Bumble Bee Tuna

You're basing your beliefs on the behaviors of a single family, while ignoring millions of others. It makes absolutely no sense. Why would you do something so stupid? I don't mean to be rude, but it really is incredibly dumb to do so.

"This friend of mine drives an Impala, and he's the nicest guy I know! It must be the Impala. I'm going to buy one so it can make me a nice guy, too. What's that you say? Other people drive Impalas and are complete assholes? And other people don't drive Impalas and are nice guys? lalala I can't hear you..."

That is exactly how stupid what you're doing sounds to me. But, if you think it's rational to infer causality where causality acn't be inferred, using only a single point of data, flying in the face of all logic and reason, by all means become a Christian. The irrational type fits in well with that crowd, you'd feel right at home. I say this not to be mean- it is undeniable that such an approach that you are taking towards this issue is irrational. It just appears you don't have a problem with being irrational. To each his own I guess...

-B

Whispers

Thanks for all your comments. I can honestly say that this forum has changed my viewpoint ALREADY, and I have only been here a few days. Perhaps I will just take on board what Jesus said, without necessarily believing all the stuff that appears nonsensical and without any evidence.
Thanks again

Sabine Grant

I envy your ability to thank your parents. I sincerely mean it. For some of us though, we thank God for rebuilding us from the ruines of a dysfunctional childhood. In my case, I had to rely on Christ to give me the foundation my parents could not give me.

Sabine Grant

Salut Bumble Bee... The example Whispers relates is not unique. I find it very commandable that Whispers can set aside his or her own beliefs to protect himself or herself from a prejudicial assessment of all christians.
Your evaluation of Whisper as " not having a problem being irrational" is IMO harsh.
I find it an example of being rational to allow oneself to appreciate the impact a religious belief can have on the behavior of other individuals. It is however irrational to characterize the " other millions". To deny the validity of a religious belief which can contribute to positive behavior.
Recognizing what can be good and enhancing to human behavior in various religions is IMOa sign of objectivity and the proof of a character which does not allow prejudice to prevail.

Rhea

Very interesting that considering the bad apples also (the whole picture ™) is prejudiced while cherry picking a single example is prudent.


If you were a scientist, Sabine, you'd be fired.

We're talking about CAUSALITY here. And trying to point out that one sample is not only insufficient to draw a conclusion but it is clearly insufficient to prove causality. There is NOTHING ABOUT THAT SAMPLE that allows one to conclude religion is responsible.

It is irrational to suggest that you can conclude from one family's actions that religion is correct, true or desirable.

Compare ONE EXAMPLE of what christianity can do for you with ANOTHER. Think about Andrea Yates, for example. Can we conclude that religion "has something going for it"?

Uh, no.

Yet you toss out "prejudice" for those of us who dare to consider two examples. How bizarre is that? prejudice? Are you JOKING? How can you deserve that word? I'm sorry, I'm just so surprised by your claim of prejudice that I'm nearly (but not quite) speechless.

We're talking about what it means to take ONE EXAMPLE and IGNORE ALL THE OTHERS. who is exhibiting prejudice here?

Please tell me you were joking and you understand the senselessness of what you wrote. Please. Who is throwing out all the examples here and PREJUDGING the causality?

I'm not trying to be mean or sarcastic, I REALLY hope you see the major flaw in your train of thought. You logic, if you will.

Bree

i'm extremely interested in knowing why you (and others like you) give credit for your rebuilding process to god, instead of where credit is really due. you're the one who pulled yourself up out of the hole where your parents left you. why not credit yourself? or is that too prideful? i got dumped on my ass at 17 with $50 and no place to live - my stuff was in garbage bags. i was the one who got a job, an apartment, and a whole new life. i didn't see jesus anywhere. i am consistantly astounded at people who refuse to take responsibity for their actions - positive actions - simply because they think it's not nice to do so...better to pass off your accomplishments as someone else's doing? you're doing yourself a disservice.

Bumble Bee Tuna

Way to completely misunderstand what I said, Sabine.

-B

Whispers

Bumble Bee....

I think I understood what you said.....You were suggesting that to base my decision on which religious direction to head in, on the lifestyle and attitude of one family is a little rash and silly.

But surely you assuming that that is the ONLY determining factor in my decision is exactly the same methodology as me assuming that one good family means that I should become a Christian?

Both of us looked at a situation and with limited knowledge we both made judgements....

seems like we are exactly the same

Rhea

Maybe part of your post was missing, then. You stated a scenario to us for discussion. It did not include anything other than Richard & his family. We discussed what was presented.

Go and check your post and maybe you can re-post whatever got left off about your other considerations.

I don't think we're the same.

(maybe you meant to title the thread, "Their example tempts me". Eh?

Whispers

Rhea, I did not suggest that we are the same? Did I? =)

Thanks for confirming my point. Bumble assumed much from limited information. She/he did not ask for any clarification on where and what my potential decision was based on....

QUOTE---You're basing your beliefs on the behaviors of a single family, while ignoring millions of others.

Millions of others? Who said I was ignoring anyone?