10 Jan 17
Originally posted by karoly aczelPeople love false dichotomies. That's why I stay away from them as much as possible, save for trying to get people to basically say "Yes, I am right. Which means all other options are wrong." because that's how people tend to think of their side.
I know what is not right by process of elimination. Contemplating deeply these (spiritual/psychological) issues leads me to agree more with some ideas than others.
But the dichotomy of right and wrong is fraught with danger, and it is because of this that I think everyone should work out their own "spirituality" for themselves (as long as it doesn't harm anyone of course )
"Work out you own salvation with diligence" the Buddha
10 Jan 17
Originally posted by JakeChessIMO it comes from fear. That's why I started a thread with that title. Boy was I naive to think that Christians would actually admit they are living in fear. Silly me
People love false dichotomies. That's why I stay away from them as much as possible, save for trying to get people to basically say "Yes, I am right. Which means all other options are wrong." because that's how people tend to think of their side.
10 Jan 17
Originally posted by karoly aczelWell...these are Christians we're talking about. They don't even admit that the character of Jesus is a composite of many other characters from many other world religions.
IMO it comes from fear. That's why I started a thread with that title. Boy was I naive to think that Christians would actually admit they are living in fear. Silly me
10 Jan 17
Originally posted by JakeChessYes, who visited the East and came back with teachings from there.
Well...these are Christians we're talking about. They don't even admit that the character of Jesus is a composite of many other characters from many other world religions.
Others(on this forum) will tell you that there is nothing written about JC until he was 30.
Whereas I have read many scholars who claim he gained his wisdom when he travelled East.
And yet others that say he is purely fictional or a composite of other people.
There is no way to prove any of this. (No CCTV) Ha!!
But I don't think it matters. Fictional or not he has had a profound effect on many lives, and where that effect is positive then I say "good" . Why not if it's not hurting anyone
Originally posted by JakeChessJohn Ralston Saul observed that ideologues seek to erase ambiguity - and even dissent - by reducing subjects to simple either-or questions that deny any middle ground. "The imposition of a false question to create an equally false moral quandary is a strategy often used by ideologies to ensure the desired answer." Many of the religionists on this forum appear not to have any other strategy at their disposal.
People love false dichotomies.
10 Jan 17
Originally posted by karoly aczelWhile I do agree with you on the points that it doesn't matter what Jesus was in the scenario that there is positive impact. But when people are consistently hurt or killed because a book says they need to be, then that book should be considered a dangerous work. Whether that book be The Bible, The Koran, or any other work that people religiously follow to the point of extremism.
Yes, who visited the East and came back with teachings from there.
Others(on this forum) will tell you that there is nothing written about JC until he was 30.
Whereas I have read many scholars who claim he gained his wisdom when he travelled East.
And yet others that say he is purely fictional or a composite of other people.
There is no way to p ...[text shortened]... lives, and where that effect is positive then I say "good" . Why not if it's not hurting anyone
10 Jan 17
Originally posted by JakeChessThat's why I think it's crap religion.
While I do agree with you on the points that it doesn't matter what Jesus was in the scenario that there is positive impact. But when people are consistently hurt or killed because a book says they need to be, then that book should be considered a dangerous work. Whether that book be The Bible, The Koran, or any other work that people religiously follow to the point of extremism.
Even if you agree with the fundamental positive JC points, once you declare yourself "Christian" then you basically get tied in with the old testament and a whole bunch of other stuff.
Like the Klu Klux Klan - who claim to be true bible followers
Originally posted by karoly aczelOr the Westboro Baptist Church.
That's why I think it's crap religion.
Even if you agree with the fundamental positive JC points, once you declare yourself "Christian" then you basically get tied in with the old testament and a whole bunch of other stuff.
Like the Klu Klux Klan - who claim to be true bible followers