To the religious and lack thereof: Watch your Words [quotes by you]- Paving the way for World Peace.

[justbanANNAz]

Hi =] Before I get into this, I just thought I'd highlight something we all overlook. Isn't it amazing how despite all our differences, we can all say we agree on peace? So... where is it? And why do you believe it's so difficult to attain?

I took time to compile this because I wanted to show two main perspectives using a small sample of 'GaG research'. Nothing has been taken out of context or changed. I'm here to provide you with a tiny insight into the attitudes between these different 'groups'. Here are a few responses of GaG users [unmentioned for privacy] to illustrate my point a little better.

ATHEISTS ON RELIGIOUS PEOPLE:

"christianity is one of the most savage religions in my opinion, and you just hide behind the "love and peace" mask."

"People don't want to deal with life. They want to believe in invisible people in the sky."

on Islam: "I find it despicable and sickening, a cancer against humanity that has committed genocide of an unprecedented level"

on Buddhism: "A simpication of Hinduism like Islam is a simplification of Christianity. People love simple, Atheism is a simplification of all of them"

on Judaism: "just going by Old Testament, the bible and the quran they're all stupid"

on religion as a whole: "religion is basically just unconditional belief in a belief system merely to create your own moral system and idea of the world's metaphysics."

~Note: there are good and bad in all groups, I'm aware that not everyone is like this. :)

So as you can see, when they're put altogether, you don't realise the kind of effect that has on others. Have any of you been verbally abused before? yeah. it feels something like that.

Athiests, before you talk about any religion, please ensure that you're educated, because a lot of you truly aren't, making rash judgments concerning billions of people. Or, if you do wish to express your disagreement, use better words. I believe it is hypocrisy to call a religious person close-minded with a hostile attitude.

i will say this: what I believe entitles you to get a little heated, is only when people begin to shove their religions down your throats, because that is very irritating, so i understand that. However, when that attitude isn't there, you have NO place to be rude, because while believers cannot prove that there is a God, not a single one of you cannot prove that there isn't one.

RELIGIOUS PEOPLE ON ATHEISTS:

"Religion is an answer that people believe provides something like a safety net...How can one simply give up? Its weak. Makes you a coward. But there is a reason people are not perfect. There are reasons we are here."

"I'm not interested in arguing either for or against atheism; I just want to know people's opinions on why it's so widespread these days. I respect your opinion, but say more than just "because it's the truth".

"I'd like to see more new atheists attempt to rationalise their beliefs like the atheists of the past. New atheists don't even bother"

"I totally agree with you regarding their ignorance. I just sit and listen most of the time. They always refer to science but science doesn't definitively prove the non-existence of a higher being. Again, ignorance of what is truly going on."

note: again, i don't believe all religious people can discuss religion in a civil tone.

As shown, some religious answerers do fight back, including myself, yet I will never in all my life attack an athiest for being athiest. Never. So why do many believe that entitles them to disrespect me?

THE VISION:

I was glad to stumble across these two rare opinions which I believe beautifully sum up the attitude we should ALL take towards each other regarding religion.

agnostic/athiest:

"I make it a point to learn as much as I can about world religions so I can understand and respect their followers"

unknown:

"Maybe, just maybe, people should stop giving a shit about what other people believe and live their own life.

But that won't happen. People are greedy."

Can you all imagine with me for a second, how much more peace there would be in this world if we all had an attitude consisting of a combination of these statements?

Yeah, I'm one person, and yes, I might not convince all of you, but altogether we can affect the next generation. Let's just fix up the bullshit of the past and actually be more accepting of one another.

~j.B

[AshleyMD]

I disagree with atheist thoughts you have portrayed, I think people think life is so complicated when it's not really, it's just layers and layers of simplicity giving the illusion of complexity.
I also do not hate anyone period, no if's and's or but's.
I am an atheist and those are stark contrasts of what I think.
I agree with your take as a whole, I am an atheist who has a dream of peace and a vision of a perfect world where peace is the center. However I do feel like it's unattainable just because I don't think we can get rid of unrest and violence entirely.
If people on here start arguing with me about religion I usually tell them I'll think about it so they'd stop bothering me and insulting me because people who won't listen to the other side aren't worth wasting your breath on (and this goes for everything, I know there are some atheists who won't listen to the religious and I disagree with that because they feel like they aren't being heard and they should also stop arguing because there's no point and you're just making your blood boil).
I think another issue is between religious people and religious people of a different religion or viewpoint. Some religious people are intolerant to other religious people who hold different beliefs and I think you should have also brought that up.

[justbanANNAz]

thats fantastic to know ur an exception:) like i said, I'm aware not all are like this.
i agree with ur points and thank u for ur input=]

[josesmaf]

Thanks for your take. I appreciated the balance with which you presented your case. A couple of thoughts: I think people are more apt to take shots at people here because it's the internet and it's essentially anonymous. And some people just want to watch the world burn. For those who are searching for truth, it can definitely be done in an honest way, and if someone has found it, it can be expressed in a loving way. I think it's important for all of us, no matter the "side," to have a healthy doubt in our doubts. To take the time to find out what someone personally believes and not just paint them as a radical because it suits our belief system. Yes, there is truth out there, yes, they (belief systems) can't all be true, and yes, reality has a way of hurting those who don't take it seriously, but neither of those is a good reason to rub it in people's faces, or to gloat at their apparent downfalls.

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[justbanANNAz]

no worries, i have to take everyone into consideration.
bloody hell... thank you! this is so well put. if this was a question id give u MH, cuz ur just so civil and understanding bout it.

[josesmaf]

Haha, thanks. And thanks again for this take. Good read. Keep em coming!

[G-Daz]

Well written and a nice read :).

I partially agree and disagree. I agree with the part about both sides needing to be civil but I disagree on the idea that we're both oriented to the same concept of tranquility. Realistically I don't see how that can work within the confides of two very differnt worldviews.

Some examples:
- The Christian believes in the equal human dignity of every life

which contrasts with the new atheist belief that we should all support free abortions of those we perceive as not worth living

- The Christian that believes that evidence exists for Christianity within history, science, philosophy
contrasted with
The atheist that believes in naturalism and disregards this approach to reality.

I could go on naming different facets but I think there are fundamental differences within the worldviews which we can't overcome as being problematic. It's only if they're consistent with their worldview on whether or not this becomes a problem.

I recognised my own quotes within there when i read and I can understand how it might look. But my point was that I WANT to encourage intelligent dialogue. If an atheist makes a statement about a Christian or their beliefs, they should expect to invite discussion in a civil manner at least. I WANT new atheism to evolve past the "I lack a belief, so i don't need to explain or make sense of anything" position. I LOVE/D reading classical atheism precisely because they were about dialogue and discussion and understood their own positions and that's the type of atheism I wish existed today.

[G-Daz]

for example, to put one statement more bluntly.

If I come across an atheist that proclaims that "Christianity is immoral" as a blanket statement. It may only be polemics but at the same time, it's a possible avenue for dialogue.

"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect… – 1 Peter 3:15"

I don't retaliate with insults, i generally ask them what their basis is for Christianity or any given thing being immoral within the context of their own worldview. Often trying to initiate a dialogue like this isn't fruitful but it can happen and it shouldn't be expected to be fruitful every time. Isaiah 35:5

as a beautiful analogy I read in a recent book I read said. A man may go his whole life thinking the island they live on is all there is, he may also be content with the possessions around him that make everything overshadow his lens

[G-Daz]

enough to not want to look beyond what his mind and heart has settled with. But if they were invited to something that they'd previously not thought about or shown something new. They'd be more fulfilled. (i don't think i quite put the analogy i read across very well but you get the point)

[justbanANNAz]

lol ok i didn't put that quote up to make u look like a bad guy:P i liked the way it was written because it wasn't rude. i understood ur intention.

anyway thank u=] and i respect ur opinion,:) ty

[G-Daz]

Understood :) of course i always have respect for you

[xHoneyxBeex]

While I wholeheartedly agree with the overall point you're making, I don't believe peace is something everyone strives for. Many of the atheists AND religious people I have met both just want to prove they are right. They don't want to try to understand other views, they only want to push their beliefs onto other people and insult those with differing beliefs.

Speaking for myself, as a Christian, I don't want to shove my beliefs onto other people, I don't want to be judgmental of others, and I don't want to spread hate and intolerance. Yet I know many Christians who do act that way and I feel that those types of people are only succeeding in turning others away from the religion.

This is why I very rarely discuss religion on this site because most of the time, people don't debate in a civil way. It just turns into a screaming match of "I'm right, you're wrong!" and I'm not into that sort of thing. So, I usually keep my opinions on this topic to myself on here for that very reason.

[noneoftheabove]

Which is fair enough. Ignorance is the biggest problem with this world...

[xHoneyxBeex]

@noneoftheabove Yeah, I agree. I don't mind discussing and trying to understand where someone else is coming from. But if all they're going to do is tell me how "wrong" I am and insult me and my beliefs, then I'm not interested in talking to them at all.

[justbanANNAz]

that's true.
i know to some it seems like a failed hope, but i guess it's just an attempt to put things into perspective.

i had no idea u were Christian lol, but anyway yeah i try not to do this either, even when people have questions they want to ask. like u said, it can backfire.
fair enough. thanks for ur input=]

[xHoneyxBeex]

Lol Yeah, I'm Protestant.

But I agree, if someone asks me questions, I don't mind answering and talking about it as long as they're genuine and not just trying to have a meaningless argument (like many people on here do).

[xHoneyxBeex]

Also, I thought this would be a good place to say this. I recently came across this quote on here from an atheist, "trying to use logic with Christians is like talking to a brick wall."

I don't know about you or any other Christian, but I personally take offense to that. It's really annoying when some people act like logic/rationality and religion are two completely separate things. Plenty of religious people are perfectly capable of logical and rational thought. So, statements like that are just another reason I don't like debating religion on here.

[justbanANNAz]

oh cool=]

exactly, and admittedly, sometimes i can't tell, because people will ask me a question nicely, then if i do answer, i suddenly see another side to them=/
and wow... see that's the kind of rudeness I'm talking about. it does essentially insult our intelligence and yes, it hurts.

[xHoneyxBeex]

Yeah, unfortunately some people do act nice at first and then attack when you try to give an answer to their questions. That's really why I have mainly kept my religious beliefs to myself on here. The internet brings out some hateful people.

[justbanANNAz]

indeed it does. i always debate with myself whether i should do the same, but then i tend to want to defend it at times when the attack is really offensive. i don't know.

[xHoneyxBeex]

Yeah, sometimes I see so much criticism (and usually it's from uninformed people) and I want to speak out but then I feel like it won't accomplish anything. Like, it will just lead to me getting upset so I keep quiet.

[Paradoxical_Pro]

Firstly, I'm a pretty hardcore atheist. Now, I don't have any problem whatsoever with people believing in God, or Allah, or Zues or the flying spaghetti monster or whatever! None! Zero!

The problem arises, however, when it influences people's decisions, and obviously, it almost always impacts every decision. I imagine the faithful will have difficulty understanding (not because you're stupid, but because my perspective is so radically different from your own) so allow me an analogy.

Imagine one of your friends were to develop schizophrenia (or did a copious amount of LSD, say), and began having hallucinations and delusions. Were they to justify ANYTHING with "because the voices told me" (BTVTM), would that be reasonable? ANYTHING: "I have to drive to X location, BTVTM"? "That person is bad BTVTM they are."? "X can't be correct BTVTM so"? "X is wrong BTVTM it is"? "I have to kill him BTVTM to"?

Would it make it better if they said the voices were god? Would it be any different, then, if they said the voices were something you didn't believe in? Aliens? Dragons? Invisible pink unicorns? If you can't respect all of these decisions equally, then you're admitting that some things SHOULD be labelled as unacceptably ludicrous, which reinforces the atheist position against YOU.

Hopefully no one is SO foolish as to respect the decisions of a hallucinating person, even if they say they ARE talking to god, but I hope I've illustrated why decisions made from a religious viewpoint appal me.

[justbanANNAz]

c i would love this analogy, except to compare religion to a sickness or disease is really saying something else.

i understand what ur trying to get across, but the wording is quite offensive.

[Paradoxical_Pro]

I appreciate you not responding with hostility!

I, of course, intended this argument as an attack, though I did not intend to be outright offensive! Of course, I'm rather vehement about this, so I suppose that's to be expected.

Anyway: I am NOT saying that religion is an illness or sickness. I am, however, saying that I think it is a delusion; thinking the world is flat is a delusion, but requires no sickness or drugs.

I want to be perfectly clear here: I AM attacking the character of your group, to be sure, but just make sure you know exactly how I'm doing so! Personally, I think the entire delusion is laughably silly; it'd be entertaining if it wasn't so annoying to me. XD

What other analogy would work? Argumentative analogies must be mildy shocking and in-your-face obvious; the only other one I can think of is drugs.

[justbanANNAz]

if i did that'd b pretty hypocritical dont u think? so, it's fine =]

what i believe, is that while i wasn't hostile to you, you shouldn't be hostile to me or anybody with a religion. i respect that ur beliefs are different, but id never attack u like u initially intended to attack me, and that's the point I'm trying to make.
if you believe it's silly, that's ok, but why voice it in this manner? does this mean I'm less intelligent, or more brainwashed than u?

i also disagree on the analogy thing. the best analogies aren't the in-your-face ones. they're the ones that provoke new thought in unpredictable ways.

[Paradoxical_Pro]

Firstly, let me say that I truly respect your opinion simply because of the way you have presented yourself. I will try to get on your level, madam.

That being said: I disagree completely! =P

As I said: I have no problem with the actual "believing" part. However, religion effects your judgements on matters which effect me or other non-consenting individuals. I could name lots of atrocities committed in the name of faith, but that's cliche. Here's some personal ones.

-My friend (christian) stays with a manipulative girlfriend who made him hate his (other) best friend of 20 years, and controls and uses him for her own benefit... because he's had sex with her and feels guilty, as it's a "sin".

-My roomates in college (tried to) frame me for a crime because I was "living in sin" (I smoked weed and laughed at their attempts to convert me)

-My parents are derogatory towards my (best!) lesbian friend because "the bible says one man, one woman"

Not enough space; you get the idea.

[justbanANNAz]

the thing is, i dont your experiences of religion to cloud your own judgment and lead u to assume that all religious people act without thinking straight first.
i understand that our experiences shape us immensely, but in a conversation involving people from across the world, we simply can't act like we live the same life. generalisations in your culture are simply invalid to me because i dont live them. an atheist in china is different to an atheist in NY for example.
but each to their own , i won't bother u further. ty.

[Paradoxical_Pro]

Isn't it a bit hypocritical to dismiss my subjective experiences when that's the exclusive reason for your religious beliefs?

I won't get into it, though XD

[justbanANNAz]

who said so tho?

[ComDom]

It actually offends me slightly when people bunch atheists up with agnostics. I DO NOT want to be bunched up with them at all, as I somewhat I identify with agnostic views. I understand your point though and people should seek peace in my opinion.

I think atheism came about from the fear that religion is the opposition to rationality and that fear causes them to oppose any possibility of the supernatural. That fear is somewhat warranted given that religion has (and is to an extent) an enemy of reason but it is not always.

Fear clouds judgement. But true reason conquers fear. Everyone would do well to remember that.

[justbanANNAz]

well id understand that, yet i didn't do it in this take because i know theyre different. it's interesting though that some people actually identify themselves as atheist/agnostic.

thanks, this is a good answer^ =]

[Anon-ee-mous]

That fear you mention drives people to adjust their behavior for Judgment Day, fear their Creator, and seek an explanation for a life after this one (which is coincidentally also a very basic but powerful human fear- the fear of death).

And the opposition to religion was born from fear (or possibly anger) of religions, and not because the belief system is genuinely just a story in the minds of those who doubt it?

[ComDom]

@justbanANNAz "well id understand that, yet i didn't do it in this take because i know theyre different. it's interesting though that some people actually identify themselves as atheist/agnostic. "

Some people do identify as both but to my knowledge the two are still distinctly different. Thank you!

@Anon-ee-mous
"That fear you mention drives people to adjust their behavior for Judgment Day, fear their Creator, and seek an explanation for a life after this one (which is coincidentally also a very basic but powerful human fear- the fear of death)."

I'm not sure if you agree or disagree with me so I'm confused. In either case fear can mean more than one thing as most words typically do. Love for instance means something else to Christians.

"And the opposition to religion was born from fear (or possibly anger) of religions, and not because the belief system is genuinely just a story in the minds of those who doubt it?"

Mmm so you agree? I'm confused. Elaborate?

[justbanANNAz]

no worries man=]

[dthdhdghadh]

Religion exists primarily to deal with some of the problems that arise from our bigger and more understanding brains (particularly the cognition of our unavoidable deaths) and our tendency to live in ever bigger groups (giving rise to more conflict). Instituting from early age an internal watchman is meant to ensure certain behavior, so it really mostly boils down to social control and fear of death.
That being said, I don't really care what other people believe in, I'm more interested in why they believe it.

[justbanANNAz]

hmm i like this.
as for your last statement, when u said ur interested in why. if someone were to explain why, how would u react? just outta curiosity.

[dthdhdghadh]

I guess it depends on how logically sound their conclusion is and how stable the experience base they build upon.

[justbanANNAz]

ok fair enough. thanks

[Anonymous]

With all I have come to realise, I see religion as a means to get a job done by some rather than salvation and a belief in god.
I am a Solider, Special Forces Branch. Least to say I fight for peace and right, and there are those I fight against who wish to bring harm to those I love, those I care about and those who are innocent all in the name of a religion. I acknowledge that there is these few abusing a religion but it is because of that I am ever more vigilant as to where I go with my family and what I do as well as who is around me.
If you go about your business I have no problem, however, if you attempt to harm those I love more so over myself I will wipe you off the face of this earth and search for those who assist you with extreme predijuice. And this is not the few I share alone. Those I fight with, my friends, my brothers, we share the same views, we've lived through a hell fueled in the name of a religion.

[justbanANNAz]

alright then, and i agree with ur point on those who attempt to inflict harm.

[Opinion Owner]

Thank you, it was a good Take and iincredible points

[justbanANNAz]

much appreciated =]

[jacquesvol]

To fight for peace is something like "to fuck for virginity".
At least, you'll never be out of work.

[Opinion Owner]

Fucking A Right, mate @jacquesvol

[Anonymous]

that is simply outrageous. what a bunch of new age hippie globalization bullshit. just the thought of putting the cross in the array of symbols in the end as if they are the of the same value, i find it down right offensive. from miles away one with discretion can see what traps you've fallen into. it's tragic how many people fall under the shadow of the new age movement today and dont even realize it. look girl, things are simple. the only way for true peace in the world would be if all people were true christians, with a humble heart, cultivated in His grace. only with the grace of God the wolrd would be paradise on earth. as long as there are people who choose sin, there is no way out from the current picture. sin takes pride, pride makes you wanna arrogate and conquer things, this makes others with a sense of private property protest, and there can never be peace. peace comes from the very depths of the soul and heart, its not a superficial choice of sorts, requires godly humility, and is cultivated only in the Spirit.

[justbanANNAz]

if you really are a Christian, youv just put us all to shame. and you believe being a 'true' christian is to put others down?
'people who choose sin'... no one is exempt from sin. no one is never proud.
instead of hiding behind an anonymous identity and expressing ur opinion in a rash manner, consider what youv said and dont contradict urself, ty.

[Opinion Owner]

put others down? what are you talking about? you are saying confused and deceptive things and i expose you thats all. this article shouts new age from miles away. "no one is never proud?" you are either too proud or too confused yourself to make such a bold statement. as for "true christian" no! i explain exactly what it means and i never stated i were one. (i bet you have a certain issue with reading).

[Opinion Owner]

and somehing i need to specify. sinning, as virtue are not human deeds. they are ways of life and states of being. whoever isn't filled with His grace and doesn't have a cleansed and pure heart is a sinner. sin is whatever thought and action a person that lives in darkness makes. me included of course.

[justbanANNAz]

sorry no one is Never* proud. lol.
anyway ok u didn't make ur view clear but if that's what it is then alright.

[Anno_Domini]

I just want to say that this isn't me.

[jacquesvol]

Courageous Anonymous (20-35)

Indeed, simply outrageous. The cross is a tool of torture: which other religion brandishes a symbol of torture?

[Opinion Owner]

a tool of torture, transformed into a tool of salvation and ressurection by the holy blood of Jesus Christ. a depiction of the ultimate love, the ultimate humility, the ultimate sacrifice. the glory of God. His most glorious moment is His seemingly most weak and vulnerable. the sinless, perfect God, descents, gets incarnated, tortured, and sacrificed for His children.

[justbanANNAz]

well said anon.

[Paradoxical_Pro]

And this, right here, is why people who want peace are tempted to eradicate religion. Try imagining this guy's argument from an atheist point of view: "My imaginary friend says everyone else is bad and wants to kill other people, so if they're not friends with my imaginary friend, they're my enemies." Doesn't sound very stable, does it?

[Opinion Owner]

you didn't understand. but the truth requires already some illumination for the person to understand. i nowhere claim what you say. i merely exlpained from a spiritual perspective the picture around us today...

[Opinion Owner]

religion you can eradicate. spirituality and living relationship with God not. the only imaginery thing is your little atheistic peacefull utopia...

[I_M_LEGEND]

I've never met one educated atheist on the subject.

i have and i m christian. they bring up the crusades who were catholic and they dont have much of anything else to say...

in the broader contest of religion, theyll bring up islamic extremist aka terrorists and i m just like ok?

i know all the world wars accounted as a religious war is less than 2-3 percent... less than a third is from christianity (catholics) most catholics aren't even chrstian by definition.

people are misunderstood, disturbingly, and they go on with their lives not knowing what they hate or what gives them life.

leave me alone, let me believe in my God... you believe in nothing and live life as this is it. thats fine!

[Anno_Domini]

Oh, please tell me how Catholics aren't Christian?

[I_M_LEGEND]

lol. id love to but i m stranded for time to share basic info and differences on theology. they dont exactly follow the teachings of Jesus. Christianity is all about Jesus Christ. even the old testament (tora for judaism) I've gotten into countless religious debates its exhausting and i dont feel like writing essays for every response. i did my homework and i m not gonna summraize and share to convince others... there are people who seek God and those are the only ones i m interested in to labour

[Mesonfielde]

I will just go with what the Oatmeal said and why I think religions are essentially a massive cult of brainwashing young children into submission through making them feel bad about simple things like sexuality, this supported by that Islam and Judaism still practices male genital mutilation to this day (and Islam punishes apostasy with death), yet I am supposed to just accept that as a fact.

s3.amazonaws.com/.../choose.png

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[justbanANNAz]

ok then :)

[Phoenix98]

I agree for the most part, and I think we all agree that world peace would be a nice end game but it will never happen. And like you I would never attack a person just because they believe in something other then myself nor would I attack an atheist for being an atheist. I know for a fact not all of them are bad people I've spoken with a few good ones that I can count of for intellectual debates and who also respect the fact that I practice Pentecostalism.

I've even met some Atheists smart enough to realize that there is a higher power. And even though there are a lot of wrong opinions and comments in the world regarding a great many things you should still always listen anyway if not for the sake of not hurting someones feelings then simple to be respectful.

A wise man can learn more from a foolish question than a fool can learn from a wise answer.

[justbanANNAz]

thanks for ur input=]

[Phoenix98]

Your welcome.

[YourFutureEx]

Divided by religion, beliefs & ignorance; United by love, peace & happiness.
3.bp.blogspot.com/.../z13.jpg

[BertMacklinFBI]

lol is that last one a zombie?

[justbanANNAz]

indeed.
it's just a question of when we attain love, peace and happiness again.

[YourFutureEx]

@BertMacklinFBI - lol, I guess the creator hadn't any suitable sign for the atheists.

[johnvanjohn]

religion divides, true spirituality not. plus that's a bunch of new age bs, you've dwelled into. you new age hipies are the first that will wholeheartedely welcome the global government.

[YourFutureEx]

@johnvanjohn "Think twice before you speak, because your words and influence will plant the seed of either success or failure in the mind of another."
You didn't get what I mean. I suggest you to reread my opinion.

[johnvanjohn]

the fact is that YOU didn't understand what i mean for two reasons. 1) you understand something completely different from "true spirituality" and 2) just using this pic shows "where you come from"

[YourFutureEx]

@johnvanjohn oh man, drink a glass of water, take a break for five minutes, do heavy breathing and be relaxed and then lisen, where did that 'spirituality' thing came from? Did I mention it anywhere? You're are pointing a finger on me about my misconceptions about spirituality? And my picture leads to a bad meaning? Please elaborate...

[BertMacklinFBI]

ooh atheist. damn he chose the biohazard sign for that hahaa. xD

[jacquesvol]

Religions do not create war.
They're tools to manipulate people into a war for other reasons. (economic, mostly)

In response to Voltaire, French philosopher Denis Diderot wrote: "It is very important not to mistake hemlock for parsley; but not at all so to believe or not in God."

lh4.googleusercontent.com/.../one%2Blove.png

https://i62.tinypic.com/qmyse8.jpg

[jacquesvol]

Apologies for the double.

[justbanANNAz]

ok thanks for ur input.

[JackKerouac77]

WORLD PEACE FOR LYFE

worldpeace.org.au/images/stickerPeaceNowww.jpg

[springocelot]

I agree that we should adopt both vision. But I'm of the belief that there is no world peace because some groups of people have a different definition of what world peace is.

[justbanANNAz]

thanks for ur input

[ThisAndThat]

World peace will never happen but a false peace will and it will last 7 years just as the Bible says. I takes a complete to deny the prophecies that have already fulfilled before our own eyes.

[ThisAndThat]

It takes a complete idiot to deny

[justbanANNAz]

i never said we'd achieve it. i said we should at least try to strive towards it.

[ThisAndThat]

I know, but to believe it will happen isn't reality, not based on what I know.

[jacquesvol]

@ThisAndThat Your insult says more about you than about others.
The Bible is the claim, NOT the proof.

[jacquesvol]

@ThisAndThat
Atheists have a big problem with the god mentioned in the Bible. WHY?
A few verses:
*-You must kill those who worship another god. Exodus 22:20
*-Kill any friends or family that worship a god that is different than your own. Deuteronomy 13:6-10
*-Kill all the inhabitants of any city where you find people that worship differently than you. Deuteronomy 13:12-16

*-Kill everyone who has religious views that are different than your own. Deuteronomy 17:2-7
*-Kill anyone who works on Sunday. Exodus 31:15 , Exodus 35:2
*-Kil anyone who refuses to listen to a priest. Deuteronomy 17:12-13

*-Kill 'false' prophets. Deuteronomy 18:20

*-Any city that doesn’t receive the followers of Jesus will be destroyed in a manner even more savage than that of Sodom and Gomorrah. Mark 6:11

*-Jude reminds us that God destroys those who don’t believe in him. Jude 5
And so on, pages and pages...

[jacquesvol]

Total number killed by God in the Bible:
- Using biblical numbers only: 2,821,364
- With estimates: 25 million

- See more at: dwindlinginunbelief.blogspot.be/.../...-bible.html

Satan killed less.

[ThisAndThat]

@jacquesvol. And what was it Jesus said? Jesus said ( Let he that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone). So just because the Bible gives the history of those killings doesn't mean then killings are condoned by the Bible.

[YourFutureEx]

@jacquesvol - is that written on bible?

[jacquesvol]

@ThisAndThat I gave the references: easy to verify thus.

[jacquesvol]

@ YourFutureEx
See the references I gave

[justbanANNAz]

well isn't this lovely? exactly the kinda peace I'm talking bout :))
...

[Anonymous]

I don't think I've ever understood the purpose of religion. It clearly isn't to provide literally true information, as the Eden story and the Noah's Ark story have been refuted by science. I guess it provides consolation for people who aren't capable of thinking about answers to those big questions. I am one to favor the unified field of consciousness theory. We are all God. I always thought being owned by a god seemed pretty servile. But to each their own.

[justbanANNAz]

ofcourse, i understand that it may seem ridiculous to many. i might add however, that while such stories have been refuted, they haven't been disproven, and i bet this even frustrates some scientists.
a lot of people do see religion as a safety net, and while i disagree, i respect ur opinion. ty 4 ur input.

[Opinion Owner]

Welcome but what do you mean they haven't been disproven?

[justbanANNAz]

like that there's been definite evidence that they never happened. there are theories, arguments and equations, but not solid evidence.

[Opinion Owner]

Do you believe evolution is true?

[jacquesvol]

Nor the Invisible Pink Unicorn, nor the Flying Spaghetti Monster, nor Russell's Teapot, nor the Monster of Loch Ness, nor the Easter bunny have been proven or disproven.

What is advanced without proof can be rejected without proof

[justbanANNAz]

"What is advanced without proof can be rejected without proof"

that's exactly what I'm saying.

[Opinion Owner]

It amazes me that people still believe these religions are true when science clearly proves beyond a shred of a doubt that we not only evolved, but that the Noah's ark story is untrue. How did the kangaroos get into Australia at all, let alone without leaving behind ANY fossils on the way? Please watch this short video.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=F4OhXQTMOEc

[abundantlyrich]

i think they personally worry about going to hell once they die. :P

[Noboddy]

Atheists dont believe in hell so why would we fear it?

[abundantlyrich]

I don't give a fook what you think.

[Noboddy]

I know you dont you're Christian.

[abundantlyrich]

Nope.

[justbanANNAz]

ok let's not go there please

[KDA20]

Beautiful take but read with a "Sigh" unlikely to ever happen but if you convince a few more people it is a job well done

[AdamThomas]

There will never be world peace, with or without religion.

[justbanANNAz]

ok bro.

[apexalpha]

I think a world without sociopaths would bring world peace. Because they exist in any society and usually are also in high power positions.

[justbanANNAz]

hmm, but i doubt that only people in high power can affect world peace. fair point tho. ty