[ScosyGissiok]

Being agnostic/atheist, it doesn't really matter to me unless they practice something insane or are over-zealous. As long as they don't want to force their beliefs on me, I would be fine. Then comes the issue of what our kids will be. It have to be something that we decide together over a while. I think life would be better if it had more meaning which is what religion is all about, so it could actually be a positive thing.

I thought you were like a lapsed Catholic trying to get into Catholicism? Surely that would warrant another Catholic?

[daasayse]

By the way, I wonder if there are any good studies about whether religious people are more or less likely to cheat in relationships than non-religious people.

According to this study, it's about practicing what you preach.

People like myself who claim to be Christians but do not go to Church are about the same as atheists, but Churchgoing Christians are less likely to commit adultery.

[Mabeavyledlib]

Well, they've already been recycled in the circle of life a dozen times over, considering that Joseph Smith would be like 200 now, and Muhammad 1,500... so something tells me the worms that ate them were themselves eaten many moons ago.

I didn't say they were burning or suffering. I just said I believe they're in Hell. What Hell consists of is up to one's own interpretation, as there is no firsthand account available.

God protects his prophets from becoming dust, all of them. Prophet Muhammad saws is in the seventh level of heaven, sitting with Jesus sipping tea just relaxing until Jesus returns, may Allah's peace and blessing be upon them both.

I wonder what Jesus would say. He would be ashamed of you thats for sure. oh yeah and he didnt die for your sins so you better start actually repenting.

[gregmcal]

I thought you were like a lapsed Catholic trying to get into Catholicism? Surely that would warrant another Catholic?

I do want to become religious again but I think it's for all the wrong reasons. I still consider myself an agnostic bordering on atheism. I am not sure whether or not I even believe that god exists.

[ChebuRAtoR]

There's no such thing as the wrong reason to become religious... unless it's like "Someone raped my sister and I want there to be a Hell so that he'll go there".

My very liberal political views changed before my atheist religious views changed. I'm pretty sure I had some ulterior motives, but the end result is what matters. I believe in God, Jesus Christ, and that the Pope is the successor of St. Peter.

[hacyOrgachbic]

But becoming religious only because you're afraid you yourself would go to hell isn't that much different. What about someone that becomes religious but isn't really sure whether or not there is an afterlife but still prays to god only because they don't want to be punished? Isn't religion about having actual "faith" and living your life for god? that's what I want..if anything.

[Unlinozistimi]

But becoming religious only because you're afraid you yourself would go to hell isn't that much different. What about someone that becomes religious but isn't really sure whether or not there is an afterlife but still prays to god only because they don't want to be punished? Isn't religion about having actual "faith" and living your life for god? that's what I want..if anything.

Exactly, which is ironically the purpose of organised religion in the first place-control.

[Elitiachirl]

That's the ideal.

St. Peter himself had such weak faith that he turned his back on Christ three times. The Jews when wandering in the desert abandoned God numerous times for false idols.

We're pretty pathetic creatures as a lot, so your personal relationship with God takes baby steps. Fear of what was awaiting me when I died was one of the main things that influenced my own return to Christianity... but that's not the only reason I remain a Christian.

So, you'll have to ask yourself, is the reason for the belief more important than the belief itself?

If someone returns a missing dog for a reward, is the end result any different than if they'd returned the lost dog because they genuinely wanted to help the owner?

Exactly, which is ironically the purpose of organised religion in the first place-control.

There really isn't much control in Christianity.

God gives you the choice. You sin, you repent, you're forgiven

Provided you actually mean it when you repent, of course.

[thargeagsaf]

But if I went through and did everything religiously while never actually believing in god's existence my whole life, it doesn't make sense for me to go to heaven. I get what you're saying, really but if I only did it for selfish reasons rather than for love of god, how is that the same as someone who is certain about God's existence and lives virtuously out of their admiration for God and desire to serve him?

I really think for me to become truly religious, I'd have to do it in the right way.

[Attarderb]

That's the ideal.

St. Peter himself had such weak faith that he turned his back on Christ three times. The Jews when wandering in the desert abandoned God numerous times for false idols.

We're pretty pathetic creatures as a lot, so your personal relationship with God takes baby steps. Fear of what was awaiting me when I died was one of the main things that influenced my own return to Christianity... but that's not the only reason I remain a Christian.

So, you'll have to ask yourself, is the reason for the belief more important than the belief itself?

If someone returns a missing dog for a reward, is the end result any different than if they'd returned the lost dog because they genuinely wanted to help the owner?



There really isn't much control in Christianity.

God gives you the choice. You sin, you repent, you're forgiven

Provided you actually mean it when you repent, of course.

It's not really choice when you either obey or go to hell.

[55TRATTERENRY]

It's not really choice when you either obey or go to hell.

we always have choices...always.

[pharmaclid]

we always have choices...always.

True, so the next time a guy with a gun points it in your face and asks for your money and tells you that he will kill you otherwise thank him for giving you the choice.

[snunsebrugs]

I don't get why 'traditional' Christians like yourself (and to an extent Sean) hate people like JWs, Mormons etc. I also see dislike of Unitarians and Quakers and other fringe Christian groups. From my experiences, these fringe Christians are quite decent people and have a strong moral compass about them, also full of compassion and understanding of the important of community works.

Generally the best kind of Christian, or even religious people in general.

I don't hate them, but i would never marry them, imao those religions are almost sectarian. If a person is moderated in those religions it is ok to me, but many times it is not probable.

[rozettasmolanov]

It's not really choice when you either obey or go to hell.

It's not.

Jesus said (I'm paraphrasing) that we are not to condemn sinners, and that God will forgive who he chooses to forgive, because he knows their hearts. There's no way to really predict who will be going to Heaven.

The whole concept of Sainthood is that that particular Church believes those people are definitely in Heaven. That doesn't make it "official" or anything. Only God knows.

True, so the next time a guy with a gun points it in your face and asks for your money and tells you that he will kill you otherwise thank him for giving you the choice.

Poor analogy. If the guy kills you, he'll take your money anyway.

If you tell God to shove it, you're not going to do what he wants you to do. Unless you're Jonah, anyway.

[Elissetecausa]

Mormons are not considered Christians, they believe that Christ move to the USA after the resurrection, im not kidding

Christianity then sounds more like a social club to the exclusion of others rather than something used to bring people together and closer to God.

All religions are like that, actually of the 3 Abramic religions Christianity is the most open to the people. That is the reason why people talk about the pope and not about the other religious leaders with the exception of the Dalai Lama.

What do I know though-religion is an extention of cliqueish tribalism in most cases anyway.

Thanks to that behavior we are here, thank god for the Catholic Kings and the liberation of Europe.

[DP5Ups8o]

True, so the next time a guy with a gun points it in your face and asks for your money and tells you that he will kill you otherwise thank him for giving you the choice.

I'm pointing out the fact we always have a choice. Do you know what the fuck a choice is???

We always have choices. There are good choices, bad choices, etc. It doesn't matter if you like the choice or not when it's laid out to you, it's your problem. That's all

[Caregrasy]

Been there...done that. Didn't work...maybe because they grew up somewhere else.

But I noticed that for example, Catholics who marry Muslims who grew up in the same country actually work. If you eliminate other cultural differences, then that kind of relationship will have a pretty good chance.

[mbaueee]

[B]

But I noticed that for example, Catholics who marry Muslims who grew up in the same country actually work. If you eliminate other cultural differences, then that kind of relationship will have a pretty good chance.

you are totally right. I've noticed that a lot with interracial relationships too.

[JackieC]

girlfriend is buddhisst/atheist im christian/agnostic. She went to church with me while ago and she was singing like her life depended upon it. Next time she will bring me to a temple, and i will chant like a drunk monk.

no, i see no problems at all, she respects the fact that i like jebus, i respect the fact that she has awesome rituals.

[Anakattawl]

One reason why I don't date Muslims, Catholics and Orthodox Christians.