Jesus Christ of Nazareth loves you!

[DaRev]

Crazymann said:
The fortunate aspect about this thread is that it has remained largely civil, and as light as such a topic can be on the net. However...

* Why do people always seem to immediately bring evolution into the equation as if it somehow immediately obliterates the idea of theism. Religious thinkers for hundreds of years (before Darwin) accepted the metaphorical use of time in Genesis and mechanisms by which both evolution and theism coexist. Sure there are zealots who fight that, but there most Christian people accept evolution... just as moderate Muslim people (while saddened, and hurt) are not advocating the rioting and firebombing going on around the world because of a thoughtless video*.

Or... put another way... there is a common misconception that society believed the world was flat when Columbus sailed in 1492, when (in fact) the educated populous already knew the world was round. Here, too, the educated Christian understands and accepts evolution and how it does not disrupt their core belief system.

* I am not a particularly religious person, though I am married to one. I make a point to study all religions for commonalities, but I would most appropriately be called a "Platonist". Please keep that in mind when I point out that, for as much as people complain that theists are "always forcing their views on others", it is equally true, in my experience (on the net and real life), that atheists are as guilty of such crimes if not more so.

Case in point... someone makes a thread on about a "miracle" that happened to them, and someone else feels compelled immediately to "educate" that person by (a.) pointing out that it was all chance and (b.) calling them ignorant. Now, I am not saying that is the case here, because this is obviously a purposefully incendiary thread, and it has been civil so far... but such events happen often.

What some people need to realize is that (while religious differences have caused - and will cause - strife) the core values of the religions of the world can give direction to the directionless in a dark and confusing world. People often quote Marx, "Religion is the opiate of the people", as an indictment of theism, when (in fact) an opiate of its type may be vital for some people. We all know that that life bombards us with choices, and (often) the easiest choice is far from the best or most constructive. If it is the faith of the people (be it in whatever they choose to name Providence or the philosophy by which they choose to live) that keeps them sane and with purpose, then why should someone else see the need to denigrate those views?

Provided that those views are not harmful or extreme, the only motivations for the unprovoked attack upon and destruction of another's beliefs (beyond proselytising) would be wanton cynicism or insecurity in your own beliefs or intelligence.



* If that is indeed the primary factor of instigation.

well said may good fellow. it seems in the past people found joy in irradicating christian threads on this forum, but never again!

Oh and good job for pre-ordering a WiiU. Is Amazon doing pre-orders - does anyone know?