On these messages boards, why is there...

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How is being a professional athlete contributing to society?

Let me guess... you're not particularly interested in sports or commerce?
How many millions do you suppose tennis entertains, helps take their minds off their troubles, inspires to do their best? Creates and maintains interest to support local athletic organizations?
How about the millions it takes to build and maintain the venues? Lotsa jobs there.
How about the millions that professional athletes make and spend... lotsa jobs there, too.
And following celebrities... major bucks in journalism, photography, fashion...

Not to mention the smug moral satisfaction that non-atheletes get from feeling superior to jocks.

Boundless benefits...

It's up for debate wether the commercial side of sports brings any real benefits.

Sports compliment the satisfaction and enjoyment of the human spirit. If we didn't have anything interesting to do, what would be the point of living? I'd be bored out of my mind.

So while I personally don't find watching sports to be all that entertaining, I understand that this is a valid form of entertainment for others. It contributes to society by keeping us from being bored, fueling creativity, lifting up our spirits and fighting depression. It can be as necessary as eating every day to some people. The same thing goes with chasing after any celebrity or even fictional characters. It's not always useless jabber. To some people, it's the very meaning of life.

Who are we to judge someone who's found fulfillment just because it's simple? Personally, I envy them.

Don't worry about it, I've had people imply I'm "fake" too, but we both know we're diagnosed so it doesn't change anything.

It's possible to debate the benefits of any industry... say the military industrial complex? Insurance? Health care? Fossil fuels? Cattle? ADVERTISING?! [now there's one I could do without]

But it provides a lot of jobs, circulates a lot of money, inspires and entertains a lot of folks...

and don't forget the hottie factor! I'd much rather look at buff bods that pale pasty lumpish bods...

But that's just me...

1) The problem with banning Christianity is that Christians have morals: they shouldn't steal, murder, rape, etc. and the reason for this is that if they do, God will punish them for it. If you're an atheist, there is no reason why you shouldn't do these things because there is no consequence for doing so. Yes, there is the law, but that is only because it is based on a Christian foundation. Essentially, creating an Atheist country could end up with an amoral, self-serving society where there is no justification for putting other's interests first.

2) How exactly is Christianity bad? If you are going to bring up the Crusades, that's hardly fair as it isn't a recent event. Also I have yet to meet a single atheist who is as full of grace and consideration for others as the Christians I know.

3) A question for Fudo:



You claim Christianity is bad for its ministering nature, yet you yourself would like to 'convert' all Christians into atheists, right? Isn't that hypocritical?

i believe christianity should be banned from these forums, as most forums do not allow such discussion, especially if there are many children that visit the site.
i claim christianity is "bad" yes, but i said nothing about converting anyone to an atheist point of view.. you seem quite sure atheists have no morals, yet say the crusades are behind us? :p i'm Agnostic not Atheist & if your "God" is truly omnipotent, omniscient & benevolent, then He will surely understand my reasons & forgive me
Presumably you wouldn't though, instead insisting i "save my soul" ?

News for you Crinkly...
Buddism is atheist. A creator god is felt to be logically unsupportable. Not that buddhists are any more or less moral, just don't do the god thing.

Of course, karma can really bite...

they don't like all the colourful deities of Buddhism methinks, very intimidating to the manacheean mind set (most) christians have.. Fudo protects & i pay respects
How is karma for you DB? that is, i understand it to be, all karma is bad according to krishna, & so "good" karma will not help you escape the "wheel of life".. am i close?

Ah, the religion debate. An endless cycle of theory and objectivity. Both sides would like to point out the hypocrisies and perceived wrongdoings of each other, and both often end up right and wrong with similar success. The problem is that neither side of a religious debate is willing to yield. It's always about annihilating the opposition instead of convincing the opponent of merit or feasibility.

Bringing up religion, whether it be for or against, is soliciting a response from the other side. It's unfair to assume that you're so right that no one opposed to you even deserves the right to speak or have a differing opinion. It's also hardly a debate if you go in without intending to hear out your opposition at all, instead being adamant about the correctness of your own beliefs. Then it's just an argument.

Please, everyone on both sides- don't just argue. Debating's fine, but this isn't a debate. Besides, there's a whole 'nother forum for that.

No, it's more like there's contaminated karma, which is operative in samsara [wheel of birth and death], and uncontaminated karma, which is what enlightened beings experience.

In general, it's contaminated karma that is being referred to in any teaching, as that is what we [assuming no fully enlightened folk here; apologies if there are] are subject to and need to work with.

Karma is a special law of cause and effect that applies to the mental environment of a deluded sentient being. "Bad" karma are mental tendencies that lead to further suffering, "good" karma are mental tendencies that lead to happiness. Positive, wholesome mental tendencies help create the conditions necessary to propel oneself off the wheel of birth and death.

When it comes to the hell realms, the christians are rank amatuers. Even buddhist heavens are more delineated... but I haven't studied them as thoroughly at this point... I don't seem to spend much time there.

Yep, buddhisms' my passion...

ah ok thanks DB i'm now completely confused, but i DID ask.. lol
& as for religious debate.. meh ok but you can't hold it back forever..;p
Christianity IS Dangerous!! ! sorry =P

No, I disagree. Any religion/belief is like a knife... help or harm depends on the hand and heart that wields it.

It's not about objectively which is better... ultimately it's which is better for me, which practice helps me develop my good qualities, my heart, my wisdom, and my ability to help others.

but it is still like a knife is roughly what i mean & since most people are not so introspective & "careful" with what they believe, i would maintain that christianity is dangerous..
in your hands much less so & probably wonderful, but for the world i think it's a big potential threat still.. sorry, each to their own. just be wary of sharp objects? lol i dunno

Yeah, beware sharp objects.

Especially the belief in one's own brilliance...