[Fryer Good Shepherd]

Re: Introduction

Logically then, Fryer, knowing this, if you are irrational

never said I was. Was referring to you guys.

[Wide-Open]

Re: Introduction

Did you just call me an animal?

[Fryer Good Shepherd]

Re: Introduction

As you are an atheist, you lack all moral guidance, so I would say that aren't really in a position to call anything "good" or "evil."

If you define morality as obedience to god, then yes, I am less moral than you True Christians.
But as we humans are social animals that must cooperate with each other, we intrinsically know what is good and what not.

so no, saying that all atheist lack all moral guidance is like saying that all True Christians are stupid

[Lost Sheep McUinnean]

Re: Introduction

What a helpful tautology!

Well don't say I haven't taut you something.

[Bible Student]

Re: Introduction

Originally Posted by Absurdist
I come in the spirit of respect and courtesy to seek discussion and perhaps even debate on matters of morality, philosophy and religion.

An absurdist

Dear Absurdist,

Unfortunately this is no debate forum. And why? Because they know very well that you cannot win a debate if you are irrational. I for one would love to discuss and debate these interesting matters with you.

Welcome Absurdist!!

The Fryer

Logically then, Fryer, knowing this, if you are irrational, why would you even think of debating? You already declared up front you would lose.

Go start your own forum and discuss with Absurdity to your heart's content.

[Bible Student]

Re: Introduction

Hello

My name is Scott and I live in Australia.

I am neither theist nor atheist, but rather adopt a philosophical viewpoint known as absurdism. What this basically means is, I believe that although there may be some deep meaning behind life and the universe, I do not and cannot know exactly what it is. (This is similar to agnosticism)

It is not similar to agnosticism it is agnosticism. Who or what would give purpose to the universe except a god? In essence you are saying you cannot know exactly who God is. I have a clue for you. Read the 1611 King James Bible.

[True Disciple]

Re: Introduction

That one day man will see that religion is nothing but a worldview.

We never claimed that it wasn't. However, True Christianity™ is the only correct worldview.

That it is the root of many evil.

As you are an atheist, you lack all moral guidance, so I would say that aren't really in a position to call anything "good" or "evil."

That man will understand that religion is intrinsically intolerant and therefore incompatible with respect for the other.

I never claimed that I respect other religions. After all, the Bible says that followers of other religions should be killed:

Deuteronomy 13:6-10:
If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, which is as thine own soul, entice thee secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which thou hast not known, thou, nor thy fathers;
Namely, of the gods of the people which are round about you, nigh unto thee, or far off from thee, from the one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth;
Thou shalt not consent unto him, nor hearken unto him; neither shall thine eye pity him, neither shalt thou spare, neither shalt thou conceal him:
But thou shalt surely kill him; thine hand shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterwards the hand of all the people.
And thou shalt stone him with stones, that he die; because he hath sought to thrust thee away from the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.

Definitely not! And i don't think I will. I wont go into why though as that would be inciting debate and I've already received an infraction for "Pretending not to believe the Bible is true".

What makes you think that? After all, Jesus, who will do the judging in the end, is very clear that unbelievers go to Hell:

Revelation 21:8:
But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

[Absurdist]

Re: Introduction

You surely don't want to go to Hell, do you?

Definitely not! And i don't think I will. I wont go into why though as that would be inciting debate and I've already received an infraction for "Pretending not to believe the Bible is true".

[Fryer Good Shepherd]

Re: Introduction

Anything in particular you're hoping for?

That one day man will see that religion is nothing but a worldview.
That it is the root of many evil.
That man will understand that religion is intrinsically intolerant and therefore incompatible with respect for the other.

[Cranky Old Man]

Re: Introduction

I am neither theist nor atheist, but rather adopt a philosophical viewpoint known as absurdism. What this basically means is, I believe that although there may be some deep meaning behind life and the universe, I do not and cannot know exactly what it is.

So you have found an extremely complicated way to say you hate Jesus?

[True Disciple]

Re: Introduction

Thank you and hello, True Disciple.

Indeed, creating the world would be somewhat pointless if no one were around to observe and utilise it. Could it not also be said that the universe was created for our pleasure, as well as God's, that we may enjoy it with him?

For True Christians(tm), who will spend eternity in Heaven with God and Jesus, I think that might very well be true.

In fact I have considered Christianity as a faith in the past. It seems like a good religion built on a strong moral bedrock. However I am unable to reconcile theism with my philosophical views. Thank you anyway for your concern for my spiritual well-being.

Well, Scott, if Christianity is incompatible with your philosophical views, I suggest you reconsider those views. After all, God isn't very fond of philosophy:

Colossians 2:8:
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

You surely don't want to go to Hell, do you?

[Absurdist]

Re: Introduction

People consult him on matters regarding Linguistics and translation.

What a helpful tautology!

No faith brother, only hope!

Fair enough, that's kind of where I'm at. Anything in particular you're hoping for?

[Absurdist]

Re: Introduction

Welcome, Scott.

This is, in fact, not as hard a question as it might seem. If you want to know what this "deep meaning" is, just ask God, who, after all, created it. God says that the earth was created to be inhabited (man is the crown of creation, unlike demon-worshiping atheists claim):

Isaiah 45:18:
For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else.

The universe in general was created for God's personal pleasure and glory:

Revelation 4:11:
Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

So, problem solved. I'm glad to have been of assistance here. Have you thought already about accepting Jesus Christ as your Personal Lord and Savior?

Thank you and hello, True Disciple.

Indeed, creating the world would be somewhat pointless if no one were around to observe and utilise it. Could it not also be said that the universe was created for our pleasure, as well as God's, that we may enjoy it with him?

In fact I have considered Christianity as a faith in the past. It seems like a good religion built on a strong moral bedrock. However I am unable to reconcile theism with my philosophical views. Thank you anyway for your concern for my spiritual well-being.

[Fryer Good Shepherd]

Re: Introduction

What faith are you?

No faith brother, only hope!

[Lost Sheep McUinnean]

Re: Introduction

No, Wide-Open, I am not. If I knew this name were so unoriginal I would have picked something else

Mr McUinnean, may I ask what exactly a Linguistics and Translation Consultant does?

People consult him on matters regarding Linguistics and translation.