i do not wish to debate anything here like i have said in the past i have much respect for most on this forum (believers and non believers) i am simply wondering if the atheist or non god believers every worry about what if your wrong?
it seems that many who were jw for so many years attach jehovah/yahweh with the watchtower and since the wt is wrong than god does not exist.
i ask this question only because i care about people and salvation thats why i want to help as many as possable come out of this cult,and since i truly believe in god i dont know what is in the cinscience of those who dont.
Wrong about what?
There are many religions in the world worshiping different gods in different ways. They can’t all be right, so the billions of believers who have worshiped the wrong god will have to do a lot of explaining to the big sky daddy.
Non-believers will not have committed idolatry and kept themselves free from idols. They will be able to say that they were waiting to die and meet the real god, so as to be sure they did not worship a false god. Hedging bets is a good move.
this is a spin from palm's thread on a truce.
but i think, instead of getting people to sugget ways that a truce could work... how about we list answers to this:.
atheists: what do you want from theists?.
Palmtrees, I hope that you were able to find something of value in my post that encourages you to feel more positive about the state of play.
The last paragraph was in line with Tec’s opening questions. It also relates to the thread on whether we need a truce and offers a practical suggestion.
Good post Psacramento. You have been an example to me over the years o f patience and tolerance, which are strengths not weaknesses.
this is a spin from palm's thread on a truce.
but i think, instead of getting people to sugget ways that a truce could work... how about we list answers to this:.
atheists: what do you want from theists?.
palmtree67 "Like others, I've looked at Tec and Shelby's new site, and I find (personally), no one questions, no one challenges. Shelby says she got a "vision", everyone praises it. As Sab said, they accept it is a "FACT" that Shelby talks to God, .......I'm sorry.....I just need more evidence. I haven't seen that so far."
I can see how this may appear to be the case but the reality is different. Claims of having had a vision are met with praise only by those that believe they are from God. Many people, including me, politely avoid commentating unless we have something new or helpful to say. Silence does not mean consent, acceptance or endorsement. It shows respect and allows room for resoned debate as it becomes appropriate.
We have commented many times and made our views clear over many years on this forum. Despite my sometimes robust comments to Christians over the years, I was personally invited to join the forum you have refered to by both Aguest and Tec, who also sought approval from Psacramento. They wanted an Athiest as a moderator to help insure fairness. Outlaw is also an atheist moderator. We feel no need to intrude on every thread and ridicule other people’s faith. It is after all a forum designed for Christians to discuss matters which interest them.
The following quote is a comment I made on that forum, " Some interesting posts that illustrate how faith is a part of your life. I would like to share my faith with you but it would be dishonest of me claim I have a faith. Perhaps it is more of an awareness of being part of something that cannot be explained with words. An awareness that grows stronger in silence and solitude. I can relate to James Thomas’ understanding in a direct way. The Christian viewpoint is an indirect connection to me. Of course Christians will see what I have said the other way round."
On this excellent forum there are many regular posters who avoid getting into rows over matters of belief. They enjoy the variety and good company that this forum offers. They comment and share their views but feel no need to pelt every declaration of faith with stones. Between the extremes of Atheist and ardent vision enhance Christian, are many shades of belief, as you have expressed about yourself. Like you Palmtree, I consider myself to be somewhere along the scale; simply a seeker of truth with no fixed destination in mind. We are able to accept others right to hold their beliefs without accepting the beliefs.
People with strong personalities may give the impression of dominating forum discussion because they entertain and provide something to bat against. But many of the most helpful comments are made by posters who seldom comment. A number of posters who have left expressed that they felt unwanted, overlooked and unheard. Perhaps we should encourage these timid and often overlooked posters to share more of their insights with us. Let them know that we do appreciate their thoughts, share their feelings and value them as we look for treasure hidden in the seaweed.
i like to share my picture with you and that you share yours with me.
but only if that does not represent any problem to you.
here is mine.
gillian flaccus from the associated press reports on november 19, 2012 in the christian science monitor that 'the atheist's anti-god message alongside a life-sized nativity display in a park overlooking the beach [has] ignited a debate that burned brighter than any christmas candle... http://www.csmonitor.com/usa/latest-news-wires/2012/1119/nativity-display-lawsuit-atheists-vs.-christians-in-santa-monicahttp://www.csmonitor.com/usa/latest-news-wires/2012/1119/nativity-display-lawsuit-atheists-vs.-christians-in-santa-monica.
what is your reaction to this lawsuit?
is it fair?
“What is your reaction to this lawsuit? Is it fair? Is it justified? ”
Nah! This is far too serious to settle in court.
They should don gladiator costumes and fight to the death.
" Ave, Imperator, morituri te salutant "
(We who are about to die salute you)
ricky gervais tweeted this 11/14/12 and i totally agree with it:.
"there are good atheists and bad atheists.
there are good believers and bad believers.. no god has ever changed that.".
We don't so much fight, as wrestle with each other.
And don't ya just love it
when is the best time to intervene?.
ask a referee in a boxing match and he will tell you.
"when the rules are broken.".
If there is an invisible consciousness or awareness that pervades the universe, I am certain that it will not resemble the god of anger portrayed in the old testament.' Who needs a friend like that?
i like to share my picture with you and that you share yours with me.
but only if that does not represent any problem to you.
here is mine.
ricky gervais tweeted this 11/14/12 and i totally agree with it:.
"there are good atheists and bad atheists.
there are good believers and bad believers.. no god has ever changed that.".
Well palmtree67. I must congratulate you on your long, successful thread. It has been entertaining and revealing. Do you think Atheists and believers are any nearer calling a truce?
As I have stated on your thread I don’t think a truce is the answer. Debates or arguments go wherever they go and provide an outlet for individuals to share, vent, learn, observe and whatever else it is they feel a need to do.
If they want to go head to head, so be it. People give as good as they get. This really is the point, we tend to treat posters the way they treat us. So, it’s largely in our own hands how we are individually treated. Sometimes sensitive people get caught in the cross fire but on the whole it works out. After all public forums are not places of refuge.
I also stated that good manners are all that is required. Over the years I have been guilty of being rude and unnecessarily personal to other posters. Hiding behind my gladiator persona, I upset both Christians and Atheists. I thought it didn’t matter. I learned that it does matter and did not enjoy the way I felt afterwards.
Now I try to see each person as an individual with feelings. I have been helped by the kindness of others on this forum to heal and grow after leaving the Jehovah's Witness set up and try to give something back.
not long left... closes 20/02/2013 @ 08:01am.
vote now!.
http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/29949 .
Thanks for notifying us Blablaman
I have added my details to the site and signed the petition.
