A question directed chiefly at the few atheists amongst us here on AB...

[sandyRoe]

What fault is it in the human character that has led us, in all races, all times, and all places, to 'invent' Gods?

[gollysailor]

I think that somebody, anybody, should arise from the dead and put us all in the picture, once and for all. Except JC and Lazarus.

[jomifl]

Ankou, I know it is only words and that aspect of it doesn't bother me either, however there is a whiff of double standards, If atheists used the same derogatory terms about believers theer would be justifiable complaints.

[Ankou]

jomifl, it already does

benighted - unenlightened
religious - deluded /in denial / irrational / illogical

sandy's just a little old tease really.

[naomi24]

Cupid, God gave us freedom of choice? And if we choose wrongly, we're doomed for eternity! Some choice!

If you think the bible contains a loving god's words, you don't know the bible. May I suggest that rather than believing what other men tell you and patting yourself on the back for your wisdom and piety, you read the bible for yourself - not forgetting Leviticus 21:17-23 which deals with the more unfortunate among us - and then come back and tell us how much this god loves us all equally. I'm willing to bet you won't.

You say //men always ridicule what they dont understand//, but it may surprise you to learn that some here have been there and done it so despite your sanctimonious declaration that 'Christians have something special', those people know you don't. Having had the courage to ask questions and to actually read the book - the whole book - they have discovered that religion is the greatest lie ever told and have consequently reclaimed their reason and escaped relatively unscathed. Sadly, others have not been quite so fortunate and suffer the damaging effects of religious indoctrination to this day - and all because someone in their lives promoted ancient tribal superstition as fact - as you do. Frankly, I wouldn't want that on my conscience.

Ankou, //i doubt if jesus existed that he said that in english//

That reminds me of a quote, the origin of which is the subject of some debate, but which nevertheless amuses me.

"If English was good enough for Jesus Christ, it's good enough for me." :o)

Sandy, so was your original intention in posting this question to say that they couldn't all have made it up - and was your reference to the 'few atheists amongst us' yet more wishful thinking?

[jomifl]

Ankou, I have to disagree with your use of the word 'really' :-)

[scowie]

The need to lay blame may have something to do with it...

People felt the need to hold someone responsible for natural disasters and misfortune. And the hope that they could prevent such things by appeasing the gods responsible.

Also, when they looked up at the night sky they may have seen images that could represent gods (like how we sometimes see shapes in clouds, or jesus in a slice of toast!)

[sandyRoe]

Naomi, the original purpose of my question was to get the habitués of R&S engaged in colloquy again. It had seemed to have gone too quiet.

Jomifl, where have I ever used derogatory terms to describe atheists?

[jomifl]

So that's why it is called 'mother's pride'

[sandyRoe]

Blake could see a world in a grain of sand. Why could a believer not see a sacred image in a slice of bread?

[vetuste_ennemi]

How can you nominate a best answer when I haven't yet replied, Sandy?

[sandyRoe]

I knew my answer, which I selected as best, was going to be miles above any other offerings

[scowie]

...even though it didn't answer your own question?

or do you mean "miles above", as in having your head in the clouds? :-)

[naomi24]

Sandy, //where have I ever used derogatory terms to describe atheists? //

Well you have suggested on more than one occasion that I've spent my holidays in a convent - and that I'm secretly a Mother Superior (well, according to those who know, I'm a pretty superior mother - but not in that sense) - so just how derogatory can you get? ;o)

[cupid04]

Leviticus was describing the physical requirements and qualifications for those
serving the priesthood, which is now no longer needed since the destruction of the second temple.
So what makes us defected? So everyone has sinned. But God says that those who believe in him, will have his/her sin wiped clean. It is in no way
discriminating against them, it's just a metaphor. Sin means imperfect.......All
of those words are worldly imperfections, so he compares them to sin.
None of us will be perfect until we get to heaven.

[DTCwordfan]

So you are implying that the JWs did have a purpose, Sandy.

The trouble was that it was largely pretty meaningless, verging on the inane or puerile.

[jomifl]

cupid, how can there be worldly imperfections, god made man in his own image...oh I see..that was a metaphor, or was it?

[naomi24]

Cupid, //Leviticus was describing the physical requirements and qualifications for those serving the priesthood,//

Hang on, I thought we were talking about a loving, compassionate god here - and he excluded people who were less than perfect from the priesthood? Even people who had flat noses or blemishes in their eye? How come? Neither of those things seem too terrible to me - and I really can't see how either affliction would prevent someone from carrying out priestly duties efficiently. Whether or not that no longer applies, this is what your god decreed. And that's acceptable to you? How can you 'worship' such a creature? I don't even LIKE him!

I'm not perfect by any means, and I used to think I was a sinner, but I was wrong. And as for discrimination, I'm in line for that. He's going to damn me for eternity. Still, as the flames lick, I'll console myself with the thought that he is eminently forgiving and loves us all equally. ;o)

[sandyRoe]

DTcrosswordfan, they, the JW's, did serve to make my posts seem almost sensible. Purpose enough, I'd say.

[DTCwordfan]

lol, Sandy!

[venator]

Just logged on and found this thread.

If SandyRoe asks the question, then marks his own answer as "best answer",
why did he bother other people with it!