Freethought & Rationalism Archive

sharon45 · 04-09-2004, 03:44 PM

First there would have to be something to worship.

Scary Mary · 04-09-2004, 03:59 PM

And it's important to recognize the difference between worship and inspiration. Some folks have trouble with that.

Rational BAC · 04-09-2004, 06:09 PM

I have never considered myself to be a "worshipping" Christian.

Don't really understand the term worshipping. Does anyone? (Big Churches and Mosques and Synagogues aside--------does anyone "worship" the Empire State Building?--it's pretty big too)

Stacey Melissa · 04-09-2004, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rational BAC

I have never considered myself to be a "worshipping" Christian.

Don't really understand the term worshipping. Does anyone? (Big Churches and Mosques and Synagogues aside--------does anyone "worship" the Empire State Building?--it's pretty big too)

I also have yet to figure out the act of worshipping. What might it entail, and why, I wonder?

Rational BAC · 04-09-2004, 06:46 PM

I haven't a clue.

Starboy · 04-09-2004, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rational BAC

Not a fundy myself, but the feeling of being close to God is very real for many Christians. Of course it all may be an illusion, but if it gives someone an inner peace deep down inside, and inspires him or her to live a better life than he or she would have lived, what is the harm?

So when god starts talking to you will you check into a mental ward?

Starboy

Naked Ape · 04-09-2004, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rational BAC

I haven't a clue.

Finally, something we agree on.

Regarding your request for athiest's definition of nature:
Nature is all that there is, nature is reality, there is no supernatural realm beyond nature and there is no superreality beyond reality. Beyond nature and reality lies the realm of fiction. Here there be dragons and gods by the score. The only other place that supernatural creatures exist is in the minds of the folks who read or listen to those tales.

Nature is all that there is, there is nothing beyond all that there is.

Cheers,

Naked Ape

BadBadBad · 04-09-2004, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rational BAC

Actually I like our esteemed administrator's definition the best. But I don't see how anyone could get very weepy eyed and sentimental about it like some atheists are wont to do in this thread.

I've missed it. What does nature have anything to do with personal relationships with God?

Quote:

So, somehow, you have to extend that definition (at least a little bit). So that all of you atheists can somehow explain how you can get so very weepy eyed and sentimental about that almost indefineable term---------"Nature".

I'm fine with the definition that's in the dictionary minus of course any references to God. Nature isn't a quantitative word. It's about as quantitative a word as infinity. I won't try to extend that definition. I don't get weepy eyed or sentimental about that word. Nature exists. The sun sets. Tomorrow will be another great day, then I'll die. What's to get weepy eyed about?

Quote:

Somehow I do not get any kind of warm and fuzzy feeling from either your definition or Michael's definition. Does anybody? Can any atheist explain their feelings objectively and rationally?

What kind of fuzzy feeling do you expect? I think that's the point. I wouldn't put too much stock into fuzzy feelings. It's just part of your natural emotions. What's the difference between fuzzy feelings, anger, love, excitement, and "personal relationships with God?" People just spend too much time thinking about that. If you're struggling and fretting over the meaning of life and that fuzzy feeling you're having about God, have another beer, maybe it will go away.

Quote:

Again -----this is a challenge.

Not much of a challenge at all.

Quote:

I don't think that any atheist can explain his or her very strong emotions rationally about anything at all--------including "Nature". It is something they just accept unthinkingly.

I agree, but why do I need an explanation at all? I recognize that there isn't one. You have admitted to me that you don't have a rational explanation either. I don't have a problem accepting that there is no rational explanations for a lot of things.

BadBadBad · 04-09-2004, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Naked Ape

Finally, something we agree on.

Regarding your request for athiest's definition of nature:
Nature is all that there is, nature is reality, there is no supernatural realm beyond nature and there is no superreality beyond reality. Beyond nature and reality lies the realm of fiction. Here there be dragons and gods by the score. The only other place that supernatural creatures exist is in the minds of the folks who read or listen to those tales.

Nature is all that there is, there is nothing beyond all that there is.

Cheers,

Naked Ape

There it is RBAC. That's as good as you're getting.

BadBadBad · 04-09-2004, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rational BAC

I have never considered myself to be a "worshipping" Christian.

Don't really understand the term worshipping. Does anyone? (Big Churches and Mosques and Synagogues aside--------does anyone "worship" the Empire State Building?--it's pretty big too)

RBAC, you have so streched the meaning of the word Christian that you should just admit you're not one. We've given you a definition of nature, now you give us one for God. Then, based upon your definition of Christianity, tell us what difference it makes whether we believe in your God or not.

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04-09-2004, 03:44 PM	#51
sharon45 Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Southwest, US Posts: 8,759	First there would have to be something to worship.

04-09-2004, 03:59 PM	#52
Scary Mary Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Left Coast Posts: 89	And it's important to recognize the difference between worship and inspiration. Some folks have trouble with that.

04-09-2004, 06:09 PM	#53
Rational BAC Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Tampa Bay area Posts: 3,471	I have never considered myself to be a "worshipping" Christian. Don't really understand the term worshipping. Does anyone? (Big Churches and Mosques and Synagogues aside--------does anyone "worship" the Empire State Building?--it's pretty big too)

04-09-2004, 06:46 PM	#55
Rational BAC Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Tampa Bay area Posts: 3,471	I haven't a clue.

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