Christians

[groundpounder]

Old debate is better than no debate Elle.

I might disagree with this. The drumbeat seems to be reaching a crescendo for some reason...:smiley24:

Not much Christian response on this one then! Looks like we can chalk up a point for 'Team Atheist' here. :nod:

That's one of the good things about being a Christian. You don't need to keep 'score.' Teams unnecessary. Peace love and happiness. I don't go around trying to pick arguments with atheists - they tend to come to me. Makes me a happier person, too, not seeking out conflict.

some christians dont feel the need to argue

Makes you wonder why they come to debate forums then! :unsure:

Most Christians don't feel the need to argue. Some do. Like I said, for most Christians it's a peace thing, and not feeling the need to get in the pit. We worry about our own salvation and the rest usually takes care of itself.

Now, to address your OP, I think you are correct. A great many people derive their religious affiliations as a matter of tradition, geography and other socioeconomic factors.

I am comfortable with my choices based upon what I know. My 'religion' is different than that of my parents, and is a product of my spiritual search, not what my ancestors professed. I think you will find, were you to look, a great number of people are that way, as well as your OP being correct, too.

 

[luc154]

I contend that you are Christian due to an accident of the geographical and genetic distribution of differing belief systems?

If you were born in the Middle East with Muslim parents or in India with Hindu parents, do you really believe that you would have still chosen to become a Christian because there exists some significant evidence that it is the 'Truth'?

Discuss!

I contend that you are an atheïst due to an accident of the geographical and genetic distribution of differing belief systems.

If you were born in the Middle East with Muslim parents or in India with Hindu parents, do you really believe that you would have still chosen to become an atheïst because there exists some significant evidence that there is no God?

 

[luc154]

I dont think it matters what religon you follow but the fact that they all have a common purpose, They all beleive in ONE thing and somewhere along the way the message got confused....

Why do you believe that?

 

[pladecalvo]

I contend that you are an atheïst due to an accident of the geographical and genetic distribution of differing belief systems.

If you were born in the Middle East with Muslim parents or in India with Hindu parents, do you really believe that you would have still chosen to become an atheïst because there exists some significant evidence that there is no God?

Yes I would. The lack of evidence for gods would still be there and being a logical person, it would have started alarm bells ringing.

 

[luc154]

Yes I would. The lack of evidence for gods would still be there and being a logical person, it would have started alarm bells ringing.

So, I would also, being a Christian because the lack of evidence for there being no God still remains.

 

[Obdurate]

some christians dont feel the need to argue

lol Yeah really. People complain about Christians "spreading the word" needlessly but look at this thread.
I can't stop religious arguments, though I'd like to, but I just want a certain group of people on both sides to realize they're being knobs, or at the very least, really think about what they're doing.

Edit: Didn't know there was a second page.
First of all, groundpounder... again, a nice real open minded response!

And of course luc154 took the bait...

 

[GraceAbounds]

lol Yeah really. People complain about Christians "spreading the word" needlessly but look at this thread.

Christians are called to the great commission. If they are truly a Christian, they are happy about what has set them free and want others to experience that freedom and salvation as well.

I can't stop religious arguments, though I'd like to, but I just want a certain group of people on both sides to realize they're being knobs, or at the very least, really think about what they're doing.

As long as people aren't putting each other down; argument/discussion is good for both sides. Argument is only non productive when people start attacking each other instead of the issue. Then the discussion is pointless.

Edit: Didn't know there was a second page.
First of all, groundpounder... again, a nice real open minded response!

And of course luc154 took the bait...

luc and gp are on the same side, they just speak differently, as God made them differently. If luc was acting in a way that was disrespectful and rude, then yeah I'd say he took the bait ... but he didn't.

 

[groundpounder]

First of all, groundpounder... again, a nice real open minded response!

well, thank you. That's an awfully nice thing to say to a fella.

Still seeking the root of all the "anti-[insert religious/spiritual pseudonym here]" lately, though. There's an axe to grind in there somewhere, and I'd be interested to know what it is.

 

[Obdurate]

Christians are called to the great commission. If they are truly a Christian, they are happy about what has set them free and want others to experience that freedom and salvation as well.

I just don't think it's necessary to talk about religion to people who don't wanna hear it, whether it's pro-God or anti-God.
Christians, especially, get a bad rep though because of them spreading the word, and sometimes it is a bit extreme. My point was only that both sides need to realize that being extreme about most things is bad.

As long as people aren't putting each other down; argument/discussion is good for both sides. Argument is only non productive when people start attacking each other instead of the issue. Then the discussion is pointless.

Debate/discussion is fine. Arguments are not.
I don't even like religious debates because they tend to lead to argument. I just feel like religion is a personal matter and there's more important matters to debate. Personal preference of mine. I made a post about it somewheres that went into a little more detail...

luc and gp are on the same side, they just speak differently, as God made them differently. If luc was acting in a way that was disrespectful and rude, then yeah I'd say he took the bait ... but he didn't.

I still think luc took the bait because again he's involved himself in this.


Just trying to explain my comments better. I was just commenting on the ridiculousness of this thread, in its current context.

 

[GraceAbounds]

I just don't think it's necessary to talk about religion to people who don't wanna hear it, whether it's pro-God or anti-God.

Not only do I agree ... I'll add to it. It is actually unwise and a waste of time to talk to someone that doesn't want to hear it; time that could be better spent with someone who is receptive and open. But you never know unless you communicate. And even though some of people participating in this discussion may not be receptive, it is possible that people reading are.

Christians, especially, get a bad rep though because of them spreading the word, and sometimes it is a bit extreme. My point was only that both sides need to realize that being extreme about most things is bad.

I'm following you.

Debate/discussion is fine. Arguments are not.
I don't even like religious debates because they tend to lead to argument.

Ok, just a play on us using words differently. I agree with you. But it takes two to argue and if people can stay respectful, like I said ... good can come from it.

I just feel like religion is a personal matter

I don't. I think religion is a very public thing.

and there's more important matters to debate. Personal preference of mine. I made a post about it somewheres that went into a little more detail...

Understand.

I still think luc took the bait because again he's involved himself in this.

I don't because even though some of people participating in this discussion may not be receptive to God's Word, it is possible that people reading this thread are. And Luc as spoken much of God's Truth in it.

Just trying to explain my comments better. I was just commenting on the ridiculousness of this thread, in its current context.

Cool. I appreciate it. I really enjoy talking with you; here and elsewhere on the board.

 

[Obdurate]

Word! I enjoy talking to you too.

I don't have much else to add.

 

[pladecalvo]

I was just commenting on the ridiculousness of this thread, in its current context.

Then why not just ignore it and leave it to those that want to participate?

 

[groundpounder]

*pulls out mirror - points it directly at previous poster*