I myself, am an atheist and as such do not believe in any higher power. I personally believe and it is only under my personal opinion that it wasn't God or faith that gathered so many followers but the europeans. Although my understandings of events isn't clear and I don't mean to rant or offend anyone, but it seems that when europeans arrived on the new world they forcefully spread the word of Christ and even stamped out most pagans in the land. So in my humble opinion I believe that it wasn't God that is great but the desires of men.
2006-11-30 05:16:12 · 9 answers · asked by Euthanasia Thought 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I must ask that, while I enjoy your opionions(*Spelling Mistake*) and I wish to understand the core belief structure of a higher power. I do not desire to believe. My beliefs are the lack of belief and I would appreciate if everyone believers and non respected that. Thank you.
2006-11-30 05:41:49 · update #1
It was the Roman Catholics that gradually, forcefully and finally violently stamped out the old European pagan societies and crammed religion down their throats at sword point or by burning, torturing, hanging and drowning. It was only through the power of King and Country that these tactics were finally curtailed. When our forefathers established the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights it sounded the death knell for religious intolerance and tyranny. But it's not quite all the way dead yet, real freedom for all requires constant vigilance.
2006-11-30 05:32:05 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, let me challenge your claims that you do not believe in a higher power.
Having authoritatively declared there to be no higher power, you have made yourself omniscient - you know all and know that there is no God.
You have also made yourself omnipresent - how do you know there's not a god somewhere hiding behind an asteroid? I speak in jest, but I hope you can see my point - you have made yourself your own god.
Your reasoning as to the spread of "Christianity" has a fundamental flaw: you are equating the spread of those that have a false pretence of Christianity with the spread of true believers in Jesus Christ.
After Constantine made Christianity his official religion, it became "fashionable" and also imperative to be a "Christian." (I believe that the worst thing that ever happened to Christianity was Constantine's Edict of Milan) The Europeans then embraced Constantine's religion, receiving the sacrament of Baptism to be safe from his persecution. Many, many false believers were added to the "Church," and ever since Christianity has been a major world religion.
I must argue that true Christianity - those that receive believe Jesus Christ is God of very God and depend on Him alone for salvation from sin and life here on earth - has grown of the work of God, and not imperialism or coercion. Jesus Christ told His disciples, "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations..."
True Christians spread the good news that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to die as the sacrifice for the sins of mankind; that Jesus Christ rose from his tomb, according to the Scriptures; and that all one must do to be saved from sin is believe that He will do it, and accept the gift of God (Romans 6:23)
Look, there is nothing in that "good news" that is appealing to the human appetite. No promise of wealth here on earth, no promise of supernatural health while here, no promise of care-free and problem-free living.
If that message is appealing to any, it is a work of God. God must draw a person to Himself.
By the way, there is a God, and He wants you to know Him. He gave you the Bible. Read it. If you want the truth, ask Him for it. He will confirm it in your heart that it is the truth, if you will ask him to. Don't be afraid. Try it!
2006-11-30 13:35:55 · answer #2 · answered by grounded_firmly 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a decaying faith in which people have shown doubts on grounds of scientific and historical truth. Conversion of poor and uneducated people is strongly resented all over the world. The Christian Missionaries are rethinking on this business whether to continue or not.
2006-12-02 02:13:37 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think of Christianity as being untrue, and as taking up far too long a portion of my own life in the past.
I agree with your comments about the forceful spreading of the religion, and I would add that I think the gospel accounts of Jesus were largely influenced by gods like Mithras, Horus, Attis, Osiris, Dionysos, and so on.
2006-11-30 13:19:44 · answer #4 · answered by Snark 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
like a swan which separates milk and water, a person is to take the good essence from any school of thought. JESUS died for us. many people inspired by Christianity, are doing service to the needy,downtrodden, depressed and marginalized sections of the society in every country. people like MOTHER THERESSA, MAHATMA GANDHI were inspired by the preachings of JESUS. HE sacrificed his life but not advocated violence. imperialism of western countries can not be equated with the preachings of Jesus.
2006-11-30 13:27:50 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
good theory i to do not believe in a higher being but if they could prove some of the crap they talk about i might just change
2006-11-30 13:18:52 · answer #6 · answered by mothertiggy 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's another religion of the Abrahamic faiths.
2006-11-30 13:20:53 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
We accept your lies, uh, I mean opinion.
2006-11-30 13:18:25 · answer #8 · answered by Fish <>< 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Christianity is crap.
2006-11-30 13:17:36 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋