Hello

[teddybear2067]

Hi, I'm new to the website.
I joined to understand more about religion, expecially Christianity, because I've been having lots of problems with it in my life.
I'm hoping you can all help me understand things better, and probably be up for a little debate. =)

[Abraxas]

Hi, I'm new to the website.
I joined to understand more about religion, expecially Christianity, because I've been having lots of problems with it in my life.
I'm hoping you can all help me understand things better, and probably be up for a little debate. =)

Greetings. As a veteran of many a religious debate forum, I can say you have chosen an excellent place to learn. Having a good deal of knowledge and experience on religion, in particular Christianity, I chose this forum for the same reason you did, I felt it had more knowledge to offer me and so far I have not been disappointed.

There are threads here on almost every topic you can think of so take a look around and if you have any questions or need any clarification, don't hesitate to ask.

[teddybear2067]

Thanks, its nice to feel welcome =)

So can I ask if you're relious? Have you found answers to your questions?
I'm desperately trying to find anyswers myself
x

[Abraxas]

No, I gave up religion about a decade ago, before which I would have described myself as a Christian. I was in a position mentally where I could ask myself "why do I believe the things I believe?" and could find no good answers. Having spent considerable time and effort searching for answers, the conclusion I reached were:

1. There is no good reason to believe in the afterlife or the supernatural.
2. If we are not measured by Heavenly standards we must hold ourselves to Earthly ones.
3. If we wish to see paradise, we must build it ourselves for we have no reason to believe it will be given to us by someone else.
4. If there is a Heaven, I do not believe any more can be asked of us than doing our best on Earth.
5. Any God that would hold an individual who sincerely worked for the betterment of all mankind in contempt is a God not worthy of worship.

In short, we have one life and one mankind and making the most of both of them is all we can do and all we can hope for.

[teddybear2067]

Well this is exactly what I think as well =)
I noticed that you're on the "Why is Homosexuality wrong?" topic as well, though my post hasn't been answered yet. So I'll see you on there. hehe
Do you understand why Christians seemingly "blindly" follow their faith?

[Abraxas]

Well this is exactly what I think as well =)
I noticed that you're on the "Why is Homosexuality wrong?" topic as well, though my post hasn't been answered yet. So I'll see you on there. hehe
Do you understand why Christians seemingly "blindly" follow their faith?

It gives them a sense of purpose, a sense of belonging, a sense of superiority, a sense of community. Looking at it from that perspective it isn't hard to see why; mostly they are raised with the belief, it becomes an important part of their identity. They see those around them who believe and they fit in. When something bad happens, it is part of God's plan, and if they remain pious all badness will forever pass from this world and they will be granted eternal happiness in Heaven. If someone dies, they have gone to a better place. All the answers they need, the meaning of life, the universe, and everything has been put in print form and given to them and those like them, the greatest secrets in the universe at their fingertips.

God has a purpose for them, a personal relationship with them. God sacrificed his only begotten son because he so loved the world, loved them. What isn't to like about that? Permanent love, acceptance, happiness, all of this can be yours if you just stop asking questions, after all, you already have all the answers.

It takes a lot to walk away from that, to be able to look at things objectively when doing so means questioning your community, your family, your identity, your place in the universe. Christianity is marketed as absolute perfection, promising everything up to and including immortality and eternal happiness and almost everyone around you swears by the brand name. Why would you want to give that up for uncertainty, hardship, and possibly answers you aren't going to like?

[teddybear2067]

What you're saying makes perfect sense. I guess I was lucky to be born with the sense to think for myself. But don't they see all the holes and problems in their faith? If they do, why dont they question it all? I guess it's just difference in opinions. They're obviously happier being blissfully unaware that their religion is a big part of the world's problems.

[Abraxas]

What you're saying makes perfect sense. I guess I was lucky to be born with the sense to think for myself. But don't they see all the holes and problems in their faith? If they do, why dont they question it all? I guess it's just difference in opinions. They're obviously happier being blissfully unaware that their religion is a big part of the world's problems.

It is easier not to see holes when you have something to lose from finding them. I think on some level, a lot of people are aware their religion doesn't make perfect sense and perhaps are even aware that it isn't a reasonable position to hold. However, for a lot of people, the sense of purpose, belonging, and comfort are simply more important to them than being right or spending the time and effort to find holes and then find patches for them. Right or wrong, if it makes them happy, they are going to be reluctant to question it.

[teddybear2067]

Which is why religion will always last. There probably doens't seem to be much point in this debating website. I mean, how many people have actually started to question their religion? only a fe rare gems, im willing to bet.

[GentleDove]

Hi, I'm new to the website.
I joined to understand more about religion, expecially Christianity, because I've been having lots of problems with it in my life.
I'm hoping you can all help me understand things better, and probably be up for a little debate. =)

Hi, teddybear2067, welcome to the board!