Re: The existence of God
 

Yup sure is :D

Re: The existence of God
 

Double standards are alive and well....

Re: The existence of God
 

Thanks for the response Russ, from what you've said above I can understand the thought behind that insofar that you made a conscious choice to choose the religion you felt was right.
As you know though there are religions in the world that don't allow this, its even backed up by the death penalty, I know without even asking that you wouldn't agree with that, obviously;) but tieing somebody into a belief system they were born into seems to me more like a case of state controlled terror.
Surely the best system is the one you explained above whereby as an adult you are free to choose what religion, if any you want to follow.

I seem to remember him saying, "I was born a snake-handler and I'll die a snake-handler.;)

Re: The existence of God
 

are you saying leave kids out of religion until there developed enough to make there own choices ?

Re: The existence of God
 

I'd disagree with that on the grounds of basic common sense.

Let kids know about all religions, educate them on everything so if they don't chose one at least they won't grow up believing such rubbish as "religion causes wars" and other prize turnips found in this thread.

Re: The existence of God
 

Even though I'm a non believer I've lived my life by the morals I learnt as a child so even I say there is a plus point!

Re: The existence of God
 

No, I'm saying that when a child reaches the age of consent then surly its only right they are able to choose to leave the religion they were born into.
I was pointing out that in countries like Saudi and Iran that isn't an option, on pain of death, hence the remark enforced terror.

Re: The existence of God
 

is religion common sense ?

"at least they won't grow up believing such rubbish as "religion causes wars" and other prize turnips found in this thread.[/QUOTE]



it really hasn't caused a spontaneous outbreak of love in this thread though has it .

Re: The existence of God
 

That's a discussion in itself but would be completely off topic as it's nothing to do with what we're discussing.

I assure you it's caused a spontaneous outbreak of patience and tolerance....

Re: The existence of God
 

Both of which are back up to 100% levels at this side of the screen :)

Re: The existence of God
 

russ please dont dismiss the issue -you brought "common sense" into the debate, if its common sense then please explain why[ and lets face it this discussion has covered a multitude of diversity ]

Re: The existence of God
 

to start I am agnostic, however the strongest position so far both theoretically and empirically is clearly with those whom are religeous in this thread:

I don't agree the thread is dead, however it is clear that at least two persons are simply regurgitating their opinions over and over. It gets a bit tiresome reading:

I don't believe
I don't believe
I don't believe
I don't believe
I don't believe
I don't believe

talking snake surely that proves God doesn't exist?

oh and prove God is real....

Worse, lazy posting... some of the links etc. have been either a waste of time or conclude something different to the title.
This in itself isn't a problem but "it is" if the poster obviously just googled for an article title then didn't actually read it! (I read it many others probably did as well, you are time thieves)

I could easily be wrong but it seems that the religious among us are missing some things due to their passionate belief.

1. Prove that God isn't real - talking snakes don't "prove" God doesn't exist, maybe it was a prototype :) Though my understanding is a war was kicking off in heaven around this time concerning humans and souls and lucifer??? my facts may well be a little off on this though.
2. Gary, first I haven't misread you - you just haven't been as consistent as you believe. Also you didn't answer my question. I wanted to know what you believe and I received a list of what you don't believe and a may believe. Oddly you don't believe in God or the Big Bang theory.... what do you believe? Do you have any empirical evidence to support your belief since you ask the same of religeous folk.
3. Actually the religeous have seized upon this one, You can call yourself Christian, Methodist, Jehovah W etc. all you like, doesn't mean you feel it or believe???

Re: The existence of God
 

agreed my tolerance levels are at the max my doctor says is safe for my blood pressure ;)

Re: The existence of God
 

:banghead:

Would you rather children grew up with the level of religious ignorance often displayed on this forum or with enough understanding to make up their own mind about what they want to believe in (or not)?

Re: The existence of God
 

hmmm... really??? I was under the impression religion had a lot to do with a lot of deaths over the last few thousand years.