|
Post by aarond on Jan 31, 2005 20:44:29 GMT -5
You know what really summed up a good religious idea for me? That episode of "Futurama" where Bender becomes God, then he meets God. That was so awesome. Especially because I was blasted the first time I saw it.
"If you're doing things right, they shouldn't be sure if you're doing anything at all."
|
|
|
Post by Bureaucratic Model 1-3 on Jan 31, 2005 21:24:44 GMT -5
You know I saw that and I have to say I found it impossibly interesting. I mean it could have been blasphemous but really if you're taking your ques from South Park, The Simpson's, or Futurama then may god have mercy on your soul. Therefore it wasn't a religious joke, but a parable of sorts, and very insightful.
You have to remember that a religion isn't what it used to be... I'm writing this for a story, this is why I got so angry at UFO:
... And in time the zeal and uncertainty became corruptible if by good intentions or not. It was not the church members who were being fooled, but certain members of the ministry that fooled themselves into thinking that they were greater than their calling. It was not the bible or the saints that lied, but the teacher who thought they knew more than what they could be taught. These and a million other things lead to the foundational cracks in the first church of our lord.
But it was a german that first posed the question. 'Is this the way?' And in a 'socially acceptable' way this question is with us today; everywhere we look for answers, morons looking for themselves when they can look in a mirror. And all, ALL, of them will tell you that you don't get it when you say that, but it is truth. Life is what you make it, you are who you make yourself, do not doubt this. 'Is this the way?' How many people still ask this today? Not many. Not in earnest. It is hard to think of the evangelical prayers I have heard on TV, say you seek forgiveness and it will be granted? AAARRRGGGHHH! Servants of a Grey God, life is CHOICE, and all religion is is a catechism! Perversions… But that is another story and this story; at the same time. The birth of the Anglican church, at the ultimate request of a fool king, but the results are clear. Same church, different rules. Much like that phrase, same Malady, different day. However all these vital steps are interlocked. A German asks a question and others blow it out of perspective. Perversion. A king wants a new woman, and nobody can tell him he's wrong. Perversion. A church built on the bible and pure reasoning becomes too powerful and people stop balancing reasoning and the bible. Perversion. Even today. People are looking for the answer, but they don't want to believe anything they don't want to believe. Perversion. This last is greatest, man is man, men are not fundamentally good, nor evil, they are fundamentally MAN and that is a fact of life. Becoming something more means trying harder.
Almost doesn’t count. We almost won the revolution of intercourse, but we didn't. Almost counts. Germany tried to take over the world. Twenty five million lives later… Almost doesn't count. Nobody ALMOST got into heaven. Almost counts. YOU HAVE TO TRY! This is Gaism. Balance and uncertainty. Expect the unexpected, but don't count on it. What little we know we know well, and if you know your part then play it well. If it's the best I can do it the least I can do. Servitude in wisdom. Nature and Destiny Manifest.
All this resulted in the world we live in. Sad to think that this is prelude to ballad the world will end on...
Do not tell me that Fate is overbearing, or cannot be changed. I am a Gaist, label me accordingly. John Calvin was one of the most sickening examples of 'the gospel according to Me, so there,' in the world, only the members of such a cult that could watch innocent people, American even so, die, and celebrate in the street, can make me madder. I voted for Bush, even though I don't like him that much, and I have some real problems with the way he runs things, but because just yesterday there were Iraqis celebrating in the streets that they were free. If I were president then they would never celebrate AGAIN! I see something there, in President Bush, that I lack yet, and as much debt as we are in, and in spite of the fact that I'd rather vote for the Queer Hater party than Kerry, and as impossibly foolish it is for him to say he loves his job, I can only see one thing that maybe he can see, or maybe the lord can see, and pushes through in his mysterious ways. In then next decade or so America is going to set is policy with the Middle east and Iraq is the glimmer of hope. Either the Arab people can handle peace, or they can not, and should that be the case then in time Mecca will pay for not standing behind peace, Bagdad will burn like Rome, like Jerusalem, and War will once more engulf the world we know.
Enough craziness, you can't be like Pat What'shisname who thinks that Bush, or the Republican being re-elected was the will of god. Dummy, God is smarter than you'll ever be, don't think that you can see what he's hatching.
Arrond I just need to hear one thing from you. Tell me you're not a LiveJournal Loser. I need to hear those words, but in you're own good time, of course.
BTW Fire 'Likes to EDIT when people aren't looking' I saw your Edit, and I guess that you can make what you will of it. I'm a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, or what you would call a mormon if you don't like spelling that out, however I'm not what you'd call devout. I'm suppose to be on a two year mission as we speak, but I have some stuff to sort out. For instance I'm that whole list I gave in MLU as well, Espian, Gaist, Armchair Philosopher, ect. What, if anything, are you, and why do you care?
|
|
|
Post by Fire Griffin on Jan 31, 2005 22:32:04 GMT -5
BTW Fire 'Likes to EDIT when people aren't looking' I saw your Edit, and I guess that you can make what you will of it. I'm a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, or what you would call a mormon if you don't like spelling that out, however I'm not what you'd call devout. I'm suppose to be on a two year mission as we speak, but I have some stuff to sort out. For instance I'm that whole list I gave in MLU as well, Espian, Gaist, Armchair Philosopher, ect. What, if anything, are you, and why do you care? Gee, I thought you did not see it or something. That post after Aaron's sounded as if my "I am a lazytard - cruise on" post did not exist. XP I made it more open since I'm, for the record, a terrible guesser. I'm a vegan-left-winger-but-no-real-party-affliation-although-most-likely-Green Agnostic kind of guy, among other things. Nothing too amazing. Anyway, I thought I also said why I did care: It'd help me see things from your point of view as I tend to look at things from either or more sides in an argument in order to see the reasoning behind whatever they had to say. Although it is not 100% accurate as you've said you are not devout, it does give me a general idea of where you are coming from. As for the other goodies (Guh-huh.) you've listed, I've yet to hear about some of them. Hum. I'll Google them on a bored day. I could go for the armchair philosopher path though... In the spirit of Aaron who likes to tag on random yet strangely and sometimes abstractly relevant quotes every now and then, here, have a little offensive Pink Floyd on the subject of religion: The lord is my shepherd, I shall not want He makes me down to lie Through pastures green he leadeth me the silent waters by. With bright knives he releaseth my soul. He maketh me to hang on hooks in high places. He converteth me to lamb cutlets, For lo, he hath great power, and great hunger. When cometh the day we lowly ones, Through quiet reflection, and great dedication Master the art of karate, Lo, we shall rise up, And then we’ll make the bugger’s eyes water. From the song "Sheep" on their underappreciated album "Animals." "Dogs" and "Pigs (Three Different Ones)" are the better tracks though. That and the notion of using karate on God sounds pretty funny.
|
|
|
Post by aarond on Jan 31, 2005 23:26:06 GMT -5
Arrond I just need to hear one thing from you. Tell me you're not a LiveJournal Loser. I need to hear those words, but in you're own good time, of course. Since I don't know what you're talking about, one would guess not. Want to really have your faith challenged? Check out Lamb[/b] by Christopher Moore. That was one of the best books I've ever had the chance to read. Of course, you might also decide to burn it after you've read it, as well, but I found that it made my faith stronger.
|
|
|
Post by PharaohManXe54 on Feb 1, 2005 0:14:00 GMT -5
Wow! That was blatenly anti-Catholic! Well, here are some responses and rebutles and clarifications: To one of AaronD's Early posts: No, Constantine didn't make Christianity the official religion of Rome, he made it legal. Emperor Theodocius made it the official religion of Rome. That's what the comment of knowing things before you say them came into play. Also, you can't compare Constantine's life to that of normal Catholics becase Contantine was a pagan preiest who was baptized on his death bed. To Shelldragon: You talk about not tollerating intolerance and loving Muslims (well, not loving, but defending), well, I must call you a hypocrite. In the Koran (I read the book, the actual book converted to English, and we read whole sections of it, not just little snippets) it clearly says that women are less then men. CLEARLY. In one of the Middle Eastern countries (I forget which one) they cut off a certain part of the women and.... yeah... I don't want to talk about it, but they're really bad. They are very intolerant (if they're strict in their religion, but if they're more liberal, well, they still think that men are better then women). In response to MegaDude in gerneral: You can't persude non-Christian's to become Christians through the Bible. They haven't excepted it as truth, so you have to use more general terms. It's like (sorry to do this, but all I know is math) when you're trying to prove something in Geometry, you have to use basic definitions to work up to something that is generally accepted to be true. So you can't say "Well, it says in the Bible to do this", you should say, "Well how can you explain how everything works so well?" or something like that. I hope you get what I mean. BTW, to all the Christians out there, what version are you guys using? New American Bible is the only one for me!!! GO POPE! VIVA LA PAPAE!!!! In response to BM's post a couple of posts ago: What do you mean you have to take it for what it's worth? And about the rituals, well, I don't want to bash anyone so don't take this the wrong way, but Catholics are more focused on the community then on "your personal relationship in Jesus." You can become closer to God (you guys don't seem very religious if you don't capatalize God Just kidding) through other people by helping others and the like and the ritualisticness of our sacraments and stuff helps draw the entire community together into a symbolistic act. That good enough? Other Clarifications: The Salem Witch Trials was done by Puritains. They persecuted and killed Quakers and Catholics in America so you can't generalize them as Christians, k? The Crusades were deemed later as an unjust war, k? That was back when the pope wasn't chosen on religious faith, but by birth rite (aristocracy, cause the popes were celibite [and no, clerical celibacy didn't arise from the fuedal era, it existed WAY before that, got it?]). So... yeah, the Muslims were invading Europe and this was just a way of defending ourselves...... I guess. I didn't live during that time, so whatev. Hope that clears things up! Also, I think that everyone should come out with what affiliation they are AS SPECIFICALLY AS POSSIBLE....... G' Night!!!! EDIT: Last I checked, Rome is still going strong....... in the words of Feldi's brother "Oh slice!"
|
|
|
Post by Fire Griffin on Feb 1, 2005 1:15:36 GMT -5
Meh... You want me to go into the world influence of Christians by sect now? Sorry, not the person to ask nor do I have the time to research. The Puritans, from what I've read (in both history and literature alike - "The Crucible" anyone?), were Christians, although, to my knowledge, not a formal sect, and therefore, to me, count as Christians. Religious people tend to kill people of other religions in the name of their own religion, Christian or not. They're still Christians although the victims may have been Christians of another sect (or the same) themselves. Still a blemish, which everything you or will follow, admire, see or do will have unless you happen to be that blind and willing to stay ignorant*, in my eyes. (* I am not calling you ignorant, mind you. I am calling those who prance about in a happy bunny utopia denying anything possibly bad and mindless bootlicking without at least questioning and thinking ignorant.) As for the Crusades, an unjust war, yes, but that sure did nothing to clean up and fix all that blood spilt. The people are dead and that little blurb in the history books will not magically make all the dead and wounds and suffering of those who participated (and those forced to) better. Sounds something like a bad car accident: "You may have been in the right but you're still dead." Edit: I just noticed this. Although she says not to respond to it, since I am the one that brought up the Middle East, I might as well clarify some things before people assume: 2. Have any of you actually met in person a Middle Eastern Muslim? You may think they are a certain way because they are portrayed a certain way TO you but they are not what you think and even if they were, leave them alone. I could pick out every little problem with any of your cultures because everyone's has big and little problems. I could all say you are too individualist and apathetic and greedy for example. I'm sick of people assuming the worst of those poor people being killed everyday. I don't agree to live the way they do but I respect them because that is their way of life. I'm not talking about extremists who kill in the name of religion when they truly have been banished from their religion, I'm talking about everyday ordinary Muslim people. In Islam just like Christianity, when you kill you are the lowest of the low and you are no longer a member of your group the way you were before. But nobody knows this because they don't get the chance to really know someone of the faith. They are peaceful and loving but no one gets a chance to know that. People only see the worst of them because they are in a state where they are under attack. If you were in a military zone with your love ones being murdered in front of you, you would be that way too. You would suffer psychological damage and be likely to attack back. I have. I go to probably one of the most culturally diverse schools in the state and have met my fair share. I was referring to the extreme end of the spectrum as opposed to a generalization, which is what I had not intended in my comparison. Maybe I'm in the wrong for not mentioning the spectrum earlier but here's hoping no one twists my words around to make it look like such. Still, not all Muslims are nice and fluffy, but that can be said for anyone. And no, I don't hate Muslims at all and respect them, although I do not agree with them and their culture, especially with their strict dress code, the Hijab, for women. There are faults in everything. Nothing is perfect. Of course. Fight or flight, hence why they either fight back or leave the country/hide and ride it out (bless their hearts).
|
|
|
Post by Bureaucratic Model 1-3 on Feb 1, 2005 11:43:00 GMT -5
Here we go again. Rome, and Jerusalem, are both cities that got burnt down lots of times, they just built them back up. Much in the same way, if we burnt down Mecca and there were so little as two Muslims left with a dollar between them, then you can GUESS what they'd be doing first. And I admonish that; I'd be the same way, but not unnecessarily about SLC... As for the Salem Witch trials, I read the crucible, in an English class of all places, and I found it interesting, however you can't be to sure, a lot of authors and historians throw their weight around like they knew exactly what happened, when really it is entirely theory, as simple as it may be. The ONLY thing that is for sure is that it got out of hand, and while people died, that was Massachusetts, they never got anything right, Christianity, Liberality, Presidential Candidates... Don't take me to seriously, but note that I really think that they got somethin' in the water ober der and when all that horse I#*t comes out ish ain't gonna be pretty. (BTW Pres. Kennedy was a genius and a fluke.) Where was I? Oh, the Crusades. What are you going to do? Fire "picked the drabble subject for me" Griffin thinks that they were a blemish, I think that they were the start of a new age in trade and understanding for Christianity. As for the people that died, they were killing our pilgrims first, and this is the real world, who started it makes a little difference... Although whoever finishes it used to write the History books... now the conservatives make history, the left writes it down, and the ultra left teaches it... or something like that. And so, you see murder, I see a war, if you want to fight about it then… oh brother, like I care. Aarond, I am so glad that you don't know what Live Journal is, your coming in here with constant random points is either very interesting, or very insulting to the intelligence. Over at Live Journal it's just so many Morally Devoid people patting each other on the back and jotting down chapters of their worthless lives looking for who knows what. You seem to have a life outside of the boards, that's what I'm trying to say. I probably shouldn't even validate that poem with a response, but you do know that Pink Floyd was eventually thrown out of his own band, put on a lot of weight and died with only his sister by his side, don't you? Or should I say didn't you? Kind of makes you think of what the 'sheep' would do if they started using karate on each other. When it comes to reading things I'm a bit more selective. Tell me more about the Lamb, but take in to consideration I used to read ex-mormon stuff thinking that I'd help my faith, until I realized that all I was doing was making myself angry for no good reason. Did it help my faith? Not really, I still know what little truth I understood then, maybe more, but I'm not one to say. But that was where I started understanding the whole, don't ball you're fist unless you plan to use it thing. What was I going to do? Write them a bunch of hate mail and think that that would change anything? I walked away, they never even knew I read their texts, hating them, but they will never know, and rightly so, that's how you have to deal with those sorts of people... if you're me... barring certain experiences... That reminds me, ShellDragon was talking to me, even though it was 'for everyone,' 'entirely retorical,' and 'not to be disputed or discussed...' When I say take it for what its worth, GustaffGlyde has a sister that hates religion, or Christianity, something like that, I have a brother who's just as bad, in fact he blatantly says that if the church ever gains any control of state then he's leaving Utah. He got pushed around a lot when he was a kid, my mother is responsibly zealous, my father is/was hypocritical, it wasn't a pretty picture. However my faith comes from a different place than most people. Don't let ANYBODY, mom, dad, preacher, liberal, push you around. If they want to talk, and you have time, and feel like it, then talk, but if they want to argue then walk away or through your fist through their face and tell them to talk softer or you'll get your gun. My faith comes from experience. But I'm crazy so what are you going to do? !@.@!
|
|
|
Post by aarond on Feb 1, 2005 12:05:50 GMT -5
Lamb is a fictional account of the life of Christ as told by Jesus's best friend, Biff of Nazareth. There's a bit of swearing in the book, and Biff, as a contrast to Jesus, is very imperfect and sins a lot.
It also involves Raziel, the stupidest angel, who likes to watch pro wrestling and asks God to let him be Spider-Man.
Interesting story about Utah: One time, while my grandfather was in the Army back in the 30's, he and a Corporal had to beat up a guy who was trying to steal their money on the steps of the Temple (they were just passing through town).
I don't really like it when people talk about tolerance and whatnot and then get all fired up about something that offends them. I'm not saying anyone here is like that, but basically, when I see something like that happen, what it says to me is, "I respect your opinion, unless it's different from mine."
|
|
|
Post by Bureaucratic Model 1-3 on Feb 1, 2005 13:32:49 GMT -5
That Lamb book sounds classic. And I'm assuming that you meant the Salt Lake Temple? I'll have to remember that, if he was trying to run into the Temple then I hope then knocked his teeth out, but if we just running then that had to be a great story anyway.
|
|
|
Post by aarond on Feb 1, 2005 19:09:32 GMT -5
It wasn't a mugging, exactly. It's complicated. It was the Salt Lake City Temple; I wouldn't know what other Temple I would have meant in Utah, to be honest.
|
|
|
Post by Fire Griffin on Feb 1, 2005 21:43:35 GMT -5
Um, okay.
I've thought about this for a bit but you know what? I'm backing out of this topic for reasons I shall not disclose unless otherwise, which shall not be from me. No, I would go on but really, I have my hunches that, perhaps, it would be best that I shut up.
I've probably fostered some lovely negative feelings, although I stand behind my opinions even though some people may have twisted them around to suit their own means. I'm going to stop feeding them and let time kill'em off. This is a Legends forum after all, but this debate apparently has been left to go on for a bit too long, as since I've already said my feelings regarding Evolution vs. Creationism, that is that.
I have no reason to be here, really. If you really feel inclined to argue, PM me or something. Meh.
Good day.
EDIT: Oh, you want one reason? I think it's getting out of hand. I'm not saying any more.
|
|
|
Post by Bureaucratic Model 1-3 on Feb 2, 2005 0:32:53 GMT -5
Suite yourself, I thought that this thread was over when GustaffGlyde ducked out and now, two pages later...
I have been posting X-tra long, I'll have to do something about that.
Aarond you have to tell me that story. Don't know any temples other than the Salt Lake one, I shouldn't be surprised, but from where I live, with binoculars, you can see at least three, so forgive my... biased comment? PM if you think it's necessary, or tell me to sit on my thumps, You Decide 2005... hey that has a nice ring to it. To bad this isn't a presidential election year.
P.S. about Pink Floyd, I have a severely… bad opinion about the guy after having to sit through two… readings in a history class about the guy, readings that were probably written on the back of their hand mind you, I bore a sort of personal grudge in spite of the whole 'In the Intercourse Revolution he was a lesser prince of the 'OTHER' side' thing. Plus anybody who corrupts Psalms *clenches fist*… I'll shut up…
|
|
|
Post by Fire Griffin on Feb 2, 2005 1:12:40 GMT -5
Okay, I know I've declared myself dead from the topic but one thing I need to clear up about Pink Floyd:
There is no man named Pink Floyd in the band Pink Floyd (From "Have a Cigar:" The band is just fantastic, that is really what I think/ Oh by the way, which one's Pink?), which had me shaking my head. If there happens to be a man named "Pink Floyd" somewhere in history or the media, chances are you must be watching/listening to "The Wall" or, well, I'd like to know of this Pink Floyd man you're referring to. "Lesser prince...?" Eh?
Yeah, that Psalm corruption was meant to be offensive (from the band, this posted by me was towards no one in particular so lower the pitchforks) hence why I've stated so. XP
|
|
|
Post by GustaffGlyde on Feb 2, 2005 20:50:39 GMT -5
… Well, as was mentioned last page nobody is really holding anyone’s views against them. I also don’t really think its getting out of hand as no one has attacked anyone personally and fab or Feldinaut haven’t felt the need to tell anyone to calm down. But oh well, you did say reasons, as in plural. It would be a shame, though, if anyone has decided to hold someone’s views against them and so come to dislike them for it… I would stick only to Legends discussions, but no one has really bothered to start any up recently . Moving on to BM 1-3, yup, it was my eldest sister who pretty much says the same thing as your brother. Also, as you said, everyone has to decide to follow a religion on their own. You aren’t born into it and you can’t be forced to believe it. You have to choose for yourself or you’ll only be fooling yourself. As for the six-fingered people, it’s either a genetic hiccup or somehow related to the Nephilim… of course, if you believe the flood in Genesis happened, then you know that its purpose was to destroy them. My only guess is that the genetic data was in Noah’s family… but oh well… I’m not sure. I’d need to research it more to say something for sure. As for questioning your faith, what I think that means is something more like “know your enemy”. In other words, study the questions they ask and develop answers for them to counter them, or just to understand your own religion more. You’d be surprised to know how many “Christians” haven’t even read the Bible all the way through. Seeing as Lucifer was the Angel of Light and second only to the Godhead, and since the demons are fallen angels who once existed in heaven, it’s safe to say they know full well who God is, especially seeing as he created them. Also, they aren’t grotesque beings; they’re still angels and have the same power that angels have. In fact, Lucifer and the Nephilim are described as being quite handsome. Also, it says Lucifer knows the Bible so well he can quote the entire thing backwards. It’s safe to say that they do indeed know who God is… And now my opinion on the Crusades… it’s a little old, so that’s why I put it near the bottom. Yes, the Crusades may have been unjust (and I assume you mean those for the Holy Land: The first, 1095-1101; The second, headed by Louis VII, 1145-47; The third, conducted by Philip Augustus and Richard Coeur-de-Lion, 1188-92; The fourth, during which Constantinople was taken, 1204; The fifth, which included the conquest of Damietta, 1217; The sixth, in which Frederick II took part (1228-29); also Thibaud de Champagne and Richard of Cornwall (1239); The seventh, led by St. Louis, 1249-52; The eighth, also under St. Louis, 1270.) You’re probably thinking about how the Crusaders, upon taking Jerusalem, proceeded to enter and massacre anyone they could find regardless of age or sex. Yes, this was wrong, but you’re neglecting to research why this even happened in the first place… You see, before the Crusades the two religions had amicable relations. Christians were allowed to visit Jerusalem and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, but around the time of Hakem, the Fatimite Caliph of Egypt, things turned for the worse. Pilgrims had already been attacked and killed, but now Hakem ordered that the Holy Sepulcher be torn down, along with any other monasteries and hospitals belonging to Christians in Jerusalem. The Byzantines later were allowed to rebuild the Holy Sepulcher, but Christians were now persecuted there and anyone on a pilgrimage went knowing their lives were on the line. It was started because of all the threats to not only Christendom, but their holy sites and people. It’d be like us capturing Mecca and threatening to destroy it. It is no wonder the Crusades began. Their actions were cruel, yes, but had the Muslims simply agreed to keep the amicable relations of the past intact this would have never happened. The Crusades were used to unite the Christians towards a common goal and cause them to end their quarreling. They were also a defensive war brought about by Muslim invasions into their land such as the Crusades against the Moors who had invaded the Iberian Peninsula (you know, where modern day Spain is).The Crusaders made some mistakes out of anger, that can’t be denied but this doesn’t mean that every single crusade was bad. Every Crusade had its good points and its bad, and some will go down in infamy such as the Children’s Crusade, but the majority helped form the world as we know it today by restarting traffic between the East and the West which led to the explorations by Marco Polo and opened the area to trade, or that their sacking of Constantinople weakened the Empire allowing the Ottoman Turks to take it over which caused a number of Byzantine scholars, artists, and philosophers to flee to Italy where they helped to start a little movement we call the Renaissance (that was one long sentence...). And one last thing to end with. It’s just a little question. Since atheism says that there is no God, that we are all worthless beings that are only another link in the evolutionary chain, and that when we die all that awaits us is the prospect of making some nice soil and that we will cease to exist, why follow it? Most religions say that there is a God (or gods or a goddess if that is what you believe) that watches over us and that, since we were created in God’s image, we have value, and that when we die we will have eternal life. So, why believe in atheism when it says there is a 100% chance of your consciousness ceasing to exist, all that you know stopping, being unable to think, feel, or even exist (unless you believe in ghosts…) over something that promises you eternal life? Now, you don’t follow a religion just for the eternal life thing, but still it just doesn’t make sense to follow atheism when it says you will cease to exist. I’d much rather take a chance with religion than give up and follow atheism. But oh well, each person’s life is their own and they have the free will to choose to live it however they see fit. ------------------------EDIT Time------------------------------------- Ah, as for that study on people who follow a religion living longer, I found several articles on it. health.discovery.com/centers/aging/staying_young/spirit.htmlA short one from the Discovery Channel. Why watch it if you can read it? www.nci.nih.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/spirituality/HealthProfessional/page3Here’s one from the National Cancer Institute. Obviously, it focuses more on how it affects cancer patients, but still. www.dailyiowan.com/news/2005/01/26/Metro/Study.Connects.Religion.Longer.Life-841306.shtmlAn article from Iowa University… eh, they were first on the list and it’s a brief one. Yes, I’m lazy… www.abc.net.au/science/news/health/HealthRepublish_134715.htmAnd from abc… www.beliefnet.com/story/39/story_3949_1.htmlAnd to be fair, an article about religion actually shortening life. The rest of the site is kind of interesting (Eh, I like understanding where other people come from… but they have nothing on agnostics so all I know is the baseline “We neither confirm nor deny the existence of a higher power” concept of theirs and that an Agnostic can be classified as either an Agnostic Humanist (They believe God may exist, but could really care less either way. They do not really consider the question to be particularly important as they have derived their moral and behavioral codes from secular considerations. In other words, their ethical behavior would not be altered if a deity were proven to exist.), an atheistic Agnostic (those who believe that it is very improbable that a deity exists), a theistic Agnostic (those who believe that a deity probably exists), or an empirical Agnostic (They believe that God may exist, but little can be known about him). That, sadly, is the limit of my knowledge of agnostics. I guess more research is needed…) I also read up on what atheist think of the afterlife (and yes, to my knowledge no one here is an atheist, but still). They either said they wanted to die and could care less, they would become soil and cease to exist, they would live on in other people’s souls, or the believe in reincarnation which kind of goes against atheism… *sigh* it just sounds depressing to be an atheist if you ask me. Seriously, just try to think about not existing… it’s a scary thought, no? It’s also kind of hard to do. But as I said, to each his own. Believe what you will.
|
|
|
Post by Fire Griffin on Feb 4, 2005 16:42:20 GMT -5
Yeah, I had a great history education. *thumbs up* Really shows, huh? I am far from a history buff and my courses have been too, how should we say, skimmy so outside of the Evolution debate, I'm out.
I'll shut up now.
|
|