Religionists

[nailit]

Are terrified....
of disbelieving....

Are you not?

[Khandro]

Atheist, //I'm currently reading A History of the Bible by John Barton. It's very interesting.//

Well, you're certainly on the right path, - we'll make a disciple out of you yet! :0)

[Atheist]

Khandro, do you believe the bible?

[Khandro]

Atheist; I don't think the question is really relevant. The old testament contains some wonderful insights in to the human condition, but it can be problematical too. Some people take the bible as a literal word of God, and some think of it just as a metaphor which has some higher meaning than what is written inside it.

Pretty much every Christian has their own view about what bible tries to teach us, what text are the literal word of god, and which are not. Even the churches between themselves can`t agree which parts of the bible are relevant, and which are not.

Either directly reading it or some form secondary literature (as you seem to be doing) is the only way to find out its meaning for you.

[Theland]

Atheist - I can only speak for myself, not any religion.
I am curious and have questions about the origin of the universe, life from inert chemicals and evolution, as well the problem of suffering and evil.
The Bible has much to say about it all, but, can it be trusted to be true?
After much investigation and thought, (prayer), I concluded that it is indeed Gods revealed Word to us.
With a reading list like yours, you probably know more about the bible than I do, which is great, I can learn from you.
It is a strange brew where there are atheist professors of theology teaching in our universities, and committed Christians preaching on street corners, in fear of arrest.
I'm glad you have progressed this discussion, we can and do all learn from each other.

[Theland]

Naomi @ 14:06, 14:07 and 0955
Not exactly the friendliest of posts are they?
The police have a body, we have the universe.
OK not the best analogy but I know you could have followed my reasoning, but chose not to.
Why should I say, '' I don't know,'' when that applies only to you?

[naomi24]

Theland, to me you are just someone who posts on a website. Nothing more. You claim to want discussion but when something is offered that you have no answer to you resort to attacking me on a personal level - and you do it time and again.

//Why should I say, '' I don't know,'' when that applies only to you?//

Well, knowing that which escapes the rest of the world makes you pretty unique so I’m not convinced. Where’s your evidence?

[Theland]

I guess we have nothing to discuss.

[naomi24]

Theland, if you would be courteous enough to produce your evidence I would be delighted to discuss it.

[Theland]

We've been down that road before, and you don't consider it, but dismiss it out of hand.
That makes no difference to me, bit it is time consuming and unrewarding.
I apologise if you think you are being attacked as that is never my intention.

[naomi24]

Theland, Yes, it is your intention. If it wasn't you wouldn't do it.

And you have never ... ever ... offered evidence that your God is the creator.

[Theland]

So you accept the fact of a Creator then?

[naomi24]

Certainly not.... it isn't a 'fact'.... but you know that too.

[Theland]

A first cause then?

[vulcan42]

naomi writes \\ And you have never ... ever ... offered evidence that your God is the creator.//
Theland, your reply \\ So you accept the fact of a Creator then?//

That shows exactly how you twist words around to suit your beliefs and as naomi said, never offer any evidence.

[Theland]

Vulcan, Naomi referred to MY God. Do you see that?
Not twisting anything.

[naomi24]

If not the creator God of the bible you bang on about, which other did you mean, Theland? Here's a long list of candidates spread over 100 plus pages. Take your pick - and let me know.

[naomi24]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Creator_gods

[Theland]

I most certainly did not attempt to twist words. To do so would be like lying to myself.
So back to basics.
I believe in a first cause. Is that unreasonable?

[naomi24]

Hang on, Theland. You haven’t told me whose God you’re talking about. Not yours clearly.

[Theland]

Naomi - you know my beliefs.
The first cause is God, and there is no other.