Even if theism is a failure, it's still superior to atheism

[Pat Mustard]

arewethereyet: i think having a bias for doing what we believe is right is the bias we should all have.

Grand Nudger: i think the connection between blood and sacrifice has always been recognized everywhere and always will be.  i think this is pretty obvious: if a person was offended by someone, a common response is to assault them, for the purpose of shedding blood in payment for the offense.  wars, fighting, etc.

as for vicarious redemption: if one lived his own life, he wouldnt concern himself with the debts other people have built for themselves because, unless he has the power to pay them all, it's none of his business.  but for another to pay for his own debt is a different matter and is a well-believed principle.  the freedoms we enjoy in this country are built on the sacrifice of soldiers, for example, and this is something we could not have earned for ourselves; it is a gift for which we can only be thankful.  and so is the case with Christ: God's free gift of redemption, which i believe none of us could have earned.

but i think the reason why you didnt understand this comes from being too concerned with the affairs of others instead of your own.  we have to remember not to speak for others, but only speak for ourselves.

Well then why are you so busy speaking for others and telling them what they are saying? Take the plank out of your own eyes before you try to remove the mote from ours, hypocrite.