Do you ever realize that some of the folks you are delivering the message to know the message better than you?

Question

Many atheists, pagans and pantheists have studied the Bible and other religious texts in-depth in their attempts to believe. Some would qualify for degrees in religion, and a few actually hold these degrees. Telling an orthopedic surgeon the difference between a spiral fracture and a greenstick fracture doesn't make much sense, especially after (s)he has already diagnosed a sprain. Do you accept that others have the information, understand it and have dismissed it? Or do you make yourself look like an embacile by telling people who know the scripture better than most preachers to "read the Bible"? The only person who looks foolish in this situation, is the one who THINKS they know better than the poor, pitiful hellbound heathens. Any opinions?

Eartha Q: Judge not lest ye be judged. Open mouth, insert foot.

8 Track Mind: Aye, I myself was a minister and assistant pastor for years. Reading it with an open mind can reveal much that is hidden behind dogma. Perhaps we should both be very happy that we opened our eyes to the truth, and are no longer blinded by religious double talk and rhetoric. Bet that sounds familiar. lol

squirt: Aye my friend, I do agree that we are all cells in a single whole. I do, however, believe that some of those cells are cancer and will damage as many other cells as possible if allowed to do so. Yes, even though my warped sense of humor usually rules, there are times I actually see some members of certain groups as an infectious disease that can only cause harm. I'm certainly glad not all are like that, but enough are to make me wonder about our future.

toodgs: Is it possible to blaspheme against something that does not exist? Doesn't it take some degree of belief to blaspheme? I try, but it just doesn't work somehow. lol

Pardon the spelling errors. I don't pay much attention to such things when on nitro. I'll try to do better next time. lol

Icy Gazpacho: you know as well as I that those "holy" books were written by those who cared not at all about nature and her children. Only power, and ways to enforce their own will upon others. If they held nature and reality in any esteem, most of the wars and atrocities throughout relatively recent history would never have happened.

Answer 1

I was a Minister. I can quote that book forward, and backwards. I am trying very hard to forget it. It is the most illogical and evil book ever published.

Answer 2

True. But, you know what? Underneath all the trappings we are all still one. We are each a cell of the whole. Instead of looking to get off this rock everyone needs to love their fellow human being with pure infinite love. I can tell you the bible forwards and back. Up one side and down another. I don't get into scripture debates because they are always loaded. It isn't about what is actually written there. It's all about the interpretation accepted by that particular denomination.I am a firm believer that what ever causes division needs to be gotten rid of. That my friend is true evil. That which causes racism of all natures also causes the division.

Answer 3

I agree with one point, the only one that looks foolish is the one who thinks they know what a Christian is thinking when they answer a question. I know that a lot of atheists have read the Bible or even studied it. That is not in question. And you don't know how many Christians have studied the Bible also. The difference is, they see one thing when they read it, and we see another. I except that others have read the Bible, and dismissed it, but that doesn't mean that they know the Bible better then most Christians. Maybe they know the words better then some, but not all. Or are you making your self look like an imbecile by generalizing. Because not every atheist knows the words of the Bible better then most Christians.

Answer 4

Many people can take in knowledge and know what the right answers are. Taking your analogy of the surgeon: What makes him this? He was taken in the knowledge and has practiced his skill and learn to use it correctly. This is called wisdom, when knowledge can take action. Now if that surgeon had a horrible bed side manner, you would most likely search for a second opinion. Even if he is considered the best! Many people have book knowledge, yet do not have the wisdom to put what they have learned to use. So someone who has descernment would take in the knowledge of the BIble, learn to use it with skill and use to help other.So it's not a matter of who has the info or not, it's who can use it with humility, patience and grace. Being a know it all, never rubs off well on others.

Answer 5

Embasile ~ Is that the embassy for the holy place of basil sauce administered by the Holy FSM?

Dude ~ imbeciles are ruling the planet. The various "books" seem to forget dear mother Earth... and humanity has forgotten that our ancestors were all born under a tree ~ which is right where we belong when we perish to dust.

Answer 6

One quick comment: Arnon, you're an even bigger idiot than most of these other thumpers. You morons try to force your stupid beliefs on everyone else, then have the audacity to act like atheists are interfering with your rights? You all make this serpent want to puke!

Answer 7

I would not generalize and say all Christians do this. I will agree that there are some with less knowledge on the Subject than myself who think that they know more. What i do get tired of is them telling me that although i have read it. That i do not really understand it. And, that they alone HOLD THE REAL TRUTH. I have a fairly good understanding of the Christian faith having been one for more than half of my life. I find that to be insulting.

Answer 8

We believers do deliver "the message" wherever it is asked for or anywhere anyone will listen. I suggest that if you don't want it or are too smart for it, 1.) Don't listen or, 2.) Don't ask. In other words, Butt out of the conversation.
You see, we are happy to have you join the debate, but if you are going to biotch about it, just pick up your misspelled imbecility and go home to count your IQ level.
No one is forcing you to be religious or a believer. No one is requiring you to join a religion or swear fealty to God. No one is preventing you from declaring your disbelief. In short, no one is shoving anything down your throat. That is what atheists do. They force the removal of nativity scenes, displays of the ten commandments and scream that religious should not practice publicly their faith. Has anyone told atheists they cannot deny God publicly, even in government institutions? No. So if you are unwilling to hear "the message" that's great. We still reserve the right to speak it as you reserve the right to ignore it. We don't have the right to make you listen, you don't have the right to make us silent.

Answer 9

Well concerning healthcare there is the term "idiopathic" which means "I have no idea what I am talking about but I want to sound smart"
I think the term could be used in multiple settings.

Answer 10

Because it doesn't dawn on them that if you "understand" it that you wouldn't believe in it. Look at the answers. "If they understood it then they would believe."
Don't you with YOUR world was so black and white and simple minded? Oh wait....never mind. Who the hel would want that?
I love how they think we are too stupid to know otherwise. I am decieved by my false gods, because I'm not smart enought to make the right choice. They have to think for me.