The Good Ole Religion Thread

[College Boy]

By conservative estimates, our species has been around for 100K years. By liberal estimates, 200K.

Let's take 100 thousand to be nice.

Jesus came and saved us 2000 years ago.

So, for the Christian story to be true, for the first 98000 years, Heaven watched humanity die out due to sickness, natural disaster, crime, etc, with indifference. And then, after almost a thousand centuries, He decided, "Enough's enough! Jesus, go do your thing."

Thank you for your input.

I have no clue at all what the "deal" between humanity and God was between the time of creation and Abraham, or anyone that was never given the opportunity to accept or reject God's word. But for the sake of conversation I'll let you know what I think it was. If I were to guess, I would think that God (in His infinite wisdom) watched humanity and waited until we were to a point that we could actually understand and receive His message. I would also think that God (who is fair and just) would not hold someone responsible for knowledge they were not able to obtain or comprehend. Remember, though, this is pure speculation so I could be completely off base. I recognize that I do not know the mind of God. What I do know is that He is the only one that has the ability to act with the full picture in mind, so whatever His judgements are will be the correct and fair call.

I choose not to worship someone so cruel.

That's your prerogative, friend.

[College Boy]

Also to the atheist: Monkeys are black. So why aren't all humans black?

I don't know if you're being serious or just joking.

This is the Houston Rockets board. We don't take ourselves too seriously.

Yeah man, you gotta look out for some of the characters on this board. We're Rockets fans, so we're automatically irrational.

[College Boy]

So what is logical about believing in a creation with out a creator?

And saying "A book revised over and over again over the last thousand year by people with obvious agenda doesn't count" is a bit narrow minded. The books have not been revised, they've been translated. And why would they not "count"?

If you read the things the Bible says, they are very logical. The Bible and science actually compliment each other, not the other way around. I really wish people would come to terms with this.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ImvlS8PLIo[/youtube]

I tried to watch as much as I could, but it was just too much. But I did get through about 40 minutes though.

[rsavaj]

Thanks for making the attempt though . A lot of people don't even bother so I appreciate the effort. Krauss is one of my favorite physicists.

[Mr. E]

Being a Houston Sports Fan is a testament to the power of Faith.

[College Boy]

Thanks for making the attempt though . A lot of people don't even bother so I appreciate the effort. Krauss is one of my favorite physicists.

Hmm.... I don't know what to make of the fact that you have a favorite physicist, let alone a panel of favorite physicists...

[College Boy]

Being a Houston Sports Fan is a testament to the power of Faith.

So some Cowboys fan tried to tell me that the Texans have bandwagon fans.... How on Earth can you bandwagon the Texans?

[rsavaj]

Thanks for making the attempt though . A lot of people don't even bother so I appreciate the effort. Krauss is one of my favorite physicists.

Hmm.... I don't know what to make of the fact that you have a favorite physicist, let alone a panel of favorite physicists...

I'm a geek. While other people are watching Jersey Shore I'm on Hulu watching Carl Sagan's PBS program "Cosmos" from the 80s lol

A strong, strong fascination with science and sense of wonder with the natural world kind of just becomes inherent after spending years in higher education studying science

[Joseph17]

I thought it was foolish of me to believe everything that was taught to me from a young age and I started to question it. One of my religion classes in HS was a big factor as to what made me question it because I didn't agree with anything that my teacher was saying. If you don't agree with something, you'll eventually turn away from it. I also thought it was foolish of me to say I believe everything that's in the Bible when there are a bunch of other religions in the world that say different things. If I lived in Saudi Arabia would I believe in the same things? Probably not. As far as me becoming an atheist, I asked myself why I believe in God and I couldn't think of anything substantial. I realized that I only believed because that was what was taught to me since I was born.

So are you one that believes science explains everything? (once again, I'm not trying to lead you with these questions, I'm just curious)

Going through life not questioning anything and believing everything that was taught to you is an ignorant way to live. That's what I was doing before I started to question my religion. It's important for people to think outside the box even in areas that don't involve religion.

I notice that equate being religious with unquestioning, ignorant faith. If this is correct, why do you think these things go hand in hand? Are you under the assumption that questioning God is wrong, and that religious people do not investigate their faith?

I don't believe science explains everything because there's a limit to how much we know through science.

I am under the assumption that most religious people don't investigate their faith or question it. You obviously did and I respect you for doing that, but I would say about 95% of the people I know did not. I think most people are actually afraid to question it because they were taught that abandoning God is a mortal sin. I also think that a lot of believers feel more secure praying to God because they feel like God will lead them in the right direction no matter what. Without that security blanket, they will feel lost and they will feel like their life doesn't have a purpose. I was watching an interview that Marion Jones had with a pastor and she basically said that her belief in God is what got her through her time in prison. I believe that what she said was true. Throughout her entire time in prison she was probably telling herself that God has a plan for her and that he's going to make her a stronger person after she gets out. As a result of her faith, she didn't lose motivation and she had a positive outlook throughout the worst times of her life. An atheist probably wouldn't be able to get through rough times like that the way she did. I also noticed that some of the poorest areas of the world have some of the most religious people. The people living in those areas are probably living in such difficult conditions that they need their belief in God to get them through the day. To sum it up, I think a lot of people are afraid to question their religion because it's what gets them through life and it's what helps them deal with difficult situations.

[Mr. E]

Being a Houston Sports Fan is a testament to the power of Faith.

So some Cowboys fan tried to tell me that the Texans have bandwagon fans.... How on Earth can you bandwagon the Texans?

If we are bandwagon fans then we just set a new world record for setting the bar low!

[moofs]

Does the bandwagoning count for inaugural season fans?

Anyway, we don't have a football team. Texans are like the inversed Zombie Sonics.

[Meatcookie]

I apologize for bring up an old thread but I saw something that reminded me of this. This should help College Boy with future discussions

http://i.imgur.com/60mob.jpg

[Jase]

College Boy-
Kudos on creating a thread like this, and extra-kudos for having it be such a successful, thought-provoking conversation. I went through the entire thread at work (I have a LOT of down time) and commend you for the serious, objective stance you took on non-Christian perspectives.
Myself...I am a Christian. Non-denominational. I've personally been doing a lot of Christianity-thinking lately, as my pastor (Rob Bell) recently released a book questioning whether or not "only" Christians go to Heaven, and what kind of God would condemn millions of alternate believers to hell. Of course, he took a lot of heat and criticism for it, as people don't like to even consider hypotheticals that are outside of their own belief-system. Still, I am left to ponder whether or not someone like Ghandi is really in hell, in addition to the concept of young children who die before they have a chance to "get saved," or really understand the reality of giving your life to God.
I'm rambling. I just wanted to mention that it's cool that you established a thread like this, without bias towards basketball preference, and with tolerance. I can absolutely relate to your personal "vice," as a majority of men, especially religious men (who at least have the conscious to be aware of this vice), likely fight the same temptations. Sadly, it gets harder and harder to be pure of mind, heart and body as women are further made into objects or influences. Though I don't know you, I'd be happy to pray for you for this issue. Who knows, you may even change your womanizing avatar.
Grace and peace,
Jase