We are surrounded by those who don't live up to ideals. Christians err, as any human. That doesn't mean Christianity is wrong. Consequences are a superficial deterrent of bad behavior. Consequences may make society a little more civil. But consequences are the least advanced reason to do good and not do bad and only scratch the surface of the point of religion. I don't believe one can reach heaven because they adequately feared consequences and I don't think that is the argument of Christianity.
In the end I think not forgiving even this person would be an anchor. There is no doubt what he did was wrong, but harboring resentment is an obstacle to transcendence. Easier said than done, I know.
This is something I also wonder about. I think it is very big headed to believe that what these people believe has nothing to offer and that you know better. Not you, LSUAthletics, but I'm too lazy to rearrange my sentence. You in general, who thinks they know so much. This is more directed at CParso, though I apologize because this sounds more insulting than I intend. Please just assume directness. SORRY ALL FOR MY MANY POSTS.
Zen meditation? I've given to many charities and preservation groups, both secular and religious for the purpose of benefiting mankind. What I spoke of was not paying money to "holy men" in order to insure my salvation and his retirement plan. I think nothing of the sort and I understand spiritual traditions quite well. What I say is that my concept of God does not require medicine men, the chanting of incantations, "holy" objects, or offerings/sacrifices. If Jesus were around, I'd buy a ton of JC stock. I know it's Penneys, but I just think it would be blessed. :wink:
I do not ignore it. This is the church's one redeeming quality. No, many of those people never attend church. Religious people often believe that true happiness cannot be found without religion. I believe just the opposite. People are truly happy when they giving meaning to their own life without religion. You haven't been around here long so you aren't that familiar with me. I am not an athiest. I'm a deist.
It's not that I believe that religion has nothing to offer, just that it isn't necessary & there are better options.
Perhaps, but the church organizes people to come together & accomplish things they may not do on their own.
Nothing wrong with church, as long as they don't infringe on my rights. Hell, I'm an atheist and I enjoy going to church, because of the friends we have made there. The abundance of incredibly hot milfs that attend also helps. :wink:
