As some of you may know, I am a Catholic who has considered, on numerous occasions, the possibility that my religion may be incorrect, and maybe there is no correct religion. In most cases, I will cease debate and turn into discussion mode while I seek some answers. In most cases, personal experience wins me over, and what may appear to be coincidence on the outside appears to me as God showing me he exists. I've looked at every single one of them, and while they seem like improbable and personally moving coincidences, how improbable and moving was the formation of our universe? I've never been a Christian who believed that only through a believer's eyes could the world be beautiful; but now I finally can see the beauty of the world through more atheistic eyes. Like the stereotypical Christian, I am very conservative and reflective, and I will probably continue to be that way no matter what I choose to believe. But I am very concerned with the content of my own Bible. I'm not stupid; I've always known there were mentions of slavery as an everyday thing and women as inferior, but I've always been able to rationalize that the Bible was not written by God. Men wrote it, inspired by God, and the events, not the in-between pre-industrial male attitude, were what I needed to listen to. But even now I wonder why the Old Testament is so foul and cruel, and why even parts of the New Testament are so sexist. Even if Jesus hadn't died for our sins, wouldn't God want to create the world that he hopes to see one day, not smite the world until his son was born?
In this thread, I seek for Christians to justify the Bible. I don't have quotes on hand, but those of you who have read the Bible should know which ones I speak of. I will pop in once in a while with a quote I have a question about. In this thread, I will debate as an Atheist. In any other thread, for the time being, I will debate as a Christian. The reason I made this thread is simple: when I debate with atheists, I get a one-sided view to take in. But if I debate with Christians, I can get an actual balance. I am not ashamed to admit that my faith falters. It won't change my character whether I am right or wrong about religion. But when this much doubt surrounds my mind, I am simply curious.
I am a child, so I am not making any official decisions until adulthood. I want to take in the possibilities for the next few years, officially, and debate with Christians to see if I can win. Anyone is welcome in this thread, but it is mainly for Christians to defend the Bible, not a Christianity vs Atheism thread. I know there are threads on the Bible, but I want to use specific Bible quotes, rather than generalize the entire thing.
I came to take it as this. It depends on what you perceive as perfect, and often it fails our expectations. Now im not a christain, and im very open to religious Ideals, however, whatever belief to practise, whether it be Islam, Judiasm, Christainity, Hinduism, Buddhuism, or even Satanism, I say that, the world is perfect in my eyes. Or near perfect. I see the world for what it is, and now for what is will become to be. I enjoy the fact that I can enjoy my planet. I enjoy the fact that I live here. I do not want to see heave, because it might fail my expectations. I would rather return to my Earth. Rot in its grounds, or drown in its sea's. No poetry ment.
The thing is, I came to the fact that I respect the will of others, but hold close to my personal bleiefs based on my experience. I was a christain, but I came to realize, why would a great god, I didn't say perfect, create a world at all? or should I say perfect god? Why would any god for that matter, whether it be Allah, Vinshu, (Lord Buddha didnt create the world, that was Pangu in Buddhism... I think.) Or God.... create a world at all? What would be the point?
Then I realized, mabye perhaps, any of these gods, any of these religious beleifs could be real, or could not. The thing is, I don't care. Im just happy this world is created, and that I can enjoy it.
I open to beleifs, and I respect the will of others. I am the tree, and I can bend, and I can adapt. However, I am tough to pull out, as my roots of experience are entrenched deep.
I've seen alot of misery and shit. I've fought in Haiti for 7 long years, and now I have a confirmed case of PTSD. And I can never get rid of it. Those faces are always screaming in my mind. I still see them. But I enjoy the fact, that I am alive, for better or worse, and I can enjoy what is to come.
That is my opinion. I hope you guys like Earth too. Whether or not who it was created by, it is really all we have for now.
I really enjoyed your threats, Comrade. I'm not too active right now but I did want to thank you for your thoughts on the subject. I think making your life on earth count is very important, even if there is another life, because this life only comes around once.
Then I realized, mabye perhaps, any of these gods, any of these religious beleifs could be real, or could not. The thing is, I don't care. Im just happy this world is created, and that I can enjoy it.
