(July 28, 2014 at 5:16 pm)John S Wrote:(July 28, 2014 at 3:43 pm)Lemonvariable72 Wrote: I have noticed that we havent had a good debate thread in a very long time, and I would like to challenge any willing christian here too a debate on the bible, we can discuss and agree on the exact wording of the topic when I find a willing opponent, but I make one request. To whom ever takes up this I want you to very clearly and accurately state what your beliefs are regarding the bible, as they vary alot. In fairness I will state my beliefs now.You aren't being a pretentious ass hat - but I didn't join this site to debate you or anyone else here. Maybe someone else will take you up on your challenge.
I am a atheist that does not posit that god(s) does not exist but rather that this is not enough evidence to support a valid claim and that the bible is simply a collecion of mythological stories penned by the hebrews and early christians for various purposes and edited and redacted to meet the needs of later generations.
I hope I'm not being a pretentious ass hat here and I look forward to a awesome debate.
Whether you choose to believe it's authenticity or not, the Old Testament is a history book of the Israelite people, the Gospels are the words of Jesus Christ, which very few "Christians" actually attempt to follow, and the last book is a prophecy of a time still to come about the rise of a dictator and the effects of WWIII - the ending of the 6th day of Creation, which has lasted for several billion years, and the beginning of the 7th Day - When God rests.
WHY do I believe the Bible? - Because I do.
I, on the other hand, am a pretentious ass hat.
It's jolly good fun.
MM
"The greatest deception men suffer is from their own opinions" - Leonardo da Vinci
"I think I use the term “radical” rather loosely, just for emphasis. If you describe yourself as “atheist,” some people will say, “Don’t you mean ‘agnostic’?” I have to reply that I really do mean atheist, I really do not believe that there is a god; in fact, I am convinced that there is not a god (a subtle difference). I see not a shred of evidence to suggest that there is one ... etc., etc. It’s easier to say that I am a radical atheist, just to signal that I really mean it, have thought about it a great deal, and that it’s an opinion I hold seriously." - Douglas Adams (and I echo the sentiment)
"I think I use the term “radical” rather loosely, just for emphasis. If you describe yourself as “atheist,” some people will say, “Don’t you mean ‘agnostic’?” I have to reply that I really do mean atheist, I really do not believe that there is a god; in fact, I am convinced that there is not a god (a subtle difference). I see not a shred of evidence to suggest that there is one ... etc., etc. It’s easier to say that I am a radical atheist, just to signal that I really mean it, have thought about it a great deal, and that it’s an opinion I hold seriously." - Douglas Adams (and I echo the sentiment)