There's nothing wrong with arguing against the mass. Throughout history the masses have been wrong about many things, both morally and scientifically. It is good to keep an open mind, and in this case as some of us have been saying all along, there is no proof one way or the other. All that we can do is shoot down weak arguments and poor logic by the atheists or the religious (such as Thunderbolt). But referring to the masses is not a good reason to turn back from a disagreement.
Rude as Danny boy is, these things he wrote occurred to me when I read dark horse's post. More generally, there are plenty of cases, now and in history (the Salem Witch Trials are one of too many to count) where people saw or claimed to see miraculous things that never happened.
I thought I did "shoot down" the ridiculously weak "calendar" argument given by Thunderbolt. I don't see any reason to argue with the masses if I have no reason to. I thought I made a few points about how I felt about the Bible as not being an accurate documentation of history. I see no reason to argue with peoples beliefs in it. I think their beliefs are a good thing if it helps them to live their lives according to the fine teachings of the Bible. My personal opinions matter not at all. And I have no incentive to argue them. I will not argue about religion. Only about misstated facts. Or false assumptions in which beliefs are stated as facts. I would argue "against the masses" if I thought there was either greater value in my arguments, or harm in theirs. I see no harm. Rs7
You dont think that believing you are BORN a sinner is psychologically damaging? You dont think that the practice of accepting things as fact based on faith can be dangerous to a person? If not, Ive got some cheap land in florida to sell ya peace axeman
wow, i know i don't read much of the bible (who would?), but i didn't even know this! is that true!? why would someone be BORN A SINNER?! i can't wait to read what will surely be a RIDICULOUS explanation! axeman, you always make great points! you are wasting these people!
Not all christians believe this GG. But many do. The concept of original sin was introduced in the 3rd century AD if my memory serves me correctly. In any case, ive personally met lots of christians that do believe in original sin and can honestly say that it causes some of them a lot of grief. I could tell you about an ex girlfriend of mine who was really messed up due to all this "sinning" stuff, but I wont go there...... kinda private. She had a very hard time enjoying her life. peace axeman
I did not know that the concept of "original sin" was part of the Bible. I thought it was part of Catholicism. (don't really know....I don't subscribe to any of it). Believing things based on faith may or may not be dangerous. Depends on what it is. If one were to believe in the Ten Commandments because of their faith, I would not only see no danger, but I would see a good outcome. Believing in faith that says to kill the infidels; whole different thing. I could definitely use some cheap land in Florida. My property taxes are absolutely killing me. All so I can live by the beach that I never go to? Sea lice in the summer, jellyfish in the winter. Only time I went in the past few years was to catch a sunrise and once to see that incredible meteor shower last year. Find me some good swamp land, a generator and a satellite dish a rifle with a scope so I can live on gator-burgers (mmmmm), and a way to get my old lady to agree to the move!! I could sell this place and retire. Screw the kids! Let 'em find their own way. RS7
You make my point RS7. How is one who believes on FAITH alone to determine that killing infidels is wrong? Faith is blind belief. If what you believe in says stone non-believers like the bible, or kill infidels like the Koran, who do you think followers are gonna listen to? Their bible/god or mans law? Bingo.... look at history to see the answer. Why wouldnt Thunderbolt stone me on sight? peace axeman
axeman, you are simply fantastic!!!!!!! this may cause an uproar, but i say more likely than not, SEPT. 11TH WOULDN'T HAVE HAPPENED IF RELIGION DID NOT EXIST. now, yes, it may have happened for other reasons..but.. why do israel and palestine fight? the root is religion. why does bin laden hate america? mainly because we support israel. why was sept 11 a tragedy? because bin laden and his people hate us. if there was no religion at all, would this situation have occurred? i say no. but, i know, religion is such a great thing........
thanks for all the great reading and thought provoking words on this thread. who said traders are neanderthals ?? lol ! keep it coming ! surf