Freethought & Rationalism Archive

Starspun · 07-20-2002, 04:01 AM

Quote:

Actually, I think that a lot of your questions come from taking the Bible literally. Do you think that the Bible could still be inspired by God and not word for word literal? Why should the Bible be taken literally? Or, conversely, why shouldn�t it be up for interpretation?

So, you basically worship a stripped down version of 'god'? God 4.0?
In my atheistic view, if you can't take the writing's and teaching of your belief at face value, then, there is something wrong with either

a. The religion
or
b. The mind of the person being controlled.

Correct answer: a.

religion is not 'inspired' by anything other than devious men that decided they wanted to rule you; mind and body.

Quote:

If I were brought up in India, there�s a good chance that I would be something else.

You would be correct. And that belief would not be anything like the one you have now. Now granted, if there were a god and he was omni-everything, It could manifest itself into various forms, but, that would be illogical. Therefore, the differing views aren't different manifestations, they are different ways that were thought of to brainwash you with.

David Mathews · 07-20-2002, 04:29 AM

Hello Tricia,

Quote:

[QB]This should be easy. You seem to want to do some converting, so put it to some good use here.

Tricia, if you don't want to believe in God, don't believe in God. If you want to believe in God, you should believe in God.

It is your choice to make. Don't worry so much because you will have many years in which to evaluate your decision and therefore many opportunities to change your mind.

Sincerely,

David Mathews

HelenM · 07-20-2002, 05:15 AM

That's an interesting response, David.

However, can you be sure Tricia has many years? I hope not but what if she should meet with an untimely death any day?

love
Helen

excreationist · 07-20-2002, 05:21 AM

Tricia,
Here's some other things that David Matthews has said on the subject:

<a href="http://iidb.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic&f=50&t=000436&p=9" target="_blank">From the Existence of God forum...</a>:

Quote:

The Bible does have contradictory elements. Christians and Jews have known of these elements for thousands of years. Among those Christians and Jews were some of the greatest intellects that humankind has produced.

Contradictions -- as I have already stated -- are a necessary component of any revelation regarding the spiritual realm. Contradictions serve to illustrate the limitations upon the human intellect when it begins to contemplate matters absolutely outside the realm of human perception and conception.

...

There is absolutely no doubt whatsoever that ancient Israel, including both kings, priests and prophets, misunderstood God in many different ways.

<a href="http://iidb.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic&f=50&t=000436&p=10" target="_blank">Also from the Existence of God forum...</a>:

Quote:

God is not obligated to make sense to humans. The human intellect is a weak vessel insufficient to contain the concept of God.

HelenM · 07-20-2002, 05:29 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by wildernesse:
<strong>And what on Earth is David Mathews talking about? All atheists in heaven? </strong>

He just wrote to me in RRP that some will go to hell.

So, I guess, not all; either that or he changed his mind since yesterday

I daresay for Tricia that, all doctrine aside and inerrancy issues aside, it's HUGE to go from thinking you have an omnipotent Friend called God (and/or Jesus) to not having that Friend.

I think she might agree.

How could that not leave a huge HOLE in your life?

love
Helen

David Mathews · 07-20-2002, 05:43 AM

Hello Helen,

Quote:

However, can you be sure Tricia has many years? I hope not but what if she should meet with an untimely death any day?

David: Tricia's life is her responsibility and her concern, not mine. If Tricia is dependent upon me to solve her issues with the Bible her faith is not her own. She shouldn't seek affirmation or validation from anyone else. As a Christian she can find that in herself:

"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." (James 4:8).

Now I have given Tricia all of the advice that I am obligated to give. Best of luck to her in her life as a Christian.

Sincerely,

David Mathews

HelenM · 07-20-2002, 05:47 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David Mathews:
<strong>Helen: However, can you be sure Tricia has many years? I hope not but what if she should meet with an untimely death any day?

David: Tricia's life is her responsibility and her concern, not mine. If Tricia is dependent upon me to solve her issues with the Bible her faith is not her own. She shouldn't seek affirmation or validation from anyone else. As a Christian she can find that in herself:</strong>

Did you notice that you didn't answer my question?

love
Helen

David Mathews · 07-20-2002, 06:03 AM

Hello Helen,

Quote:

Did you notice that you didn't answer my question?

David: Of course I noticed. I answer those questions that I want to answer.

If Tricia has anything else to say that I respond to her. I am speaking only to Tricia on this thread and have already said everything that needs to be said.

Best of luck to Tricia in her walk with God.

Sincerely,

David Mathews

Terracotta · 07-20-2002, 06:33 AM

Helen, something you said struck a chord with me. I'm starting a new thread so as to not hijack this thread. Tricia, you would probably be interested, too.

Mad Kally · 07-20-2002, 07:06 AM

Quote:

posted by David Matthews:
Tricia, if you don't want to believe in God, don't believe in God. If you want to believe in God, you should believe in God.

Big help, huh Tricia?

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07-20-2002, 05:15 AM	#13
HelenM Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Ill Posts: 6,577	That's an interesting response, David. However, can you be sure Tricia has many years? I hope not but what if she should meet with an untimely death any day? love Helen

07-20-2002, 06:33 AM	#19
Terracotta Regular Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Kentucky Posts: 369	Helen, something you said struck a chord with me. I'm starting a new thread so as to not hijack this thread. Tricia, you would probably be interested, too.

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