Society & Culture - 15 August 2007

The original sin was committed when Adam and Eve succumbed to the serpent's temptation, and ate the fruit from the tree of knowledge. This story is found in Genesis, the old testament, and is considered symbolic literature. Since everybody admits such thing never actually happened -even Christians, but i don't know what's the fundies' ideas on this-, then, is there such thing as "the original sin" or not?

2007-08-15 11:52:09 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Religion & Spirituality

and what do you believe happens afterwards ??

2007-08-15 11:49:24 · 43 answers · asked by Anonymous in Religion & Spirituality

I believe that most good hearted people condemn torture of any kind, even for brief periods. If this is the case how does religion get away with teaching eternal torture for those who think differently?

2007-08-15 11:47:06 · 23 answers · asked by in a handbasket 6 in Religion & Spirituality

I sure do but do you?

2007-08-15 11:46:09 · 14 answers · asked by MR.cool 1 in Religion & Spirituality

where did the christian fish sign/symbol come from?
like, whats the story behind it? what does it stand for?

2007-08-15 11:45:18 · 33 answers · asked by ashley y 2 in Religion & Spirituality

2007-08-15 11:44:48 · 70 answers · asked by shermynewstart 7 in Religion & Spirituality

Religions tend to attribute consciousness, intelligence and coherence and consequently a 'big' God...

But what if God is tiny.
Microscopic.
Sub-atomic.

God simply as Energy:
Energy never dies, only changes form.

God manifest as Time:
omnipotent, relentless, the dynamic to everything.

No guiding hand - just a perpetual, dynamic spirit that connects everything - creating, destroying, mutating.

Assume for a moment - just for a moment - this is correct - a big ask, I know, but please... just meditate on this idea.

How does it feel?

2007-08-15 11:44:28 · 16 answers · asked by Tyler's Mate 4 in Religion & Spirituality

l_fidelius_graecus accused me of spouting meaningless, long winded Qs so I could feel good. This one is to prove that my previous elaborate Qs were actually to build foundations before to ask, not like some superstitious people who don´t know what cross-reference and consultation library mean.

So: Religions and cults have filled the emptiness of ignorance with unobserved answers in order to reduce the stress of the unknown for an emerging intelligent species. Today, there are still many things to explain, otherwise superstition would be a thing of the past. But common sense allow us to stand on the shoulders of giants to look a little further than the horizon and scratch superstition from our "big picture".

So, mr l_fidelius_graecus and ilk, are you willing to come up and see reality, or do you enjoy playing in your well trod (and excrement filled) sandbox?

WHAT NEED DO WE HAVE OF A GOD TODAY?

2007-08-15 11:43:23 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Religion & Spirituality

2007-08-15 11:43:20 · 38 answers · asked by >ella~bella< 3 in Christmas

"With that they called them and charged them, nowhere to make any utterance or to teach upon the basis of the name of Jesus. But in reply Peter and John said to them: “Whether it is righteous in the sight of God to listen to YOU rather than to God, judge for yourselves. But as for us, we cannot stop speaking about the things we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:18-20)

Methods have changed over the years as to how we speak about Jehovah and his Son Jesus Christ but the love for both of them is still there always.

What method did we have before books and what many methods do we have today? What methods did we have back in the 30's etc.? The door to door method has worked the best so it needs always, be first at all times, because we get to see people face to face and therefore understand their needs more clearly. But do we not feel the end right at our door to the point we are sick at heart, not more people take note of the times? What other methods can we use wisely before the end?

2007-08-15 11:43:14 · 13 answers · asked by Constitutionally Sound U 1 in Religion & Spirituality

I read an article some years back that stated that the Catholic Church was facing a decline in membership due to secular attitudes, the competition from other growing religions, and scandals within the church. It claimed--and I make no defense of the validity of this claim; I am merely relating what the article said--that there were discussions underway in the Vatican to proclaim the divinity of Mary and elevate her to an equal status within the Godhead as a means to attract new followers. The supposition was that this would make for a more egalitarian, less patriarchal church, and also capitalize on the already great popularity of Mary in many cultures.

As an Atheist, I don't consider the factuality of these claims as important, but rather am interested in whether anyone thinks such a scheme would be feasible. Would proclaiming Mary an equal to Jesus, the Father, and the Holy Spirit open up new possibilities for the Church? If you're Catholic, would this affect your faith?

2007-08-15 11:42:53 · 11 answers · asked by Jack B, sinistral 5 in Religion & Spirituality

2007-08-15 11:42:28 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Other - Society & Culture

If the four books of the gospel really had been altered to make Jesus devine or whatever other claims there are, don't you think they would have made these books indifferent in all of the aspects of Jesus' life? I believe that since the gospels have minor differences, this add authenticity to the writings and shows that Matthew, Mark, Luke and John all had different perspectives. Two people who witness the same things often don't witness the same things - if you know what I mean. I have read in a book called "Letters from a Skeptic" that when archaeologists look at the four gospels as ancient text format (not as the Word of God), it's authenticity and reliability is far better than any other writings in those days. Read the book I've mentioned or look up the subject! And please let your answers be respectful for the sake of others.

2007-08-15 11:40:42 · 12 answers · asked by Adam 2 in Religion & Spirituality

If the "theory" of evolution can be taught, and atheists think the Christian religion is untrue, and therefore the equivalent of a theory, shouldn't the Bible be taught there too? And, some people will say, "Oh, it's all about opinions, and some familys have different beliefs." True, but a majority of the world is Christians, and more people are hurt that the big bang is being taught than if it weren't taught, where only few will be hurt that if the bible were taught. Or, we could teach both, and let the students decide!!??? Sounds fair to me.

2007-08-15 11:39:37 · 70 answers · asked by Anonymous in Religion & Spirituality

And if it did lend a helping hand, would it try to convert the person it was helping?

I honestly don't know the answer to this but I was thinking about it because of the faith-based initiatives that are funneling government money to religious organizations.

2007-08-15 11:38:41 · 26 answers · asked by Anonymous in Religion & Spirituality

a chatloic bishope want us to call GOD alla? he says we use a name just to argure .

2007-08-15 11:38:23 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Religion & Spirituality

I am happy to discuss my own belief with people of all beliefs or lack therof. Just a question, which is generalizing, so maybe the ones it applies to could shed some light on this. It seems that alot of times with SOME atheists, I am told that us Christians shove religion down their throat. Now, on the same token those same atheists sometimes like to come on this section and tell us our beliefs are stupid, wrong, etc. and convince us otherwise. It seems to be a contradiction, I am curious why this happens...

Again, this isnt ALL of the atheist mentality mind you, please keep that in mind

2007-08-15 11:37:09 · 8 answers · asked by Loosid 6 in Religion & Spirituality

Ok here's the deal, I'm getting married next year and I'm getting married at a Winery following the reception. Now obviously there will be wine, and champaign. And I'm debating if I should do beer.... What are your thoughts on that.
Another thing, I'm debating if I should have a DJ. U know cause usually christian's don't listen to "worldly Music" Do you guys think it would be ok to have a DJ, and have him play tastefull music, with no sex, drugs, alcohol, etc.
Or does anyone know a good Christian DJ for the California Area?? ♥
Please help me. I feel that it would be ok. I mean It's just music, and little wine...

2007-08-15 11:36:34 · 7 answers · asked by ♥ inkythecutie ♥ 2 in Religion & Spirituality

I was recently reading some verses in the beginning of the Bible, and it tells about these ancient men living for hundreds of years each. Why is that? I'm confused. Please help me sort this out.

2007-08-15 11:35:51 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Religion & Spirituality

2007-08-15 11:33:37 · 31 answers · asked by scorpus23 6 in Religion & Spirituality

2007-08-15 11:32:38 · 24 answers · asked by Patrick the Carpathian, CaFO 7 in Religion & Spirituality

I don't believe in organized religion but have my own beliefs. My beliefs are kind of a mixture of Taoism and science with life experience. And I'm accepting of others beliefs but am margialized by society. I have a hard time making friends and can't find a girlfriend to save my life. The religious friends I have or have had eventually distance themselves from me. We are supposed to live in a free country so why is it like this you think?

2007-08-15 11:30:00 · 26 answers · asked by InvicibleStar 2 in Religion & Spirituality

do you assume the people aren't coming and not allow for food and beverages for them?

This isn't a wedding but it's a sit-down dinner.

2007-08-15 11:28:18 · 14 answers · asked by daljack -a girl 7 in Etiquette

It's easy to be atheist,or even agnostic;because you're not having to sacrifice or persevere.Essentially the easy way out.

It's hard,significantly harder to be&remain a theist because those with faith are always having to justify to the faithless why&how the spirit is better than the physical.Not to mention that theist are persecuted in the form of people with atheist beliefs doing absolutely everything to surpress&sweep under the rug the beliefs of theist;in som parts of the world theist are killed because of their particular beliefs.And finally atheist will always make excuses not to believe becuase God doesnt operate the same way the physical world does;&to give into God would mean to humble&submit your life to God,which for some odd reason atheist are comepletely against.

Theist have it much harder than atheist;agree or disagree?Why or why not?

2007-08-15 11:28:06 · 38 answers · asked by Maurice H 6 in Religion & Spirituality

Is eating boogers considered cannibalism?

2007-08-15 11:27:41 · 5 answers · asked by Morris M 3 in Other - Society & Culture

My dad has really gotten me scared on watching this thingy on the National Geoghraphic Channel its called Doomsday 2012 every one seems to believe that the mayans had predicted it and people in China. I need help im actually staring to believe this is true and its really scary to me!

2007-08-15 11:27:33 · 18 answers · asked by ™oh..melissa! 2 in Mythology & Folklore

2007-08-15 11:26:56 · 23 answers · asked by moondriven 3 in Religion & Spirituality

How do you know if you've had a past life, and how do you find out about it?

2007-08-15 11:26:52 · 11 answers · asked by purifiedheartbeating 1 in Mythology & Folklore

Some people say it is the crucified Christ, others say the trinity...

2007-08-15 11:25:18 · 19 answers · asked by Gruntled Employee 6 in Religion & Spirituality

She's in her mid-20s

2007-08-15 11:24:52 · 16 answers · asked by Kelly 2 in Etiquette