I see. For us, the belief is that bodies go to heaven but not as we know them now, they are different bodies ( never get sick or tired ect ) |
It is not self centered to provide for your own children and for you and your family to enjoy the fruits of your own labor. Charity is a kindness and it makes us feel good to be kind and to help others in need. I think it's wrong to suggest that the pp's kids are self centered (bad) for not giving away their Christmas presents to other kids. |
Your version of it. Enjoy. And PP and I will enjoy ours. |
Your version of it. Enjoy. And PP and I will enjoy ours. There are many versions of Christianity. The only thing they seem to share is a worship or idealization of Jesus -- either as son of God or as revered first century teacher of love and social justice. He's been popular one way or the other for over 2,000 years -- sometimes by force, sometimes by choice |
What in the hell ever happened to Matthew 19:14?
My daughter gives away her items to her brother, who's younger, and to the thrift shop in our 'hood. My son always writes me cards in school, telling me how much he loves me. -One of the atheists signing off |
But she is not giving her Brand New presents away to other kids so she's self centered ![]() FWIW, I do think that God wants us to be kind and good to each other and that includes being charitable to others less fortunate. And charity is not just about money there are lots of other ways to give of yourself. Remember - we are all "less fortunate" in one way or another. It's not just about handing over $$$$ and new toys. |
I don't know if I or anyone has a soul but does any major religion claim non-believers don't have souls? |
yeah, that original sin concept is hard to wrap your head around. |
I don't think so. It's the final disposition of different types of souls that is always debated. The Baptist who says the Catholic is going to hell, for example. |
Yes, I'm pretty sure thats what she meant. There are many beliefs. She has one of those. And you have a different one. That's what faith is. |
Thank you. By the way, any fart poster: I doubt very much there is a supreme being but I believe imam external moral order that does not depend on opinion. Much of not all of morality can be based on the question of what leads to human flourishing. I believe my life has significance because of the love I give and receive and because of the people I help. I can argue logically for what I think is moral but I also recognize that I feel certain things are moral or immoral, just as you feel the presence of God. I respect people of faith, I just don't share that particular faith. |
I think it's our better (or our moral) selves who want us to be kind to each other. It's hard to imagine a God who lets such awful things happen to people who also wants them to be good to each other. |
It's like a world of make-believe. some people take it straight from their "holy book." Others interpret the book as it suits them, others pick and choose among beliefs that resonate with them, calling it "Christian" when it's mainly common sense and human morality. I"m happy to see people getting away from doctrine, but I doubt churches are. They will go out of business if people devise their own morality that does not involve eternal reward or punishment. |
Of course atheists have souls. Every single person on this planet was created in love and has sacred worth. Some of the "Christians" posting on this thread need to spend a little more time praying/thinking/meditating on the way Jesus chose to live His life and a lot less time deciding who is and who is not worthy of God's love.
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I think most religious groups are getting away from doctrine. Unfortunately MANY of them are moving toward a really terrifying conservative, highly judgmental brand of religion. Not so many moving toward more liberal practices. (Some do, like Episcopalians, but they are less than 1% of the American population and decline in numbers every year). Everything religion offers is something humans need. But humans can meet those needs elsewhere. Religious ritual or non-religious ritual. Religious moral code or non-religious moral code. Religious sense of community or non-religious community. Religious prayer or non-religious meditation. And so on. I don't find comfort in religious practices, but many people do. I just wish they could find their comfort without tearing others down (or worse). |