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NeedKarma · Aug 6, 2007, 12:54 PM

Originally Posted by mountain_man

Then help me out...What is a sin? and What is the purpose of this life?

A sin is a perception held by a person who believes in a God that can banish them to eternal hell.

The purpose of life? It's different for each individual. In my case it's raising my kids to be good people, enjoying my life with my family and friends, helping out others when I can, having a good work ethic, etc. It certainly does not involve devoting my life to worshipping an unseen being.

mountain_man · Aug 6, 2007, 01:35 PM

Originally Posted by NeedKarma

A sin is a perception held by a person who believes in a God that can banish them to eternal hell.

The purpose of life? It's different for each individual. In my case it's raising my kids to be good people, enjoying my life with my family and friends, helping out others when I can, having a good work ethic, etc. It certainly does not involve devoting my life to worshipping an unseen being.

What if there is a Hell? And What if God really does exist and loves YOU and wants more for you than what is in this life? Wouldn't you want to be a part of that...

NeedKarma · Aug 6, 2007, 01:49 PM

Sorry mate, if the bible is supposed to be proof then it doesn't add up for me. I'm a good guy so if there is a hell I'm not going there.

"wants more for you"? That means nothing to me, what does it mean to you?

mountain_man · Aug 6, 2007, 02:03 PM

Originally Posted by NeedKarma

Sorry mate, if the bible is supposed to be proof then it doesn't add up for me. I'm a good guy so if there is a hell I'm not going there.

"wants more for you"? That means nothing to me, what does it mean to you?

How doesn't the Bible add up for you? I am sure you are a good guy but as far as the bible and my beliefs that isn't enough. I was a good guy before I new God but very misguided and confused but knowing Him changed EVERYTHING. He (God) wants more for all of us in this world and in eternity with him... we are all created/born with a spiritual gap or hole within us that needs to be filled; you can't deny you have felt that and some people fill it with other things besides God... but when you fill that void with God than you will truly experience more blessings and see things differently... I can't logically explain it but to believe in Jesus is not logical it is based on FAITH...

On a different note: If you are an athesist, why did you become one?

NeedKarma · Aug 6, 2007, 02:40 PM

See that's the thing: a) I never felt misguided and confused and b) yes I can deny the fact that all are born with a spiritual gap because it isn't a fact.

If you need religion to keep you on the straight and narrow then good for you. I don't require such a thing.

magprob · Aug 6, 2007, 08:40 PM

The only reason I haven't killed my neighbors is because of the ten commandments and prison. Prison is the least of my worries. I really thank about the religious aspect of my actions more. Although I think organized religion, in many cases, is a load of stinky poo.
My neighbors truly are the most unGODLY people on the planet. It's a regular Sodom and Gomorrah over there. They could sure use some sort of guiding light in their lives. Life without a higher power really doesn't work out in the long run.
I think the guy in the video makes a good argument about religious dogma and all but, taken on a personal level, one does not let that sort of thing affect them. Because some people in some churches are crooks or adulterous is no reason for me abandon GOD. That ain't GOD's fault.
I connect with GOD from inside myself in prayer and meditation. HE speaks to me, He guides me and helps me. Some people just think that small voice is their own mind and some never listen at all.
I can't show anyone that any more than Jim Baker or Jimmy Swaggart can. I can't prove it to anyone and that is the way GOD likes it. You got to go get for yourself. You got to want it and if you don't, GOD won't bug you. Free will. It is my personal thing. I do know GOD exists though and I know GOD is good. I hope the guy in the video finds HIM. Soon. He ain't no spring chicken and time is running out in more ways than one!

jillianleab · Aug 7, 2007, 08:21 AM

The only reason I haven't killed my neighbors is because of the ten commandments and prison. Prison is the least of my worries.

I'll say it again; that is simply terrifying. I truly hope you never lose your faith because if you do, you will probably become a horrible, horrible person.

Life without a higher power really doesn't work out in the long run.

Why not?

mountain_man · Aug 7, 2007, 04:20 PM

Originally Posted by NeedKarma

See that's the thing: a) I never felt misguided and confused and b) yes I can deny the fact that all are born with a spiritual gap because it isn't a fact.

If you need religion to keep you on the straight and narrow then good for you. I don't require such a thing.

It is sad that you have put yourself above God in every area... that unfortunately will produce great consequences, most eternal! I do pray that sometime you will be able to hear the Good News of Jesus our Savior and remember that He truly loves you.

NeedKarma · Aug 7, 2007, 04:45 PM

Weird, I don't put you down because of your choice but you choose to view me as a person in trouble because of my choice. That would be one of those annoying superiority-complex features of organized religion.

ashleysb · Aug 7, 2007, 05:12 PM

"Fr_Chuck agrees: This is very true, without a god they have no reason for moral value beyond self pleasure"

Whoa, whoa, whoa. Who gets self pleasure? As an atheist, we answer to no one but ourselves. So when we do something good for someone, it is out of pure compassion and caring. We know that no one is watching us and putting a smiley face next to our name is some holy book at the gates of heaven. Unless we believe in karma, we know that we may not even see a repayment for our compassion. And that's fine with us. As for a Christian, that is where the self pleasure is involved, "Be nice to people or you will go to hell!"

mountain_man · Aug 8, 2007, 07:18 AM

Originally Posted by NeedKarma

Weird, I don't put you down because of your choice but you choose to view me as a person in trouble because of my choice. That would be one of those annoying superiority-complex features of organized religion.

You are a person in trouble because of your choice, that is a biblical truth my friend. I am not going to sugar coat it for you so you don't become offended. We are not talking about if your new haircut makes you look good we are talking about where you spend eternity and I truly care about those things; God truly cares about those things!

You may be better off focusing on why my comments make you feel "inferior" because I am simply stating the truth of things as I believe it to be. You can either take it or leave it, it is your choice...

alkalineangel · Aug 8, 2007, 07:40 AM

I've been trying to avoid this thread, but I can't anymore... the bible is only truth for christians... to everyone else, it is a book of words... why don't people understand this?. I always get arguments when in the threads and the sole basis of their arguments is scripture?!

No one knows for FACT without any doubt what so ever that the bible and god are real... people have FAITH and BELIEVE that they are... BIG difference. If that is the way for you.. good for you.. I won't try to persuade you otherwise... but for people like me and millions of others, it isn't good for me. Don't judge me for that. There is too much evidence in this world for me to believe a lot of what is taught in those scriptures... I don't think they were meant to be taken literally... that is MY opinion, you don't have to believe it. But I have a brain for a reason, and I intend to expand the ability of that brain through thought and reason rather than hold it back. Why do you feel the need to try and push people to follow your faith? It just may not be for them... be concerened for them if you want, but I guarantee, they aren't.

I can't stand when people come here and say things like "you are wrong" or "you are misguided" or some other form of BS. That is YOUR opinion. Atheists are people living this life for this life. When they die they are dead... there is no heaven there is no hell. There is dirt... plain and simple.

If there is a God in the end, let him do with me as he pleases... I live my life in a kind manner, and I am friendly and I do my job, with as little complaint as possible. I do what comes naturally to me, and I abide by the moral laws... not for fear of punishment, but because it is right. If there is a God, I doubt he will have a problem with that. There are far worst out there he can damn to hell. And if he decides to damn me to hell for living an interesting life, stretching my mind, and helping other people, then send me there, I lived a wonderful life and I have people whom I love and love me in return.

I am not atheist, but I belong to a religion, where we respect other peoples choices, and do not judge them for that. I think God would be more upset over judgements by mere mortals than he would if we didn't follow a book. I don't look at myslef as any bettter or worse than anyone else. I was made by whoever to be what I am... and I am proud of that.

mountain_man · Aug 8, 2007, 08:32 AM

Fair enough you have clearly made your choice. I am not trying to cram anything down anyone's throat but I also won't stop telling it like it is... whatever your relationship with God ends up being is your personal decision so; good luck, take care, and God bless

NeedKarma · Aug 8, 2007, 09:22 AM

Originally Posted by mountain_man

You are a person in trouble b/c of your choice, that is a biblical truth my friend. I am not going to sugar coat it for you so you don't become offended. We are not talking about if your new haircut makes you look good we are talking about where you spend eternity and I truly care about those things; God truly cares about those things!!

You may be better off focusing on why my comments make you feel "inferior" b/c I am simply stating the truth of things as I believe it to be. You can either take it or leave it, it is your choice...

Ah I see, you are one of "those". :rolleyes:

Enjoy your life.

mountain_man · Aug 8, 2007, 10:05 AM

Originally Posted by NeedKarma

Ah I see, you are one of "those". :rolleyes:

Enjoy your life.

I guess whatever "those" are... thanks for the label?!

NeedKarma · Aug 8, 2007, 10:48 AM

Have you seen anyone else here tell you that you are doomed because you don't believe the same thing they do?

mountain_man · Aug 8, 2007, 10:57 AM

I don't believe that the Bible is up for interpretation and I don't believe it is just words, so when it says certain things regarding preparing for eternity I pay serious attention... so all of my reference comes from that knowledge. You do not see it the same way as me and in my eyes that is unfortunate... the things I have said is the truth the way I believe it... you clearly disagree and really you should be all right with that, right?

NeedKarma · Aug 8, 2007, 11:01 AM

Yea but you condemn others, atheists and agnostics don't.

alkalineangel · Aug 8, 2007, 11:04 AM

Originally Posted by mountain_man

I don't believe that the Bible is up for interpretation and I don't believe it is just words, so when it says certain things regarding preparing for eternity I pay serious attention...so all of my reference comes from that knowledge. You do not see it the same way as me and in my eyes that is unfortunate...the things I have said is the truth the way I beleive it...you clearly disagree and really you should be alright with that, right?

Yes, Im fine with just disagreeing, as Im sure the others here are... but a line is drawn when you start telling people that THEY are wrong because YOUR beliefs say so... You need to take into consideration that THEIR beliefs say they are fine. When you don't take that into consideration, you clearly show that you are not all right with us disagreeing.

mountain_man · Aug 8, 2007, 11:11 AM

Originally Posted by alkalineangel

yes, Im fine with just disagreeing, as Im sure the others here are...but a line is drawn when you start telling people that THEY are wrong because YOUR beliefs say so...You need to take into consideration that THEIR beliefs say they are fine. When you dont take that into consideration, you clearly show that you are not alright with us disagreeing.

I don't have any problem disagree, I enjoy debate BUT this is about your salvation and to me it is black and white. But when one doesn't believe salvation exists or the need for it exisits than I do believe they are misled. I wouldn't spend this much time responding if I didn't care but I do and I have to keep disagreeing no matter what your beliefs are...