Volitions Advocate on 1/4/2010 at 16:32
I'm a christian and I don't believe that the world is 7000 years old. How could it be so young?
Science and Religion are not separable in my opinion.
But I don't want to debate on doctrine. I've avoided that enough with some of my friends of late.
I currently have about 3 friends who have completely denounced their faith publicly and are currently doing everything they can to let everybody know about it, and they're setting up their friends and loved ones to take the fall in the shooting arena that is their discussion.
Just last night I got finished telling my friend that I will love him no matter what. I have several friends that are not of the same faith as I, or even of any faith at all, and as much as I would like to share what I believe with them, I don't tell them that they're doing it wrong. I just live the way I live and try to be an example. I accept my peers for who they are and don't force anything on them. After a bit of a back and forth shouting match he finally realized that this is all I wanted from him in return on his side of the coin. Mutual Respect.
If I decide I want to know more about his point of view I will ask him when I am ready and when this contentious attitude goes away. and if he ever wants to talk to me about what I believe and why.. I will wait for him to ask me. I don't see anything wrong with this.
Fett, I don't know you well at all. I'm not even really "in" here in this community but I admire you because I've read your posts and I think you're a great person.
Thing is we're all human. Even the church. whichever church it may be that you're looking at. Definitely not every action done in the name of God was done with his sanction. People are being asses in all echelons of the clergy and they'll have to answer for it. I might answer to clergy.. but only if I feel it is necessary. My relationship with my church is important, because as said before, it's about community. And why shouldn't it be? If i need help I'll go to them. whatever it is... work, money, emotional help etc.. but my relationship is between myself and my Deity. If I think he thinks I should belong to a specific church or not, that will dictate to me whether or not I will take part in their worship.
If praying made you feel better. Than don't discard it as something you might want to do from time to time. You don't have to jump in 100% and get back to it. but if it made you feel something just remember that feeling and maybe return to it when you want to. Your actions do speak louder than your words and you don't have to be a Christian to act like a true Christian. (i would say most christians do not act like they are supposed to, which is where all the problems come from)
Whether or not you believe I think the advice is good in most parts of the bible.
I'm sure you already know it but 1st Corinthians 13 is pretty much the way I want to live my life. Charity is something that I give to everyone because who am I to judge anybody else? regardless of their situation or faith. And maybe some day, if god exists and he is some sort of an authority on things.. he'll help me to see myself in the way that he sees me instead of my current self image. Because I'm sure he can see a lot more potential in me than I can see in myself.
Take it at your own pace and whatever you decide to do. Do what you feel is right and don't take a partisan approach. You can be respected by your peers even if you don't believe anymore. And if they take the partisan approach... then there isn't much to help them is there?
Hope I'm not too wordy and emotional.
ZylonBane on 1/4/2010 at 16:50
Geeze, this is the worst April Fool's thread ever.
Rug Burn Junky on 1/4/2010 at 17:35
Quote Posted by witherflower
That statement disgusts me. And imaginary friends are in fact the most reliable.
Hell: it's your concept - go there.
Renzatic on 1/4/2010 at 18:25
If I didn't know better, I'd almost think you broke RBJ's heart here, Fett.
fett on 1/4/2010 at 21:13
Funny how RBJ suddenly became civil back when I de-converted. Now that I'm having second thoughts it's okay to act like a jackass? You had "high hopes" for me? Did you somehow think I was trying to live up to your expectations? Typically arrogant and presumptuous of you. I think if there's any one thing that makes me want to throw my lot in with believers, it's people like you who are so narrow that you only agree with those who share your viewpoint. Guess there are fundies on both sides of the fence, I'd just hoped you weren't one of them.
Vivian on 1/4/2010 at 21:25
I dunno, if people were honest enough to admit it you'd probably find that everyone only agrees with people that share their worldview. That's why I never really understood the idea of tolerance of other's faiths - surely you're either with them, think they're full of shit, or can't work it out and therefore have no real say in the matter?
witherflower on 1/4/2010 at 21:51
Quote Posted by Vivian
I dunno, if people were honest enough to admit it you'd probably find that everyone only agrees with people that share their worldview. That's why I never really understood the idea of tolerance of other's faiths - surely you're either with them, think they're full of shit, or can't work it out and therefore have no real say in the matter?
You honestly can't tolerate people you don't agree 100 % with?
fett on 1/4/2010 at 21:52
As much as I've disagreed with RBJ in the past, I at least thought he was intelligent or principled enough to rise above that. Valuable lesson learned on my part I guess. :erg:
Rug Burn Junky on 1/4/2010 at 21:53
Really? that's the best you can come up with?
Come on, fett, you can do better than that. Show a little heart. Oh shi
fett on 1/4/2010 at 22:04
Perfect - as usual, resort to hitting below the belt because you have nothing of substance to say. I guess you've succeeded in shaking my faith in intelligent design at least.
I'm trying to be honest here - the fact that you always take spiritual inquisitiveness as a personal attack speaks volumes about your own insecurities. Breast fed much?
