Bubba

Some of us have profound doubts about Christianity and are still looking at all of the different evidence pro and con.

So right now I'm like Geo-Theo and HelenM, Thiestic evolution, etc. I can't read all about Evolution and also read about Biblical criticism and read about apologetics and still do justice to my reading on evolution.

Right now I'm also a sunday school teacher to a group of teenagers that seem to enjoy my company at a critical time in their life. One of the boys in my class just died of cancer last week ...he was 16 and a great kid.

Plus I'm going through some tough times personally and several of my best friends are members of my church.

One of my best gearhead buddies also goes to a liberal church that has an outreach to the homeless. The teens in our church also sometimes are involved with volunteering at a halfway house for troubled women. I enjoy a chance to reach out to other people.

However, I don't pretend that the bible is inerrant or that the earth is 6000 years old or that I can come up with some rational scientific proof of God. Or that the exodus has good evidence to support it. I'm fascinated by history and don't think that there was a worldwide flood in 2104B.C. There's just too much evidence against it. I've been honest with my friends and they've stuckk with me.

So yes, I'm a very non-dogmatic Christian.

But I doubt very seriously I fit Jerry Falwell's definition of a Christian.

Bubba

Bubba

As a thiest I have no problems with Starboys posts. I don't see any (or at least very much) hostility towards Helen.

Bubba

Panta Pei

Summed up nicely.

Panta Pei

Yet, as an atheist, I could perceive enough to justify Bree's announcement (imho).

What is curious to me, though, is that Starboy is debating freethought with a Christian and this truth appears to be completely lost on him.

Starboy

Panta Pei, you are right, what was I thinking? It should be enough that I could announce that I am an a-theist and not be persecuted for heresy. I see it now; you Christians are indeed freethinkers to allow me this. It is too much of me to ask Christians to take criticisms as well, especially when they visit an atheist’s forum. I can see now how this would exceed the bounds of any Christian freethinker.

Starboy

[ September 28, 2002: Message edited by: Starboy ]</p>

agapeo

So -- if you only see a little is that ok?

agapeo

Starboy:
Perhaps. Or perhaps we are just being tolerate of your opinion. After all isn't that part of the goal of this Board? Toleration.
You can ask all you want. But don't expect an answer. But no, I don't think it's too much to expect when an "outsider" visits a place that is predominately opposed to one's beliefs to receive criticism of those beliefs. Criticism of the beliefs is fine with me, but I have problems when one resorts to criticism of the person. It seems to me to be a "smoke-screen" when someone is saying they're criticizing the comments/arguments made when it actually appears that they are criticizing the person for making the comments.
Look a little farther.

NOGO

You are right about the meaning of theist and atheist.

Your point being???

Bubba

I can really understand and empathize with the hostility towards religion that some of the posters on this board feel.

I have huge respect for both Helen and Starboy. I truely wish we could go out to a bar and grab a pizza and some spicy hot Buffalo style chicken wings and let the two of them go at it.

Bubba

St. Robert

Freethinkers are not truly free, because they are slaves to themselves. They are bound by the limitations of their own minds.

Christian believers are also slaves, but they are slaves to the One who sets people free, Jesus Christ.

[ September 28, 2002: Message edited by: St. Robert ]</p>