beth

I've heard the bible sufficiently and reject it as bullocks. I was a devout Christian for many years. I know just about all the rhetoric. So please don't jump to conclusions about how much of the scripture and how much theology we know.

Badfish

I see. However a well constructed and better controlled thread would really help. As you can see, I seem to be the only theist here, well and magus maybe, so it is awfully hard to keep up and properly express biblical views, whether scriptural or opinion.

Starboy

I don't know you much, but I have been preached to by people that I suspect are much more learned and capable than you will ever be. Badfish, you think that arguments you find convincing others will also find convincing. This has made you close minded. Until you can consider the possibility that your arguments may not be very convincing to others you will not be able understand or appreciate the atheist position. Incidentally I have read the OT and NT as well as many books on the subject and the history of the era. Badfish, it is not a question of why do I reject the bible, which is a straw man. The question is why should I accept is as the document you claim it is?

Starboy

Spaz

ooooohhhhh, fundie fight!

There are several theists here badfish, they just don't seem to agree with your particular views. And the people in the BC&A forums are very good at religious history, you should read their posts.

Rhea

I appreciate it. I know some of them may be out of context, I just did a quick search on "unbeliever" and "persecute". However, if you're short on time, I'd like to hear your opinion on "wickedness" and "darkness" first, please.

I'm trying to decide if you think -honestly- that this is our first opportunity to hear it. The first attempt by a christian to "reconcile" it. And the definitive classification of our understanding as a "misconception".

Perhaps - food for thought - it is you who has a "misconception" of what your bible says? Just perhaps, you should consider the possibility.

Well, your bible seems to have a thing about how women are troublesome. When they're not tempting, they're gossiping. When they're not gossiping they're defiling religion by pretending to know it.

You seem to think highly of Paul. This is certainly one of his hangups.

Rhea

I think we already covered this in This thread where you told us all we had to do to be REASONABLE and HONEST about rejecting a religion was to find the oldest one. That and have a feeling that I'm right. Plus if there are any contradictions, or if there is disagreement on which scriptures to include, that seals it. These are all YOUR WORDS.

In fact, I'll just quote you on how one can REASONABLY and HONESTLY reject a religion.So, I'm an atheist, because atheism was here long before any gods. Back when our brains couldn't conceive gods. Besides, I just don't accept Christianity, ok? There is no preponderance for it.

There. Whew.

Look how much trouble I just saved you.

Yellum Notnef

Too constrictive? What does it require that you can't do on a messageboard?

What would you do differently if you had the chance to tell us about the gospels in person? Would you use puppets and scary voices? Would you hit us with sticks?

What would you do?

Radorth

[Edited to remove unnecessary commentary regarding another poster's personal life - BJM]

Re: Blondegoddess

I don't think anyone at II is an idiot. I just think you are hearing things I'm not saying. I'm responding directly to someone else, and you not only want to know if "yourself" means you, but all atheists. It's not about your being stupid at all, but probably has to do with your negative experiences or your need to read between the lines. We all do that to one extent or another.

Rad

beth

Ok, thanks. I have often posted other things into a quoted reply, so that is why I questioned.

Radorth

I don't agree with two or three of Paul's statements about women myself, although he should be credited with advocating mutual submission at a time when it was not exactly popular. It is hard to reconcile his honoring female prophets and then saying women should be silent in church. In those days apparently people stood up to ask questions or talk, and he thought the men should ask them for some reason. Perhaps women could still prophesy if they were moved to.

Rad