The religion thread of misery and changing no minds

[wade]

Well, Chip, everyone who matters will be occupied until church lets out.

 

[Hypancistrus]

He did not go into a giant multi-million dollar arena or marble and gold covered building with 500 other people and repeat himself over and over. He prayed alone. quietly. To his god of choice.

A lot of organized Christianity seems to be about proving to OTHER humans how "Godly" you are and also about showing off your new car, gorgeous wife, and lovely 2.2 children. I cringe when I see some of the mega-churches in the far reaches of the Baltimore-Washington Metro area... I look at the millions upon millions they spent on their building and wonder... what would Jesus the poor carpenter think of this????

Do they ever consider that???

 

[Russell]

A lot of organized Christianity seems to be about proving to OTHER humans how "Godly" you are and also about showing off your new car, gorgeous wife, and lovely 2.2 children. I cringe when I see some of the mega-churches in the far reaches of the Baltimore-Washington Metro area... I look at the millions upon millions they spent on their building and wonder... what would Jesus the poor carpenter think of this????

Do they ever consider that???

Actually, he already did say something...a long long time ago...

Matthew 7:21-23
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in they name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in they name done many wonderful works?
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

 

[Russell]

and oh man, I was supposed to have 2.2 kids AND a gorgeous wife? OOPS! guess I'm not a good enough worldly christian. *sigh* poor me! :sobstory:

 

[Jynx]

Eric you are absolutly right about the approach. If someone said " I found something that has enriched my life, made me a better person and I would like you to check it out" I would be very respectfull and depending on the situation even go just out of respect. When I give my answer of "I have gone to church, I have read the bible and I just don't believe it is a life I want to lead but i am glad it has helped you so much" The nicities usually stop there. I try to change the subject but I get dragged into a long discussion that ends up being uncomfortable for me and the other person.

I will admit that I live a pretty unusual lifestyle. I train in muay thai where fights are decided by how much damage you inflict on your opponent, its very common to pee blood for a few days after a fight , I street race my cars, stunt ride motorcycles, I party and drink to excess more than most guys my age, I am notoriously promiscious and when I need to relax and unwind I curl up on the couch with a 10' reticulated python and watch a ball game.
I think this is what draws people to try and "save" me by telling me I have to be more like them and live the way they do.

And, where have have you been all my life?

 

[RavenSpirit360]

I love religion and find it fascinating. However, I tend to be skeptic of organized religion...I don't like people telling me what and how to think. At times I fail to see the difference between organized religions and cults...except that one of them are more socially acceptable. I was raised Christian, but I prefer to think of myself merely as a philosopher, I like to think about the universe. But anyone who tells me that they 'know' the truth I tend to be skeptical about.

Seconded

 

[reptile_jones]

Some one has this as their signature on another forum.

If Atheists were organized and had weekly meetings like Christians have church. Would they be considered a Non-Prophet organization?