Examples of religious statements that should not be taken literal.

This is a list of simple statements from different religions, that I think mean to be a lesson, or a moral, rather than be taken literally, meaning they think it is real.

I'll list the statement, and religion, then what I think of it. Here it goes.

1. If you do not worship Christ as your savior, you will burn in hell! - Christianity - If you do not be kind to others, bad things will happen, or that they will not be kind to you.

3. And ye harm none, Do what you will - Pagan, Wicca - If it does not hurt you, or a living thing, then do it.

4. Your soul was once enslaved by a galactic overlord. - Scientology - Be unique, not what the government wants you to be.

5. Hell is dark, with fire and brimstone, and you will burn for eternity. - Most Abrahamic Religions - When something bad happens because of you, you will feel emotional pain, possibly physical, which burns. It will feel like forever if you do not right that wrong, and the happiness you had, will get darker and darker.

Can anyone add any simple statements of a religion that I would like to add?

Also, I would like to add that--

1) I know Scientology is somewhat a scam, yes, but if people really believe in it (I do not know why ), then I will count it as a religion sadly for others.

2) If I offended any of you, sorry, but it is from my point of view.

3) These are what I have heard, and was not researched in any actual way.

Thank you.

[edit on 9/16/2009 by Shoomoo]

[edit on 9/16/2009 by Shoomoo]

reply to post by Shoomoo

2. Evolution means we were all at one time, apes.

Incorrect.

Fallacious oversimplification of evolution.

AND, your title suggests religious statements examples.

The fact of evolution is not a "religion". It is science.

That is just about the same as saying gravity is due to "religion".

reply to post by weedwhacker


That is what Atheism believes. It is not proven yet, so it is not at the moment true. You can call it science, but please, it is from my point of view.

Glad you have something to say though! I love the voice of ATS (well the writings )

Wrong again. Atheism is simply the disbelief in any deity. there ARE atheists who don't necessarily believe evolution is correct. in fact there are atheist who believe in spirits, some form of paradise, etc.

Plus atheism isn't even a religion, it shouldn't be in the list.

In addition, you should provide scriptures from the religions you mentioned and state why they should not be taken literally. Things religious people say aren't necessarily sayings the religions came up with.

reply to post by newworld


really? I was wrong a long time then... Care that I remove it?

well, that is up to you.
although I recommend you used scriptures from the mentioned religions to have a better thread.

reply to post by newworld


I will look up some verses soon. Thanks for the advice.

Guess people will want some source.