Why did you mention religion in quotes?
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Why did you mention religion in quotes?
Subduction Zone
Veteran Member
No, cherry picking is not an example of positive results.
To indicate that it's the term we still use, even if what we're saying about religion isn't necessarily reflective of @adrian009 's religion specifically.
PureX
Veteran Member
You don't get to decide what are positive results for other people. We have to assume that theists remain theists because they obtain some positive result from doing so. And if you ask them, I am quite sure they will affirm this presumption.
I think believing in God is not something people do because its easy. Its more difficult to believe in God because you have to strive and change your ways. How is it more convenient to believe in Jesus than to be a non believer?
PureX
Veteran Member
It's not a question of ease, it's a question of value, and of meaning, and of purpose, for most people (I think).
That depends a lot on whether you have Christian parents who would kick you out or disown you for being an atheist.
Audie
Veteran Member
Maybe they stick with it for fear of
eternity on the toaster.
If belief that they will get a reward after death
Is somehow a positive result, let them have it.
Psychological crutch and whatnot.
PureX
Veteran Member
If they are that easily coerced, then perhaps it's best they stick with it.
Especially since no one can prove that they're hopes are unfounded.
One man's psychological crutch is another man's utopia. Such is the nature of free will.
I dont think most atheists are atheists for that reason. Atheism is convenient because it fits people's lifestyles. A Christian parent wouldn't disown their kid for being an atheist. God didn't push people away. He reached out to the most troubled people and tried to help them. I wasn't saying atheists are the most troubled people its just an example. If I was a parent and my kid was an atheist I would say its between you and God and I'm still gonna talk to you but I can't agree with this.
Audie
Veteran Member
You are so no fun. Whats to argue about there??
PureX
Veteran Member
Once you finally realize that I'm always right, the argument disintegrates! I'm just magical that way!
When we do the right thing, its not even because we fear hell its because its the right thing to do.
Just because we don't see God doesn't mean that its evidence of absence.
How is Christianity a crutch? A person with cerebral palsy needs a crutch-them needing help isnt a bad thing. Im not saying that Christianity is a crutch by saying some people need crutches, its an example. We are to seek God because God is like our parent and wants us to have a relationship with Him, not because of any support or assistance we get from God. Relying on God is not excessive. People reject God because of free will too.
What do you mean by value? I believe that the meaning of life is to know God and enjoy him forever. People who don't want to have a relationship with God try to find that purpose and desire that is meant to be filled by the God shaped hole in our hearts, with things like relationships and money and prestige and entertainment and travel. The human heart is like an nut and God is the bolt that that nut attaches to but we mistaken what that nut is for and we dip it in various cups.
PureX
Veteran Member
One would certainly HOPE so!
I don't see the air I breath, either (most of the time), nevertheless, I keep breathing.
If one is prone to falling over, TAKE THE CRUTCH! That's what I say.
PureX
Veteran Member
That's one scattered metaphor!
But I get the idea of filling that bottomless hole. I was an alcoholic for 20 years. I think the point is finding out what has real value, as opposed to being an empty imitation of value, and then engaging in that.
Cooky
Veteran Member
who are YOU to decide what is nonsense for another? What an arrogant, pathetic, argument.
One would certainly HOPE so!
I don't see the air I breath, either (most of the time), nevertheless, I keep breathing.
If one is prone to falling over, TAKE THE CRUTCH! That's what I say.
So how does Christian people acting a way insinuate that they do it because of a fear of hell?
Thats why I believe in God.
I agree with what you said about needing God's help, but how does that make God a crutch?
That's one scattered metaphor!
But I get the idea of filling that bottomless hole. I was an alcoholic for 20 years. I think the point is finding out what has real value, as opposed to being an empty imitation of value, and then engaging in that.
How is what I said a scattered metaphor?
Do you think that your addiction was related to trying to fill a void? I think that addictions are related to a misguided way of people trying to fill a void or deal with stress. I think that that void people have where they don't have a feeling of real value, is relating to not having God a part of their life. Do you agree with that?
PureX
Veteran Member
I think in some people's bodies (brains), chemical substances create a false sense of spiritual euphoria. And it can be so powerful that chasing after it becomes an immediate obsession. I also think some people get a similar false sense of euphoria from some religious rituals, and can become equally addicted to them. I think we need to be very wary of these "shortcuts to God/heaven".