Atheism and Christianity: A debate

[artemi]

Just something I thought you folks might be interested in reading. It is a debate between a Atheist scholar and a Christian pastor.

A rather interesting read, and they are rather pleasant about the whole affair. Neither of them go for the others throat or anything...

[shaggy]

They kept things civil but when an artist makes a sculpture of a chocolate Jesus the Catholics are up in arms. I think it is just ridiculous though. But, I am also not Catholic.

[gryphonpoet]

You want to see an atheist get as upset as the Catholics with the Chocolate Jesus? (Or pictures of the Crucifix sitting in a glass of human urine, etc) Then suggest that an image of the Ten Commandments be posted on a governmental building in the city of your choice.

A vehement, rabid reaction isn't limited to Christianity. It is spread throughout humanity. No one wants to be 'wrong'. If you're confronted about a detail in your life often enough, you'll become defensive about it. if it goes on long enough, you'll become violent in its defense.

And it doesn't even have to be about your personal religion. There are stories of people who have killed family for seemingly trivial reasons, including one where the man stabbed his brother to death over the drumstick of his Thanksgiving turkey. Violence isn't religious, it is human.

And arguments like the one in this article don't help alleviate the tension between people. The "us-versus-them" mentality is strengthened yet again.

[alexander]

Very interesting, I would have thought that the two would get at each others throats at some point, having different ideas and so forth.

What about Iran and the rest of the world? I think they want an open war with England or something insane like that. Plus, the Nuclear Missile thing.

[Kensai]

I'm with gryphonpoet here. The violence and defensiveness is not limited to Christanity and Islam... I tend to avoid any religious person who is willing to attack another religon to make theirs more valid, it is the same for politics or even heroes.

I have not read the article, for two reasons: 1. I'm a bit too lazy right now and 2. I get tired of the arguments.... sorry ;D

I'll use a non religious thing as an example... I adore Capt. Janeway from ST:Voyager, the character and even the actress are fantastic. I relate to her strong will, determination and pure guts. Her fiery determination is an aspect I have adopted in my own character, Raiser. Yet there are people who disagree with my view - they see her as foolish and impulsive, very unlike her predessors.

I will accept that not all see her as a heroine like I do. My only request is that if you see that I have different view point, don't try to change my view based on uneducated beliefs or perceptions. Don't rip apart another person's view, just because they have a different view to you.

Ok, so people believe in a god that has not been 'proved' by people who are looking for faults. So what if there is more than one god or one celestial being or even none. The point is that people are usually set in their views and no amount of force feeding is going to make them change... they need to want to change or see a difference for themselves before adopting something different.

Arguing over things like this goes beyond scientific examples, its like explaining the concept of Ki/Chi/prana to someone who doesn't believe in the stuff - its close to impossible.

Respect each others views and hope that you understand the rambling of a mad South African

[alexander]

Very true Cathy, people should be able to warship what ever god or gods they choose. So what if they have to put up with the harassing, it should be their choice and their choice alone.

At least you admitted it finally.

(Whispers)

Did anyone get that on video?

[Kensai]

alexander said:

Very true Cathy, people should be able to warship what ever god or gods they choose. So what if they have to put up with the harassing, it should be their choice and their choice alone.

At least you admitted it finally.

(Whispers)

Did anyone get that on video?

Whatcha mean finally??!?

I'm aware there are some different belief structures on this forum, so I always tread a bit carefully as not to annoy people. I'm a non-confrontational person...er.... most of the time...

[alexander]

MOST of the time.