Do you think religion was created to control people

[Falconer02]

There is no valid evidence to support such a contention, (faith-based religious beliefs are opinion & hearsay and do not constitute valid evidence).

But how could we be around today if some deity hadn't told us not to kill each other!? I mean it's not like we could have figured that one out ourselves! That's crazy talk!

[falcon9]

But how could we be around today if some deity hadn't told us not to kill each other!? I mean it's not like we could have figured that one out ourselves! That's crazy talk!

Since people had been killing one another over various religious beliefs, I'd say there's already been enough crazy talk like that.

[Falconer02]

Since people had been killing one another over various religious beliefs, I'd say there's already been enough crazy talk like that.

I'm 125% in agreement here. It's disgusting hypocrisy that the naive openly preach.

[tzs]

Yes.

[falcon9]

Since people had been killing one another over various religious beliefs, I'd say there's already been enough crazy talk like that.

I'm 125% in agreement here. It's disgusting hypocrisy that the naive openly preach.

Apparently, disgusting hypocrisy makes the naive feel better about their specious beliefs.

[Falconer02]

Apparently, disgusting hypocrisy makes the naive feel better about their specious beliefs.

Yeah. I understand the whole lack of education aspect of it (and to show a perfect example of the title of this thread- I think the republican nominees are cashing in due to this) but beyond that I find it absurd. My friend recently had 2 Jehovah's Witnesses come to his door. He decided to talk to them and as they were trying to make sense of it, he just asked them "It's 2011. Do you really believe there was a talking snake posessed by a demon that was created from a god??". They squirmed a bit, but then pretty much just dove over his question and went straight into the bible to talk about that story. Whenever we talk about this stuff he tells me that the majority of the religious are literally lost in their comfortable delusions and most are so far gone that it's not even worth the effort trying to talk rationally with them. I think most people that are worth talking deeply to would say "No." to the question my friend asked. It's those people that comfort and instill hope in me. The religious sheep just make me groan and grief a lot.

[falcon9]

Whenever we talk about this stuff he tells me that the majority of the religious are literally lost in their comfortable delusions and most are so far gone that it's not even worth the effort trying to talk rationally with them. I think most people that are worth talking deeply to would say "No." to the question my friend asked. It's those people that comfort and instill hope in me. The religious sheep just make me groan and grief a lot.

Fear is a powerful motivator and irrationality is 'easier' than rationality.  Reason may yet stem the tide; only time will tell.

[madeara]

Hello,
No, I don't think so.  I believe that we have free will.  As a Christian, I trust Jesus as my Savior.  I accepted Jesus into my heart.  I trusted in His death on the cross as the only payment for sin.

[sammywantsya]

I believe religion is a crock.  But the Bible and God are a different story.  Religion and preachers choose what to teach and take things out of context, they take a Bible verse and take what part they want out of it, but neglect the whole paragraph or chapter.  They make it say what they want it to say.  And a few preachers I have seen dont act very Christian or Godly in their actions or behavior.
The Bible was written to help people be better and live up to their potential.  There are object lessons and stories that show consequences for bad behavior. 

I was raised in a religion that is considered a cult so I look at religion and preachers in a different light.  When I was old enough to be on my own I walked away from the cult but the brainwashing is a constant.  I have developed a relationship with God and read the Bible but reading other religious books and article are suspect to me.  There are one persons opinion and not necessarily the belief of God.

yes very agree on what your saying.. i had that similar path while growing up.. so i started to believe on my own without any religion that can cause a massive cult behavior..

[falcon9]

i started to believe on my own without any religion that can cause a massive cult behavior..

Your previous posts contradict your dubious assertion.  While you are free to hold whatever religious beliefs you have, making public posts concerning them allow others to dispute them.

[sammywantsya]

falcon9

 please refrain yourself by talking to me or do i need to ask admins to go on a restraining order on you...

stop anaylizing me please..

[falcon9]

falcon9 please refrain yourself by talking to me or do i need to ask admins to go on a restraining order on you...

You could choose to stop replying to me, instead of insisting that others stop replying to you and issuing empty threats, (Admin does not issue "restraining orders" for posting replies in a debate & discussion forum).

stop anaylizing me please..

I haven't begun 'analyzing' you to any depth.  I've been replying to your posted responses and found the latest "restraining order" 'threat' to be amusing.

[falcon9]

do i need to ask admins to go on a restraining order on you...

Quote from: Kohler on 08-11-2007, 11:37:38:
1. Observe the golden rule -- Treat others as you would like to be treated
This one is pretty obvious. This means NO flaming, NO derogatory remarks to other members or staff.

Quote from: sammywantsya on Today at 13:32:56 in message ID# 467955:
"damn you need to lighten up you *bleep*..."

[jcribb16]

falcon9

 please refrain yourself by talking to me or do i need to ask admins to go on a restraining order on you...

stop anaylizing me please..

I totally understand what you are feeling.  This is what he does, though, especially towards believers in the Lord.  There is an "Ignore" button if it seems to go too far.  He pounces on "opinions" as well and expects proof for something that is just an opinion.  If it truly gets bothersome, or the same is happening in several threads, I wouldn't hesitate to let someone know about it.  Hope you have a Happy New Year's! 

[falcon9]

I totally understand what you are feeling. 

Of course, you experienced your own frustrations concerning debating me.

This is what he does, though, especially towards believers in the Lord. 

Actually, "this" is how I respond to any unsupported claims, pronouncements, and assertions, (rather than restricting this to "believers").

There is an "Ignore" button if it seems to go too far. 

Yes, that came up previously - along with an unreasonable insistence upon not replying to the martyred party.

He pounces on "opinions" as well and expects proof for something that is just an opinion. 

This isn't entirely accurate since it omits the aspect of 'pouncing' on unsubstantiated "opinions" which aren't phrased as "opinions", (or, are mis-characterized as "opinions" while being unfounded assertions instead).

If it truly gets bothersome, or the same is happening in several threads, I wouldn't hesitate to let someone know about it. 

Yes, perhaps that elusive forum "restraining order" will make a special holiday appearance, eh?