@mlnevese I think there was a tale inside the Illustrated Man that had something about aliens and religion, can't be sure, I've been reading Isaac Asimov's tales at the same time.
@Nonnahswriter, my "belief" is that God, if "God" is a real thing, totally transcends any individual human religion. Why do I "believe" that? Well, I'm paying attention to both my empirical experience, *and* my intuition. That starts to put me all over the place on the poll, when it comes to the subject of God.
Ah, I meant that to be directed at Fatal Apocalypse. @Fredjo did a much better job at voicing my thoughts on the matter, so kudos to him. I should have probably quoted my post for clarification. Sorry about that.
It's a complicated poll with so many options, my head hurts just thinking about the many possibilities. I try to keep an open mind at all times, so such questions like @God's can be a bit overwhelming. I would agree though that God's essence could transcend the belief systems man has come up with. Perhaps He takes on many forms at once, and we humans interpret them into the many factions of faith. Or maybe there's more than one god, and goddesses for that matter.
*shrugs* I'm agnostic myself, so I tend to not think about it much.
There're many hundreds of thousands of different Gods that have believers on this planet, by saying that @God is clearly propagating Christianity you're ironically propagating it yourself by pointing it out as the only option. This is a fun poll so let's make the best of it and just have fun.
His name is God, not Gods. Go back to school and learn how to read, monkey sheep.
I am what many people call a 'conservative', which means I have an affinity to most of the moral teachings of most mainstream world religions. Something which @FatalApocalypse would benefit from. Freedom of speech and critical thinking does not give you the right to be an asshole to people unprovoked. Forget the religious intolerance you are demonstrating here, many of your 'contributions' to this forum seems to indicate that you are incapable of voicing an opinion with basic common courtesy and respect. That's a skill you're gonna find useful in life.
Back to topic. As I said, I'm all for the positive influence religious teachings could have on society. But I am far too cynical and questioning to simply accept a specific religion on 'faith', the very concept of which I have a problem with.
Of course I also have a problem with how organised religions tend to be manipulated by imperfect people to further personal interests, or the interests of a minority over the majority, as well as the propensity for intolerance and extremism in various forms, since 'faith' gives a 'greater justification' for commands/rules enforced by imperfect (mortal) rulers and religious authorities.
Well I guess @FatalApocalypse was really asking for getting a fatal apocalypse upon his account which is probably going to get sooner or later, I'm glad people like him are so rare on these forums though. May @God have mercy on his soul
Well I guess @FatalApocalypse was really asking for getting a fatal apocalypse upon his account which is probably going to get sooner or later, I'm glad people like him are so rare on these forums though. May @God have mercy on his soul
The EE version should have deleted all alignement choices other than the Lawful ones. That way it would reflect this forum, and it wouldn't be a pityful example of what this game can be/is about.
Well I guess @FatalApocalypse was really asking for getting a fatal apocalypse upon his account which is probably going to get sooner or later, I'm glad people like him are so rare on these forums though. May @God have mercy on his soul
The EE version should have deleted all alignement choices other than the Lawful ones. That way it would reflect this forum, and it wouldn't be a pityful example of what this game can be/is about.
Try entering a bar and insulting everyone in the room, if you got beat up would you call it lawful behavior? The lawfulness of punishment is always relative, in the end all laws are made up by someone. The rules on this board are made up as well and I think you'd be glad that none of the people you've insulted have any means to reach you in real life
You must think you're so clever, so funny, demonstrating your sharp wit and sharper tongue to these 'sheep' and inferior simians on the forum. Well just look at your 'popularity' in the threads you have participated in. Your behaviour is not smart, it's not funny and certainly isn't cool.
Lawful => Chaotic has nothing to do with it. @CrevsDaak is pretty damn chaotic and unpredictable, but he's fun, entertaining and very helpful.
You are ... well I'd rather not descend to your level of behaviour.
Honestly, it's not too late to find some Tome of Leadership and Influence.
There're many hundreds of thousands of different Gods that have believers on this planet, by saying that @God is clearly propagating Christianity you're ironically propagating it yourself by pointing it out as the only option. This is a fun poll so let's make the best of it and just have fun.
His name is God, not Gods. Go back to school and learn how to read, monkey sheep.
I asked that question at the time in the context of D&D lore.
However, it is a question I have pondered in a real world context too. What makes a god a god? Is it simply the possession of power? How much power makes u a god, as opposed to just a mighty being of power?
If godhood was defined in terms of power, does power alone justify human worship? If the Greek gods were true and held genuine power, should they be worshipped? Given their many (rather human) flaws...
As for the Christian God. I like most of his commandments and teachings, but if he was as all-knowing and all-powerful as the bible claims, then he's got some questions to answer for, given all the injustice and suffering in this world, as well as the more questionable things his followers have done in his name.
If he punishes me with fire and brimstone for my blasphemy, that would seem awfully harsh and petty for a supposedly all-loving and benevolent deity, who has never shown me concrete evidence of his existence and power. And of course if he wasn't benevolent, I wouldn't want to worship him anyway.
I should add that I do not mean to offend any Christians (or less likely, worshippers of the Ancient Greek gods). I am genuinely curious about religion, and I wish I could find the comfort and guidance some of my religious friends have found in their faith, be it Islam or Christianity. Honestly some religious people are some of the nicest and kindest people I know, and I sometimes wish I could be more like them, seemingly happier and freer in their daily lives, despite whatever rules their religious practises impose upon them.
The rules on this board are made up as well and I think you'd be glad that none of the people you've insulted have any means to reach you in real life
Don't project your own fear of real life combat on me Darling, and anyway, it would be very unchristian for christians to try and fail at beating me up, isn't it ? roflmao
And on a side note I'll mention that I do have entered a bar and insulted everyone at once before. I wasn't beaten up, I was given drinks rofl
You must think you're so clever, so funny, demonstrating your sharp wit and sharper tongue to these 'sheep' and inferior simians on the forum. Well just look at your 'popularity' in the threads you have participated in. Your behaviour is not smart, it's not funny and certainly isn't cool.
Take those lines and put them upon yourself. The seeking of 'popularity' is not smart, funny, or cool. It's what weaklings do to survive. Thanks for proving that up lol
I know about Hinduism. I've researched all major religions and their subs throughout the years, both in books and on the field. And I'll tell you one thing; Wikipedia is not where you'll find truth about them all, and by far. Yelling isn't making your point more valuable either, chipmunk. It just proves you can't think further. Welcome in Hell.
I know about Hinduism. I've researched all major religions and their subs throughout the years, both in books and on the field. And I'll tell you one thing; Wikipedia is not where you'll find truth about them all, and by far. Yelling isn't making your point more valuable either, chipmunk. It just proves you can't think further. Welcome in Hell.
Well, I know that it does not contain much information, but I considered that your brain is rather small and di not want to blow it. Yelling that
FatalApocalypse is banished. Time to get back on topic
Agreed. Thank you, glorious moderators.
In regards to @God's original topic--the one not about religion--I've come to realize that believing what others say is a bit of a balancing act. As I said earlier, I try to keep an open mind at all times, for better or worse. I've always been a modest person at heart as well, so I try to keep my opinions in-check and listen to others' as well. I know I've had many embarrassing bursts of ignorance in my life, and since then I've learned to educate myself a little more before I proclaim anything that I think is right.
At the same time, however, I find it's important to have belief in yourself. For example, you may love your parents and they may know you well, but odds are, they won't know you best, and in a lot of cases it's up to you to decide your own future. We've all heard of fighting "peer-pressure," haven't we? That is another good example of standing your ground when others try to mold your own thoughts and feelings. To surrender to the many advice of your many admirers and peers is to, in its worse form, surrender that which makes you who you are, and blind yourself to what makes you truly happy.
I could, perhaps, do better at having more faith in myself as of late. But I digress.
Long story short: if your gut is telling you that something isn't right, then odds are, it probably isn't...though don't neglect to listen to other people's perspectives on the matter. What I truly believe is that we are all different, and we can learn a lot from each other, if we could only stop bickering at one another.
I answered that "I sometimes believe but refuse to believe strictly."
I confess that I am not so much interested in the acquiring of truth, so some of this is lost on me. There is too much to know, too much for anyone to experience. I think that for anyone to claim absolute truth in anything is misguided at best or dishonest at worst.
My view on organized religion is very similar to @heindrich1988 's I am personally agnostic (from a family of agnostics/atheists who attend church and church functions for cultural/social reasons), but think that most mainstream religions do a great deal of good for a lot of people. I find it unfortunate that the problems that religion may cause are often highlighted, yet the benefits are often overlooked.
The most successful and effective charities and humanitarian programs are more often than not linked to some religious organization. I know a lot of people who are religious, and they tend to be very compassionate and understanding. In fact, the love of my life is a fairly devout Catholic (for the most part), and though I don't see eye to eye with her on most religious issues, her faith is an important part of who she is that I would never want to change.
I think its difficult when people disagree with certain influential religious people, like on issues of creationism that were mentioned before. I am hesitant to apply such beliefs to all religious people, and I know many Christians in medical school who are far from creationists. It seems to be a bit of an unfair stigma on Christians, since most that I know are believers also believe in evolution.
Fanaticism of any kind is a problem, no matter if it's religious, political or any other kind. The moment you become fanatic about anything is the moment you stop being a rational human being and become an irrational animal.
... and I think you'd be glad that none of the people you've insulted have any means to reach you in real life
OK Fatal apocalypse probably has some issues to deal with, or he's a bit of an arsehole, or a troll, or all three, but really the stuff he said wasn't that offensive to anyone. Although ban him by all means, he clearly wants you to.
Whereas offering to beat him up in your fantasy world for daring to hold a differing opinion .. well what was this supposed to be? A veiled threat that you have no way of acting on? A passive aggressive attempt at bullying? You just come across as a thug who's first solution is violence.
Comments
It's a complicated poll with so many options, my head hurts just thinking about the many possibilities. I try to keep an open mind at all times, so such questions like @God's can be a bit overwhelming. I would agree though that God's essence could transcend the belief systems man has come up with. Perhaps He takes on many forms at once, and we humans interpret them into the many factions of faith. Or maybe there's more than one god, and goddesses for that matter.
*shrugs* I'm agnostic myself, so I tend to not think about it much.
Back to topic. As I said, I'm all for the positive influence religious teachings could have on society. But I am far too cynical and questioning to simply accept a specific religion on 'faith', the very concept of which I have a problem with.
Of course I also have a problem with how organised religions tend to be manipulated by imperfect people to further personal interests, or the interests of a minority over the majority, as well as the propensity for intolerance and extremism in various forms, since 'faith' gives a 'greater justification' for commands/rules enforced by imperfect (mortal) rulers and religious authorities.
May @God have mercy on his soul
You must think you're so clever, so funny, demonstrating your sharp wit and sharper tongue to these 'sheep' and inferior simians on the forum. Well just look at your 'popularity' in the threads you have participated in. Your behaviour is not smart, it's not funny and certainly isn't cool.
Lawful => Chaotic has nothing to do with it. @CrevsDaak is pretty damn chaotic and unpredictable, but he's fun, entertaining and very helpful.
You are ... well I'd rather not descend to your level of behaviour.
Honestly, it's not too late to find some Tome of Leadership and Influence.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism
And there are MANY RELIGIONS WITH MANY GODS!!!
I asked that question at the time in the context of D&D lore.
However, it is a question I have pondered in a real world context too. What makes a god a god? Is it simply the possession of power? How much power makes u a god, as opposed to just a mighty being of power?
If godhood was defined in terms of power, does power alone justify human worship? If the Greek gods were true and held genuine power, should they be worshipped? Given their many (rather human) flaws...
As for the Christian God. I like most of his commandments and teachings, but if he was as all-knowing and all-powerful as the bible claims, then he's got some questions to answer for, given all the injustice and suffering in this world, as well as the more questionable things his followers have done in his name.
If he punishes me with fire and brimstone for my blasphemy, that would seem awfully harsh and petty for a supposedly all-loving and benevolent deity, who has never shown me concrete evidence of his existence and power. And of course if he wasn't benevolent, I wouldn't want to worship him anyway.
I should add that I do not mean to offend any Christians (or less likely, worshippers of the Ancient Greek gods). I am genuinely curious about religion, and I wish I could find the comfort and guidance some of my religious friends have found in their faith, be it Islam or Christianity. Honestly some religious people are some of the nicest and kindest people I know, and I sometimes wish I could be more like them, seemingly happier and freer in their daily lives, despite whatever rules their religious practises impose upon them.
And on a side note I'll mention that I do have entered a bar and insulted everyone at once before. I wasn't beaten up, I was given drinks rofl Take those lines and put them upon yourself. The seeking of 'popularity' is not smart, funny, or cool. It's what weaklings do to survive. Thanks for proving that up lol I know about Hinduism. I've researched all major religions and their subs throughout the years, both in books and on the field. And I'll tell you one thing; Wikipedia is not where you'll find truth about them all, and by far. Yelling isn't making your point more valuable either, chipmunk. It just proves you can't think further. Welcome in Hell.
In regards to @God's original topic--the one not about religion--I've come to realize that believing what others say is a bit of a balancing act. As I said earlier, I try to keep an open mind at all times, for better or worse. I've always been a modest person at heart as well, so I try to keep my opinions in-check and listen to others' as well. I know I've had many embarrassing bursts of ignorance in my life, and since then I've learned to educate myself a little more before I proclaim anything that I think is right.
At the same time, however, I find it's important to have belief in yourself. For example, you may love your parents and they may know you well, but odds are, they won't know you best, and in a lot of cases it's up to you to decide your own future. We've all heard of fighting "peer-pressure," haven't we? That is another good example of standing your ground when others try to mold your own thoughts and feelings. To surrender to the many advice of your many admirers and peers is to, in its worse form, surrender that which makes you who you are, and blind yourself to what makes you truly happy.
I could, perhaps, do better at having more faith in myself as of late. But I digress.
Long story short: if your gut is telling you that something isn't right, then odds are, it probably isn't...though don't neglect to listen to other people's perspectives on the matter. What I truly believe is that we are all different, and we can learn a lot from each other, if we could only stop bickering at one another.
I confess that I am not so much interested in the acquiring of truth, so some of this is lost on me. There is too much to know, too much for anyone to experience. I think that for anyone to claim absolute truth in anything is misguided at best or dishonest at worst.
I am personally agnostic (from a family of agnostics/atheists who attend church and church functions for cultural/social reasons), but think that most mainstream religions do a great deal of good for a lot of people. I find it unfortunate that the problems that religion may cause are often highlighted, yet the benefits are often overlooked.
The most successful and effective charities and humanitarian programs are more often than not linked to some religious organization. I know a lot of people who are religious, and they tend to be very compassionate and understanding. In fact, the love of my life is a fairly devout Catholic (for the most part), and though I don't see eye to eye with her on most religious issues, her faith is an important part of who she is that I would never want to change.
I think its difficult when people disagree with certain influential religious people, like on issues of creationism that were mentioned before. I am hesitant to apply such beliefs to all religious people, and I know many Christians in medical school who are far from creationists. It seems to be a bit of an unfair stigma on Christians, since most that I know are believers also believe in evolution.
Whereas offering to beat him up in your fantasy world for daring to hold a differing opinion .. well what was this supposed to be? A veiled threat that you have no way of acting on? A passive aggressive attempt at bullying? You just come across as a thug who's first solution is violence.