Re: Christianity - on the way out? : Mon Nov 25, 2013 1:30 pm  

Mintball wrote:

In response to West Leeds Rhino: He isn't. If I mis-represent him, then I apologise in advance, but my understanding is that he a political supporter of Israel with a rather secular Zionist approach to the politics of the region.

Mmmm , friends of Geller and Spencer.

Re: Christianity - on the way out? : Mon Nov 25, 2013 1:33 pm  

I am not a religious person but the question still remains regarding the origins of the universe. This has yet to be understood, who is to say it wasn't divine intervention?

Re: Christianity - on the way out? : Mon Nov 25, 2013 2:01 pm  

Sal Paradise wrote:

I am not a religious person but the question still remains regarding the origins of the universe. This has yet to be understood, who is to say it wasn't divine intervention?

Because we don't know (at this time) all the details of the origins of life etc - more accurately, we don't know what was before Big Bang - doesn't mean that the answer is in any way supernatural.

There may be some bigger form of life out there, but it's safe to say that there is no evidence for any of the divine explanations for life etc that have been offered by any Earthly religion, whether now extinct or not.

Re: Christianity - on the way out? : Mon Nov 25, 2013 2:12 pm  

West Leeds Rhino wrote:

The bible was produced when people still thought the earth was the centre of the universe. It was used as a way to control the masses through fear. The sentiments of many on here is the reason why uneducated people were told that Jesus was the son of God and that he was resurrected. The church had to create awe and fear. A reason for people to go to church without fail or question. Advances in science and understanding now explains what is stated to be the work of God.

My opinion is that the core of Christianity should be the teachings of Jesus, an ordinary man that had an extraordinary understanding of man. I'm not fussed if I am classed as a Christian or not. Many people who would be classed as Christians, conventionally, do not live by or understand Christian values so how would you define a Christian?

I don't know if you saw my edit on my original post, but i did change it "I don't know if you identify as a Christian", i don't want you to think i am trying to force you to define yourself as Christian or otherwise. It's really non of anyone's business, least of all mine.

You are the first person I've come across who has explicitly removed the divinity from Christianity, it just made me curious

Personally I would define a Christian as anyone who calls them self a Christian

Re: Christianity - on the way out? : Mon Nov 25, 2013 4:44 pm  

lfb wrote:

I don't know if you saw my edit on my original post, but i did change it "I don't know if you identify as a Christian", i don't want you to think i am trying to force you to define yourself as Christian or otherwise. It's really non of anyone's business, least of all mine.

You are the first person I've come across who has explicitly removed the divinity from Christianity, it just made me curious

Personally I would define a Christian as anyone who calls them self a Christian

Didn't see it but read it as that, I think.

Divinity has no place in Christianity. The whole point is that we treat each other as equals no matter who you are. To artificially elevate certain people above others, particularly within a church is completely missing the point. My opinion obviously.

Re: Christianity - on the way out? : Mon Nov 25, 2013 5:46 pm  

Sal Paradise wrote:

I am not a religious person but the question still remains regarding the origins of the universe. This has yet to be understood, who is to say it wasn't divine intervention?

If you're going with that then, who created God?

If something had to cause the big bang then how did that thing (divine or otherwise) get there? Was there another older God who created the current God? And if so how far back do you go?

It's more reasonable to presume that the Universe has been expanding and contracting over an infinite period of time.

Re: Christianity - on the way out? : Mon Nov 25, 2013 5:53 pm  

What if all the world's inside of your head
Just creations of your own?
Your devils and your gods
All the living and the dead
And you're really all alone?

NiN

Re: Christianity - on the way out? : Mon Nov 25, 2013 6:13 pm  

http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/johnlennon/god.html One of my faves. I'm off for a listen. I don't believe in Kennedy.................................. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jknynk5vny8

http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/johnlennon/god.html One of my faves. I'm off for a listen. I don't believe in Kennedy.................................. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jknynk5vny8

Re: Christianity - on the way out? : Tue Nov 26, 2013 7:55 am  

West Leeds Rhino wrote:

... Divinity has no place in Christianity. The whole point is that we treat each other as equals no matter who you are. To artificially elevate certain people above others, particularly within a church is completely missing the point. My opinion obviously.

That's not the "whole point" of what is written in the gospels as Christ's teaching.

Oh, it's an aspect, but it's a tad difficult to remove all the 'son of god' stuff and what goes with it. So in essence, you're saying that the Bible got it wrong - even that Jesus got it wrong.

Religion has always been a pick 'n' mix affair, as you illustrate.