My biggest issue with theists

[Neo-Scholastic]

Sarcasm: no. I really, really can't STAND theology and wrote an entire book on the Word of God vs. Theology. Well, the Word of God won!...I personally would rather talk to you about your observations over martinis rather then listen to another "theologian", religious freak or science geek!

Your last point is well taken. I like to believe that what I’ve actually experienced is more important than what I think I know. When taking with others, their personal experiences and stories are more interesting than what they’ve learned through education or reading about it.

That said, I think your attitude towards theology and religion is misplaced. Holy Scripture is the source from which we receive instruction. Theology is the means by which what has been received becomes knowledge.  Religion is how we express and practice that knowledge. The full Christian life depends on a healthy balance of all three working together.

...and I am appalled by anyone being motivated by blood-thirst to kill other human beings, even if they are communists or terrorists.

[Angrboda]

That said, I think your attitude towards theology and religion is misplaced. Holy Scripture is the source from which we receive instruction. Theology is the means by which what has been received becomes knowledge.  Religion is how we express and practice that knowledge. The full Christian life depends on a healthy balance of all three working together.

[DodosAreDead]

Two of these in particular, a Muslim and a Christian, are among my very best friends, and we frequently debate about religion, god, politics, and loads of other controversial topics. We're all very strong minded, and rarely, if ever, do such discussions result in any one of us actually changing any of our stances.

Stahp, lol. 

We're too stubborn. 

[Haipule]

Sarcasm: no. I really, really can't STAND theology and wrote an entire book on the Word of God vs. Theology. Well, the Word of God won!...I personally would rather talk to you about your observations over martinis rather then listen to another "theologian", religious freak or science geek!

Your last point is well taken. I like to believe that what I’ve actually experienced is more important than what I think I know. When taking with others, their personal experiences and stories are more interesting than what they’ve learned through education or reading about it.

That said, I think your attitude towards theology and religion is misplaced. Holy Scripture is the source from which we receive instruction. Theology is the means by which what has been received becomes knowledge.  Religion is how we express and practice that knowledge. The full Christian life depends on a healthy balance of all three working together.

...and I am appalled by anyone being motivated by blood-thirst to kill other human beings, even if they are communists or terrorists.

Don't get me wrong I LOVE Scripture and your right, it is instructions but that's all that it is. These instructions are about how to live life gloriously so that you don't screw it up. There is no religion, worship, salvation or spirituality(Now you know why I'm no on Christian Forum). Those are the result of manipulation of the text and believe me, they gots a bag of tricks!

Jesus never said, "Believe in me". It is a present participle and means: Keep on trusting in me. We have to learn how to walk in this trust(not "by faith"). God's promised abundant life then is the result of followship. Sometimes it's like walking off a high cliff onto an invisible bridge. But, when we get to the other side, we look back and see that we were walking on solid ground but had no ability to see it.


Like the early sailors discovering new lands. The locals could not see the ship because they could not perceive of such a thing.

[Whateverist]

Fuckall, what is with people posting long, fucking videos?

Yeah it seems that neo-scholastic didn't understand what is being talked about or he is trying to prove that Catholic Lady is the devil.

Well don't leave me in suspenders. Is she?

[Neo-Scholastic]

Only for her husband...or so I hear...:-)

[Cyberman]

The Bible is just about how to breath and enjoy life without screwing it up!

Strange, because I "breath" perfectly fine without having to read how to do it. Been doing it for years, actually. In fact, there I go again. I'm great at it.

You might have me on the enjoying life thing, but again that's fuck all to do with a shitty book.

[Succubus]

...Like the early sailors discovering new lands. The locals could not see the ship because they could not perceive of such a thing.

They'll perceive soon enough: 

The usual example given to illustrate an Outside Context Problem was imagining you were a tribe on a largish, fertile island; you'd tamed the land, invented the wheel or writing or whatever, the neighbors were cooperative or enslaved but at any rate peaceful and you were busy raising temples to yourself with all the excess productive capacity you had, you were in a position of near-absolute power and control which your hallowed ancestors could hardly have dreamed of and the whole situation was just running along nicely like a canoe on wet grass... when suddenly this bristling lump of iron appears sailless and trailing steam in the bay and these guys carrying long funny-looking sticks come ashore and announce you've just been discovered, you're all subjects of the Emperor now, he's keen on presents called tax and these bright-eyed holy men would like a word with your priests.

Outside Context Problem.

[Haipule]

The Bible is just about how to breath and enjoy life without screwing it up!

Strange, because I "breath" perfectly fine without having to read how to do it. Been doing it for years, actually. In fact, there I go again. I'm great at it.

You might have me on the enjoying life thing, but again that's fuck all to do with a shitty book.

Yes, everything you most probably have been told about that "shitty book" IS shitty but, having read it according to it's language, time and place(ignoring all relative theologies which are irrelevant to the life of promise): it's merely just an invitation to kick some ass! Instead of the alternative which is to get your ass kicked like "Believers"! Always be trust-worthy: NEVER "believe"! 

The right thing done in the right way will always kick ass! Because that is how it was designed to work. To fight perfection is foolish and a complete waste of time! Because the one Who designed it, designed it only to work one way, which is the standard of His perfection, which is HIS righteousness established. Always seek it and you will NEVER be disappointed.

To run a business perfectly blessed means: Just weight(not too much, not to little); don't water it down(cheat); take care of your slaves very well(employees) so that you always have even more to give; only pay your fair taxes. That basic business model can NOT lose! 


However, if you say, "Fuck that paying taxes part": I'll be visiting you in jail saying, "OK, one more time...!"

[Mister Agenda]

....the less I can relate to anything they say; unless they manage to completely keep their religion out of it. However, the more religious someone is, the less they seem capable of that.

And that's a problem because....As I said it takes two to tango. You are in a different world as you say. What are you doing to reach out to understand their perspective? Or are you assuming that a fruitful conversation requires people to keep a lid on their religion?

I assume that if I can go to a movie or pub or whatever with a group of people without bringing up the virtues of rational skepticism, they can go a couple of hours without bringing up their religion. When I was in Japan, the Japanese never tried to convert me to anything but trying unfamiliar food. I found that refreshing; so I know it's possible, though living in SC makes that freedom a fading memory. Fortunately I work for a large corporation with an HR department, so it's not much of an issue at work (except a few times).