Why does it matter what religion you follow if you do no harm?

[Satans_Serrated_Edge]

I never said life is free of harm or pain or suffering, but "might makes right" is a pitiful philosophy. We cannot exist without some type of morality, and it is increasingly important on a global scale. Life on this planet will not exist much longer without morality, and that includes environmental ethics. We are all interconnected.

Furthermore, "is" does not indicate "ought." So the universe is indifferent. That doesn't mean we should be. It is our indifference that has led to environmental perils and the threat to all of our lives.

Selfishisness is a part of life and proper within balance and context, but pure selfishness doesn't work. We are interconnected whether or not we like it. We can't serve our own interests, usually, outside of society, and that requires morals. And we cannot sustain our existence within the interconnected web of life without morals.

My what a lot of opinions you have. So you know how things 'ought' to be do you? You and a few billion other believers. Maybe after a few more wars are fought over such ideals everyone will agree. Doubtful though, because things 'are' how they have been since homo-sapiens evolved into the animal we are today, and that's how it 'ís'.

As I feel the universe is infinitely more qualified to tell me how it should be than you are, I would say what 'ís' and what ought to be are one and the same.

I was going to reply to your bit on selfishness but I just don't see how it's relevant to anything.

 

[EverChanging]

The universe doesn't tell you how things should be. It doesn't say anything.

Perhaps when your own life is at risk, your ideas would change. The type of morality I've argued for has been that which would enable life in society and the ongoing life on this planet. If you can't see the value of that -- and I find it interesting that you call me a "believer," seeing as this has nothing to do with a god or even religion -- then you are beyond reasonable and there is no point in having this conversation.

 

[Beta]

In my eyes, it does not matter. And if God is the loving, merciful god everyone says he is, then it doesn't matter to him either.

Most people have an opinion about God without letting HIM have a say . Can man really speak FOR God or should we (those who believe he exists) allow him to speak for Himself ?
This is something some people never think about even when quoting scripture they love to embellish it with personal opinions. We all do it to some extent.
God being loving and merciful does not mean he turns a blind eye to wrongdoing. He means what He says that is why scripture is given for teaching, reproof, correction and instruction in righteousness - to perfect the man (or woman) of God 2Tim.3v16,17.

 

[Satans_Serrated_Edge]

The universe doesn't tell you how things should be. It doesn't say anything.

Of course it does. Deterministic processes that started with the formation of the universe, right on through to the formation of this planet, life, evolution, et al have brought us right to where we are now. The fact that some of you would rather struggle against that than accept it does not change anything.

Perhaps when your own life is at risk, your ideas would change.

Hardly. I am not of the weak minded sort so as to clutch at straws when things don't go my way.

The type of morality I've argued for has been that which would enable life in society and the ongoing life on this planet.

Do you think your commentary is really going to change anything? Good luck with that.

If you can't see the value of that -- and I find it interesting that you call me a "believer," seeing as this has nothing to do with a god or even religion -- then you are beyond reasonable and there is no point in having this conversation.

Hah. There are many things to believe in besides superstitions. Pie in the sky idealism is just as much make believe as is any deity.

 

[*Anne*]

God being loving and merciful does not mean he turns a blind eye to wrongdoing.

I agree.

He means what He says that is why scripture is given for teaching, reproof, correction and instruction in righteousness - to perfect the man (or woman) of God 2Tim.3v16,17.

Can we really say for sure that anything out there is authentically God's word though?

 

[logician]

Thanks for replies.


And I guess I should ask.. what does it matter to god?

Please point out a religion that never has done any harm?

 

[Noaidi]

On Thursday, I was speaking to a christian pupil of mine. He told me - in his words - that I was "steeped in sin and shrouded in evil". This is from a 16 year old boy from a very religious family. I pointed out to him that I have never raped anyone. killed anyone, I no longer involve myself in the killing and eating of animals and I do not drive for environmental reasons and, therefore, do not see myself as a particularly "evil" person. He maintained that I will go to hell and, as he was telling me this, tears were streaming from his eyes, and he was genuinely sorry that I would be punished for not accepting christ.

In light of the thread's title, is this boy's religion doing him harm, given that he sees non-christians in this way?

 

[dust1n]

Please point out a religion that never has done any harm?

Discordianism.

 

[TashaN]

Thanks for replies.


And I guess I should ask.. what does it matter to god?

It would defeat the purpose of our creation. There is no meaning for our life if it doesn't involve God.

 

[Beta]

I agree.


Can we really say for sure that anything out there is authentically God's word though?

The Bible is quite clear that GOD is about faith and not physical evidence Heb.11v6.
Certainty comes from believing and trusting in God.
To help man with this difficulty God sent his Son in Human form bringing us to a closer more realistic relationship with him. A lot of people forget that in the NT we need to come to God THROUGH JESUS. Not understanding Jesus, rejecting him or ignoring him keeps us from an intimate closeness with God. That seems to be the christian teaching.