catman

As of Friday, if my prayers aren't answered, then I am going back to being an atheist--but I will maintain that Christianity as a philosophy to live by is OK.

What I am learning is this: Humans have two brains--commonly called the left and right hemispheres. The left brain is rational, unemotional, analytical and literate. The right brain is rhythmatic, searches for paterns and is beatly. People who say they are christians absorb it into their right brains and really couldn't care less about the philosophy detailed by jesus. They are just going to heaven because they are saved yadayadayada. They use their faith as an ornament and a crutch and nothing more. It takes a very strong individual to see the philosophical side of christianity and to regard the miracles as hogwash--or rather--unimportant. No--even as a christian I cannot see much sense in a blood, virgin sacrifice.

Philosoft

If you take away the Jebus-related doctrines, what does Christianity have left that makes it unique enough to exist as purely a philosophy?
Besides, sans Jebus, there's certainly not consensus enough on what remains to call it a singular Christian philsophy.

catman

Jebus? You got me there--must be something I am not aware of. Please explain what a Jebus is. I am just saying the miracles and events aren't very important, but the message of Jesus--the philosphy is ok.

Philosoft

Sorry, my use of "Jebus" is perhaps an ill-advised habit.

Anyway, I guess I misread your OP. Pursuant to my new reading, I will rephrase my objection. First, I think calling something "Christian" when it does not adhere to the doctrine that Jesus is Christ is, well, silly. Second, what is unique about Jesus' philosophy that makes him the default referent for a philosophy that is similar? Humanistic philosophies often share things in common with Christianity. Does that make them Christian philosophies as well?

Starboy

Welcome catman, I am no historian, but I seem to recall reading somewhere that Thomas Jefferson proposed what you are advocating. Supposedly he created a version of the bible with all the supernatural stuff removed.

I think you have a fine idea as long as you do not restrict yourself to the bible. There just so much more out there on the subject. You might want to start with a book called "The power of myth" by Joseph Campbell. It may give you a good idea as to where to start.

Starboy

Keith Russell

Greetings:

The largest bundle of nerves in the human body is the corpus collosum, which connects the right and left hemispheres of the brain.

The 'left brain/right brain' dichotomy is only evident in patients who have had their corpus collosum severed.

Otherwise, we are each integrated, whole.

Keith.

Keith Russell

Greetings:

As for Christianity as philosophy, I'm pretty much opposed to it.

I don't like collectivism when it's espoused on humanistic grounds, I don't like it any better when it's advocated on mystical grounds.

Keith.

catman

Well--even as a christian--and I am currently still one--I regard very highly Socrates and Voltaire--particuarly Voltaire. Yes--I heard that about Thomas Jefferson. But what I have learned is that christians have next to no moral values. I decided to be a christian because I could no longer align myself with liberal, hate mongering marxist-thinking atheist who idea of a classless state is to have a more police state. Idiots! That is all you can make of the marxists types. They spend most of their lives condemning christianity when they have nothing better to offer. I used to be proud to be an atheist--until I learned how most other atheists think. It puts a person like myself between a rock and a hard place. So, I decided to become a christian. But I am giving god til Friday to answer my prayers concerning my family. Once I become an atheist the next time, I will not become a christian ever again.

I believe that there are some sound philosophical guidelines in the bible and I am not going to give that up--but with believing in miracles and any of that other stuff--or even calling myself a christian--well---that will be over come Saturday if my prayers aren't answered. I almost hope that they don't get answered.

Philosoft

Where have you been living? Ohio? For that matter, where have I been living? Where do I find these atheists so that I may punish them for perpetuating this horrid stereotype?

<strong> How many atheists did you have to interact with to make a proclamation about "most other atheists"? Perhaps you used to live in the basement of the Kremlin and have been in a coma for 10 years?

It sounds like you are having something of a crisis of faith, catman. I hope you have come to the right place.

[ December 17, 2002: Message edited by: Philosoft ]</p>

Starboy

Well I hope everything works out well for your family. As for Marxist **spit** atheists, as far as I can tell there are not too many of them here. I can say for sure that I am not one of them.

Starboy