The obvious example of hypocrisy is that atheists condemn christians for living lives based upon illusions, but even though they may believe that they are grounded in the truth atheists do not live lives in accordance to the natural workings of their beliefs. That is they do try to live with a sense of meaning and purpose even though they beliefs would make it quite obvious that there is no meaning or purpose to life.
So unlike Christians atheists know that what they believe is an illusion created by themselves and yet persist in their fantasy of significance.
Beefeater, how did you come to be a christian?
My principle is grounded in biological processes just as yours is grounded in the assumption of the existence of god. The grounds that virtually no one doubts are mine.Nicodemus is being consistent in some sense in that he continues to operate on the basis of what gives him pleasure and what does not. But, because this is biologically based and not principle based it inevitably leads to inconsistency between action and thought.
I do not condemn children for believing in the tooth fairy and I do not condemn christians for believing in the lies their parents have told them. But I am not going to pretend that their beliefs were true.The obvious example of hypocrisy is that atheists condemn christians for living lives based upon illusions, but even though they may believe that they are grounded in the truth atheists do not live lives in accordance to the natural workings of their beliefs. That is they do try to live with a sense of meaning and purpose even though they beliefs would make it quite obvious that there is no meaning or purpose to life.
No one can believe their own lies. The illusions we live are the illusions we have not yet fully dismantled. God is not the most convincing illusion, he is just the most soothing one.So unlike Christians atheists know that what they believe is an illusion created by themselves and yet persist in their fantasy of significance.
May I ask what your understanding of god is?From what I've observed, it seems like the healthier one is in conjunction with an above average IQ,... the greater the ability to let go of pride, doubts, fear... the greater the understanding and trust in God.
C.S. Lewis is an amazing man, his books prompted me to convert to Christianity many years ago. It didn't stick, because I tried to read the Bible.
Don't get me wrong, in spite of some very angry athiests say, Christianity has done a heck of lot of good for the world. And I'm really not against any type of belief, as long as it is sufficiently benign, which Christianity has the capability of being.
But, it is utterly worthless for a Christian to try and argue the Bible. It is a very well known stance among them that the world was created in such a way that faith is necesary. What this means is that there is no logical connection between what the world is and the truth of Christianity. Not everyone agrees, of course, but the fact of the matter is God could've made 'truth' known in 1000 ft tall flaming letters that spoke it aloud in all languages of the world simultaneously. So, it goes to show that obscurity is at least part of the Christian God's agenda.
So, how the hell does a good Christian convert others? Well, the Old Testament is not a helpful example. You can call forth flame in the sky in his name, or God will send a helpful messenger just to let you know. This wasn't important, he was the God of a tribe. The other people didnt really matter.
The New Testament is interpreted to introduce the idea of the Holy Spirit. This type of spiritual transmission is not rooted in argument or logic, but some sort of deep connection where truth can be transmitted directly. Those who are evil reject the call.
So, my advice to Christians. Do you want to make more of you? Just do good things in the Christian spirit, make your prayers, and don't argue on Internet forums, God doesn't want that.
This may surprise you but I am a Christian, a Roman Catholic Christian (although some will consider that contradictory as a consequence of the literary trends and personalities growing out of the reformation tragedy) and I dont consider the bible to be that significant, why should it be more significant than CS Lewis? Both are books after all, what is important is tradition and a living faith, if faith is bound in a book then it is surely dead.
I dont believe that God has created a world in which faith is intrinsic or necessary but it is a world in which faith is highly adaptive, you want to be happen then understand God and that life and the world are complete gifts, which I believe is the message of the old and new testaments, the life and ministry of Jesus was a final attempt to make this clear through God becoming incarnate as a man himself, the prophets had not been listened to or where misunderstood, so he came in person but it still was not clear to a lot of people and the rest is history.
I've read the bible and scripture but never had this problem you speak of, perhaps it is to do with the expectation or way in which you approached the book? I know plenty of people who claim to be buddhists or have an affinity with buddhism who could not read The Light of The World for instance.
I do not condemn children for believing in the tooth fairy and I do not condemn christians for believing in the lies their parents have told them. But I am not going to pretend that their beliefs were true.
Absolute norms. There are none.What will it take for you to realize that you shouldn't shit all over peoples beliefs with reckless abandon?
No, not in my calculations.Does compassion have no weight in your calculations?
I don't understand the question. Do you want me to say something like 'me' or 'science'?What do you believe in?
I do understand the concept of belief. That does not mean that I have to like or accept it. Can you tell me how your belief in god differs from a child's belief in Santa Claus?If you don't understand the concept of belief I fail to see how you had the temerity involve yourself in this thread.
The only way is to prove or make plausible the existence of god.If that is your stance, there is nothing anyone could ever do to change your mind.
All I am doing is questioning your beliefs. If they are so strong, they can take that and the little spice I bring along. How do you want me to invest myself if it so happens that I believe in nothing?What is your goal in discussing this here? To mock those who believe in things you do not, while not investing yourself at all because you believe in nothing?
Bullshit, Private.That is a cowardly way to conduct yourself.