Can We Have a Respectful Discussion on Religion?

[spookyturtle 9,465]

I think that religion is a way to control people. Perhaps the original intention was not to control people, but it has certainly been used to control people, and tell them, or in some cases force them, to live a certain way.

There are people who believe that David Blaine can levitate, and that pro wrestling is real, after all.

Now I suppose you're going to tell me that pro wrestling isn't real?

[spookyturtle 9,465]

I figure I'll at least be safe here as long as I confine my religion bashing to Christianity.

It's ok to bash Christianity and Judaism here. And blacks too. Just about everything else is against TOS.

[duraaraa 203]

Now I suppose you're going to tell me that pro wrestling isn't real?

[one...two...tree 2,762]

The contextual crowd tends to pick and choose what the want to support their cause. This becomes even more dangerous when you have an agenda. We see it time and time again. The fact that we're still figuring out what the meaning of the bible is could just as easily mean we're constantly updating what we think the meaning is to make ourselves feel better. The meek shall inherit the earth......... Well, what is meek exactly? Like, can I still own a Mercedes and get to Heaven? Sure, whatever you want.

It's not picking or choosing when beliefs evolve so long as they remain consistent with the larger truths. For example, the heart of the message of Christ is that we are loved, unconditionally by our Creator. The Pharisees continuously tried to trap Jesus into being heretical, but even though what he was saying seemed to contradict previous teachings, what he said remained consistent with the larger truths about God and redemption. So, for gays wanting to marry in the context of Christianity - they are upholding what Jesus called, the greatest commandment - love. For a modern Christian to come to that realization - that the sincere, committed love of a gay couple, is not evil or bad. It may go against traditions, but it remains consistent with the central message of Christ. Picking and choosing would be to say you follow Christ's message of love, but hate gay people.

[decocker 7,198]

It's not picking or choosing when beliefs evolve so long as they remain consistent with the larger truths. For example, the heart of the message of Christ is that we are loved, unconditionally by our Creator. The Pharisees continuously tried to trap Jesus into being heretical, but even though what he was saying seemed to contradict previous teachings, what he said remained consistent with the larger truths about God and redemption. So, for gays wanting to marry in the context of Christianity - they are upholding what Jesus called, the greatest commandment - love. For a modern Christian to come to that realization - that the sincere, committed love of a gay couple, is not evil or bad. It may go against traditions, but it remains consistent with the central message of Christ. Picking and choosing would be to say you follow Christ's message of love, but hate gay people.

i have never been to a church that had that sort of acceptance, but i know they exist. much more tolerable than the normal breed..