Do human beings NEED to believe in religion or a god at all? Do we need the security that it consolidates us with? What has this belief/ need in a god or religion ever really benefitted our world? Religion is a control and it controls...... most of us are to easily led but if it were not religion then it would be another 'control' or, may I say that there is already one in place known as the 'media.' Humans are weak and easily led- the evidence lies in human history itself.
There is a term in Aramaic, the original biblical language, not Greek as many have been led to belive, which was the first language that the Aramaic text was translated into, for "God". It is ithea which means "self-existent", "self-cohesive & sustaining" Based on this translation of the Aramaic, God is not a conceprt that is dependent upon religion. Religion, however is totally dependent upon the concept of 'God". The concept of a creative force that "precedes" all things as we know them and spiritual pursuit are akin to each other. But, spirituality and religion are dimetrically opposed. Spirituality has nothing to do with control, religion exists for the very purpose of control. Humans have created myth after myth throughout the history of the world to do one of two things. Control others. Or attempt to explain one's existance. As such, the mechanism for control has been two fold. One, fear. Two, the staving off of fear through offerings, ie. money most predominantly. Oddly enough, no mater how convoluted and dynamic the explanation of our existance, the answer to the question has never been agreed upon by the world cultures. Nor has any amount of tithe ever aided in bringing about reasonable agreement among the world's people. In short, 'believing in God" is big business. Probably always has been and there is little likelyhood that this will change any time soon. As such, when money is the basis of the existance of some "thing", that "thing" will be perpetuated at all cost!
I feel that the "need" for god(s) all has to do with weakness which brings about a "I need a savior to the rescue" I mean..when things get tough ...too tough for others to deal within themselves..they want the easy way out. They want to rely on a higher spiritual being to take care of all the problems/wants of life. This is DANGEROUS! Why do parents avoid telling their children that santa clause or the easter bunny doesn't exist? Cause it would devastate them. Who wants to break a childs heart, right? Those children who find out from a sibling that Santa/bunny doesn't exist will fight and take a stand and say, "nooo...they do exist..they do" Thus, they choose to still believe. hmmmmmmmmmmmm...sound familiar to anyone? [This message has been edited by Flash (edited August 20, 1999).]
Hey folks, lets play fair ball. Number one, you simply cannot use your loaded reasons upon the existance of God; in other words, if your reasoning leads to viewing the opposing view as inherently weak and subjective, then the entire point is lost. However, in defense of those who do beleive, one must keep in mind that it is by no means an easy process. Further, I respect their choice. The reasons behind belief are probably as varied and manifold as there are believers. One cannot stereotype and one most definately not judge. For the record, I personally cannot accept the existance of a deity. However, I consider myself an agnostic, not an atheist. -Bitsy ------------------ Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please. -Mark Twain
Pookums, I consider myself an agnostic as well. so we both have something in common. I know it sounds like I am only using reasoning..but I have gave many scriptures for the "christians" to choose from... I do not mean to sound disrespectful... but I can't help how I feel
Flash, Where are my examples? I've asked you twice now for three detailed claims of imperfection. I e-mailed you for the list of 100. There has been no response save complaints from you that I'm not doing things the way you want. I've also noticed that you have begun to single out Lori. Flash, if you are so strong in your faith that there is no faith to be had other than science or what ever it is that you place your faith in ( It's in something!!! ), try picking on me. Forget Lori. I'm calling you out! I doubt that you have ever read the Bible cover to cover even once. I doubt that you have ever even done any research on any alleged Bible contradictions. You are simply rehashing the same old lies that have been fed to you. Somehow, you seem to think that pushing around others makes you STRONG. I wonder how soft you are face to face,... you and all your talk of weakness!!!! You have no clue what true strength is. True strength is allowing yourself to be nailed to a cross to pay for someone else's sins. True strength is standing up and professing your faith in the midst of a world that mocks and scorns you. Flash, prove me wrong!!!!!!!!!! ------------------ Feel free to contact me privately at isda@gte.net . I'm a Christian Web Developer. I run Apostle Creed Online.
ISDAMan, LMAO... I guess you posted this enough..so sorry...I have no response at this time... EXCEPT to say if you will look you will find ample scriptures that I posted. Read those.. that should suffice. I assume I hit a nerve with the weakness thing in you. Wonder why that is? I am not proclaiming to be a super strength person... but I can be strong and secure... without a god. I know we do not see eye to eye on things.. that's obvious. I will try to refrain from upsetting you in the future. BTW... I am not picking Lori out to be blow off energy..ok? Lori and I happen to be friends... go figure??? LOL
