What Was Your Biggest Religious Choice?

a reply to: Raggedyman

you just want to cause division and fire blame at people.

Again Raggedy -
stop deciding and telling me what I 'just want to do'.

There is blame to be fired - and it is on unscrupulous users who manipulate people.

If you think I am not familiar with Corinthians' most famous verses, you have not been paying attention. That verse is used by millions and millions of couples as they get married, and it is true.

I am pointing out very valid points in fact, and scurrilous behavior - yes, it is people. "Religion" by itself is nothing but a constructed thing. It is not capable of "action" on its own. The deplorable actions committed by people in the name of religion are the problem. Yes, I want to cause division - I want people who are genuinely interested in Corinthians 13:4-8 to step up and shut down these manipulative mega-church monsters.

I want those people to be blamed for what they do, and held accountable. I don't "just" want that - it isn't about "just wanting to" be bitchy and make trouble. It's about pointing out that the dog is rabid. Don't let your kids pet it.

a reply to: BuzzyWigs

It's tough to break the programming that religion instills, and yes it is programming. Even today I'll have times where I think about things through a lens of Christianity. I've gotten a lot better at identifying which aspects this is happens to, but it still exist. And on top of that when you know people who haven't left the religion (which is the case for most ex-Christians turned atheist) and voice an opinion that is counter to their beliefs you have to deal with their condescending # because of it.

a reply to: Krazysh0t

It is really difficult for people to unlearn that early conditioning. Like forgetting your native language after moving to another place as a little kid. A lot like that, actually.

I think many are stuck. I do wish that the Christian believers on ATS who equally disdain the snake-oil types and the bigots would stop attacking me for pointing out their more unscrupulous fellows - and instead work with me to uphold the truth - that it is dangerous to teach little children such things....

no matter which Abrahamic religion it is - it would be better not to impose it on children. I believe that. I know that most mainline Protestant NON-EVANGELICAL denominations are far and away different - minding their own business and doing their thing in all earnestness. It's not about those I am ranting.

Much like the frustration of Muslims who are held accountable for terrorism (which is only a fraction of their number - but still enough to make trouble all over the damn place)......Christians mustn't be all maligned for the actions of a few.

It's the Dominionists, the Evangelicals, the Creationists, the Flat-Earth anti-medical intervention NUT JOBS who are the problem. And they do exist. I live in Kansas, the living product of the Dominionist Ultra-Conservative Bible-Thumping agenda. It was the test-tube. Brownback got to "try it on."
Kansas is now a disaster. THE FAR-RIGHT CHRISTIAN agenda does not work. The vast majority of Kansans live in the eastern portion.


Kansas total population is 2.6 million, with the most of us living east of Topeka. Breakdown by county right along the state line:


Johnson 559,836 (KC Metro south)
Wyandotte 159,175 (KC Metro west)
Leavenworth 77,710 (Military base)
Douglas 113,043 (University of Kansas)

- those of us shmooshed all the way to the state line in a big cluster are as blue as we can be, in general. The others are purplish.


It's the uber-right-wing people in places like Wichita (Koch brothers), Topeka (Westboro Baptist Church) AND OUR STATE CAPITOL, and west of there who are the other 2 million; we Democrats can't outvote them. We are outnumbered.

Sedgwick 503,438 (Wichita)
Shawnee 179,060 (Topeka)


Source

a reply to: BuzzyWigs

I think many are stuck. I do wish that the Christian believers on ATS who equally disdain the snake-oil types and the bigots would stop attacking me for pointing out their more unscrupulous fellows - and instead work with me to uphold the truth - that it is dangerous to teach little children such things....

If this is your goal, to work together, with the Christian believers on ATS, you are going to find it difficult when you promote the trivialization of their religion, and encourage, and embrace attacking it.

If John Oliver had made a mockery of Islam, would you be just as quick to promote the villainization? Would you be supporting and promoting the Mosque of the Perpetual Jihad?

I understand your hatred for Christianity and your mission to destroy it, but be careful in what you seek. Often when you remove one nuisance, a greater nuisance is left unchecked, and will not only thrive, but will become invasive and nearly impossible to control.

a reply to: NightSkyeB4Dawn

If this is your goal, to work together, with the Christian believers on ATS, you are going to find it difficult when you promote the trivialization of their religion, and encourage, and embrace attacking it.

If John Oliver had made a mockery of Islam, would you be just as quick to promote the villainization? Would you be supporting and promoting the Mosque of the Perpetual Jihad?

I understand your hatred for Christianity and your mission to destroy it, but be careful in what you seek. Often when you remove one nuisance, a greater nuisance is left unchecked, and will not only thrive, but will become invasive and nearly impossible to control.

Oh, I don't expect the Evangelicals to work with me!! Nono!! No. I do, in fact, promote trivializing religion...but we are a long, long way from that ever happening. It should be attacked just as much as ISIS should be attacked. The "we aren't pushing them off of buildings, though" is a deflection. Own up to what members of your own house are doing.

Like a fraternity that gets closed for psychotic hazing might be.....

And furthermore.....everything John Oliver said is true. That was actual factual journalism. Assuming I would respond differently if it were radical Islam he brought up is silly. I would respond the same way......

it should be attacked, when people are getting scammed! When children are being brainwashed at Jesus Camp!

So, see? You don't understand at all.

I grew up Christian and went to church most Sundays till I was about 18 yrs old. I remember dating atheist and being upset they were atheist but keeping my faith till in my mid-20's. Then I realized the ridiculousness of mega-churches, what church needs a starbucks inside of it. I became embarrassed of how they didn't want to include gays and how they were so competitive with each other. I remember feeling embarrassed bc I told a funny story about an episode of Will & Grace from the night before and no one laughed. I would visit many different churches (mostly Methodist) and decided I did not want to be around those people, the people I admired were NOT church-goers. It took awhile longer, but I decided that maybe I did NOT believe there was 1 almight GOD. This got me interested in other religions. I studied Buddhism and it made a lot more sense. I never called myself a Buddhist tho, mostly just agnostic (there could be or there may not be a god). I became more and more disgusted with Christians today and understood that any true Christian would not be as judgmental and unaccepting of gays, trans, bis, athiests as they are.

I still had Christian values but do not identify with christians of today and personally, do not want to be around them so why go to church. I know there are real Christians out there, but I am dumbfounded by all the christian ignorance of the actual religion and bible that it literally makes me sick sometimes to think about.

a reply to: veracity

I still had Christian values but do not identify with christians of today and personally, do not want to be around them so why go to church. I know there are real Christians out there, but I am dumbfounded by all the christian ignorance of the actual religion and bible that it literally makes me sick sometimes to think about.

Hey, thanks for posting. I hear you.

The study of other religions I think is what finally cuts the umbilical cord, and Buddhism makes so much more sense --- I think that being exposed to Eastern thought is probably what began the slow demise of "Churching".

Back in the last century. After the Victorian era....we're still kinda recovering from that era .... another 50 years maybe, when most of us who grew up in the 60s and 70s are dead, our kids will be able to move the goalposts yet again....

a reply to: BuzzyWigs

Was it the Victorian Era that f'ed up the western world?

I read a book while I work out on the treadmill or elliptical...usually a book on some type of religion...that is what I call my church, I go to church about 3 times a week.

a reply to: veracity
Good for you!

As for the Victorian Era being the cause ---- no. It went back way, way further than the Victorian Era. Queen Victoria (of England) was the last of the super-prissy don't-show-your-ankles type of prude...we still live with the leftovers of the Puritans - the original Pilgrims -

most of Europe has long ago left us (the U S) in the dust regarding progress in the social area.

And the Pilgrims - well, they were the ones thrown into chaos by the king starting his own Church - the Church of England (Henry VIII) - because Henry was thwarted by The Roman Catholic Church. After Henry, then his daughter Bloody Mary (by his first wife, who was a devout Spanish Catholic) took the throne (after some other stuff happened like his son dying) and then she died,
and then her half sister (bastard child born of Ann Boleyn) Queen Elizabeth I took over in 1558. She was coronated on Nov 17 1558 - a trivial fact that I know only because it's my same birth date 400 years previously.

Then there was also (before and after those times) the Spanish Inquisitions, the Crusades, Mohammed and his band of merry men, Joan of Arc, lots of blood-shed and warfare and no education ---- all of which started in the 4th century after Jesus had been wandering about.

Anyway - that's just some history that I have knowledge of from studying it for years.....

a reply to: BuzzyWigs

They will be held accountable. It may not be the way you want it but they will be.

a reply to: BuzzyWigs

You questioned why after getting my DTh why I was not like my main stream religious brethren. Sometimes Study opens one eyes to truth not seen in the organized churches. But after applying a few times for pastorates since I have been back, I lost out to those who had DDiv and no practical experience as pastors or ministers of the words of God. My stance is different than many on the preservation of Gods word by God in keeping with his promise.

I dislike the organized church and its money grubbing ways but it is not my place to bring them down. That is God's doing. But if his will is for this wickedness to prevail at this time I will not get in its way for judgement begins at the house of God.

a reply to: BuzzyWigs

That damned Anne Boleyn, she didn't deserve to have her head sliced off but she sure was a b*tch!

a reply to: BuzzyWigs

I think many are stuck. I do wish that the Christian believers on ATS who equally disdain the snake-oil types and the bigots would stop attacking me for pointing out their more unscrupulous fellows - and instead work with me to uphold the truth - that it is dangerous to teach little children such things....

I think it is a group think thing. Even though they may be intolerant and not understanding towards your reasoning, they still claim to be Christian, so those others you are referring to give them a pseudo pass for it.

I feel for you about the Kansas situation. I know we've commiserated more than once about having lived in the Bible Belt. You and Kansas and me in Oklahoma, but that's why I got away. I can't stand religion in politics and they live and breath it out there.

A Guy Dies and Wakes Up on a Beach

Nice weather, hot girls playing beach volleyball, barbeques everywhere, laughter and joy. All of a sudden, Satan comes up to him. "Welcome to hell. Enjoy yourself, have a drink, have a hamburger and check out the area. If you need anything or have a question, feel free to ask me." he says.

The guy walks along the beach, has a few drinks with a nice girl. He walks over a hill, when he sees a hole in the ground, full with tormented people, flames rising up from the hole.

The guy runs towards the beach until he finds Satan. "Hey, I found this hole and all these people are being tormented... Whats that about?"

"Oh," Satan says, "that´s for the Christians, they want it that way."

a reply to: ChesterJohn

I dislike the organized church and its money grubbing ways but it is not my place to bring them down. That is God's doing. But if his will is for this wickedness to prevail at this time I will not get in its way for judgement begins at the house of God.

What??!!!
No.

It is very much and specifically "your place" to bring down the money-grubbers. Don't sit around waiting for Dad to get busy.....

"his will" is for thinking people to put a stop to the nonsense and hatred that is spread via whatever religions.....
don't be a coward. Step up.

originally posted by: BuzzyWigs
a reply to: Raggedyman

you just want to cause division and fire blame at people.

Again Raggedy -
stop deciding and telling me what I 'just want to do'.

There is blame to be fired - and it is on unscrupulous users who manipulate people.

If you think I am not familiar with Corinthians' most famous verses, you have not been paying attention. That verse is used by millions and millions of couples as they get married, and it is true.

I am pointing out very valid points in fact, and scurrilous behavior - yes, it is people. "Religion" by itself is nothing but a constructed thing. It is not capable of "action" on its own. The deplorable actions committed by people in the name of religion are the problem. Yes, I want to cause division - I want people who are genuinely interested in Corinthians 13:4-8 to step up and shut down these manipulative mega-church monsters.

I want those people to be blamed for what they do, and held accountable. I don't "just" want that - it isn't about "just wanting to" be bitchy and make trouble. It's about pointing out that the dog is rabid. Don't let your kids pet it.

Buy you are happy they pet a dog that brought Stalin, Mao and pol pot to the table, you don't want that shutdown
Crazy atheist fundamentalists are ok are they
You are here to cause hate and division, you preach hate and pretend to put your I love people hat on
It's not just what you say it's how you say it, you speak hate speech

You want mega greed churches shutdown, why? So people don't waste their money, you also want military drones stopped so innocent US soldiers and civilians can die fighting Isis

Sounds like money is a little idol in your litle heart

Buzzy, running people down will only make them reject you, alienate yourself and your view from them.
There is no love in you

originally posted by: BuzzyWigs
a reply to: ChesterJohn

I dislike the organized church and its money grubbing ways but it is not my place to bring them down. That is God's doing. But if his will is for this wickedness to prevail at this time I will not get in its way for judgement begins at the house of God.

What??!!!
No.

It is very much and specifically "your place" to bring down the money-grubbers. Don't sit around waiting for Dad to get busy.....

"his will" is for thinking people to put a stop to the nonsense and hatred that is spread via whatever religions.....
don't be a coward. Step up.

I know Chester John, get on the Internet, spread hate, bemoan everyone, winje incessantly, alienate yourself from those that need help and act all pious

Then attack Christians with more hate speech pretending you are attacking all religions.

That should win people from the greed churches, it's logical

a reply to: Raggedyman

You just have no idea how you flail about and attack people who actually agree with you about certain things....do you?!!!

You don't.

You just don't get it.

I am not your enemy, Raggedyman. Your incessant knee-jerk, victim-faces, put-upon responses are not doing your case any favors.

originally posted by: BuzzyWigs
a reply to: veracity
Good for you!

As for the Victorian Era being the cause ---- no. It went back way, way further than the Victorian Era. Queen Victoria (of England) was the last of the super-prissy don't-show-your-ankles type of prude...we still live with the leftovers of the Puritans - the original Pilgrims -

most of Europe has long ago left us (the U S) in the dust regarding progress in the social area.

And the Pilgrims - well, they were the ones thrown into chaos by the king starting his own Church - the Church of England (Henry VIII) - because Henry was thwarted by The Roman Catholic Church. After Henry, then his daughter Bloody Mary (by his first wife, who was a devout Spanish Catholic) took the throne (after some other stuff happened like his son dying) and then she died,
and then her half sister (bastard child born of Ann Boleyn) Queen Elizabeth I took over in 1558. She was coronated on Nov 17 1558 - a trivial fact that I know only because it's my same birth date 400 years previously.

Then there was also (before and after those times) the Spanish Inquisitions, the Crusades, Mohammed and his band of merry men, Joan of Arc, lots of blood-shed and warfare and no education ---- all of which started in the 4th century after Jesus had been wandering about.

Anyway - that's just some history that I have knowledge of from studying it for years.....

And you missed the rise of Darwinism and how that teaching allowed people like hitler to claim Jews wer sub human, Stalin who accepted Darwinisn as a science and used the Russian people like the animals they were considered by Darwin as, Hirohito to claim the Japanese were the pinnacle of evolution because the Japanese had less hair and sweated less so had the right do weed out the lesser evolved animals like westerners

Your history books are missing some pages buzz, light years from any logical balance

I just don't get your speech, it's like you are pretending you are motivated by compassion but spew hate
You demand others fight while you do your internet warrior thing, well done, that keyboard is a real winner chicken dinner, you got krazy shot typing away, nothing else but you go girl

originally posted by: Raggedyman

Then attack Christians with more hate speech pretending you are attacking all religions.

Apparently this one person's story about this one church is representative of "religion".

Didn't you know?