Author Topic: The Religion Thread (Read 362552 times)

mike c · « **Reply #330 on:** Apr 10, 2012 at 10:45 AM »

yeah, and baka mag landslide when she lands. juuuuuust kidding.

we should ignore, it is exactly intolerance like this that starts holy wars (or the modern equivalent, viral interweb flaming)

especially from "Christians" who should speak no negative towards others and should turn the other cheek.

Moks007 · « **Reply #331 on:** Apr 18, 2012 at 09:52 PM »

Belief in God grows as mortality nears, survey says

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Belief in God is highest among older people and increases with age, perhaps due to the growing realization that death is coming closer, University of Chicago researchers said on Wednesday.

Summarizing data from surveys performed in 1991, 1998 and 2008 in 30 countries from Chile to Japan, the university's National Opinion Research Center found that, on average, 43 percent of those aged 68 and older were certain that God exists.

By comparison, an average of 23 percent of people aged 27 and younger were firm believers in God, according to the report, which gathered data from the International Social Survey Program, a consortium of the world's leading opinion survey organizations.

"Looking at differences among age groups, the largest increases in belief in God most often occur among those 58 years of age and older. This suggests that belief in God is especially likely to increase among the oldest groups, perhaps in response to the increasing anticipation of mortality," researcher Tom Smith said in a statement.

Over the past two decades, belief in God has decreased in most countries, but the declines were modest, Smith said.

Israel, Slovenia and Russia were three exceptions where belief in God had grown. For instance in Russia, non-believers who became believers outnumbered by 16 percent those who had lost their belief in God.

Belief was highest in strongly Catholic countries such as the Philippines, at 94 percent, and lowest in Western Europe, with only 13 percent of former East Germans believers.

In the United States, 81 percent of people surveyed said they had always believed in God, and 68 percent support the concept that God is concerned with people in a personal way.

People were asked about their range of beliefs, from atheism to strong belief in God; their changing beliefs over their lifetimes; and their attitudes toward the notion that God is concerned with individuals.

The countries surveyed were Australia, Austria, Chile, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Britain, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Norway, The Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States.

Klaus Weasley · « **Reply #332 on:** Apr 20, 2012 at 03:58 PM »

Vatican reprimands U.S. nuns group.

Because nothing says Christ-like than living inside a mansion and telling people to stick more closely to doctrine.

sharkey360 · « **Reply #333 on:** Apr 20, 2012 at 07:07 PM »

Quote from: Klaus Weasley on Apr 20, 2012 at 03:58 PM

Vatican reprimands U.S. nuns group.

Because nothing says Christ-like than living inside a mansion and telling people to stick more closely to doctrine.

Vatican obviously wants to have more power and change the nations around the world the way they want to. Don't forget that the Vatican itself will never allow an American cardinal to become Pope as it would cause a major imbalance of world power in their view. Still, the Vatican wants to control America, wipe out dissenters and re-direct America's society.

sharkey360 · « **Reply #334 on:** Apr 20, 2012 at 07:18 PM »

This is what happens when you mix politics with religion.

Take, for example, Paul Ryan’s much-celebrated budget plan. Although the plan is billed as a solution to the debt crisis, it really only does three things: 1) increases taxes on the poor and middle class while decreasing them for the rich; 2) increases an already bloated defense budget; and 3) slashes all other areas of the government, often by severe proportions.

And while Paul Ryan is busy advocating further tax breaks for millionaires, Congressional Republicans have advanced a measure that would make draconian cuts to food stamp programs. The effort would make it harder for families to get on nutrition assistance programs (food stamps), give them less money while they’re on the rolls, and kick them off quicker and more easily.

It’s amazing that Republicans can even keep a straight face while threatening to cut off the only food available to hundreds of thousands of poor families. What’s even more shocking, though, is how they claim that their position is supported by Jesus and the Bible.

Mr. Ryan, a Catholic, told NPR, “Through our civic organizations, through our charities — through all of our different groups where we interact with people as a community — that’s how we advance the common good.”

He fails to realize, however, that if our government suddenly decided to get out of the social aid business and just drop all welfare, food stamp, Medicaid, and disability recipients onto the doorstep of civic organizations and charities, they would all go broke and thousands of people would die. Suddenly we would become aware that “big government” does, in fact, perform a necessary function, one that the private sector doesn’t have the means or desire to manage.

The arguments that these conservatives do have are tenuous at best, relying on shaky interpretations of a few verses (even claiming, ridiculously, that one parable teaches opposition to unions). Richard Land at the Southern Baptist Convention is in Ryan’s camp. “The Bible tells us that socialism and neo-socialism never worked,” he says. “Confiscatory tax rates never worked.”

Actually, the Bible never uses the word “socialism.” In fact, there are scores of verses that support a compassionate approach to helping the poor, regardless of who has to undertake the mission. Even a handful of these verses should be enough to convince even the most hard-headed among conservative Christians. Here are just a few:

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“However, there should be no poor among you, for in the land the LORD your God is giving you to possess as your inheritance, he will richly bless you.” Deuteronomy 15:4

“Do not take advantage of a widow or an orphan.” Exodus 22:22

“He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor, his righteousness endures forever; his horn will be lifted high in honor.” Psalm 112:9

“If one of your countrymen becomes poor and sells some of his property, his nearest relative is to come and redeem what his countryman has sold. . . . If one of your countrymen becomes poor and is unable to support himself among you, help him as you would an alien or a temporary resident, so he can continue to live among you. . . . If one of your countrymen becomes poor among you and sells himself to you, do not make him work as a slave.” Leviticus 25:25, 35, 39

“Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly.” Leviticus 19:15

“All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.” Galatians 2:10

“But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind.” Luke 14:13

“If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:17-18

http://www.addictinginfo.org/2012/04/16/paul-ryan-thinks-jesus-endorsed-ignoring-the-poor/

sharkey360 · « **Reply #335 on:** Apr 20, 2012 at 07:27 PM »

Pat Robertson: Poor Jews Don’t Understand Anti-Semitism – I Do

http://www.addictinginfo.org/2012/04/19/pat-robertson-says-poor-jews-dont-understand-anti-semitism-i-do/

ATJr. · « **Reply #336 on:** Apr 21, 2012 at 07:03 AM »

imho, it is wrong to blame the Jews for the death of Christ.......Christ had to die, the sacrificial lamb of God died on the cross so that sins of the world can be forgiven, Jews included....

dpogs · « **Reply #337 on:** Apr 21, 2012 at 10:29 AM »

Quote from: TonyT on Apr 21, 2012 at 07:03 AM

imho, it is wrong to blame the Jews for the death of Christ.......Christ had to die, the sacrificial lamb of God died on the cross so that sins of the world can be forgiven, Jews included....

that is true... no one take the life of Christ... He willingly gave His life... so that we might live.

ATJr. · « **Reply #338 on:** Apr 21, 2012 at 02:13 PM »

Quote from: sharkey360 on Apr 20, 2012 at 07:27 PM

Pat Robertson: Poor Jews Don’t Understand Anti-Semitism – I Do

http://www.addictinginfo.org/2012/04/19/pat-robertson-says-poor-jews-dont-understand-anti-semitism-i-do/

Pat Robertson wanted to become US president, just like a minister here, but their Gods don't allow them......tha't's God's justice....

sharkey360 · « **Reply #339 on:** Apr 23, 2012 at 08:10 AM »

American Nuns Reject Vatican’s Orders – Say They Are Not Going To Stop ‘Caring For The Least Among Us’

The Vatican is right in that the LCWR is a liberal organization. Their website addresses income inequality with documents like this, in support of the Occupy movement, or this, in support of families of immigrants. These sisters are free-thinking women, an idea that goes against the grain of the “modern” Catholic church, which refuses to budge from the 16th Century.

The nuns aren’t alone in Catholics that are at odds with the Church hierarchy. The majority of American Catholics support same-sex marriage, a change from just two years ago. The church, however, is taking a very political stance against same-sex marriage.

In March, (Archbishop) Nienstedt was one of 13 bishops from Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota who met with Pope Benedict XVI to report on affairs in their diocese. According to The Catholic Spirit, “Archbishop Nienstedt told Pope Benedict that ‘all the bishops are resolved to take this opportunity that we have in the political area to catechize in the religious area, to catechize about the meaning and the sanctity of marriage.’

The Catholic church has also taken a strong political stance against the Affordable Healthcare Act (aka Obamacare) for its policy that all health insurance companies must cover hormonal contraception.
The LCWR has come out in favor of the Affordable Healthcare Act, but not because of its contraception mandate, and only after being assured that abortions will not be covered. The group sees affordable healthcare as a necessary step in battling poverty. The nuns have been silent on issues of same-sex marriage and on birth control and that is where they have been at odds with the church.

http://www.addictinginfo.org/2012/04/22/american-nuns-reject-vaticans-orders-say-they-are-not-going-to-stop-caring-for-the-least-among-us/

Klaus Weasley · « **Reply #340 on:** Apr 23, 2012 at 01:28 PM »

Bravo to the nuns!

Klaus Weasley · « **Reply #341 on:** Apr 25, 2012 at 11:52 AM »

An interesting article on atheists in the Philippines.

Here's a quote by Bishop Bacani:

Quote

“These so-called atheists love with a great altruism, they really love their fellow man and even have a passion for justice and what is right and good. Those people really believe in God in their hearts, but they will not admit that.”

He seems to think that there's no such thing as a truly good atheist. If you see atheists who are doing good work, it must mean that deep down inside, they believe in God. He seems to think it's crazy that a person can truly be good without believing in a deity.

Any thoughts on that?

Nelson de Leon · « **Reply #342 on:** Apr 25, 2012 at 01:10 PM »

Quote from: Klaus Weasley on Apr 25, 2012 at 11:52 AM

An interesting article on atheists in the Philippines.

Here's a quote by Bishop Bacani:

He seems to think that there's no such thing as a truly good atheist. If you see atheists who are doing good work, it must mean that deep down inside, they believe in God. He seems to think it's crazy that a person can truly be good without believing in a deity.

Any thoughts on that?

IMHO, I think it's normally possible to do good things with or without belief in a diety or any diety in particular. nagkaka-iba lang sa personal intentions ng pag-gawa ng good works. For others, they do it to glorify themselves, as a passport for salvation, normal lang sa kanila (as a person or as a community), command ng diety or as a result of their faith.

sharkey360 · « **Reply #343 on:** Apr 25, 2012 at 01:52 PM »

Quote from: Klaus Weasley on Apr 25, 2012 at 11:52 AM

An interesting article on atheists in the Philippines.

Here's a quote by Bishop Bacani:

He seems to think that there's no such thing as a truly good atheist. If you see atheists who are doing good work, it must mean that deep down inside, they believe in God. He seems to think it's crazy that a person can truly be good without believing in a deity.

Any thoughts on that?

Bacani is completely out of touch! It is proven possible that a person can be decent and do good in life without religion or any worship of a deity.

Pillow · « **Reply #344 on:** Apr 25, 2012 at 03:19 PM »

I think athiest who do good are genuinely doing so without thinking about the rewards they would reap later, as opposed to believers who perform good deeds thinking this will earn them a free pass come judgement day.

Klaus Weasley · « **Reply #345 on:** Apr 25, 2012 at 04:39 PM »

Quote from: Pillow on Apr 25, 2012 at 03:19 PM

I think athiest who do good are genuinely doing so without thinking about the rewards they would reap later, as opposed to believers who perform good deeds thinking this will earn them a free pass come judgement day.

Which I think makes them superior to those types of believers.

Nelson de Leon · « **Reply #346 on:** Apr 25, 2012 at 06:02 PM »

Quote from: Pillow on Apr 25, 2012 at 03:19 PM

I think athiest who do good are genuinely doing so without thinking about the rewards they would reap later, as opposed to believers who perform good deeds thinking this will earn them a free pass come judgement day.

I agree with you. But there are also other believers who perform good deeds because it's a natural thing for them due to their faith. Ang alam ko nga, for those who's faith relies on the Bible, that deeds or works cannot be a pass for heaven or judgement day.

dpogs · « **Reply #347 on:** Apr 25, 2012 at 08:06 PM »

Quote from: Pillow on Apr 25, 2012 at 03:19 PM

I think athiest who do good are genuinely doing so without thinking about the rewards they would reap later, as opposed to ~~believers~~ who perform good deeds thinking this will earn them a free pass come judgement day.

those are the religious ones... they are not believers...

ATJr. · « **Reply #348 on:** Apr 26, 2012 at 04:46 AM »

dogmatics.......interested only in the letters and words of the book.....not about serving humanity.....not about emulating the life of Christ...

sharkey360 · « **Reply #349 on:** Apr 26, 2012 at 04:49 PM »

Klaus Weasley · « **Reply #350 on:** Apr 26, 2012 at 05:32 PM »

sharkey360 · « **Reply #351 on:** Apr 26, 2012 at 09:56 PM »

sharkey360 · « **Reply #352 on:** Apr 26, 2012 at 10:06 PM »

What do you think of this?

http://news.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981285374

ATJr. · « **Reply #353 on:** Apr 27, 2012 at 05:09 AM »

the story of adam and eve is just that a story.....

JT · « **Reply #354 on:** Apr 27, 2012 at 02:26 PM »

Quote from: sharkey360 on Apr 26, 2012 at 10:06 PM

What do you think of this?

http://news.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981285374

Is this the official stand of the Vatican? Have they officially teaching and preaching this?

I think this is just isolated, this Cardinal is just speaking for himself of he personally believes.

Klaus Weasley · « **Reply #355 on:** Apr 27, 2012 at 02:40 PM »

Quote from: JT on Apr 27, 2012 at 02:26 PM

Is this the official stand of the Vatican? Have they officially teaching and preaching this?

I think this is just isolated, this Cardinal is just speaking for himself of he personally believes.

I know that the Vatican accepts evolution and natural selection and cautions against taking the Bible too literally.

I don't know if they came out and said Adam and Eve didn't exist and was a myth.

ATJr. · « **Reply #356 on:** Apr 27, 2012 at 03:01 PM »

years ago the Church wouldn't hear of the earth orbiting the sun, or that the earth was round sphere...they believed the earth was flat.... during those times if you publish your ideas, you can be killed....thanks that those days are gone....

Quote

cautions against taking the Bible too literally

the proliferation of those churches with the likes of David Koresh, and Rev. Jim Jones...brings sad memories...

or those strange cults, Like the AKO which predicted the end of the world...and came back empty handed....

strange religions that teaches that you can be stealing from God....

JT · « **Reply #357 on:** Apr 27, 2012 at 05:18 PM »

Quote from: Klaus Weasley on Apr 27, 2012 at 02:40 PM

I know that the Vatican accepts evolution and natural selection and cautions against taking the Bible too literally.

I don't know if they came out and said Adam and Eve didn't exist and was a myth.

Actually, every generation yata may binabagong teachings ang Vatican. I thinks its just a matter of time na acceptable na rin nila na Adam and Eve was a myth. Like Vatican now supporting the possibility of aliens (and even funding it) while before eh condemning it.

Thats what happens kapag hinaluan yung bible ng traditions at wisdom & knowledge of this world. Magiging pabago-bago ang doctrina, pabago-bago ang truth. May mga sections ang bible not to be taken literally and it is confirm thru cross-referencing the verses. But Adam and Eve were clear true characters in the bible. And their names even referenced in the new testament. I think National Geographic researchers has also affirms that mankind has originated from a single man and woman only, I cant remember their project name.

ATJr. · « **Reply #358 on:** Apr 27, 2012 at 07:14 PM »

The only truth in the bible that makes sense to me is Jesus's admonition to all of us to love one another as we love Him.....

all the others like whether Adam and Eve were true does not matter anymore.....

sharkey360 · « **Reply #359 on:** Apr 27, 2012 at 07:27 PM »

In America, the Tea-bag Party idolize Ronald Reagan yet their idol differed with them on religion.