Why?

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http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/26/501(c).html

Yeah, here's a list of 501(c) type entities; seems like so long as they're providing a service and its one that is almost more of a communal or donation-funded entity that the status is upheld (though I did see something in there and I'm sure you guys will love this - unless its deemed a terrorist organization).

Such as the belief that the being that created society the way it is is going to accomplish that.

Is there any reason to believe that human nature is ever going to improve on its own? Does history show a tendency of Man becoming less selfish or egotistical, are we becoming more dedicated to things like truth and justice that would have to happen in order for this perfect society to exist? If we are, please show me because I cannot see it.

I believe in God because I choose to: because I have come to the conclusion, some time ago, that if there is no higher form of life then life itself is terminal.

Similarities between religions can be looked at in many different ways. They are all so similar because they are all describing the same basic truths or they are all so similar because they contrain the same basic faults would be just two ways.


Science is more useful when it comes to describing the world, it however requires just as much faith.


I percieve the colours of the world differently than everyone around me.


Can you "feel" magnetism physically? Can you "feel" the strong-force physically? No you can't, you can only feel/observe their effects indirectly. This makes them no less real.


The electron exists in the stand four dimensions that we can percieve. Length, width, height and time. It also exists in a fifth collapsed dimension, that we are unable to percieve. Because the dimension is collapsed, the electron moves in this dimension in a loop. This is what gives an electron charge.

Also when the spin of an electron is reversed, the spin of it's paired electron will automatically switch as well, as to stay the opposite to it's pair. We can not see anything happening in the space between the particles. Infact, the distance between them doesn't appear to effect this phenonenon.

Just because we can not percieve something, it does not automatically mean it does not exist.


It a deity did create the universe and he intended to test us (as most holy books describe), it would be logical to assume that he would make it difficult or near impossible for us to perceve our own souls. They could easily exist in an extra dimension, where we are unable to manipulate them or observe them directly.


Not every individual reproduces and not every organism dies. There is no universal meaning to life, life is what you choose to make of it.


I find your beliefs expressed in your post very unscientific and very illogical. You might also wish to consider that the human senses are flawed and we rely on faith in them when we make observations of the world.

just for the record. you are correct :]

Trust me, nobody goes around choking people to get them to convert.


Was this supposed to make sense?


Nope.


Sure. You know that the word 'hate' was being used as hyperbole, right? That it was meant as a comparative, not an absolute?


Matthew 13:47 refers to fishermen catching fish with a net. The words 'traumatized', 'helpless', 'fiery', and 'furnace' all fail to appear in that verse.

If you're referring to what happens to the fish, in Matthew 13:48 we find out; they get sorted into a good pile, which get put in baskets to be eaten, and the bad ones get thrown away. It doesn't say where they get thrown away, but their fate is no worse, and possibly better than the 'good' ones. That is the end of the parable, and it is preceded by two others in Matthew 13:44-46.

The interpretation of the fish parable takes place in Matthew 13:49-50. Matthew 13:50 is the only place to mention a firey furnace, but nowhere in the interpretation is there any mention of fish.

In short, this image doesn't appear in the verse you quoted, or anywhere else either.

And no, none of this reminds me of Christmas.

Not physically, but some behaviors of your peer group toward you can contribute in causing you to choke.



How do you tell what he meant?

I found this statement very interesting. Not long ago, there was a tongue in cheek joke thread about agnostics being indecisive and I posed the question...Is believing a decision? No one answered. Do you really feel you have made a choice to believe? When I look at the things I believe, I do not see them as chosen.

[quote="MikeH106"]I say once again that Christianity might not be just a mistaken myth but also a form of bullying.

If the same scientific approach is used to determine the reality of Jesus as is used to determined the reality of Homer or Plato, for example, then Jesus comes off as a truly historical person moving in a very clear cut-point in time indeed.

I believe that science in seeking historical proof of anyone from the past is basically a matter that is based upon a collection of information from the best available evidence of documentary sources. And so, scientifically and historically speaking, if Jesus is a myth, then so is everyone in the past born without a birth certificate and a photo taken.

1. There are other religions aside from Judeo-Christian religions. And even those vary quite considerably in their beliefs. Just because you don't like some branches of Judeo-Christian religions that you're exposed to, as they're very well-known, don't bash religion as a whole.

2. It has been said, on a number of occasions, that the two most annoying religious groups are Christians and Athiests. Always trying to convert people with faulty logic.

Edit: I recognize the fact that you were not necessarily trying to convert people in posting this. I am merely stating this fact.

I don't know what you believe Clair333 so I'm not sure how to answer you. Are you one of those who question the existence of free will?

I think most beliefs are baised on choice, where we look for information, who we choose to listen to and who to ignore. If not that, what?

No. I do not believe in free will, but that is not really where I am coming from. I think my question is due more to past annoyance of the view of agnostics being indecisive and I think you are the first person, theist or atheist, whom I have noticed to state their belief is a choice.

I think beliefs are determined by the information we receive. Maybe you are correct and it is my own mental block with the word choice that is my problem here.

I don't understand what you're getting at at all.


I've heard about this verse before, it's well-known, and follows a standard Jewish idiom; but even if it weren't, you can tell that he doesn't mean this in a literal sense by looking at other things he said (as well as standard Judaism, which would have been a background for himself and his listeners). Given that it isn't meant literally, it's not much of a leap to guess what was meant.

my view is simple, if you think some big bad guy in the sky exists, fine, but keep your views to yourself and don't try to put your holy laws onto me.

1. You say being gay is wrong, I say your bible says slavery is okay!
2. You say I am a sinner, I say you sin in my views
3. You say I am going to hell, I say great
4. You say repent, I say you first
5. you say convert, I say stop believing in imaginary friends

well you knew you would get bad feedback.

I readily admit that you are a very intelligent person. However, you are the exception to the rule.

Now I am really confused. What is free will but the ability to make a choice? If you do not belive in free will then you are indecisive. Why should you be offended?