ForumsWEPRWhy Follow Religion?

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Somewhat49
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Somewhat49
1,606 posts
Nomad

I have a question to all believers, what's your reason for sticking to your religion? (meaning why do you do it faithfuly, if you just do it cause your parents do it then I don't think you really believe)

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314d1
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314d1
3,817 posts
Nomad

Because if you want people to respect you and your beliefs, you might not want to be a **** all the time about other's beliefs.


I have never cared if anyone respects my beliefs.

We have to save our misguided brothers! Listen to logic! I don't like how you force people to believe in God, but I LOVE the way I can diss religion and then tell people that whatever they believe in is BS! I love how I pressure religious folk to recant and believe in science whilst condemning similar converting processes! I love how I slander people for not believing in science, yet I hate it when people criticize science! I love how hypocritical I am and I love the fact that I can't see I am hypocritical!


Science: Here is the facts. Listen to them.
Religion: JOIN US OR BURN IN HELL! DIE WITH FIRE!

I don't see any similarities.

How? People don't necessarily believe that it is a great man in the sky. The belief is that because God doesn't have a physical aspect, than he/she/it cannot have a physical dwelling, so God must live in an area separate from the known universe.


So instead of living in a place that exists, he lives in a place that doesn't exist. Way to make it sound less crazy?

s it insanity to believe that the universe is expanding? If it isn't than show me proof.


No, theoretical evidence and observational evidence.


Also, show me proof that atoms exist-I can't see them!


Ok. Can you see this?

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/54/Atomic_bombing_of_Japan.jpg/300px-Atomic_bombing_of_Japan.jpg

That looks like pretty good evidence there.

Please prove to me a host of other things that were &quotroven" by science but can't be seen!


They can be observed, you act like seeing is the only since you have.

Common courtesy.


Why?

If a friend can be driven away from a person purely because of their religious beliefs, then that person is better off without that particular friend. We all have our flaws.


So basically you are saying that if you are driven completely crazy by their beliefs, then leave, but if you leave then you are a bad person?

Because that will make them hostile towards you, and therefore disregard everything you say. If you are genuinely attempting to change a person's mind, then you would be better off doing so respectfully.


So you are saying that people are stupid enough that if you respect their foolish beliefs, they will somehow think your facts are better? What wizard controls the facts so that they are different depending on how you say it?
Hypermnestra
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Hypermnestra
26,390 posts
Nomad

I have never cared if anyone respects my beliefs.

That's you. But you must see how it's offensive to others?

Science: Here is the facts. Listen to them.
Religion: JOIN US OR BURN IN HELL! DIE WITH FIRE!

Catholicism =/= Religion In General. I just want to be clear.
And if you don't believe in hell, their threat is void. So it doesn't matter.

Also, show me proof that atoms exist-I can't see them!

Are you implying that atoms don't exist?

So basically you are saying that if you are driven completely crazy by their beliefs, then leave, but if you leave then you are a bad person?

No. I'm saying that you are an extremely...picky(for lack of a better word) person. As long as they don't push their beliefs on you, it's ridiculous to get all that hot and bothered about it.

So you are saying that people are stupid enough that if you respect their foolish beliefs, they will somehow think your facts are better? What wizard controls the facts so that they are different depending on how you say it?

They won't think that your facts are "better", as you put it. But they will be far more likely to listen to you, at least. Besides, it reflects on your character. If you believed in luck, or karma, or pots of gold at the end of rainbows, or whatever, then I would respect that as long as you were a good person otherwise. I wouldn't start calling you names and stuff.
314d1
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314d1
3,817 posts
Nomad

That's you. But you must see how it's offensive to others?


How so?

Catholicism =/= Religion In General. I just want to be clear.
And if you don't believe in hell, their threat is void. So it doesn't matter.


It is, but for some reason religious people just keep saying it.

And fine. BELIEVE IN ALLAH OR BURN FOREVER! How is that for diversity?

No. I'm saying that you are an extremely...picky(for lack of a better word) person. As long as they don't push their beliefs on you, it's ridiculous to get all that hot and bothered about it.


Is it ridiculous to be bothered that your roommate is wearing a tinfoil hat and hiding under his bed all night to get away from the alien mind rapists?

If they are doing that, I would be worried about them and attempt to talk them out of their insanity. Or hows 'bout a more common insanity, like religion or ghosts?

They won't think that your facts are "better", as you put it. But they will be far more likely to listen to you, at least.


So they will take the same stake in the facts, they just....ignore it more if you are not a loser?

Besides, it reflects on your character.


Perhaps I am reflecting my character? Or would you prefer I reflected someone else?

If you believed in luck, or karma, or pots of gold at the end of rainbows, or whatever, then I would respect that as long as you were a good person otherwise


So if they are a horrible person, you wouldn't respect their beliefs?

I wouldn't start calling you names and stuff.


I would.
dair5
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dair5
3,371 posts
Shepherd

So basically you are saying that if you are driven completely crazy by their beliefs, then leave, but if you leave then you are a bad person?


You are a bad person if you define a friend by their spiritual belifes. Their belifes don't define them as a person. It's only a part of who they are. That's like saying that you'd rather not be friends with a person because you found out they were gay.

So you are saying that people are stupid enough that if you respect their foolish beliefs, they will somehow think your facts are better? What wizard controls the facts so that they are different depending on how you say it?


Let's say I found new information about atoms. Let's a neutron did have a special charge that reacts inside the nucleus that we just found out about. Lets also say that I wanted to tell you about it. But I come off as possibly, rude insulting, ect... You would be more likly to listen (or others would be more likly to listen) if I didn't act that way. When you do people become defensive and are less likly to listen.
Hypermnestra
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Hypermnestra
26,390 posts
Nomad

And fine. BELIEVE IN ALLAH OR BURN FOREVER! How is that for diversity?

Again, that in no way applies to all religions. Plenty of religions are content to leave people be, or in the case of Jehovah's Witnesses and LDS people, they attempt to proselytize peacefully.

Is it ridiculous to be bothered that your roommate is wearing a tinfoil hat and hiding under his bed all night to get away from the alien mind rapists?

That's not a fair comparison, because then his entire life is consumed by his belief.

If they are doing that, I would be worried about them and attempt to talk them out of their insanity. Or hows 'bout a more common insanity, like religion or ghosts?

Trying to talk a person out of their beliefs is one thing. Insulting them for it is another thing entirely.

So they will take the same stake in the facts, they just....ignore it more if you are not a loser?

What?

Perhaps I am reflecting my character? Or would you prefer I reflected someone else?

If that's how you want to represent yourself, then fine. But I'm just saying that it reflects negatively on you if you are intolerant, whether you're atheist or Jewish or Hindu or whatever.

So if they are a horrible person, you wouldn't respect their beliefs?

I might think that a person's beliefs are completely ridiculous, but if they are a good person, then I would be more than happy to overlook whatever they believe in lieu of judging them by their actions and who they really are. Whereas, if someone is a horrible person, my stance on their beliefs won't change, but my stance on them will. What I'm saying here is, I just toss religion as far as judging people goes. My views on religion are set-they won't change, no matter how good or nasty that person is-but they don't affect how I see a person at all.

I would.

Why?
314d1
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314d1
3,817 posts
Nomad

You are a bad person if you define a friend by their spiritual belifes. Their belifes don't define them as a person. It's only a part of who they are. That's like saying that you'd rather not be friends with a person because you found out they were gay.


Hyber is the one who suggested it, I assume you should take that up with him.

Let's say I found new information about atoms. Let's a neutron did have a special charge that reacts inside the nucleus that we just found out about. Lets also say that I wanted to tell you about it. But I come off as possibly, rude insulting, ect... You would be more likly to listen (or others would be more likly to listen) if I didn't act that way. When you do people become defensive and are less likly to listen.


I would be happy to listen, assuming you have proof. Wouldn't you?

Again, that in no way applies to all religions. Plenty of religions are content to leave people be, or in the case of Jehovah's Witnesses and LDS people, they attempt to proselytize peacefully.


And they still believe in hell. Really, this pretty much goes for anyone who believes in hell, which is a majority of theists in America, to my knowledge.

That's not a fair comparison, because then his entire life is consumed by his belief.


What if he only does this at night, in the privacy of his own home, and is mostly normal the rest of the day?

Trying to talk a person out of their beliefs is one thing. Insulting them for it is another thing entirely.


I only remember insulting idiotic beliefs.

[quote]What?


So your saying that people ignore facts if you call out their beliefs?

I might think that a person's beliefs are completely ridiculous, but if they are a good person, then I would be more than happy to overlook whatever they believe in lieu of judging them by their actions and who they really are. Whereas, if someone is a horrible person, my stance on their beliefs won't change, but my stance on them will. What I'm saying here is, I just toss religion as far as judging people goes. My views on religion are set-they won't change, no matter how good or nasty that person is-but they don't affect how I see a person at all.


Which is completely irrelevant to respecting their beliefs.

Why?


Because saying it my way is more effective and better for them.
zakyman
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zakyman
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Peasant

And fine. BELIEVE IN ALLAH OR BURN FOREVER! How is that for diversity?


I am honestly held speechless by your numerous violations of community forum Rules and Guidelines. I would like to point out to you what you have violated...

Do not post material that is hateful or mean towards race, religion, sex, or any other offensive nature.


No "trolling" -- posting controversial (sometimes off-topic) messages with the intent of baiting other users to reply.


No "flaming" or "badgering" -- writing hostile or insulting messages aimed at other users for their views or comments.
devsaupa
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devsaupa
1,810 posts
Nomad

And they still believe in hell


I can tell you from experiece that Jehovah's Witnesses in no way believe in a hell. That is not what they are taught. If a JW comes to you and say you are going to hell, then they are either ignorant of the religion they supposedly belong to, or were lying.

I only remember insulting idiotic beliefs


idiotic to you, obviously not idiotic to the people that believe it.
zakyman
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zakyman
1,627 posts
Peasant

Also, 314d1, you can thank religious people for some of the greatest advances in science and technology...

Eat your heart out

(Those are only the Jewish ones)

Hypermnestra
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Hypermnestra
26,390 posts
Nomad

And they still believe in hell. Really, this pretty much goes for anyone who believes in hell, which is a majority of theists in America, to my knowledge.

Then your knowledge is wrong.
List of theist religions in which there is no Hell:
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints(Mormons)
Judaism(correct me if I'm wrong, Zakyman?)
Jehovah's Witness
Hare Krishna
Rastafarianism
Shinto
Rosicrucianism
Scientology

If I looked further, I'm sure I could find more.

What if he only does this at night, in the privacy of his own home, and is mostly normal the rest of the day?

But it is still different, because that belief makes him unhappy.

So your saying that people ignore facts if you call out their beliefs?

No. Let me put it this way.
Dude #1: "You sir, are a moronic ****tard. Absolutely everything you believe spiritually is completely wrong, and everything I believe is right. I am better than you. You're stupid. You're worthless. You're a stupid son of a *****."
Religious Person: "..."
Dude #1: "Now, let me scientifically and factually debunk everything you believe in while constantly degrading you, you stupid, ignorant *******."
Religious Person: "You know what? You're a jerk. I'm not gonna listen to a word you say."
As opposed to...
Dude #2: "I think you may be wrong in this belief that you hold."
Religious Person: "Oh. How so?"
Dude #2: "Here, let me explain."
Do you see what I'm saying? Which person do you think that Mr. Religious Person is going to pay more attention to?
314d1
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314d1
3,817 posts
Nomad

I can tell you from experiece that Jehovah's Witnesses in no way believe in a hell. That is not what they are taught. If a JW comes to you and say you are going to hell, then they are either ignorant of the religion they supposedly belong to, or were lying.


They most definitely do, have you ever heard of their fancy baptizing of people who have already died? To keep them out of hell?

idiotic to you, obviously not idiotic to the people that believe it.


So? An idiotic unfounded belief is idiotic and unfounded, no matter what the idea holder thinks of it.

Also, 314d1, you can thank religious people for some of the greatest advances in science and technology...


/Sarcasm
/Running Program....
OH REALLY? I have neavah evah herd oh relegeous peaps ever doin' anytin good evah! i taut dat dey jus' preach' ta jezues at al tim's dah day.
/End

I realize that many people who are theist have done positive things to the world. Have you ever suspected that I thought differently? Though they are not doing it because of their religion, and many times are doing it in spite of their religion, while other theists are holding them back with their bronze age ideas.
zakyman
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zakyman
1,627 posts
Peasant

Judaism(correct me if I'm wrong, Zakyman?)


Correct. Jews do not believe in the concept of Hell, because Hell is eternal punishment. We believe that no matter how evil you were in your lifetime, you will eventually be able to &quoturge" yourself of your sins. There are many guesses as to how by the great rabbis, but obviously no one knows for sure.
devsaupa
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devsaupa
1,810 posts
Nomad

They most definitely do, have you ever heard of their fancy baptizing of people who have already died? To keep them out of hell?


Well considering my mom's side of the family are all Jehovah's Witnesses, I think I would know a bit. That's a lie.

OH REALLY? I have neavah evah herd oh relegeous peaps ever doin' anytin good evah! i taut dat dey jus' preach' ta jezues at al tim's dah day.


Albert Einstein was a Jew. Ben Franklin was a devout Christian. Issac Newton and the Wright bros were also Christian. I could continue if you want.
devsaupa
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devsaupa
1,810 posts
Nomad

sorry for DP. Disregard what I said about Ben Franklin. To make up for that gap, Louis Passteur was a devout Christian.

314d1
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314d1
3,817 posts
Nomad

Then your knowledge is wrong.
List of theist religions in which there is no Hell:
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints(Mormons)
Judaism(correct me if I'm wrong, Zakyman?)
Jehovah's Witness
Hare Krishna
Rastafarianism
Shinto
Rosicrucianism
Scientology


I just went over the fact that Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons believe in hell, and really that is a small amount. Lets look at the ones who do believe in hell:

Christianity (33%), Islam (21%), and various other major religions don't have a "hell" in those words, but you are still punished for not believing in the religion or acting they way they do by, using Hinduism (14%)as an example, being born into a lower cast or as a "lower life form". Even just going with the ones that believe in an actual hell, you still have 50% of the world believe in heaven or hell, which is definitely the majority when comparing it to other religions.

But it is still different, because that belief makes him unhappy.


No, he feels safe hiding under his bed and wearing a hat, he feels safe and protected by these.

No. Let me put it this way.
Dude #1: "You sir, are a moronic ****tard. Absolutely everything you believe spiritually is completely wrong, and everything I believe is right. I am better than you. You're stupid. You're worthless. You're a stupid son of a *****."
Religious Person: "..."
Dude #1: "Now, let me scientifically and factually debunk everything you believe in while constantly degrading you, you stupid, ignorant *******."
Religious Person: "You know what? You're a jerk. I'm not gonna listen to a word you say."
As opposed to...
Dude #2: "I think you may be wrong in this belief that you hold."
Religious Person: "Oh. How so?"
Dude #2: "Here, let me explain."
Do you see what I'm saying? Which person do you think that Mr. Religious Person is going to pay more attention to?


So basically your saying that some morons will overlook the fact that you are right because they don't like you?
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