Philosophy and Religion - Digest

What religion is right for you? Check the chart

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:59:38 GMT

Philosophy and Religion : What religion is right for you? Check the chart

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Does time exist?

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:47:35 GMT

Philosophy and Religion : Does time exist?

simple question does time exist?

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If God appeared to everyone

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 20:52:21 GMT

Philosophy and Religion : If God appeared to everyone

If God appeared,and let everyone know of his existence,how would it affect us?

How would it affect you?
How would it affect religion?
How would it affect the world as a whole?

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Why do so many people believe in the idea of a soul?

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 20:33:57 GMT

Philosophy and Religion : Why do so many people believe in the idea of a soul?

Basically, we see religion time and time again discounted as a possibility for a variety of reasons; including lack of evidence, illogicalities, etc. However, we do

not

see such discounting going on in relation to the idea of a soul -- despite the two being very similar. Why is this? Are there any arguments that are used against the Christian/Islamic/Jewish/etc. faiths that can't be used against the idea of a soul? And even still; why do people believe in such a concept?

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Dare to stare at your soul !??!

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 20:20:09 GMT

Philosophy and Religion : Dare to stare at your soul !??!

Have anyone tried to confront your soul?

Trying to make it show itself...

I did it once - I got scared but now I know...

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interesting facts from the Quran

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:42:20 GMT

Philosophy and Religion : interesting facts from the Quran

would request readers to quote the verse number of the following:
- the sounds of thunder comes from an angel
- King David and Solomon know the language of birds
- if the Quran were revealed on a mountain it would tremble and shake
- honey has healing power
- Jesus was not crucified but raised to God

will follow with answer after some time

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Fate

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:40:53 GMT

Philosophy and Religion : Fate

Do you think that fate is real and controlling us, if you believe in fate what is it, why does it exist.

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Cameron and Comfort to release altered Origin of Species

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 04:49:37 GMT

Philosophy and Religion : Cameron and Comfort to release altered Origin of Species

I didn't know whether this belonged in the science or religion forum.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GN9zpf5cT0M

Kirk Cameron wrote:

On November 21st 2009, the world will celebrate the 150th year since the publication of Charles Darwin's book

origin of species

.

Now when my friend Ray Comfort heard about this, and that the book was public domain, he actually wrote a 50 page introduction for the book which gives the history of evolution, a time line of Darwin's life, Adolf Hitler's undeniable connection with the theory, Darwin's racism, his disdain for women and Darwin's thoughts on the existence of god, and put them in the book.

It also lists the theory's many hoaxes. It exposes the unscientific belief that nothing created everything. etc. etc.

Sheesh.

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Christian Elephants in Orissa

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 11:17:19 GMT

Philosophy and Religion : Christian Elephants in Orissa

URL to article: http://www.churchnewssite.com/portal/?p=4588

This article is brought to you by Churchnewssite.com

Quote:

Christian Elephants in Orissa
November 1, 2009 at 4:13 pm

Kandhmahal In 2008 a severe persecution of Christians broke out in the Indian state of Orissa. The end result saw more than 500 Christians murdered, and thousands of others injured and homeless after their houses were reduced to ashes. Recently a strange and dramatic event took place in Orissa, which has many people talking and wondering.

In recent months, herds of wild elephants have begun to storm villages that are home to some of the worst persecutors of Christians during the troubles. In one village, where in August a year ago the Christians had to run for their lives while their homes were being destroyed by rioters, a herd of elephants emerged from the surrounding jungle exactly one year later, at the same time of the day of the attack.

These elephants first attacked a rock crusher machine owned by a key leader of the persecution movement. They then went on to destroy his house and farms.

Gaining momentum, they rampaged through other non-Christian homes, demolishing gardens and singling out the home of persecutors, leaving Christian homes untouched.

These strange attacks have spread, and according to a report, the elephants have already destroyed more than 700 houses in 30 villages, and killed five people. Nobody in this area has seen or even imagined the unique appearance of a herd of wild elephants such as this.The elephants are not ordinary elephants; they appear to be on a mission.

Typically, smaller elephants enter a village first, appearing to survey the community. They then rejoin the larger herd, and larger elephant soon follow and get the job done.

The ministry partner in India stated We think that it might have something to do with the avenging the blood of martyrs. In fact the fear of God has fallen on the local people, who have labeled these elephants Christian elephants.

Whatever we sow we reap This is a lesson taught by God.. Beware.

[MOD - quote tags added -

Bikerman

]

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Can atheists who attend church be regarded as hypocrites?

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:32:32 GMT

Philosophy and Religion : Can atheists who attend church be regarded as hypocrites?

This thread follows from another thread on "Going to church but being an atheist":
http://www.frihost.com/forums/vt-110602.html

ocalhoun wrote:

deanhills wrote:

and people who go to church aren't necessarily that much different from anybody else in life. We're all sinners.

But only some are hypocrites.

If atheists are critical of religion, does it really ban them from attendance of services and brand them as hypocrites when they do attend? For me it would be a sign of broad mindedness, to attend religious services, even when you are critical of it, or in spite of being critical of it. I see hypocricy as practising something different than what you are preaching. However, even when you preach something, you may wish to investigate what you are preaching, you may be concerned about your family or society, you may be under social pressure. You may happen to like the minister as well as his sermons and find personal value through attendance of the minister's sermons. Maybe being called a hypocrite could be unfair, as well as limiting? What do you think?

For example, if you do not agree with the politics of a right-wing organization, would that then make you a hypocrite to go to a gathering of that organization and listen to what its leaders have to say? Or would it make you broad minded to have enough of an open mind to investigate what they are talking about?

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What is spirtuality?

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:49:41 GMT

Philosophy and Religion : What is spirtuality?

Have you ever considered that spirituality and religion are not the same? If there are big differences between religion and spirituality then it might be puzzling as to where to post and have a discussion about spirituality. It might be better perhaps to start a happy little discussion under relationships. To me that makes more sense. But if you think about the fact that perhaps a lot of people relate to spirituality around religion or philosophy then it belongs here.

I feel very strongly about spirituality and I also believe that this might be something that has far more impact on our world than most people might think.

How do you feel?

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What if God does exist. Can sin exist exist then? No?

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:14:26 GMT

Philosophy and Religion : What if God does exist. Can sin exist exist then? No?

Indi wrote:

Sin can't exist if God doesn't exist. You can still murder, pee on Bibles and badmouth God... but they can't be sins, because you can't transgress against what doesn't exist. The acts exist, the "sin" label cannot. So it's not simply a matter of sin being irrelevant to an atheist... "sin" is simply a meaningless word to an atheist. The acts still exist yes, and they may still be wrong (or may not be, depending on the act), but they're not sins.

Now... what if God

does

exist. Can sin exist exist then? It turns out... ...

...

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god website

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 07:09:53 GMT

Philosophy and Religion : god website

http://www.proofthatgodexists.org/

I just want peoples views on this website and its aims (are they succesful), its actually pretty good.

especially INDI - please quote me once i love you.....i really do....and pie

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Are there any limits to religion?

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:49:29 GMT

Philosophy and Religion : Are there any limits to religion?

One of the things that endlessly frustrates those of us without any interest in religion is the determination with which the religious try to inject religion into

every

single facet of life. Whether it's praying before hockey games (because, come on, seriously, do you really think God is going to influence the outcome?), blessing the doorway the president will walk through, asking religious leaders permission to get boob jobs,... i could go on and on... there seems to be no corner of life that

someone

doesn't want to impose their religious opinion on.

i don't think that anyone would disagree that this isn't done far too much. (And if you

don't

think that people are pushing religion into far more than it should, behold: faith-based acting classes. Yes, for reals.) So the question is...

how much

is too much?

What aspects of life is it appropriate bring religion into? What aspects is it inappropriate? Where do you draw the line? How do you say "religion should have something to say about this, but not this"? ...

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why does the bible and the quran contain contradictions

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:04:32 GMT

Philosophy and Religion : why does the bible and the quran contain contradictions

my favorite contradiction in the bible is about the color of the cloth Jesus wore when he was crucified.

one account tells us that its purple, another one is crimson.

in the quran, one account says that to GOD, a day is a thousand to us
another says that it was fifty thousand.

crazy "holy" books huh?

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Do u read the Bible, here is a verse

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:08:03 GMT

Philosophy and Religion : Do u read the Bible, here is a verse

I love the Lord and thank Him for all that He does in my life, therefore, I'm passing this on. Jesus is my source of existence and Savior. He keeps me functioning each and everyday because in Him I live and move and have my being.

Without Him, I would be nothing.

Without Him, I am nothing

but with Him I can do all things.
Phil 4:13

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What Religion are You?

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:21:10 GMT

Philosophy and Religion : What Religion are You?

I AM HINDU

[mod-edit]007: titlefix + could you please turn off caps lock?[/mod-edit]

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Stats : 631 Replies

Best time of life

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:18:20 GMT

Philosophy and Religion : Best time of life

So, what do you people think is the best time in life..

I mean, between which ages is the best time?

I'm currently 14, and I think the best time in life is between 17-27, but I like to hear from you

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Body and Mind

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:36:42 GMT

Philosophy and Religion : Body and Mind

are the body and mind seperate.....

basically i wanted too know your opinions of the mind and body question are they separate, is it just bio electrical data etc...I ask because i was thinking why aren't brain transplants possible unless the actual mind is separate from the biological part...

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Can a person be both Christian and Muslim?

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 04:31:41 GMT

Philosophy and Religion : Can a person be both Christian and Muslim?

Is it possible for a person to be both Christian and Muslim at the same time?

Quote:

Rev. Ann Holmes Redding, a Muslim - Christian?
Rev. Ann Holmes Redding, 55, graduated from Brown University, earned master's degrees from two seminaries, and received her Ph.D. in New Testament from Union Theological Seminary in New York City, NY. She felt called to the priesthood; in 1984, she was ordained a priest in the Episcopal Church, USA. She will teach the New Testament as a visiting assistant professor at Seattle University in the fall of 2007. She has a life goal to create an institute to study the three largest monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

In 2005-Fall, a Muslim leader gave a talk at St. Mark's Cathedral where Redding worked. She was moved by his prayer. During 2006-Spring, another Muslim leader taught a chanted prayer to God at a cathedral's inter-faith class. ...

...

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Can a person believe in God but not belong to any religion?

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:33:21 GMT

Philosophy and Religion : Can a person believe in God but not belong to any religion?

I'm that person. I believe there is a God, or rather, i believe that there is actually is a higher power controlling the law of nature. Does that make any sense at all?

I don't have anything against people different religions, I just think that people with a religious belief tend to rely to much on their religion.

When they want something, they go pray rather than try their best to get what they want. For me, want one thing just go and work for it.

when someone bad happened, they got comfort from thinking it's god will and they got peace and lessen their pain, but i would rather self-heal myself.

so, what do you think i am?

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The world will end in 8 days. How do you meet the end?

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:16:49 GMT

Philosophy and Religion : The world will end in 8 days. How do you meet the end?

So, here's the hypothetical situation: A random planet-sized rock floating around in interstellar space has had the bad luck to be on a direct collision course with Earth. It is about 2.5 times the size of Earth, and has a 100% chance of having a direct hit at extremely high speed.
It was detected 17 days before impact time, and made public today, 8 days before impact.
All the functional spacecraft on Earth have already departed, trying to get out of range, where they'll try to cooperate to get to another planet or moon and set up a colony. That, however, is a fate that only a

very

select few have, and even for them, chances of survival are tiny.
(For the sake of discussion, we'll assume the world doesn't break out into chaos and riots all over.)

So, now that you've got the news, how do you spend the last 8 days of your life? What about the last day? The last hour?

Personally, I'd be with horses the entire time, maybe being distracted from them only at the end to watch the tiny bit of the collision I'll be able to see before being wiped out.

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Will i go to heaven?

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:47:47 GMT

Philosophy and Religion : Will i go to heaven?

How would someone who doesn't believe in God or the afterlife,answer their dying child,if they asked them that question?

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Stats : 84 Replies

[Official] God

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:52:04 GMT

Philosophy and Religion : [Official] God

Disclaimer: This is not to offend anyone:

There is no proof that God is real;

I think that God was an idea to stop humanity to fall upon itself;
I think that without the idea of god, or any kind of religion, humanity would not have succeed as its has now;

This is all my ideas in my head, It may be wrong, may be based wrongly on my knowlegde.

I think that religion was a CREATION, I standby this until I am proven wrong.

shadowmasterx

<James007>
Made this topic the official topic for discussions on "God"
</James007>

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Questions wanted. Collecting only, no answers.

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:11 GMT

Philosophy and Religion : Questions wanted. Collecting only, no answers.

I need questions... the kind of questions that any religion should be able to answer.

I will not be answering these questions now... Their answers will be integrated with the new religion/philosophy/belief system I'm making.
I need these questions in order to bring things to light that I haven't considered yet; to fill in the skeleton of this infant religion.

The kind of questions I need:
-What's the meaning of life?
-What happens when you die?
-Is it moral to __________?
-What about ____________________________?
-I have everything I want, but I'm not happy... Why?

The kind of questions I DO NOT need:
-What does it say about Jesus?
-Do ________ go to heaven?
-Why haven't you answered me yet?

Once this philosophy is more complete, I'll be sharing it here for its first peer review... At that time, it will be forged by the fires of debate and questioning... and emerge leaner, stronger, and more self-consistent.

If you strongly disapprove of me making my own new belief system (because yours is so much better), please use the 'X' button on the top right of your browser now, and leave me alone.

Again, I will not be attempting to answer your questions.
If you must attempt to answer these questions, or if you feel you must comment about my new religion/philosophy/belief system, please do so in a new thread. Thank you.

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How do you define racism?

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 04:33:41 GMT

Philosophy and Religion : How do you define racism?

Earlier today, something happened to me that hasn't ever really happened to me in my life. My dad and I were in the car driving home, and stopped at a traffic light. We were in the middle lane and a middle aged white woman was in her car behind us. She suddenly started honking at us for no apparent reason; I thought maybe she wanted to squeeze into the right side lane to take a turn? Eventually she gets to the lane beside us (still stopped at that red light) and pulls down her window.

Don't you f**king asswipes know when to move your f**king brown asses?! Get the f**k out of our country you dirty f**king foreigners! And go back to the f**king hole you came from! *middle finger*

There was more, but pretty much the above reworded. Now had my dad not been there I would certainly have engaged in a royal Jerry Springer style cuss-off with that b*tch, but I somehow managed to keep my mouth shut because I think my dad would have been more disappointed in me for stooping down to her level.

Ironically, my skin is either the same color as hers or lighter, so racism doesn't just come down to skin color, does it? I'm Pakistani (I've never lived in Pakistan though) and this happened in Canada. ...

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Stats : 43 Replies

Does God discriminate based on religion

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:44:45 GMT

Philosophy and Religion : Does God discriminate based on religion

I have a question here
If we assume that there is only one God
then does he/She discriminate based on religion
What religion does the God adhere to

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Stats : 14 Replies

This subforum is absurd

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:36:14 GMT

Philosophy and Religion : This subforum is absurd

"These posts are absurd. Your words and troughts are absurd and pointless. Life is absurd. Seeking truth is absurd. All is absurd."

This is what the Absurdist school of thought says about you.

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Stats : 41 Replies

Is psychology a science?

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 06:10:58 GMT

Philosophy and Religion : Is psychology a science?

Thought I would start a new thread for it as it would have been off topic in the memories thread where it started:

Bikerman wrote:

ocalhoun wrote:

Solon_Poledourus wrote:

10,000 years of psychology, and it all comes down to that... is it any wonder that I don't hold much hope for humans?

To be fair, psychology has only been practiced as a science for a few hundred years...

Err...psychology is arguably still not a science. It certainly hasn't used proper scientific method for more than a few decades...

What do you think? Is psychology a science .... or not?

I googled the topic and found a discussion on this at the URL below:
http://www.scienceblog.com/cms/psychology-science-15142.html

Quote:

There are also those, however, who are aware that psychologists do experiments, but deny that it's a true science. Some of this has to do with the belief that psychologists still use introspection (there are probably some somewhere, but I suspect there are also physicists who use voodoo dolls somewhere as well, along with mathematicians who play the lottery). The more serious objection has to do with the statistics used in psychology.

In the physical sciences, typically a reaction takes place or does not, or a neutrino is detected is not. There is some uncertainty given the precision of the tools being used, but on the whole the results are fairly straight-forward and the precision is pretty good.

In psychology, however, the phenomena we study are noisy and the tools lack much precision. When studying a neutrino, you don't have to worry about whether it's hungry or sleepy or distracted. You don't have to worry about whether the neutrino you are studying is smarter than average, or maybe too tall for your testing booth, or maybe it's only participating in your experiment to get extra credit in class and isn't the least bit motivated. ...

...

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Stats : 29 Replies

Life after death

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:11:31 GMT

Philosophy and Religion : Life after death

Hi,

If I ask to you, do you think there is life after death, then the answers are yes, no, yes, no.

But I like to hear,

why

do you think there is life after death?

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Stats : 5 Replies

One Hypothetical

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 08:00:15 GMT

Philosophy and Religion : One Hypothetical

Make your own decision! . . . by Bluedoll

The world is coming to an end. All the systems are crashing, nothing is working like it should be, there is mayhem, hostility and general destruction. Nothing can be done, hope seems lost!

Someone tells you there is another way and you have nothing to loose by trying. Science isn't providing the solutions at least not in time, people are fighting and everyone is disagreeing on everything.

All you need to do is put forth a little effort with some kind of sincerity and pray for help. But you do not believe in God, don't trust it or have simply given up and feel like submitting to defeat.

Do you try to open your heart and give it

an attempt

or do you stick to your present course of action or non-action?

- - - - - - - - - - - - - Hypothetical Question presented in the Philosophy and Religion Section - - - - - - - - - - -

_______________________________________________________________

"and you tell me over and over and over again my friend, you don't believe we're on the eve of distruction, no you don't believe we're on the eve of distruction," . . ...

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When is a joke,not a joke?

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 23:12:49 GMT

Philosophy and Religion : When is a joke,not a joke?

Jimmy Carr (A UK comedian) was widely criticized this week for a joke about the British forces in Afghanistan. (Mainly by the tabloid media).

The offending joke.

Quote:

"Say what you like about servicemen amputees from Iraq and Afghanistan, but we're going to have a f***ing good paralympic team in 2012."

Source

Did he go to far? Can humour go to far? Should there be limits?

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Stats : 12 Replies

Scientology?

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:17:53 GMT

Philosophy and Religion : Scientology?

What is it?
I heard it's a religion is that true?
What is it about?
What are you thoughts towards it?

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Stats : 62 Replies

God Proven to Exist According to Mainline Physics

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 06:10:01 GMT

Philosophy and Religion : God Proven to Exist According to Mainline Physics

theophysics wrote:

God Proven to Exist According to Mainline Physics

Wait ... wasn't your pseudologic already exposed in great detail before ?

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Stats : 3 Replies

Is hell pointless?

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:02:11 GMT

Philosophy and Religion : Is hell pointless?

Well This is for the religious frihosters and anyone else willing too discuss this.

anyways I was thinking that if god forgives anyone and if anyone truly repents then he can be forgiven and go too heaven.

now let me explain

if someone evil comes face too face with god do you really think he wont repent, I know some will say that you cant trick god and he will truly know but in all honesty who would doubt god if he was sitting right in front of you.....any evil person would personally agree what he did was wrong...so in effect anyone who goes too hell and those who are about are always forgiven.....

so whats the actual point of hell?

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Going to church but being an atheist

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:48:15 GMT

Philosophy and Religion : Going to church but being an atheist

So over the past few months I've been very curious about god and earlier in the year, I have attended church but as an atheist. Me being there really didn't feel right as everything they said to everything we sang to every quote in the bible announced, I didn't agree with. After two months of attending church, I decided stop. At the time, I wasn't as interested in god and religion as I am today so I didn't get a chance to ask them questions. So, in the upcoming school holidays (aussie) I am going to head back down to that church and ask them a few questions.

But before I do, I'd like to get some feedback from you guys and gals. If I were to ask questions (from an atheist POV), will they be open to my opinion about god/religion and take in what I ask and answer it logically or will they not be open and throw random bible quotes at me which really, is a waste of time? I have never been to church and asked questions before, because I was never interested. The only reason I attended church was because my parents made me so I don't know how the system works, if they're open or just not.

There are so many questions I want to ask but when I think about it, none pop in my head and I fear when I arrive at the church, asking a priest of a preacher or whatever, my mind will be blank, my lips become dry and speechless. So what would be some really good questions I can ask?

- Thanks, David.

Religion: Christianity

Questions I will possibly ask

1. ...

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Stats : 26 Replies

Gay Power

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 14:45:53 GMT

Philosophy and Religion : Gay Power

Its an article written in 2006 by Lowri Turner ,who is a UK TV presenter.

Quote:

Gay men face challenges of their own, but they do not face those associated with having children which is the way most of us live. I have gay friends whose biggest headache is whether to have a black sofa or a cream one. If they have a child it is a dog.

My gay friends have not sat in accident and emergency with a small child. They have not had to make the decision over whether to give them MMR. They have not struggled to get their child statemented or gone through the schools' appeals process.

Without these experiences at the sharp end of our public services, they do not know how they function. This makes them completely out of their depth in administering them. In the same way that career politicians, those who have never had a real job but climbed the greasy pole by way of think-tanks and speech writing, are not equipped to make laws for the rest of us, so I think gay men are ill-suited to representing the interests of the population in general. However much I love my gay friends, I don't want them running the country.

Full Article - (So you can see her comments in context)

Is she right,should gay men be allowed in positions of power?

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70 Virgins!

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:43:21 GMT

Philosophy and Religion : 70 Virgins!

Well, I always wanted to ask this! How many actually believe this ludicrous thing about 70 Virgins waiting for you in heaven?

And which god actually says that blow yourself up and I will give you unlimited sex in the heaven?

What do you guys think about this 70 virgins thing?

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Stats : 63 Replies

There's Atheism, Agnosticism, Theism/Deism

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 01:05:07 GMT

Philosophy and Religion : There's Atheism, Agnosticism, Theism/Deism

I want to discuss the distinct differences between atheism, agnosticism, Theism, and Deism.

Some people view Theism and Deism as the same thing (the belief in an all-knowing God), but others see a difference between them. Some people think Theism is the belief in an all-knowing, omnipresent, omnipotent (etc) God, and Deism is not necessarily the belief in an all-knowing, omnipresent (etc) God, but that there's

a force out there controlling the world, but not anything that actually

thinks

. I understand these could be wrong, but it's just what I've been reading. Not everyone is right on this subject, and I am trying to help clarify the meaning of these words for myself and perhaps for others who would also like to know. I want to know and discuss the different definitions of these words, so that perhaps we could come to a universal understanding of the different beliefs that exist on our planet.

I've read many articles on atheism and agnosticism. There are many opinions over the differences between these two. Some opinions state that there is two terms that are located between atheism and agnosticism. Which is: agnostic atheist, and agnostic theist. I understand that atheism is the firm denial/disbelief in a god or gods. ...

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James the brother of Jesus

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:49:45 GMT

Philosophy and Religion : James the brother of Jesus

Basically written out of history in favor of peter and paul.
He is a critical link as the brother of the christian jesus. He was undisputedly the leader of the "Jerusalem church" James is a recoverable historical figure. An important figure in the post Jesus time period. He led the movement for 30 years. He was a imo a very frum Jew who followed a teacher that is now called Jesus. Therefore his nickname "James the Just" or Yacov haTzaddik . I am not a follower of these writings, but looking at them from a historical textual perspective I believe that much has been lost. I really dont believe either John the Baptist, Jesus, James came to teach a "new" religion called christianity. I believe that any of these three would fall out if they walked into any christian church today of any denomination. I believe Pauls writings are diametrically opposed to the writings of the aforementioned. ...

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The most important thing in your life?

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 22:50:22 GMT

Philosophy and Religion : The most important thing in your life?

Hey,

I just wanted to ask you guys what do you think is the most important thing in your lifes. What would you never wanted to miss in your life, what makes your life special?

Do you live for your friends, family? Do you enjoy discovering new things? Maybe archieving things, accomplish something, ... You like giving and being there for people? Maybe music, art, etc, expressing yourself?

I saw a similair topic ('whats the meaning of life?'), but I found that very much more religious and talking about the life after this one. This topic is more about what you enjoy the most. I hope I posted this in the right subforum.

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Stats : 15 Replies

Ethics/Morality of Health Care

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:18:53 GMT

Philosophy and Religion : Ethics/Morality of Health Care

I was going to put this in the politics forum, but I decided to put it here and discuss the ethics and morality of a health care system.

To start off, I listen to a lot of talk radio in the car on the way to work and school. Depending on who's on, I'll either disagree or agree with the position. Everyone once in a while, though, they'll put on someone who doesn't usually work for the station that is, in my opinion, a complete and utter dumbass.

Yesterday, this one guy was trying to argue that health care was completely immoral and a non-Christian thing to do. His point was that with any health care system, you're placing a value on a human life. With any health care system, there a maximum amount of money that can be allocated to a person. So not only are you placing a value on their life, you're also trying to "play God" which is a sin!

Unfortunately, this guy did not allow people to call in (actually, every time there is a moron on this station, the moron doesn't allow people to call in. The smart people on the radio station have no problem with allowing callers to share their opinion). Now I would really like to just badmouth this guy and ask why morons are allowed on the radio, but I think we can be a little more philosophical and productive.

So instead, I'll ask a question that may open up some discussion. Are there any reasons why health care may actually be immoral? I personally think that health care is a moral thing to do, but maybe some people disagree. ...

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How to Talk to God.

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 07:57:03 GMT

Philosophy and Religion : How to Talk to God.

Have you every prayed to God and been answered?
What do you think is the most effective way to please God and talk to him? Is there any way? Can we do a research and find out?
What questions do you want to ask him?
Forget all religions and ask directly to God, the right answers???? That would be awesome!!

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Stats : 74 Replies

Religious "moderation" the optimal weapon...?

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 04:56:59 GMT

Philosophy and Religion : Religious "moderation" the optimal weapon...?

To finish the question, since the thread title limited my characters: Is or should religious "moderation" be the optimal weapon of choice to combat religious fundamentalism (or extremism)?

The question came to mind as I was watching a discussion/debate between Sam Harris and Rabbi David Wolpe.

As I'm sure many people here are aware, Harris isn't too fond of "religious moderation" or "healthy religion" as I think the Rabbi refers to it. For those who aren't familiar with Harris' stance, here's a very brief overview:

Quote:

Though Harris accepts that replacing religious extremism with religious moderation would be a positive step, he criticizes moderate theists. Harris argues that religious moderation gives cover to religious fundamentalism. Under the banner of moderation, respect and tolerance are sacred, thus preventing credible assaults upon extremism. Harris states:

To speak plainly and truthfully about the state of our world to say, for instance, that the Bible and the Koran both contain mountains of life-destroying gibberish is antithetical to tolerance as moderates currently conceive it. But we can no longer afford the luxury of such political correctness. We must finally recognize the price we are paying to maintain the iconography of our ignorance.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sam_Harris_%28author%29#Moderation

So as the discussion is being had Harris goes on with explaining his views of religious moderation and how it inadvertently creates a sort of shield for religious fundamentalism. Harris proposes that promotion of critical thought and reasoning is the answer to combating religious fundamentalism successfully. Rabbi Wolpe responds with the idea that "healthy religion" should be our main weapon of choice against religious fundamentalism, rather than Harris' (and others) primary choice of reason. Wolpe's defense for this is the claim that "healthy religion" in some ways speaks the language of religious fundamentalism and thus has a better chance of making advances against it. ...

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Religion Is Everywhere! Make it Go Away!

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:23:17 GMT

Philosophy and Religion : Religion Is Everywhere! Make it Go Away!

I'm not sure if this falls under a "sub-category" of "the meaning of life".

Ignore the human "need" to know the "something bigger awaits" or the need of the comfort that religion somehow provides.

Why in the hell do people need religion. Why is it so important? The majority of those who're religious say "so long as you go to church" or don't care what religious affiliation you have, so long as you believe in god. Any other option that doesn't include "believing in god" (and Jesus for Christians) is "wrong". If you can accept another religious view, why can't you accept a non-religious view.

I've been sitting in Church lately since I've been spending the weekend with my religious aunts and grandmother. The pastor says all the religious stories about accepting god and accepting Jesus as your savior. Then he goes on to talk about nonbelievers saying they're always angry. Basically, he was saying if Jesus isn't in your heart, then the devil is. I was thinking, "Wait a minute, just because I don't hold the same belief as you I somehow have something evil inside of me".

I'm just really torn up right now. ...

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Why does God permit sin?

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:01:41 GMT

Philosophy and Religion : Why does God permit sin?

I read about this and I wanna know if this is valid. Some word choices may be poor but the gist is there.

God created a perfect world and then Adam and Eve. The Devil tricked them into ingesting Sin before they had kids so the children became heirs to Sin when they were born. Or simply, they got Sin, too. And eventually we did. Now God wants to recreate the perfect world with supposedly perfect people (defined as people who obey Him through faith, doesn't do things that are against Him, etc). In order to belong to this perfect world (which is Salvation or the eternal promise), we must then of course strive to be perfect and rise above Sin. God permits Sin so he could know who among us are worthy of that. Of course he won't let anyone who might once again wreck his perfect world so we must defeat Sin in ourselves completely, not even a tinge left.

Is this right? Or how right or wrong is it? ...

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Stats : 27 Replies

Secret Society

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 11:33:41 GMT

Philosophy and Religion : Secret Society

I am currently watching a program which takes a cynical look at conspiracies... Its quite good... and it seems like the theorists seem to be attention seeking and blinkered.

What are your views on such things? Do you believe in world wide conspiracies? I like the idea of this kinda thing... its pure panto!

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Stats : 15 Replies

Principal, Athletic Director Could Face Jail Time For Prayer

Sat, 03 Oct 2009 09:23:09 GMT

Philosophy and Religion : Principal, Athletic Director Could Face Jail Time For Prayer

Quote:

A principal and an athletic director in Florida could be charged with crimes and spend six months in jail after they prayed before a meal at a school event, the Washington Times reported.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,539741,00.html?test=latestnews

This is currently taking place in Florida. Frank Lay/Robert Freeman are accused of breaching the terms of a court settlement reached last year with the ACLU. The main issue seems to be whether or not students were present -- the attorneys defending Lay/Freeman say there weren't, while the ACLU claims there were students present.

I guess there's not a lot to discuss outside of whether you think they should face jail time, even if they did legitimately breach the settlement terms. It does seem a bit trivial, but at the same time they may have legitimately committed a criminal action by the terms of law and the law does have to be upheld.

The issue of prayer in school has been done to death, so I'm not too interested in that debate here..but if you deem it relevant, go head

(I suppose this could go in another subforum, so move it if necessary)

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Stats : 71 Replies

Is death a disease?

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:26:54 GMT

Philosophy and Religion : Is death a disease?

A simple question but not a simple answer?

basically i was watching this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jq06D0xRWmc

but dont mind the silly title, basicalle soviet scientist brought back dogs too life and even let severed heads live for several minuets,

.......DO NOT WATCH IF YOU ARE FEINT OF HEART OR A SERIOUS ANIMAL LOVER...... but its very educational

and after watching I asked myself....

if death can be potentially stopped is death a disease....?

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Stats : 31 Replies

2012

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 05:51:01 GMT

Philosophy and Religion : 2012

What is really going to happen?

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Stats : 44 Replies