My biggest issue with theists

[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.