shakran

First off I want to apologize in advance. I have a feeling this post will ramble because I'm exhausted, and it may offend a few because it will deal with issues they would rather not see, but. . so be it.


It's important to continually challenge one's beliefs. Blind acceptance is never a good thing. That's what got us into the Iraq war. We blindly accepted the notion that they had WMD's and were harboring terrorists. Neither was true, and now we're in a mess. Had we not blindly accepted it, perhaps we would not be in this mess.

What does this have to do with religion? Well, I think it's important to question what you've been told about that as well. I'll give you an example. When I was young I was told about a guy who lived far away from me, and who I would never see, but who watched over everything I did and would judge my actions. Based on those actions, I would either get rewarded or punished. He loved me, and it was important to believe in him.

Story sounded pretty good to my 6 year old ears, but it was when the flying reindeer and the intra-chimney excursions with large objects came into play that I started having questions.

Point? Let's look at the interesting similarities between Santa Claus and God. We're told as children that both of them exist, that they watch everything you do, and judge you. We're told we have to be good or they will get angry. Santa will then give you coal or switches instead of toys, and God will send you to hell.

But look at the differences. As children we have direct evidence that Santa exists. We see him and his elves in the shopping mall. We see the presents he leaves us on Christmas. The cookies we leave him are gone in the morning. That's frankly a LOT more evidence of Santa's existance than we have of God's existance, yet we cover our chuckles with our hands as we watch our childrens' eyes glow at the thought of santa, and we think "How cute, they believe a jolly old elf gives them presents every year." Then we go pray.

The point in all this is that we really don't have any evidence that God exists. That's why it's called faith, not fact. I don't think we should be upset at the direction this thread is going just because Will states his beliefs in a no-nonsense way. I don't think he's pulling a Dawkins, and saying that all of you who do believe in god are morons, and I don't see any reason to think the thread is turning nasty.

In fact I think he has a very good point when he talks about homosexual marriage. I don't think anyone should be persecuted for their religious beliefs, whether you don't believe, you believe in God, or the Great Green Arkleseizure. Doesn't matter.

But by the same token, you should not persecute others because of your beliefs. In other words, if YOU feel homosexual relationships are sinful, then don't get into a homosexual relationship. But who are you to say what others can and cannot do, when it doesn't effect you at all. A gay couple living down the street will not turn you gay, and will not force YOU to sin.

I agree with Will that people who are religious should practice their religion in any way they see fit, but should not be allowed to impose it on those whose beliefs are different.

This is an interesting discussion. I'm interested to see where it goes from here.