The Skeptics Thread

[TheSickness]

God is Love.......... Love never fails, bro... :rock:

D

.........

 

[Azmal]

Anyway, does this scare anyone but me?
http://www.talk2action.org/story/2008/9/13/1538/09770

 

[Prof]

Anyway, does this scare anyone but me?
http://www.talk2action.org/story/2008/9/13/1538/09770

It is early and my brain is not engaged, but many would say...never mind...

Religious freedom is a hallmark of our national culture. I also think that most national leaders realize as Romney stated, that the position of President relates to the nation, and it is not an endorsement of individual religious beliefs. Further, I think most people pick and choose the things that they take from the pulpit and inculcate into their lives. Rare are the total acceptance parishioners...from those come the radicals...and they are in numbers in the macro view.

Then there are the checks and balances...on our leaders...and I have faith in those.

I really liked Huckabee...would not have voted for him, but I would have loved to spend time talking to him...and I think he is a super personality...and after thinking about his religious zeal...realized that he probably was wise enough to not try to impose his religious positions on the nation if elected...maybe I am naive...I have been called much worse.

 

[Azmal]

You know it's legally impossible for an atheist to get office in many states? Religious views are obviously considered for candidates sadly enough but I wish it weren't the case. I can't say I don't care if candidate prescribes to fantasy or not, I'd rather them not of course, but I know I can't hope for much more and candidates will of course has to at least pretend they are religious to get votes.

But let me pose this question: What if a president actually believed that the end of the world/rapture/2nd coming, etc would happen within the next decade... would you feel safe with them in control of the red button? Anyone with utter conviction would surely welcome the end of the world or at least feel comfortable with it.
I'd like to say 'yeah, I'm sure she can keep religion out of any government decisions' but I really dunno.

 

[supercar1of1]

You know it's legally impossible for an atheist to get office in many states? Religious views are obviously considered for candidates sadly enough but I wish it weren't the case. I can't say I don't care if candidate prescribes to fantasy or not, I'd rather them not of course, but I know I can't hope for much more and candidates will of course has to at least pretend they are religious to get votes.

But let me pose this question: What if a president actually believed that the end of the world/rapture/2nd coming, etc would happen within the next decade... would you feel safe with them in control of the red button? Anyone with utter conviction would surely welcome the end of the world or at least feel comfortable with it.
I'd like to say 'yeah, I'm sure she can keep religion out of any government decision's but I really dunno.

Does anyone have any evidence from her record that she would not keep the two seperate?






.

 

[Ram From Hell]

Every man needs to feel there is a purpose, the lord provides that.

Uh, yeah. We call that your right hand.

 

[Azmal]

Does anyone have any evidence from her record that she would not keep the two seperate?
.

who knows, let's just say I'm very skeptical heh

 

[Ram From Hell]

Forced submission never yields the desired end result.

That depends entirely on what you're into.

For some, forced submission is the desired result.

That's not exactly a (ahem) sexual reference either.

If I may offer that man is separated into three distinct character or personality groups. The first has a strong sense of internal strength and direction; an internal locus of control, if you will. The second is more moderate, allowing influence from both within and outside of the self. The third is the antithesis of the first, with an innate need of external guidance, from which strength of self is perceived.

Long have I hypothesized that these personality groups largely reflect the likelihood of a person's attraction to religion. In the more than 20 years following the time I first postulated this, I have seldom found there to be exceptions to this.

I have seen interesting transitions from one "group" to another as well, following traumatic events (severe physical or psychological trauma, drug/alcohol recovery, death or near death of someone close). In each case, it was stated that someone "felt a presence", "accepted (insert savior here) into their heart", or "felt a calling". In general, they felt a strong conviction with respect to this. All outward psychological appearances point to a sense of self-preservation on the part of these people. Grasping something they perceive to be much larger than themselves, and holding on for dear life.

This isn't necessarily the rule, though. Plenty of people have weathered tough times by leaning on good friends, spouses, and relatives. I suppose it just comes down to what works for the individual. It is my interest in this that I post questions as to what draws each person of faith to believe.

 

[Ram From Hell]

You know it's legally impossible for an atheist to get office in many states?

How so?:dontknow:

I cannot imagine, given the separation of church and state, that there would be laws on the books requiring a candidate to state an affiliation with a religious group.

 

[Ram From Hell]

I'd like to say 'yeah, I'm sure she can keep religion out of any government decisions' but I really dunno.

She? Do you know something I don't? Did I miss something?:dontknow:

 

[supercar1of1]

She? Do you know something I don't? Did I miss something?:dontknow:

See post 105 & 107.



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[OCBob]

I've read through this thread, and all I can say is wow! One thing I am convinced of at this point is that I am merely a mental midget compared to some.

 

[BurntRubber]

this is really alot of stuff to read...but I will just go with my story and where I came from. My father is an aethiest (sp?), my mom never really a religious person. I grew up with a f the world because the world f'ed me kind of attitude, my father taught me hate and anger. He also beat me a degraded me, as far as a hospital visit after he seperated my shoulder and broke a few bones from hitting me with a baseball bat. My mom and I went through this together, while my sisters were unaware what was gong on. obvioslly I am not looking for sympathy, I want to tell you how my life has changed for the better knowing that I ahve a creator who cares for me and sent his Son Jesus Christ to offer me salvation and a better life. That is what I believe...and that takes FAITH and HOPE. Do I know for sure there is no God, no I dont...but you dont know for sure there isnt. 3 years ago I drove home drunk and drove my car going about 50-55 mph into a concrete divider not wearing my seat belt...and I walked away...can you believe that...not a scratch...wow...the next day I found out my wife was pregnant with our second child...made me feel like a dumbass, for-sho!!!!
Shortly after I was Baptized, why...because every day I rise I thank God for my life, i thank him for my wife, my children, his blessing...because he blesses me I want to bless others...do I make mistakes...yeah I do. BUt I try my hardest to do whats right in the eyes of the Lord. Show me the double standards in the Bible, or how Jesus contradicts himself. prove to me there is no God, prove to me Jesus never existed. prove to me there is no Heaven, or the the Bible isnt relevant in todays times.
Better yet, come spend a weekend at my house so we can talk about this. So I can show therough my actions, not my words that "believing in the one God sent" is not a fairy tale, or a hypocritical person. I am normal guy, watch football, like cars...but just because I chose to thank God for the blessings in my life doesnt make e crazy. My wife and I a going through tough tmes with money now, and God has provided every step of the way, and He has tough us alot about when times are good again ding things for his benefit not our own agenda. Christs simple message is this "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should not look only to your won interests, but to the interests of other" Philippians 2:17. Its about love and helping out the needy. God loves you and he shows that to you. unfortunatly there is sin in this world and we have to deal with it. Other than that you are all welcome (even Voodoo) to my home, and to my family...and my wife is a good cook

PS...Keep in mind that God plans everything out, he doesnt manage one schedule like we do...he does that for 6 billion people everyday.

thanks guys, praise be to God

 

[Ram From Hell]

Awesome, Carlo. Way to share your experiences, bro.:rock:

As has been said before on this thread, it matters not what you believe, but why you believe (I suppose I should add that you believe). There is no questioning what your faith has done for you, your life, and those around you. I won't ever take such representations of faith away from anyone.

PS...Keep in mind that God plans everything out, he doesnt manage one schedule like we do...he does that for 6 billion people everyday.

Do also keep in mind that the majority of those billions believe just as strongly that it's done by someone else.

 

[TheSickness]

Awesome, Carlo. Way to share your experiences, bro.:rock:

As has been said before on this thread, it matters not what you believe, but why you believe (I suppose I should add that you believe). There is no questioning what your faith has done for you, your life, and those around you. I won't ever take such representations of faith away from anyone.



Do also keep in mind that the majority of those billions believe just as strongly that it's done by someone else.

More to the point......Who ?

 

[Ram From Hell]

I've read through this thread, and all I can say is wow! One thing I am convinced of at this point is that I am merely a mental midget compared to some.

It's not about what's in your head, but what's in your heart.

(A collective "awww" comes from the gallery... )

 

[Ram From Hell]

More to the point......Who ?

I guess it matters where on the list you are as to who it is for you.

#1 Christianity: 2.1 billion
#2 Islam: 1.5 billion
#3 Secular/Nonreligious/Agnostic/Atheist: 1.1 billion
#4 Hinduism: 900 million
#5 Chinese traditional religion: 394 million
#6 Buddhism: 376 million
#7 primal-indigenous: 300 million
#8 African Traditional & Diasporic: 100 million
#9 Sikhism: 23 million
#10 Juche: 19 million
#11 Spiritism: 15 million
#12 Judaism: 14 million
#13 Baha'i: 7 million
#14 Jainism: 4.2 million
#15 Shinto: 4 million
#16 Cao Dai: 4 million
#17 Zoroastrianism: 2.6 million
#18 Tenrikyo: 2 million
#19 Neo-Paganism: 1 million
#20 Unitarian-Universalism: 800 thousand
#21 Rastafarianism: 600 thousand
#22 Scientology: 500 thousand (Aaaagh! I'm posessed by the spirits of alien life forms!!!)

Nobody minds if I pick on the Scientologists, right?

 

[TheSickness]

I guess it matters where on the list you are as to who it is for you.

#1 Christianity: 2.1 billion
#2 Islam: 1.5 billion
#3 Secular/Nonreligious/Agnostic/Atheist: 1.1 billion
#4 Hinduism: 900 million
#5 Chinese traditional religion: 394 million
#6 Buddhism: 376 million
#7 primal-indigenous: 300 million
#8 African Traditional & Diasporic: 100 million
#9 Sikhism: 23 million
#10 Juche: 19 million
#11 Spiritism: 15 million
#12 Judaism: 14 million
#13 Baha'i: 7 million
#14 Jainism: 4.2 million
#15 Shinto: 4 million
#16 Cao Dai: 4 million
#17 Zoroastrianism: 2.6 million
#18 Tenrikyo: 2 million
#19 Neo-Paganism: 1 million
#20 Unitarian-Universalism: 800 thousand
#21 Rastafarianism: 600 thousand
#22 Scientology: 500 thousand (Aaaagh! I'm posessed by the spirits of alien life forms!!!)

Nobody minds if I pick on the Scientologists, right?

Had no idea just how big Sickism was LOL....I have not recieved one Tythe

 

[BurntRubber]

Awesome, Carlo. Way to share your experiences, bro.:rock:

As has been said before on this thread, it matters not what you believe, but why you believe (I suppose I should add that you believe). There is no questioning what your faith has done for you, your life, and those around you. I won't ever take such representations of faith away from anyone.



Do also keep in mind that the majority of those billions believe just as strongly that it's done by someone else.

i believe what i believe, it makes me who i am...

 

[TheSickness]

i believe what i believe, it makes me who i am...

I Love you for those experiences and beliefs as well Carlo....No Shit