Posted by Dog Pound (24.65.108.59) on November 22, 2000 at 12:56:16:
In Reply to: The Religious Debate posted by unit3 on November 22, 2000 at 11:10:12:
: : : Are you feeling left out of society
: Why would he feel left out of society? The majority of the world's population doesn't share your views, so why should he? There are more non-religious people in the world than there are Hindus, Buddists and Jews combined! In fact, the non & anti-religious outnumber all non Roman-Catholic forms of Christianity by 320,117,000.
: http://www.xist.org/world/religion_top.htm
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: : : Why is it you require physical, tangible proof of the existence of a God or a greater place beyond our physical existence?
: A better question would be why do you require no proof? Do you just automatically believe everything people tell you on faith? If so, I have a bridge to sell you.
: : : But it takes an awfully weak and ignorant one to turn a blind eye and believe that they themselves are the greatest power in the universe.
: Hrm, I don't think YC thinks he's the greatest power in the universe. However, I'd say that ignorance seems to come from those who refute logic and reason with blind belief. And I don't mean just religion, but everything: "I vas only followink orrrrrderz!" is not a valid excuse these days.
: : : If you think for two seconds that you get by all the troubles the world throws at you by yourself without some influence or help by a greater power, you're sadly mistaken, and I really feel sorry for you.
: If I'm not mistaken here, you're trying to say that you feel sorry for YC because he is a critical thinker. I can't even understand that kind of thinking.
: : : I don't mean this in an insulting fashion YC
: Yes you do! You talk out of both sides of your mouth by saying "Respect my beliefs!" without respecting his. Not to mention using the word "prattle". :P
: It seems to me that your whole arguement is "I say there is a God so there is, and you should believe it too or you're and idiot". Well, some people actually use logic, and facts, and critical thinking when determining their beliefs. If you try to argue a point without these things, it simply looks like you're completely unwilling to see any side of the issue besides your own, and should therefor be ignored. You can believe in a god/creator/whatever and still believe in rational thought, since it's quite easy to postulate the creation of the universe by a being or group of beings. But insults and force as a way of spreading your views does nothing to make your views more popular, just ask the Spanish Inquisition.
: So next time you want to discuss theological issues with people who don't share your viewpoint, I'd suggest using logical, thought-out arguements on the topics of discussion. I'd also suggest that you leave the insults and name-calling behind, since that generally makes the person saying them look foolish, not the other way around. If you would care to share some examples of the experiences that have lead you to follow the standard Judeo-Christian beliefs, I would like honestly like to hear it, but if you're simply interested in slamming people who don't believe the same things as you, please don't waste your breath.
Well said