qualified to be the mantle of Christianity as president and would make Trump look like the tool he actually is. And there is no shortage of people wanting and needing to use said tool. That's seems to be why more people of faith don't hold his feet to the fire more often - It's impossible to build something meaningful when your equipment is broken, warped, or tweeting badly about you.
What's more pitiful is that the Venn diagram of people thinking Trump is this crusader for Christianity given the numerous un-Christian things he's done or bragged about and the people who believed and even
insisted Prez Obama was not a Christian and pegging him to a different faith would probably look like the last stages of a full-fledged solar eclipse. To be a part of the former group may be laughable, but to hold steadfast to the belief of the latter group (given that Obama himself says otherwise) now that is a full-fledged sin.
That's great if you are a Christian and wear it on your sleeve and all but I'd much rather have discourse with someone that has the honesty in the face of opposition like Adam White. I do think statements like his about believers of Christ are lazy, but given last year's election cycle not altogether untrue. In fact, I wouldn't mind sharing a pint with White one day...lest it violates some silly theological exegesis of yours ya' damned dirty hypocrite!
Then yer god SUX :P
Quote from: aldermanparklover on January 27, 2017, 12:36:22 PM
I'm Catholic too - almost 2,000 years Christianity has been around, in many different forms but each still fundamentally the same as the other in their core beliefs and practices. Beliefs and practices going all the way back to when Jesus physically walked among us and taught the absoluteness of God's love and word.
Who are you again?
Who am I again? Well that seems random. But if you insists (and in keeping with the thread theme) allow me to quote a reading from the book of Herman's Hermits...(ahem)
I'm Henry the 8th I am
Henry the 8th I am, I am
(second verse same as the first)
...and as you hay have surmised, I'm not one that takes himself too seriously.
Quote from: JaxJersey-licious on January 28, 2017, 12:38:53 PM
Quote from: Adam White on January 27, 2017, 01:38:35 PM
Jesus was made up* and if you live your life by that rubbish, it says a lot about your gullibility.
*A guy named Jesus might've lived, but no way was he the son of god.
As hurt or offended as some believers may be from comments like that, I as a big fan of Jesus have no problem with it at all. As long as you're open to a debate and even some pushback, a statement like that may have some resonance given the double standard shitshow laid out by certain voters in 2016.
We always hear how important it is too have Christian elected-officials that share and uphold their Christian values. But during the Republican primary these same people kicked the candidates with bonafide Christian credentials to the curb so eagerly when Trump started gaining momentum. I don't doubt that Trump is a Christian but through most of his life and even to this day, most of his actions and words have been marked by selfishness, pettiness, and lies. Face it, there were others more qualified to be the mantle of Christianity as president and would make Trump look like the tool he actually is. And there is no shortage of people wanting and needing to use said tool. That's seems to be why more people of faith don't hold his feet to the fire more often - It's impossible to build something meaningful when your equipment is broken, warped, or tweeting badly about you.
What's more pitiful is that the Venn diagram of people thinking Trump is this crusader for Christianity given the numerous un-Christian things he's done or bragged about and the people who believed and even insisted Prez Obama was not a Christian and pegging him to a different faith would probably look like the last stages of a full-fledged solar eclipse. To be a part of the former group may be laughable, but to hold steadfast to the belief of the latter group (given that Obama himself says otherwise) now that is a full-fledged sin.
That's great if you are a Christian and wear it on your sleeve and all but I'd much rather have discourse with someone that has the honesty in the face of opposition like Adam White. I do think statements like his about believers of Christ are lazy, but given last year's election cycle not altogether untrue. In fact, I wouldn't mind sharing a pint with White one day...lest it violates some silly theological exegesis of yours ya' damned dirty hypocrite!
Then yer god SUX :P
That was a really nice and reasoned response to my insensitive, knee-jerk post. Thanks.
Quote from: JaxJersey-licious on January 28, 2017, 12:44:56 PM
Quote from: aldermanparklover on January 27, 2017, 12:36:22 PM
I'm Catholic too - almost 2,000 years Christianity has been around, in many different forms but each still fundamentally the same as the other in their core beliefs and practices. Beliefs and practices going all the way back to when Jesus physically walked among us and taught the absoluteness of God's love and word.
Who are you again?
Who am I again? Well that seems random. But if you insists (and in keeping with the thread theme) allow me to quote a reading from the book of Herman's Hermits...(ahem)
I'm Henry the 8th I am
Henry the 8th I am, I am
(second verse same as the first)
...and as you hay have surmised, I'm not one that takes himself too seriously.
This forum clearly needs a "LIKE" button, simple as that!
Quote from: Adam White on January 28, 2017, 03:14:51 AM
Quote from: FlaBoy on January 27, 2017, 07:28:47 PM
Quote from: Adam White on January 27, 2017, 06:25:26 PM
Quote from: FlaBoy on January 27, 2017, 05:47:00 PM
Quote from: Adam White on January 27, 2017, 03:58:05 PM
Quote from: FlaBoy on January 27, 2017, 03:50:41 PM
Quote from: Adam White on January 27, 2017, 03:33:11 PM
Quote from: TimmyB on January 27, 2017, 03:14:02 PM
Quote from: Adam White on January 27, 2017, 01:38:35 PM
Jesus was made up* and if you live your life by that rubbish, it says a lot about your gullibility.
*A guy named Jesus might've lived, but no way was he the son of god.
I have gone from being sure his divinity was definitely true to having no idea, one way or the other. What I do know is this: what a great role model he is to live by. Love your neighbor. Feed the poor. Shelter the needy. Don't judge. If we all simply did that, how much better would Earth be? Sadly, "greed is good" took over and it ain't going away.
I don't disagree. I just hate it when people act as if the words of Jesus have some authority. I have no objection to people having religious beliefs - I just think they should keep them to themselves. Unfortunately, they are all too often used as a rod to beat others with. And the people who seem to object the most to the (usually perceived) actions of Muslims are the people doing basically the same thing.
LOL. This is a thread about the Church and Christianity. If there were ever a time to bring Jesus into a conversation, this one makes sense. You might want to turn your hatred down a little bit. Hate is never a good look.
I don't hate anyone. But I do think religion is stupid and people who waste their lives on some made up bullshit and quote scripture are idiots.
That sure sounds like some hatred of religion to me. ??? Calling things bullshit and people being idiots or stupid, may border on that...
Maybe you don't understand what "hatred" means?
Merriam-Webster defines it as:
"1: extreme dislike or disgust
2: ill will or resentment"
Would you say you extremely dislike religion? Maybe even some ill will towards religion?
I think the key word there is "extreme" and I'd say I don't have an "extreme" dislike of religion. My dislike is not intense enough to qualify as hatred. Anyway, there's "hate" as in "I hate anchovies on my pizza" and then there's "hate" as in "I hate black people". The word "hate" has different connotations, depending on how it is being used. When you're talking about people, then it's the second kind of hate and that kind of hate is far more severe than the way the word is used in the first example. And I don't hate anyone.
Thinking something is stupid and a massive waste of time is not hatred. I may be sanctimonious or judgmental, but I wouldn't say I'm hateful.
I also think people who believe in ghosts and psychics are dumb.
Sounds good. I was just kind of giving you a hard time on the last one. Cheers!
News like this doesn't help....
QuotePastor Caught in Bed With Parishioner's Wife Won't Resign Because God Has Already Forgiven Him
A Tallahassee, Florida, pastor who was forced to flee naked after he was caught having an affair with a parishioner's wife says he will not step down from his position because God has already forgiven him and his wife is standing by him.
Just days after the Rev. O. Jermaine Simmons Sr., pastor of the popular Jacob Chapel Baptist Church was caught sleeping with his parishioner, he was recorded telling his very supportive church that it is better for the church if he remains committed to God's work in the pulpit.
"What I want from God I've already received it and that's his forgiveness. What I am asking of our members is something I may or may not get and that is your prayers. And I'm asking for your forgiveness," Simmons said as his congregation said "amen" and gave him a standing ovation.
Read more at http://www.christianpost.com/news/pastor-caught-in-bed-with-parishioners-wife-wont-resign-because-god-has-already-forgiven-him-173638/#SGZrVL8zbyHKqKft.99
Christianity evolves along with many systems, professions, governments, and organizations. Unless maintained to optimization of purpose by strong leadership -- these entities, after having emerged from genuine needs and profound integrity by enlightened and sincere individuals ... often descend to various levels of exploitation and corruption when infiltrated by enough individuals shaped by ignorance, stupidity, and greed ... qualities encouraged by the habits of a descending society ... led by a clueless and bought media ... allowed by a government increasingly shaped to plutocratic and kleptocratic realities by an increasing population of mental mediocrities.
What of the profession of law ... the system of justice ... ? Within the profession of law are many profoundly intelligent individuals ... dedicated to fairness and justice to all they encounter. But there are others within who, by their tendency to greed, and their ignorance of the human condition, destroy justice and financially rape all those they encounter. We must have more of the former, as the latter only holds our local economy to mediocrity, and the minds of the vulnerable to fear and inaction as these vultures maneuver via lies and corruption to take all that is possible either directly from vulnerable hard working individuals, or through the insurance companies via higher premiums.
I must get to work, but if time and the state of mind allows, I would like to further engage the dynamics of these entities ... especially Christianity, lawyers ...and the justice system in general.
Onward ... to truth ... justice ... and the destruction ignorance. :)
Quote from: thelakelander on January 31, 2017, 01:27:10 PM
News like this doesn't help....
QuotePastor Caught in Bed With Parishioner's Wife Won't Resign Because God Has Already Forgiven Him
A Tallahassee, Florida, pastor who was forced to flee naked after he was caught having an affair with a parishioner's wife says he will not step down from his position because God has already forgiven him and his wife is standing by him.
Just days after the Rev. O. Jermaine Simmons Sr., pastor of the popular Jacob Chapel Baptist Church was caught sleeping with his parishioner, he was recorded telling his very supportive church that it is better for the church if he remains committed to God's work in the pulpit.
"What I want from God I've already received it and that's his forgiveness. What I am asking of our members is something I may or may not get and that is your prayers. And I'm asking for your forgiveness," Simmons said as his congregation said "amen" and gave him a standing ovation.
Read more at http://www.christianpost.com/news/pastor-caught-in-bed-with-parishioners-wife-wont-resign-because-god-has-already-forgiven-him-173638/#SGZrVL8zbyHKqKft.99
It's stuff like this that make me wonder if all religions were created as a backup plan in case we got caught doing something society deemed wrong. If accountable only to an unknowable entity, that's authorization to do anything and get away with it.
Quote from: finehoe on January 26, 2017, 10:07:17 PM
While the gospels instruct followers of Christ to help the poor, oppressed, maligned, mistreated, sick, and those most in need of help, Christians in America have largely supported measures that have rejected refugees, refused aid to immigrants, cut social services to the poor, diminished help for the sick, fueled xenophobia, reinforced misogyny, ignored racism, stoked hatred, reinforced corruption, and largely increased inequality, prejudice, and fear.
The election of President Donald Trump has proven that numerous Christians are more worried about power, influence, and control than the gospel messages of humility, generosity, ministering to others, and love.
Of course there are exceptions, but it should be sobering for Christians to realize that that many who claim to follow the Prince of Peace, the Healer, the Light of the World, supported policies that are bringing darkness and pain to so many people.
https://sojo.net/articles/american-christianity-has-failed
The problem is that the government has usurped the role of the church. Instead of voluntary contributions to the church, the government essentially takes your money before you can even touch it. The Salvation Army could do much more good with 1/10 the money that the government spends. Why? Because they are used to doing that. Also, if someone is just looking for a handout because they are lazy and unwilling to pitch in, they won't be around.
That said, to be truthful, the followers of Christ were first told to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all the world. Good deeds would follow, but that was not the PRIMARY role they were called too.
Quote from: Jim on January 27, 2017, 12:24:05 PM
Jesus taught us to not be an ass to each other. Live by that and all is good. You don't need a religion, a church, etc...just don't be an ass.
Christ did not come to earth as a man to teach that. Christ was God and therefore was inherently a religion. The Holy Bible knows nothing of a solitary religion.
Quote from: Redbaron616 on December 05, 2017, 08:21:35 PM
Quote from: Jim on January 27, 2017, 12:24:05 PM
Jesus taught us to not be an ass to each other. Live by that and all is good. You don't need a religion, a church, etc...just don't be an ass.
Christ did not come to earth as a man to teach that. Christ was God and therefore was inherently a religion. The Holy Bible knows nothing of a solitary religion.
"Christ" (if he even existed) was a charlatan and likely the illegitimate son of a Roman soldier or someone else - someone other than "God".