Christians told to treat atheists and agnostics with "deep esteem" - Page 16

frogstamper · 09-05-2008, 16:00

What about the stories that the scholar's didn't put in the bible, a recent program on the History channel explained how the Bible was put together, which apparently happened over a hundred years after Jesus died, who told these scholar's what to put in and what to leave out?

Enuff · 09-05-2008, 16:01

Shouldn't Christians follow their relgion by the book?. Like I said before, you can't be a part-time Christian, can you.

I feel there's no God, only nature, nature is the boss.

RizzyKing · 09-05-2008, 16:03

I said it before this was a debate without end and Incog's comment has bought my focus back to that point so i will let it go as well neither can win it is pointless to continue and isn't going to get us anywhere.

**Russ B** · 09-05-2008, 16:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Enuff

Shouldn't Christians follow their relgion by the book?

Who says we don't?

frogstamper · 09-05-2008, 16:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by RizzyKing

I said it before this was a debate without end and Incog's comment has bought my focus back to that point so i will let it go as well neither can win it is pointless to continue and isn't going to get us anywhere.

It was interesting while it lasted though, I don't expect either side was banking on any conversions, thanks to all for a good discussion.

KaySquirrel · 09-05-2008, 16:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by RizzyKing

I said it before this was a debate without end and Incog's comment has bought my focus back to that point so i will let it go as well neither can win it is pointless to continue and isn't going to get us anywhere.

I agree there will be no end to the debate, but I thought it was interesting to see everyone's views on the matter, before things turned into Ask Russ 200 Questions.

Oh well, at least I've now seen firsthand what 'threads on religion usually turn into' so now I know what other members have hinted at.

Maybe 'cause this is my first time in a thread about religion that has gone the way it apparently usually goes that we could mix things up a bit, and ask Russ questions he's not likely to have gotten before?

For example: The platypus. C'mon, wasn't that phoning it in just a little?

Saaf_laandon_mo · 09-05-2008, 16:13

Maybe Russ should set up a 0898-Jesus Loves You Number, lol........... He would make a fortune.

**Russ B** · 09-05-2008, 16:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by KaySquirrel

For example: The platypus. C'mon, wasn't that phoning it in just a little?

He contracted those out to Mother Nature

**Maggy J** · 09-05-2008, 16:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by KaySquirrel

I agree there will be no end to the debate, but I thought it was interesting to see everyone's views on the matter, before things turned into Ask Russ 200 Questions.

Oh well, at least I've now seen firsthand what 'threads on religion usually turn into' so now I know what other members have hinted at.

Maybe 'cause this is my first time in a thread about religion that has gone the way it apparently usually goes that we could mix things up a bit, and ask Russ questions he's not likely to have gotten before?

For example: The platypus. C'mon, wasn't that phoning it in just a little?

Lets just say that even science cannot reveal all the magic of life.

Scientists and engineers will tell you that the humble bumble bee shouldn't exist and most certainly shouldn't be able to get off the ground let alone fly.But they are around and certainly seem to be able to stay aloft.

Xaccers · 09-05-2008, 16:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russ B

In an ideal world you might have a point.

But this is not an ideal world. In any case I've answered why this happens on many occasions in the past.

But this isn't the situation where it's simply that person's time, and no amount of praying would save them, it's the situation where if just one person prayed then they would not die, but because no one has, no deity is going to get of it's omnipotent backside and do a damn thing.

If prayer makes a difference, then it means that action by a deity is only taking place because that deity is being asked to intercede. Not the actions of love or even giving a damn.
It's the same with the hanging off a window ledge analogy. If no-one asks for help for the person hanging, then they will slip and fall. So for someone to be in a position to help them but refuse unless asked does not portray that person in a good light, wouldn't you agree?

RizzyKing · 09-05-2008, 16:20

Ok can someone resend the memo to xaccers that we have done this to death and have all moved on lol.

**Russ B** · 09-05-2008, 16:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xaccers

But this isn't the situation where it's simply that person's time, and no amount of praying would save them, it's the situation where if just one person prayed then they would not die, but because no one has, no deity is going to get of it's omnipotent backside and do a damn thing.

Far from it for you to try and read God's intention.....

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xaccers

If prayer makes a difference, then it means that action by a deity is only taking place because that deity is being asked to intercede. Not the actions of love or even giving a damn.

I have not said prayer makes a difference. I'm saying I believe it CAN make a difference. There are times when God's will in absolute.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xaccers

It's the same with the hanging off a window ledge analogy. If no-one asks for help for the person hanging, then they will slip and fall. So for someone to be in a position to help them but refuse unless asked does not portray that person in a good light, wouldn't you agree?

Not at all. Perhaps help has already been sent for without the person knowing about it.

---------- Post added at 16:21 ---------- Previous post was at 16:20 ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by RizzyKing

Ok can someone resend the memo to xaccers that we have done this to death and have all moved on lol.

Trust me, from experience you'll be waiting a LONG time....

Xaccers · 09-05-2008, 16:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russ B

Xaccers will know the answer to this as he has read up a lot on the bible he appears to despise (plus I've pointed it out loads of times before). There is a biblical reason why such things as Rwanda happen, I'll see if he can remember it.

Yes, the god of Abraham is a genocidal tyrant and not a loving god.
Thank you for asking.

**Russ B** · 09-05-2008, 16:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xaccers

Yes, the god of Abraham is a genocidal tyrant and not a loving god.
Thank you for asking.

Now you see? Your efforts to avoid using a name which you are afraid will give the impression that you have respect for Him has led most people to not know who you're talking about, just like your other old favourite, Rabbi Joshua.

foreverwar · 09-05-2008, 16:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Incognitas

Lets just say that even science cannot reveal all the magic of life.

Scientists and engineers will tell you that the humble bumble bee shouldn't exist and most certainly shouldn't be able to get off the ground let alone fly.But they are around and certainly seem to be able to stay aloft.

Ahem

"The apocryphal story about bees not being able to fly arose because the roughness and flexibility of their wings was neglected in a quick calculation. The wings of a bumblebee bend to create vortices that provide lift on both the upward and downward strokes, and a full analysis of the bee's flight involves many factors: wing angle, wing deformation, aerodynamic and inertial forces on the wing, and so on"

And apropos that, this BumbleBee can fly...........