Researchers at the University of British Columbia and University or Oregon conducted studies that revealed a deep level of distrust that religious people have towards atheists, equating them to rapists. All I can say is - like, wow.
I worked for a year and a half at a a prominent non-denominational Canadian bible college (MANY moons ago), it came to light that a VP left his wife for his secretary, a dean left his wife for an office worker, a janitor was caught fucking his daughter, another janitor was caught for ripping off student residents of their leather jackets and pawning them, a male co-worker expressed his desire to give a close (married) friend a blowjob, and this same co-worker created fraudulent computer evidence to frame a part-time worker. Makes you wonder what other people were doing that never got caught.
I'd like those religious bigots to explain their mistrust after looking in the mirror.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_scandals_involving_evangelical_Christians
Pretty sad...
their method is to be so up front and obnoxious and accuse everyone else of being corrupt to cover up their own nasties. if you ever see any programmes where the journalist tries to interview or investigate them or claims against them, they go off the frickin' reservation!
Quote from: Hominid on December 08, 2011, 12:35:49 PM
Researchers at the University of British Columbia and University or Oregon conducted studies that revealed a deep level of distrust that religious people have towards atheists, equating them to rapists. All I can say is - like, wow.
I worked for a year and a half at a a prominent non-denominational Canadian bible college (MANY moons ago), it came to light that a VP left his wife for his secretary, a dean left his wife for an office worker, a janitor was caught fucking his daughter, another janitor was caught for ripping off student residents of their leather jackets and pawning them, a male co-worker expressed his desire to give a close (married) friend a blowjob, and this same co-worker created fraudulent computer evidence to frame a part-time worker. Makes you wonder what other people were doing that never got caught.
I'd like those religious bigots to explain their mistrust after looking in the mirror.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_scandals_involving_evangelical_Christians
Pretty sad...
What can you say in a world where the head of just about the largest religious organization in the world, "the pope", protects known child molesters. They're fucking scum, man. And, what is worse; they give a bad name to honest real religious people.
Nothing ever changes.
but the honest 'real religious people' are all crazy, am i wrong?
Well, in every belief system, every religion, every adherent to whatever philosophy, there's good apples and bad apples. The real people, and the wackos. The Mother Teresas and the Jim Bakkers. I've known atheists who are real, beautiful, giving people. It's all over the map.
I have a huge distaste for religion because it's such a convenient vehicle for the psychopaths to abuse and control. Mankind needs to evolve... till we do, I'll always appreciate the tongue-in-cheek parody that the Church of the Latter Day Dude does to "real" religion.
Quote from: hannahdude on December 08, 2011, 07:03:31 PM
but the honest 'real religious people' are all crazy, am i wrong?
Yes yes, but some insanity is good for the soul. ;D
"I went mad, once, did me endless good."
- Ford Prefect, Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy.
Quote from: Hominid on December 08, 2011, 10:23:27 PM
Well, in every belief system, every religion, every adherent to whatever philosophy, there's good apples and bad apples. The real people, and the wackos. The Mother Teresas and the Jim Bakkers. I've known atheists who are real, beautiful, giving people. It's all over the map.
I have a huge distaste for religion because it's such a convenient vehicle for the psychopaths to abuse and control. Mankind needs to evolve... till we do, I'll always appreciate the tongue-in-cheek parody that the Church of the Latter Day Dude does to "real" religion.
You bring up a good point; stereotyping people because of their religious beliefs.
I didn't bring up that point intentionally, so good catch. Forgive my ranting, but I'll never miss an opportunity to slag industrialized religion...
Quote from: Hominid on December 08, 2011, 10:55:37 PM
I didn't bring up that point intentionally, so good catch. Forgive my ranting, but I'll never miss an opportunity to slag industrialized religion...
Nice imagery there; "industrialized religion." Such a term is pregnant with interesting conversation and is a term well suited for the religious rip off artists we see everywhere! Clowns like this disgusting undude human paraquat asshole.................
(http://www.nndb.com/people/605/000022539/hinn-000105-MED.jpg)
.....and what the fuck is up with that hair?
I like yer style man...
Quote from: Hominid on December 08, 2011, 11:53:39 PM
I like yer style man...
Cool, man; would love to see vigorous conversation about these religious money strumpets. We discuss dudeism a lot, it might be interesting to discuss the tenets of undudeism.
Yes yes, but some insanity is good for the soul. ;D
"I went mad, once, did me endless good."
- Ford Prefect, Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy.
[/quote] from DB
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYDyRVdmCuo
those with small children will probably recognise this :)
Quote from: Hominid on December 08, 2011, 12:35:49 PMI worked for a year and a half at a a prominent non-denominational Canadian bible college (MANY moons ago), it came to light that a VP left his wife for his secretary, a dean left his wife for an office worker, a janitor was caught fucking his daughter, another janitor was caught for ripping off student residents of their leather jackets and pawning them, a male co-worker expressed his desire to give a close (married) friend a blowjob, and this same co-worker created fraudulent computer evidence to frame a part-time worker. Makes you wonder what other people were doing that never got caught.
I'd like those religious bigots to explain their mistrust after looking in the mirror.
I briefly dabbled in Christianity back in the early 80s when "born again" Christianity was on the rise, and one of the things that turned me off immediately was the rampant hypocrisy. The vast majority of the people who attended the church I went to would behave themselves for a few hours on Sunday, then go out and do whatever they felt like doing the rest of the week--drinking, drugs, cheating on their spouses, etc.--considered to be some very un-Christian behavior. And if you questioned them about this, their response was almost always something to the effect of, "God will forgive me because I'm a Christian." ??? And the pastor of this church wasn't much better. I don't know about his personal life, but he'd stand up and say things like, "God made it possible for us to the get the extra parking space we need!" Yeah, God and the city officials whose palms were greased in closed-door meetings with offerings from the collection plates. ::)
We have a lot in common dude, it was in the late 70s that I did my born again thing. I jumped in with both feet, so I was deeply involved in all things "religious". I thought I had finally come home, but that was the personal side (we all have our journeys). I was into it for a short time, then soon saw how these "Christians" had more fun fighting with each other than getting along. "Free will!" "Predestination" "Speaking in tongues is evil" "Adult baptism is the only way" "Infant baptism brings salvation" Blah blah blah. A few church splits later, most develop their own dogma compass. Many love the power that comes with the title "Deacon" or "Elder", and even "Pastor".
Fuck it all. I learned it's strongly psychological, strongly cultural, and has much to do with wanting to fit in and have self-importance. That's why it mostly appeals to both psychopaths, as well as victims of abuse. I'll let you guess where I fit in. ;)
Peace dude.
Quote from: milnie on December 09, 2011, 08:36:41 AM
Yes yes, but some insanity is good for the soul. ;D
"I went mad, once, did me endless good."
- Ford Prefect, Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy.
from DB
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYDyRVdmCuo
those with small children will probably recognise this :)
[/quote]
Fucking eh!
I've always found it very telling that they will say "if there is on God then what's to stop a person from going out and raping and murdering and stealing".
For a person to be perplexed about that they must want to rape and murder and rob and simply don't because of there special imaginary friend.
And how random it is that the first thing that springs to there mind is rape.
Freaking nut jobs.
Nothing changes.
Coaches and preachers all turning out to be drug addled child molesters.
Latest one is a cop. Former sheriff of the year.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/01/us/former-colorado-sheriff-accused-of-trying-to-trade-drugs-for-sex.html
Quote from: BikerDude on December 09, 2011, 07:47:05 PM
I've always found it very telling that they will say "if there is on God then what's to stop a person from going out and raping and murdering and stealing".
The counter to that is to ask, "If there is a God, why does he/she
allow people to rape, murder, and steal?" Of course, these questions could also apply to the subjects of war, hunger, poverty, illness, or what-have-you. Regardless, the answer to these questions neither proves nor disproves the existence of God (or Gods, in deference to Meekon5's beliefs) so debating them is rather pointless.
To frame the notion of god's existence - and purpose of being - around our sensibilities is narrow-minded, whether you're atheist or christian. That's the philosophical mistake both sides make when engaging in such debate; we unnecessarily polarize our interpretations of reality. The much bigger picture of our existence should cause us to ask such questions as "Where does meaning come from?" instead of asking... "What is the most important value system?", which is ego-centric...
There ARE no polarities. Only love and tolerance. Tolerance to wait for the other dude to grow up and stop hating.
But, that's like, my opinion man...
Quote from: BikerDude on December 09, 2011, 07:47:05 PM
I've always found it very telling that they will say "if there is on God then what's to stop a person from going out and raping and murdering and stealing".
For a person to be perplexed about that they must want to rape and murder and rob and simply don't because of there special imaginary friend.
And how random it is that the first thing that springs to there mind is rape.
Freaking nut jobs.
Nothing changes.
Coaches and preachers all turning out to be drug addled child molesters.
Latest one is a cop. Former sheriff of the year.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/01/us/former-colorado-sheriff-accused-of-trying-to-trade-drugs-for-sex.html
Looks like someone has been watching "bad lieutenant" too often
Well for many years I trod the path of what can best be described as investigation into 'God'.Initially through cultural reasons I looked into Christianity, Islam and then Baha'i faith. I eventually attended a Buddhist centre and was taught by a Tibetan Buddhist monk. Finally I received Dharma transmission from a Soto Zen Monk. What did I find-a lot of hog wash and hypocrisy people seeking power using the all powerfull God as a weapon and a threat. Even in the Buddhist tradition particularly Tibetan there were threats of bas karma or negative spirit entities.
Where am I now-I teach Zen Buddhism but in a very light way and have found meditation a useful adjunct to my day as well as Yoga. Born again Christianity I regard with anathema it justifies wars and all manner of exclusive practices. Frankly I have many friends who would be dammed by the born agains but who are the best people I know with great compassion, understanding and a non judgemental attitude.
sosenroshi dude - welcome to our little beach partay... pull up a rug and grab an oat soda!
God is used as a beating stick because so many people are so damn vulnerable to it... it reaches deep into our psyche because of the archetypes deep in our cellular memories. It's a fascinating subject to study and observe because of it. You'll find some cool dudes here like to chat about this shit.
Quote from: BikerDude on December 09, 2011, 07:47:05 PM
I've always found it very telling that they will say "if there is on God then what's to stop a person from going out and raping and murdering and stealing".
For a person to be perplexed about that they must want to rape and murder and rob and simply don't because of there special imaginary friend.
And how random it is that the first thing that springs to there mind is rape.
Freaking nut jobs.
Nothing changes.
Coaches and preachers all turning out to be drug addled child molesters.
Latest one is a cop. Former sheriff of the year.
nytimes.com/2011/12/01/us/former-colorado-sheriff-accused-of-trying-to-trade-drugs-for-sex.html
The guy tried to trade some meth for gay sex? How does that harm anyone? I don't see why he should be arrested for that. Free choice is free choice and I though america was the land of the free. Many people booze up others for sex but the gays do like meth why punish them for their choices? Help educate that it is addictive and a poor choice but to make someones lifestyle or morality a crime does not seem very respectful. if he was drugging up little kiddies to sodomize them that would be pretty mean but it sounds like all involved where adults.
Quote from: sosenroshi on January 06, 2012, 09:33:01 AM
Well for many years I trod the path of what can best be described as investigation into 'God'.Initially through cultural reasons I looked into Christianity, Islam and then Baha'i faith. I eventually attended a Buddhist centre and was taught by a Tibetan Buddhist monk. Finally I received Dharma transmission from a Soto Zen Monk. What did I find-a lot of hog wash and hypocrisy people seeking power using the all powerfull God as a weapon and a threat. Even in the Buddhist tradition particularly Tibetan there were threats of bas karma or negative spirit entities.
Where am I now-I teach Zen Buddhism but in a very light way and have found meditation a useful adjunct to my day as well as Yoga. Born again Christianity I regard with anathema it justifies wars and all manner of exclusive practices. Frankly I have many friends who would be dammed by the born agains but who are the best people I know with great compassion, understanding and a non judgemental attitude.
That is a damned fine post sosenroshi!
Welcome dude and peace.
Quote from: sosenroshi on January 06, 2012, 09:33:01 AM
Well for many years I trod the path of what can best be described as investigation into 'God'.Initially through cultural reasons I looked into Christianity, Islam and then Baha'i faith. I eventually attended a Buddhist centre and was taught by a Tibetan Buddhist monk. Finally I received Dharma transmission from a Soto Zen Monk. What did I find-a lot of hog wash and hypocrisy people seeking power using the all powerfull God as a weapon and a threat. Even in the Buddhist tradition particularly Tibetan there were threats of bas karma or negative spirit entities.
Where am I now-I teach Zen Buddhism but in a very light way and have found meditation a useful adjunct to my day as well as Yoga. Born again Christianity I regard with anathema it justifies wars and all manner of exclusive practices. Frankly I have many friends who would be dammed by the born agains but who are the best people I know with great compassion, understanding and a non judgemental attitude.
sosenroshi and cookiemeat dudes; Welcome to the bowling alley, mangs! Good to have you in our beach community, pull up a rug, bar's over there!
Quote from: cookiemeat on January 06, 2012, 03:01:31 PM
Quote from: BikerDude on December 09, 2011, 07:47:05 PM
I've always found it very telling that they will say "if there is on God then what's to stop a person from going out and raping and murdering and stealing".
For a person to be perplexed about that they must want to rape and murder and rob and simply don't because of there special imaginary friend.
And how random it is that the first thing that springs to there mind is rape.
Freaking nut jobs.
Nothing changes.
Coaches and preachers all turning out to be drug addled child molesters.
Latest one is a cop. Former sheriff of the year.
nytimes.com/2011/12/01/us/former-colorado-sheriff-accused-of-trying-to-trade-drugs-for-sex.html
The guy tried to trade some meth for gay sex? How does that harm anyone? I don't see why he should be arrested for that. Free choice is free choice and I though america was the land of the free. Many people booze up others for sex but the gays do like meth why punish them for their choices? Help educate that it is addictive and a poor choice but to make someones lifestyle or morality a crime does not seem very respectful. if he was drugging up little kiddies to sodomize them that would be pretty mean but it sounds like all involved where adults.
After spending a career putting people in jail for meth.
This was a thread about Religion and how they equate atheists to rapists.
I believe that is an indication of repression and guilt around their sexuality.
I'd level the same charge against the typical false machismo that you tend to find in the police and military on occasion.
I always relish the irony when one of there own turns out to be a drug addled closeted homosexual.
What is interesting in my humble opinion is the fact that the whole atheism thing is starting to echo Nietzsche's famous quote about fighting monsters...
For the proponents of rationalism they are really beginning to get their own crusade going.
I personally am, besides being a Dudeist, happily agnostic. I have no idea whether there's a god or not.
And guess what...I am happy not knowing! I don't need to know for sure...because the question itself is impossible, it's a problem our brains cannot solve. Period.
Quote from: AspiringDude on July 11, 2012, 07:41:20 PM
What is interesting in my humble opinion is the fact that the whole atheism thing is starting to echo Nietzsche's famous quote about fighting monsters...
For the proponents of rationalism they are really beginning to get their own crusade going.
I personally am, besides being a Dudeist, happily agnostic. I have no idea whether there's a god or not.
And guess what...I am happy not knowing! I don't need to know for sure...because the question itself is impossible, it's a problem our brains cannot solve. Period.
Hey AspiringDude, welcome to our beach community. Good to have you here. We're all looking for our rug, join in, mang!
Thankies.
Quote from: AspiringDude on July 11, 2012, 07:41:20 PM
What is interesting in my humble opinion is the fact that the whole atheism thing is starting to echo Nietzsche's famous quote about fighting monsters...
For the proponents of rationalism they are really beginning to get their own crusade going.
I personally am, besides being a Dudeist, happily agnostic. I have no idea whether there's a god or not.
And guess what...I am happy not knowing! I don't need to know for sure...because the question itself is impossible, it's a problem our brains cannot solve. Period.
Yes there is a move afoot to no longer simply bow your head rather than speak out against religion. It's high time that the religious stopped automatically getting the high ground where any criticism is seen as intolerance.
I used to be agnostic but when I looked at that position rationally I realized that I simply had to at least lean toward disbelief.
There is a long long history on the part of believers of being dead wrong. Attributing things to Gods that we now can explain. When I look at my own agnostic attitude and add to it a long history of lunacy superstition and ignorance on the part of the real believers I have to "do the math". The proponents of belief have consistently blown it so I have no reason to respect the arguements.
This insistence on tying morality to an irrational belief is just further fuel.
It always leaves me stunned when people make that sort of statement.
"If there no God then what's to stop people from ".... etc etc.
If that needs to be explained then I'm sorry they are paraquat.
I've posted this before but it bears repeat postings.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-869630813464694890#
without wanting to disagree with any of the opinions stated here, i want to point out something interesting-
in western culture, we are used to thinking of "God" in only one way.
there are many ways to conceive of the divine mystery that is called God... For example in Buddhism (which is, technically NOT a religion) the Atman is not worshiped or believed in as "God", but rather the Atman is known as the entity of consciousness that is at the center of every human mind, the power that is manifesting the entire universe.
considering that our Church has some fundamental things in common with all religions, such as the dichotomy of mystic vs dogmatic impulses (in our churches case i would argue that the mystic impulse is the contemplation of how to Abide; and the dogmatic impulse is the the Lobowskiist fixation on speaking like and constantly quoting characters from the movie.
These two impulses are in-fact mutually arising dichotomies that exist in all religions. When balanced with each other, these two impulses can work in harmony to provide catharsis and enlightenment among the congregation. it is when the two are separated, that rigidity and corruption will creep into any religion.
But i digress... as i have lost my train of thought...
Quote from: Rev. RJ Dudemiester on July 12, 2012, 12:36:52 PM
without wanting to disagree with any of the opinions stated here, i want to point out something interesting-
in western culture, we are used to thinking of "God" in only one way.
there are many ways to conceive of the divine mystery that is called God... For example in Buddhism (which is, technically NOT a religion) the Atman is not worshiped or believed in as "God", but rather the Atman is known as the entity of consciousness that is at the center of every human mind, the power that is manifesting the entire universe.
considering that our Church has some fundamental things in common with all religions, such as the dichotomy of mystic vs dogmatic impulses (in our churches case i would argue that the mystic impulse is the contemplation of how to Abide; and the dogmatic impulse is the the Lobowskiist fixation on speaking like and constantly quoting characters from the movie.
These two impulses are in-fact mutually arising dichotomies that exist in all religions. When balanced with each other, these two impulses can work in harmony to provide catharsis and enlightenment among the congregation. it is when the two are separated, that rigidity and corruption will creep into any religion.
But i digress... as i have lost my train of thought...
I dig it.
Spiritualism is a very different thing from faith.
One starts within and (no matter how much the faithful insist otherwise) the other lies without.
Those of faith should ask "if no one taught me what to believe would I have the same or even similar beliefs".
I just want to reiterate that in my Dudely opinion this is one of the best posts I have ever read on this forum.
Quote from: sosenroshi on January 06, 2012, 09:33:01 AM
Well for many years I trod the path of what can best be described as investigation into 'God'.Initially through cultural reasons I looked into Christianity, Islam and then Baha'i faith. I eventually attended a Buddhist centre and was taught by a Tibetan Buddhist monk. Finally I received Dharma transmission from a Soto Zen Monk. What did I find-a lot of hog wash and hypocrisy people seeking power using the all powerfull God as a weapon and a threat. Even in the Buddhist tradition particularly Tibetan there were threats of bas karma or negative spirit entities.
Where am I now-I teach Zen Buddhism but in a very light way and have found meditation a useful adjunct to my day as well as Yoga. Born again Christianity I regard with anathema it justifies wars and all manner of exclusive practices. Frankly I have many friends who would be dammed by the born agains but who are the best people I know with great compassion, understanding and a non judgemental attitude.
OH boy!
have y'all seen this yet?
really rather perfect for this thread-
One right-wing religious group is considering a boycott of Google over the Internet giant's new gay rights initiative. MSNBC's Lawrence O'Donnell has more in the Rewrite.
http://thelastword.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/07/11/12691873-rewriting-the-right-wing-attack-on-google?lite
Quote from: BikerDude on July 12, 2012, 12:41:36 PM
Quote from: Rev. RJ Dudemiester on July 12, 2012, 12:36:52 PM
without wanting to disagree with any of the opinions stated here, i want to point out something interesting-
in western culture, we are used to thinking of "God" in only one way.
there are many ways to conceive of the divine mystery that is called God... For example in Buddhism (which is, technically NOT a religion) the Atman is not worshiped or believed in as "God", but rather the Atman is known as the entity of consciousness that is at the center of every human mind, the power that is manifesting the entire universe.
considering that our Church has some fundamental things in common with all religions, such as the dichotomy of mystic vs dogmatic impulses (in our churches case i would argue that the mystic impulse is the contemplation of how to Abide; and the dogmatic impulse is the the Lobowskiist fixation on speaking like and constantly quoting characters from the movie.
These two impulses are in-fact mutually arising dichotomies that exist in all religions. When balanced with each other, these two impulses can work in harmony to provide catharsis and enlightenment among the congregation. it is when the two are separated, that rigidity and corruption will creep into any religion.
But i digress... as i have lost my train of thought...
I dig it.
Spiritualism is a very different thing from faith.
One starts within and (no matter how much the faithful insist otherwise) the other lies without.
Those of faith should ask "if no one taught me what to believe would I have the same or even similar beliefs".
True mysticism and spirituality have always been the enemies of mainstream religion. After all, it's hard to get riled up at someone's "sins" or "wrong beliefs" when your own experience has told you that you and the other are not truly different at all and are, in fact, connected on a level that the notion of a bearded old man in the sky could never encompass?
As I stated somewhere else around here...I'm not buying it. I'm going to stay here and abide with my very own slice of truth, decency and laziness :)
Quote from: Rev. RJ Dudemiester on July 12, 2012, 12:36:52 PM
without wanting to disagree with any of the opinions stated here, i want to point out something interesting-
in western culture, we are used to thinking of "God" in only one way.
there are many ways to conceive of the divine mystery that is called God... For example in Buddhism (which is, technically NOT a religion) the Atman is not worshiped or believed in as "God", but rather the Atman is known as the entity of consciousness that is at the center of every human mind, the power that is manifesting the entire universe.
considering that our Church has some fundamental things in common with all religions, such as the dichotomy of mystic vs dogmatic impulses (in our churches case i would argue that the mystic impulse is the contemplation of how to Abide; and the dogmatic impulse is the the Lobowskiist fixation on speaking like and constantly quoting characters from the movie.
These two impulses are in-fact mutually arising dichotomies that exist in all religions. When balanced with each other, these two impulses can work in harmony to provide catharsis and enlightenment among the congregation. it is when the two are separated, that rigidity and corruption will creep into any religion.
But i digress... as i have lost my train of thought...
Is that some kind of Eastern thing? 8)
Quote from: cckeiser on July 12, 2012, 11:52:43 PM
Quote from: Rev. RJ Dudemiester on July 12, 2012, 12:36:52 PM
without wanting to disagree with any of the opinions stated here, i want to point out something interesting-
in western culture, we are used to thinking of "God" in only one way.
there are many ways to conceive of the divine mystery that is called God... For example in Buddhism (which is, technically NOT a religion) the Atman is not worshiped or believed in as "God", but rather the Atman is known as the entity of consciousness that is at the center of every human mind, the power that is manifesting the entire universe.
considering that our Church has some fundamental things in common with all religions, such as the dichotomy of mystic vs dogmatic impulses (in our churches case i would argue that the mystic impulse is the contemplation of how to Abide; and the dogmatic impulse is the the Lobowskiist fixation on speaking like and constantly quoting characters from the movie.
These two impulses are in-fact mutually arising dichotomies that exist in all religions. When balanced with each other, these two impulses can work in harmony to provide catharsis and enlightenment among the congregation. it is when the two are separated, that rigidity and corruption will creep into any religion.
But i digress... as i have lost my train of thought...
Is that some kind of Eastern thing? 8)
why... yes... yes, i do believe it is!
Back on the topic of rape and what have you....
It occurs to me that when religious people ask that question they are displaying a complete lack of empathy for others. In the mind of the religious everything is about me.
I shouldn't do that because I will go to hell. The notion of a natural revulsion to causing harm to others is simply foreign to the mind set.
Consider the common definition of....
Quote
Psychopathy (/saɪˈkɒpəθi/[1][2] from the Ancient Greek ψυχή "psyche", -soul, mind and πάθος, "pathos" -suffering, disease, condition[3][4]) is a personality disorder that has been variously described as characterized by shallow emotions (in particular reduced fear), stress tolerance, lacking empathy, coldheartedness, lacking guilt, egocentricity, superficial charm, manipulativeness, irresponsibility, nonplanfulness, impulsivity, and antisocial behaviors such as parasitic lifestyle and criminality. There is no consensus about the symptom criteria and there are ongoing debates regarding issues such as essential features, causes, and the possibility of treatment.[5]
http://umich-ssa.org/?p=335
http://revcjconner.com/?p=60
Yeah...we are not all like that.
I have a few other arguments against this "without god, all will turn evil".
1) It is easier to destroy than build. Yet we have houses, devices and what have you.
2) There are hundreds, if not thousands of organisations on the planet dedicated to just one cause: Helping others. Many are religiously affiliated but there are also many that are secular.
3) There are things wrong with society...deeply wrong...but the basics of most western societies are based on fundamental trust. Democracy is a system based on trust and belief in the good within us. And that idea came from people who were often not particularly fond of religion.
Quote
Voltaire:
"Formerly there were those who said: You believe things that are incomprehensible, inconsistent, impossible because we have commanded you to believe them; go then and do what is unjust because we command it. Such people show admirable reasoning. Truly, whoever is able to make you absurd is able to make you unjust. If the God-given understanding of your mind does not resist a demand to believe what is impossible, then you will not resist a demand to do wrong to that God-given sense of justice in your heart. As soon as one faculty of your soul has been dominated, other faculties will follow as well. And from this derives all those crimes of religion which have overrun the world."
That sir is an excellent quote.
Quote from: Rev. RJ Dudemiester on July 12, 2012, 12:36:52 PM
without wanting to disagree with any of the opinions stated here, i want to point out something interesting-
in western culture, we are used to thinking of "God" in only one way.
there are many ways to conceive of the divine mystery that is called God... For example in Buddhism (which is, technically NOT a religion) the Atman is not worshiped or believed in as "God", but rather the Atman is known as the entity of consciousness that is at the center of every human mind, the power that is manifesting the entire universe.
considering that our Church has some fundamental things in common with all religions, such as the dichotomy of mystic vs dogmatic impulses (in our churches case i would argue that the mystic impulse is the contemplation of how to Abide; and the dogmatic impulse is the the Lobowskiist fixation on speaking like and constantly quoting characters from the movie.
These two impulses are in-fact mutually arising dichotomies that exist in all religions. When balanced with each other, these two impulses can work in harmony to provide catharsis and enlightenment among the congregation. it is when the two are separated, that rigidity and corruption will creep into any religion.
But i digress... as i have lost my train of thought...
Good analysis dude - I like the way you roll. You're right about the narrow way westerners think of God as some guy in a long beard sitting up in the sky, throwing thunderbolts when he's pissed off. I know, it's a bit of a caricature, but holds pretty true. Same for the devil. Neither image is supported by any religious texts; the evolution of western religion is an interesting subject.
Welcome to our little beach partay.