Choosing a faith

I'd like to go back to this statement, now that I've rambled on and on about looking into what makes believers tick for a few posts.What do you think about reversing the statement? If a given group of people claim that their atheism in and of itself should be taken seriously, it would be a good idea to find out precisely what makes these people tick and why studies show that secular societies do better than belief-based societies.Perhaps, instead of being so focused on getting atheists to be interested in religious ideas... you should take a look at what makes atheists tick and why their ideas seem to result in better societies?

Reluctantly I'll agree. It causes anxiety, though.

If nothing else, you may have finally explained what jar always meant when he implored me to "throw God away."And truthfully, if He *DID* exist, i'm sure it wouldnt affect Him at all.Perhaps my only concern would be how such an action would affect *ME*!

Who the fuck is talking about reparations? If you don't follow or understand the context of a conversation and topic how about you don't put in your two cents and drag it off topic. If you want to address what I actually commented maybe I will reply, but probably not. Sick of trolls here.

Panic stricken white supremacists -- that's who.Why they are panic stricken, and why they are so worried about reparations, I do not know. Perhaps it is a guilty conscience.

Hmmm... and if it is about enhancing his own image do you think he'll tell you that? Colour me sceptical. How do we ever know what is in someone's heart? I often question my own motivation. As a Christian i would say that only God knows. Can you provide us with a copy of that study? Ya, absence of evidence is evidence of absence.

Not really. I actually start with the belief in a theistic deity because that makes a great deal more sense to me that does a wholly materialistic world. The only evidence I have ever heard is that they know it couldn't happen because it can't happen, and that they see people dying all the time and they aren't resurrected. What other evidence have you got? With a materialistic view then of course it is impossible. If however, there is a deity that is responsible for our existence then resurrection is plausible. Like I said earlier, resurrection is not my starting point.My first priority is the truth, while realizing that it isn't something I can know to be true.

and while he's learning to fish he's still starving you drooling moron. He won't catch much as a corpse. People in need generally need help NOW! not in 3 months.

I'm sure his malnourished kids will be so grateful to you next fishing season. You really are a fucking moron!

The US middle class is not responsible for feeding the world, despite Ringo's insistence to the contrary. The only reason you don't worry about it is you likely get paid by the government for what you do.

As far as the poor in this country, giving them money won't help change their habits and beliefs. If anything, it will teach them to expect the government to help them.

If you people think for one minute that I would give everything up while the rest of you don't, you are crazy.Jesus may actually agree with you more than He does me, but that's something I will have to work out in my heart. As of now, I don't want a government to legislate what is and is not fair to give up. And I won't vote for anyone who advocates that either.

but you'll still be helping them. What is christ-like about denying help to those in need?

What's NOT Christlike about teaching them to fish(job skills, career help, education) rather than simply handing them a check? They will get food stamp help and section 8 rental assistance as usual but any assistance above and beyond that should be invested in teaching "fishing" skills.

How does it feel to have your arguments regularly shot down in flames by the village idiot, whose IQ is only 9? Your self-esteem must be taking a hammering ...