Freethought & Rationalism Archive

04-16-2001, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Layman:
And I suppose you would classify Jews who believe Moses actually talked to God in a flaming bush as insane? And Muslims that believe God spoke to Mohammad?

I do not think that means what you think that means.

In other words, "some guy" is being refferred to as being called insane.

04-16-2001, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by dmvprof:
Yes laymen,
Seriously look at the claims made, consider the degree of skepticism you would have at some event similar to that being claimed by some man today who supports it by saying you just have to believe me, have faith. Would you believe him? What makes his claim any different than Abraham's, Moses', Jesus' or anyones'? So even if the Gospels are somewhat of an accurate account of a man called Jesus, it still comes down to Jesus word that he is god.

As to your conclusion about the mental status of the religious, no, I would not call them insane, no more than a child that believes santa clause is insane. I never said that religious were insane, I implied that a person claiming that he is god today would likely be thought to be somewhat insane by most people.

[This message has been edited by dmvprof (edited April 16, 2001).]

Thank you for the clarification. I'm sorry to have misinterpreted your point.

04-16-2001, 11:07 AM

madmax2976:

Yes, I agree with your overall conclusion and in general, do have an optimistic view of the future of humankind regardless secular or sectarian view. But, there have been periods within my time where I've seen the possibility of religious groups wielding abnormal political power. And, as I have a child to be concerned with, sometimes my thinking becomes a little less confident.

04-16-2001, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Layman:
So all Christians, Jews, and Muslims are insane?

I must say, in this age of political correctness, it is somewhat refreshing to see two people throw off all vestiges of tolerance.

Kaching! LOL.

Michael

Toto · 04-16-2001, 12:15 PM

Christians just love to feel persecuted. And now that religious tolerance is part of the American scene, they love to claim that anyone who criticizes their beliefs on substantive grounds is engaging in bigotry.

This is all nonsense, and it's getting tiresome. I respect anyone's right to believe in anything, whether it is UFO's, creationism, a spirit world, dialectical materialism, or a transcendent god. At the same time, I retain my right to criticize any and all beliefs and the alleged evidence behind them. Especially here on the internet, where the rules of polite behavior are different from the rules at the family dinner table.

There are some religious beliefs that clearly cross the line into insanity - the people who step out in the middle of traffic to show that God will save them from injury come to mind. Luckily most religions do not fall into this category, and most believers do not act like this.

04-16-2001, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Toto:
Christians just love to feel persecuted. And now that religious tolerance is part of the American scene, they love to claim that anyone who criticizes their beliefs on substantive grounds is engaging in bigotry.

This is all nonsense, and it's getting tiresome. I respect anyone's right to believe in anything, whether it is UFO's, creationism, a spirit world, dialectical materialism, or a transcendent god. At the same time, I retain my right to criticize any and all beliefs and the alleged evidence behind them. Especially here on the internet, where the rules of polite behavior are different from the rules at the family dinner table.

There are some religious beliefs that clearly cross the line into insanity - the people who step out in the middle of traffic to show that God will save them from injury come to mind. Luckily most religions do not fall into this category, and most believers do not act like this.

Who claimed Christians were being persecuted in this thread?

Who accused anyone of bigotry in this thread?

04-16-2001, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Foxhole Atheist:
Amos:

I think that when you consider the "mindset" there is a lot more at stake here than simple hope based on faith.

Yes I understand but the same will be true for both side of the fence.

If were were to add glory and vainglory to the argument your point would be well made since I believe that there is more vainglory and vanity in theism than in atheism.

Amos

04-16-2001, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Foxhole Atheist:
madmax2976:

Yes, I agree with your overall conclusion and in general, do have an optimistic view of the future of humankind regardless secular or sectarian view. But, there have been periods within my time where I've seen the possibility of religious groups wielding abnormal political power. And, as I have a child to be concerned with, sometimes my thinking becomes a little less confident.

I can understand that.

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04-16-2001, 11:07 AM	#13
Guest Posts: n/a	madmax2976: Yes, I agree with your overall conclusion and in general, do have an optimistic view of the future of humankind regardless secular or sectarian view. But, there have been periods within my time where I've seen the possibility of religious groups wielding abnormal political power. And, as I have a child to be concerned with, sometimes my thinking becomes a little less confident.

04-16-2001, 12:15 PM	#15
Toto Contributor Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Los Angeles area Posts: 40,549	Christians just love to feel persecuted. And now that religious tolerance is part of the American scene, they love to claim that anyone who criticizes their beliefs on substantive grounds is engaging in bigotry. This is all nonsense, and it's getting tiresome. I respect anyone's right to believe in anything, whether it is UFO's, creationism, a spirit world, dialectical materialism, or a transcendent god. At the same time, I retain my right to criticize any and all beliefs and the alleged evidence behind them. Especially here on the internet, where the rules of polite behavior are different from the rules at the family dinner table. There are some religious beliefs that clearly cross the line into insanity - the people who step out in the middle of traffic to show that God will save them from injury come to mind. Luckily most religions do not fall into this category, and most believers do not act like this.

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