Inter-Faith Chapel, Now Disc: Made to Worship?

Just out of interest (and I'm not specifically questioning you), but why does it matter to anyone what other people think of their faith ?

Why do some people feel it necessary to broadcast their faith to others ?

Surely faith is something you have personally, and doesn't apply to anyone else other than you.

 

I could see this thread as an opportunity to learn and interact with people with different beliefs. I have studied many religions but cannot claim to know everything. A chance to educate others on your beliefs perhaps?

 

malkie, I guess I don't understand the question. I would point out that most faiths have aan obligation for their members to proselytize (or at least, its strongly encouraged) but it seems like your asking something slightly different. Could you rephrase?

 

I suppose I'm asking why that's the case (that most religions require you to tell others about it) ? Fear that your religion will come to an end ?

 

I am an atheist/agnostic who is also an unabashed fan of the new testament. I've lived my life at the intersection of faith and empiricism. My father was a scientist and an educator dedicated to the values of learning and empirical research but also deeply religious. In that sense I am a child of my past.

As free thinkers, we are able to start from scratch to build a spiritual and ethical understanding of our relationship with others and the world as a whole. We are not bound to any doctrine, need not look past our own intellect in establishing a moral structure for our lives. But for me that understanding brought me back to the New Testament as a gold mine for careful thought on important ethical questions. At the same time, I would not reject other sources of western or non western religion and philosophies as worthy inspirational texts.

 

So I'll start...

In two days is the pagan holiday of Imbolc...many may also note this is what we all know as Groundhogs day. Many, many years later the Christians adopted this day as "The Feast of the Purification of the Virgin (Mary) Christians placed candles for the upcomming year in the western church to be purified, this came to be known as Candlemas. Imbolc or Candelmas is the time to honor the celtic goddess Brigid. It is a time of "spring cleaning," a time of rebirth, renewal and purification. The preparation for spring and a chance for new hope, new growth and new beginnings. So as we all wait eagarly to see old Pauxatauny Phil predict when spring will come and winter end...try to use it as an opportunity for a fresh start, the busy holidays are over, new year has come and passed and now it's time to greet the comming of spring!


EDIT: Still can't spell....

 

The reason so many people refuse to believe in God is that, because of our fallen nature, we are in rebellion against Him. We don't want to acknowledge that without Him we have no hope. We want to be our own man. We want the credit. That's why when all is said and done, most people are going to spend eternity seperated from God. It's sad, because everyone has an equal shot at eternal life: Jesus Christ. It's like a drowning person refusing to take the lifeline that has been thrown to them. The greatest tragedies are the ones that could have been easily avoided, but weren't.

p.s. I'm sorry if this is regarded as "religious zealotry", but it's something I feel needs to be said.

 

jedi979 I have to disagree with you.

We are raised in a christian society. I tried my hand at many religions. I never wanted to be a pagan but it found me. The first time I read "The Spiral Dance" by Starkhawk, I was reasearching for a paper of Wicca and witchcraft. I was shocked that the personal beliefs I had formed over the years had a name. I discredit christianity not because I disagree with the teachings of Christ ( I do ) Christ preached love, respect and understanding...something that some contemporary christians seem to disregard. The Crusades, bombing abortion clinics, etc. are intollerable acts commited by christians in the name of God. More people in the history of the world have been killed in the name of God than in all the wars combined, people from my faith especially have suffered from christian persecution. Not to mention the Ku Klu Clan uses the bible to defend hatred. This is why I reject christianity.

EDITED to capitalize Christ out of respect.

 

The reason so many people refuse to believe in God is that, because of our fallen nature, we are in rebellion against Him. This is a critical point of communicative failure between theists and atheists.

For the atheist/agnositc, there is no evidence for the existence of a supernatural creator, and no reason to believe in one despite the lack of evidence. Allow me to continue:

Jedi979: There's plenty of evidence, you just refuse to accept it.
Jabb: I've seen what the faithful call evidence. I find it unconvincing.
Jedi979: If you'd stop rebelling against God, you wouldn't need convincing.

and so on.

 

Jabbadabbado is correct here. Let's not get into battles over beliefs...let's ask questions and be open to new ideas. Just because you don't agree, there is no need to state your beliefs so concretely. Be confident in yourself and your ideas but be open to others also.

 

Wise words....however I have no need for Christ other than his teachings, which do not conflict with my beliefs. Organized religion has always posed a problem to me. I feel I live my life in a way that Christ would agree with.

And...jedi979 I understand where you are comming from, your religion asks that to try to lead and guide but, please save your energy for those without direction that could use your guidance.

 

Is it that there isn't any evidence, or that you simply choose not to believe it?

 

jedi979 where's your proof that God does exist and other religions gods or goddesses don't. You are already trying to kill this thread with closed mindedness. Stop trying to preach. Please add to a constructive dialog or find a thread on christianity with people you can talk with.

 

I apologize if I'm coming across as being "preachy". But if you mean by "closed mindedness" that I actually believe something is true and am willing to take a stand for it, then I guess I am. As far as being able to prove God exists: I can't prove He exists any more than you can prove He doesn't.

 

NO ONE can prove their religion as true. We can beleive it is true but cannot prove it as FACT. If you can actually prove the existence of the Christian God right here, right now...you will have done something no one in over 2,000 years has been able to do. I cannot be done!

 

Kind of reminds me of some song lyrics from a band I used to listen to:

Thinking if I could see I would believe,
then somebody said believe and you will see

 

Point taken.