Posts by gravedancer

Christianity cannot erase man's need for pleasure, nor can it eradicate the various sources of pleasure. What it can do, however, and what it has been extremely effective in accomplishing, is to inculcate guilt in connection with pleasure. The pursuit of pleasure, when accompanied by guilt, becomes a means of perpetuating chronic guilt, and this serves to reinforce one's dependence on God.
Christianity, with some exceptions, has never explicitly advocated human misery; it prefers instead to speak of sacrifices in this life so that benefits may be garnered in the life to come. One invests in this life, so to speak, and collects interest in the next. Fortunately for Christianity, the dead cannot return for a refund.

Through inculcating the notion that sacrifice is a virtue, Christianity has succeeded in convincing many people that misery incurred through sacrifice is a mark of virtue. Pain becomes the inignia of morality - and conversely, pleasure becomes the insignia of immorality. Christianity, therefore, does not say, "Go forth and be miserable". Rather, it says, "Go forth and practice the virtue of self-sacrifice". In practical terms, these commands are identical.

In exchange for obedience, Christianity promises salvation in an afterlife; but in order to elicit obedience through this promise, Christianity must convince men that they need salvation, that there is something to be saved from. Christianity has nothing to offer a happy man living in a natural, intelligible universe. If Christianity is to gain a motivational foothold, it must declare war on earthly pleasure and happiness, and this, historically, has been its precise course of action. In the eyes of Christianity, man is sinful and helpless in the face of God, and is potential fuel for the flames of hell. Just as Christianity must destroy reason before it can introduce faith, so it must destroy happiness before it can introduce salvation.

98

What qualities do men look for in a woman?

by WildHorses in

i was just wondering.

so, what do you look for in a woman?.

lilacs.

gravedancer

Add some visuals to this...

As we have all noted these "qualities" how about showing a celebrity who matches your qualities you noted?

I think Helen Hunt fits what I listed. I like her demeanour and her intelligence comes through easily and confidently.

54

Will you go to the memorial

by freeborg in

jw
friends

i have never missed a memorial in 20 years of being a jw, but this year will be the first one i miss because i refuse to set foot in any kingdom hall.

i was wondering how many that post here will attend the memorial and if so why?.

do you feel pressured into going by family or friends?.

gravedancer

I will be attending the Darwinian Memorial.

I wish to praise my saviour.

9

Nirvanas, Epiphanies and such...

by MrMoe in

jw
friends

what is the meaning of life?

what is it to experience true nirvana?

a revelation?

gravedancer

I am serious here:

I had an epiphany and that is that there is no epiphany to be had except to live life as a rational person and learn as much about the world around you and about yourself as possible.

My epiphany so far has included the fact that there is no magic potion, no God, no Devl and no spiritual side.

Others may vehemently disagree and thats fine. The emperor has to prove he is wearing clothes otherwise I am free to laugh at his funny looking weenie!!!

98

What qualities do men look for in a woman?

by WildHorses in

i was just wondering.

so, what do you look for in a woman?.

lilacs.

gravedancer

Intelligence.