Christians

[Dotard]

So, a variant on the no true Scotsman fallacy then?
Kyu

That's what I read. Also the thinly veiled "you just don't understand" line of crap (I have good reason to be highly skeptical about the level of theological literacy found at this site).

"Theological Literacy" seems to have a biological component to it as it evolves over time and with the increasing knowledge of man.

Not all that long ago if you maintained the creation story in genesis was allegorical as was the flood story, and you did not believe all life was made in a poof of magic but evolved (thru God's plan) then that was considered 'bad theology'. Now, it is quite the opposite.

A long time ago if you maintained the earth was not the center of creation and at the center of the universe covered by a firment or a dome, then you were 'theologically illiterate'.

Bad theology or theological illiteracy can both be rightly defined as any theology that does not agree with your own and that of your particular religious group.

[ecolox]

Re: Darwinian
1. Heaven? - I think so - consciousness apart from evil, at least.
2. What's your ticket? - In order to 'go there' you must be willing to accept God/do His will. This life allows us to experience good and evil - so we can choose.
3. Hell? - God is fair, so how could I really be sad?

[fr0d0]

The illiterate have enjoyed ridicule as an excuse down the ages

[Retorth]

The illiterate have enjoyed ridicule as an excuse down the ages

I'm not sure what you're trying to imply by that statement but I won't make any assumptions.

you must be willing to accept God/do His will. This life allows us to experience good and evil - so we can choose.

Welcome again to the forums If I may ask, how exactly do we have a choice when according to the bible, disbelief in him is punishable by death? I see that as rather forceful.

[ecolox]

Welcome again to the forums If I may ask, how exactly do we have a choice when according to the bible, disbelief in him is punishable by death? I see that as rather forceful.

Cite your Bible source, if you don't mind (I just need to be reminded).

There will be a time when no one can disbelieve - even one of the disciples is said to have doubted, but was shown proof as a result. When that time comes will you reject God and His will, or will you accept Him? Rejection means living apart from God (who knows what goes) - acceptance means living with God (under His roof, His rules - pure good). Seriously now, what would you do?

[Retorth]

They entered into a covenant to seek the Lord, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and soul; and everyone who would not seek the Lord, the God of Israel, was to be put to death, whether small or great, whether man or woman. (2 Chronicles 15:12-13 NAB)

This is just one example, mind you.

On that subject:

Suppose you hear in one of the towns the LORD your God is giving you that some worthless rabble among you have led their fellow citizens astray by encouraging them to worship foreign gods. In such cases, you must examine the facts carefully. If you find it is true and can prove that such a detestable act has occurred among you, you must attack that town and completely destroy all its inhabitants, as well as all the livestock. Then you must pile all the plunder in the middle of the street and burn it. Put the entire town to the torch as a burnt offering to the LORD your God. That town must remain a ruin forever; it may never be rebuilt. Keep none of the plunder that has been set apart for destruction. Then the LORD will turn from his fierce anger and be merciful to you. He will have compassion on you and make you a great nation, just as he solemnly promised your ancestors. "The LORD your God will be merciful only if you obey him and keep all the commands I am giving you today, doing what is pleasing to him." (Deuteronomy 13:13-19 NLT)

There are a lot more quotes on killings I can provide.

[bozo]

Welcome again to the forums If I may ask, how exactly do we have a choice when according to the bible, disbelief in him is punishable by death? I see that as rather forceful.

Cite your Bible source, if you don't mind (I just need to be reminded).

There will be a time when no one can disbelieve - even one of the disciples is said to have doubted, but was shown proof as a result. When that time comes will you reject God and His will, or will you accept Him? Rejection means living apart from God (who knows what goes) - acceptance means living with God (under His roof, His rules - pure good). Seriously now, what would you do?

Ecolox, it's all bollocks, but humouring you....I would not want to spend an eternity with god and people like you!

[Retorth]

I can also cite a list of contradictions in the bible which undoubtedly shows the bible to be a highly flawed source for "the truth".

[Ace Otana]

One thing I see alot with all religions is that they always claim an afterlife. Yet not one has ever manage to prove it.

I couldn't care about heaven or hell because I don't believe in either. When you die you cease to exist. I'm happy with that.
So if I was offered heaven, I'd ask god to send me into oblivion. I couldn't possibly spend all eternity existing. Especially with some god like thing.
Personally I don't like the idea of an afterlife.
We are biological lifeforms and death is the end of biological function. It's as simple as that.
We exist and then we cease to exist. I'm happy with that.

Anyway, there is no evidence of an afterlife. No one has ever been dead as in total lack of brain function kind of death and come back to tell us what it's like.

[Ryft]

So a variant on the No-True-Scotsman fallacy, then?

Could you explain how you think my skepticism about theological literacy is even a variant of the No-True-Scotsman fallacy?