Wouldn't that be nice. My attitude is to call the ones who use their religion for nefarious purposes, hypocrites and those, who do good as part of their faith, good people. The most grounded person I know whose presence is just calming is a practicing Christian. I don't believe in blanket condemnations.
Wouldn't that be nice. My attitude is to call the ones who use their religion for nefarious purposes, hypocrites and those, who do good as part of their faith, good people. The most grounded person I know whose presence is just calming is a practicing Christian. I don't believe in blanket condemnations.
One of the first betrayals of Jesus that "Christianity" committed was turning his life and teachings into a cult of belief instead of a way of living. The Creeds of the church ignore all Jesus taught.
Seems to me that you condemned the bishop in a way for being a person of faith. I am not telling you to believe otherwise than you do and I do wish nonbelievers would just understand that. People have made all kinds of assumptions of what I believe or not based on the fact that I will not issue a blanket condemnation of people of faith. I am saying that I refuse to lessen people of faith in any way who are good people just because they are people of faith. Yes, you did praise her, but your final sentence mitigated your praise. I think we need to put this to bed now.
Fair enough. I will just say that I may not have been particularly clear or careful in what i said. I do not in any way denigrate Ms. Budde's view point but I feel using a position like hers to amplify and give credence to what she said (as if being religious makes it more important than other viewpoints) always bothers me given my disdain for religion. No one except other atheists ever give atheists credence for their views and ib probably might feel differently if this was more balanced. Hope that helps.
I think the important take away that everyone has, is that she spoke truth to power. I give you full credit as to why you are an atheist. i doubt I would pass muster in most circles for being a person of faith. I think I have a fair understanding of what Jesus taught and part of the problem is what Mary Ellen addresses below. Also I do not think most people understand about what was going on in first century Palestine. Once people in power get ahold of a concept and see that it would increase their power and wealth, it becomes just another institution ruined by human flaws. I do not think we actually disagree on much of anything.
Wouldn't that be nice. My attitude is to call the ones who use their religion for nefarious purposes, hypocrites and those, who do good as part of their faith, good people. The most grounded person I know whose presence is just calming is a practicing Christian. I don't believe in blanket condemnations.
I generally don't condemn anyone for beliefs, just actions. Believe what you want let me believe what I want.
One of the first betrayals of Jesus that "Christianity" committed was turning his life and teachings into a cult of belief instead of a way of living. The Creeds of the church ignore all Jesus taught.
I will also add that i am very annoyed that people seem to think the universal energy cares about the score in a ballgame.
Seems to me that you condemned the bishop in a way for being a person of faith. I am not telling you to believe otherwise than you do and I do wish nonbelievers would just understand that. People have made all kinds of assumptions of what I believe or not based on the fact that I will not issue a blanket condemnation of people of faith. I am saying that I refuse to lessen people of faith in any way who are good people just because they are people of faith. Yes, you did praise her, but your final sentence mitigated your praise. I think we need to put this to bed now.
Fair enough. I will just say that I may not have been particularly clear or careful in what i said. I do not in any way denigrate Ms. Budde's view point but I feel using a position like hers to amplify and give credence to what she said (as if being religious makes it more important than other viewpoints) always bothers me given my disdain for religion. No one except other atheists ever give atheists credence for their views and ib probably might feel differently if this was more balanced. Hope that helps.
I think the important take away that everyone has, is that she spoke truth to power. I give you full credit as to why you are an atheist. i doubt I would pass muster in most circles for being a person of faith. I think I have a fair understanding of what Jesus taught and part of the problem is what Mary Ellen addresses below. Also I do not think most people understand about what was going on in first century Palestine. Once people in power get ahold of a concept and see that it would increase their power and wealth, it becomes just another institution ruined by human flaws. I do not think we actually disagree on much of anything.