How do religious people feel about independent thought?

Question

I asked a question about what peoplethink about tithing, and most of the answers said "the bible says we are to tithe". I asked a question about what people thought about resurection, and most answers I got said "the bible says these people were resurrected". I asked a quetion about why people of religion are so judgemental of non-believers, and most answers said "the bible says judge not lest ye be judged, but here in this part of the bible is says we should judge others". I asked a questions about the fairy tale type stuff like Jesus flying, and talking bushes, and how did Noah gather tapyrs from South America for his boat, and all the answers come back as "the bible says it happened, so it must be true". And my question is this:
DO ANY OF YOU WANT TO BUY A BRIDGE? IT'S REAL NICE, YOU MAY HAVE HEARD OF IT IF YOU LIVE IN SAN FRANSISCO. THEY CALL IT THE GOLDEN GATE NOW. But I checked the Bible and it says you can name it whatever you want after you buy it? Cashiers checks is OK.

Okay racam, is that the "truth" you got from the Bible? Maybe you should try independent thought.

Answer 1

this isn't a direct answer to your question because i am not a religious person, but...

if you had a bunch of free thinkers around, then they would be awfully damn hard to control and convince that what is being done in our society is correct and righteous. there would be a complete overthrow of government and all those rich people would be very very sad to have to give up their mansions and goose pate.

Answer 2

Yes I do have independent thoughts on most things. I believe that you should tithe but don't necessarily believe that it has to be money. For instance you can give of your time. I think most people are critical of people that are different from them mostly because they do not understand what the other person is all about. However that is no excuse to be mean or judgmental of them. I think you should hate the sin not the sinner and as far as the bridge goes, I don't really need one right now but I will keep it in mind if I need one in the future.

Answer 3

I don't really think you're selling me a bridge. But I do understand your exasperation with people always saying "the Bible says." If I were to not say those words to you, though, all of a sudden, you might actually believe that it was really my opinion. Which it would be. When people state their source and reason for feeling like they do, I think it is much better than just saying how they feel because they thought it up all on their own. Beware of anyone who stands upon no foundation but his or her own. Any broader foundation (religion, philosophy, parents, life lessons) is far better than one's own untested assumptions.

Answer 4

So, do you think all of your thoughts are original? I think I heard the one about the bridge for sale before.

If you ask a Christian a question about their faith, it makes sense that they go to the Bible to support their answer. Now ask them what they think about the World Cup, the stock market, the war in Iraq, where they want to go for vacation, or what they want to be doing in ten years and I bet you will get lots of different answers. Think of a more interesting question.

Answer 5

if you had a question about how your computer worked, wouldn't you first check the manual written by the folks that made the computer? why, then, does it freak you out if 'religious people' turn to the Bible for answers about life, or that they choose to trust in what the Bible says about things that happened way back in time? now, here's my question back to you: why is it that atheists seem to be so incapable of posting their beliefs, or lack thereof, on this site WITHOUT gratuitous insults or condescension?

Answer 6

I'm a Christian, and I think independently. I also consider the Bible my authority. What sort of independently-reasoned answers did you expect, asking how someone "feels" about tithing or resurrection? Now you're asking how we "feel" about independent thought. How do you "feel" about them yourself? How do you "feel" about the planet Neptune, or the Yellow Pages, or fiberglass canoes?

Answer 7

I am really sorry that you have a problem with what the Bible says. But just remember that one day every knee will bend and every tongue confess the Jesus Christ is Lord. That is not a prediction that is truth.

Answer 8

Thank you for the offer of the bridge :)

--
It is through independent thought that I ended up moving away from Atheism and coming to Christ.

I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html ).

For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence.htm

Cordially,
John

Answer 9

Have you ever heard of the church of the flying spaghetti monster? Now that is the gospel I tell you! I preach the truth!

Seriously though, why is one more or less ridiculous than the other??? I respect everyone's decision to have faith it whatever they wish, but it is faith, not truth, and the nature of faith is believing even in the absence of truth or proof.

http://www.venganza.org/

Answer 10

why try to sell it here. probably get more bids on Ebay.