RELIGION?

DO YOU HAVE ANY RELIGIOUS BELIEFS?

Me personally i have none. i am a non practicing Roman Catholic.
i went to St Bernadette's primary and St illtyds RCHS, Whilst St Philip Evans in Llanederyn was my Parish,and where
I received My First holy Communion.

I have had no choice in any of the above,I was sent to the schools and church by my parents.


But i do not believe in any of it. Does that make me an Atheist?
i once asked my R.E. teacher about " God Created the Earth, and on the 6th day he created Man". Well when did he create the Dinosaurs? her response was "Science is a powerful weapon designed by Man, Only Man Refuses God."

If someone wants to devote their time and belief to any form of religion,then all the best to them.
but personally i will not partake in any involvement.

My Reasons are simple, To believe in it is to say you have Faith in it.
Faith by definition is to believe in something without having actual evidence.

FAITH;Noun
Complete trust or confidence in someone or something.
Strong belief in God or in the doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual apprehension rather than proof.
Synonyms
belief - trust - confidence - credence - credit

My old man was a Glasgow Rangers supporting protestant who married a catholic girl and ended up moving away from Scotland because of the amount of grief they got up there (Different times back then, I realise that). When I came along, they decided to let me make my own decisions when I was good and ready. I will admit that I've come across different religions on my travels and finally decided "F**k that!"

It's an old joke, but the phrase "Religion is just people arguing over who has the best imaginary friend" rings true with me.

My mate Slasher is a "born again" and never misses an episode of Songs Of Praise. He watches it every Sunday religiously.

I have been a Christian since I was 17 and, honestly while it sounds sickly sweet, God changed my life. I struggled to find purpose, meaning and happiness throughout my teenage years and since I had the conversion experience of meeting and finding a personal relationship with God things haven't always been easy but I have had that peace & joy that goes beyond understanding.

I think you misunderstand faith. Faith isn't always believing in spite of no evidence. Faith is rarely stupid. I have faith that my parents won't disown me, I don't know that for sure but I have faith based on past experience of my parents character and actions that this will be the case.

When it comes to faith in God, it's not a case of jumping towards a landing spot that I don't know is there. It's a case of jumping towards a landing spot that has always been there before. In all my study of scripture and experience with God, He has never let me down and His Word has never been found wanting. So that's what faith means to me, I can't see it but I know it anyway.

The Bible describes faith perfectly in Hebrews (11:1)

'Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.'

I always appreciate discussion about this and will answer any questions though I'd prefer it if people kept things civil as more often than not people just say nasty things to you rather than debate you in my experience.

Swanseasalad96 has an "imaginary fiend".

Religion is a means of controlling the masses.
Making individuals believe that a god is watching them at all times, and controlling their conscience.
Here endeth the lesson.

My mate Slasher is a "born again" and never misses an episode of Songs Of Praise. He watches it every Sunday religiously.

I'm born again and I don't like that show because it makes Church look boring! Some Churches are like that but so many are actually a lot more fun than you think

I am not a follower of any religion However my inlaws were catholic and very religious and went to church every week . I had many discussions on the fact they was no evidence and it all came back to faith which I found hard to except as an argument.

However when the old man was very ill and later passed away I witnessed how their faith helped then through this very hard time and their belief and faith that their father was going to a better place was very warming to witness. I have changed my tune on the matter now and think if it is something that the believe in and it gives them joy and comfort why should I judge

Religion may not be for me but I really have stopped judging others who have faith like I use to

Religion is a means of controlling the masses.
Making individuals believe that a god is watching them at all times, and controlling their conscience.
Here endeth the lesson.

Unbelievably simplistic comment.

In North Korea and China the Christian Church operates underground at risk of death if caught. The early Christian Church suffered persecution similarly, actually Christianity grew at risk of death whilst Islam grew at threat of death if otherwise!

Sadly some people have misused their control over religion but saying religion is bad as a result is like saying Football is bad because of Hillsborough. It's not the sport that's wrong it's the choices of those in power.

I have faith in Malky.

Jehovah is the best god at making refreshing beverages as Hebrews a very nice cup of tea.

I have been a Christian since I was 17 and, honestly while it sounds sickly sweet, God changed my life. I struggled to find purpose, meaning and happiness throughout my teenage years and since I had the conversion experience of meeting and finding a personal relationship with God things haven't always been easy but I have had that peace & joy that goes beyond understanding.

I think you misunderstand faith. Faith isn't always believing in spite of no evidence. Faith is rarely stupid. I have faith that my parents won't disown me, I don't know that for sure but I have faith based on past experience of my parents character and actions that this will be the case.

When it comes to faith in God, it's not a case of jumping towards a landing spot that I don't know is there. It's a case of jumping towards a landing spot that has always been there before. In all my study of scripture and experience with God, He has never let me down and His Word has never been found wanting. So that's what faith means to me, I can't see it but I know it anyway.

The Bible describes faith perfectly in Hebrews (11:1)

'Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.'

I always appreciate discussion about this and will answer any questions though I'd prefer it if people kept things civil as more often than not people just say nasty things to you rather than debate you in my experience.

So many contradictions in the bible.
Written and interpreted by so many that so many mistake/misinterpretations are there for all to see.

Religion is a means of controlling the masses.
Making individuals believe that a god is watching them at all times, and controlling their conscience.
Here endeth the lesson.

straight out of the marxism textbook haha

I have been a Christian since I was 17 and, honestly while it sounds sickly sweet, God changed my life. I struggled to find purpose, meaning and happiness throughout my teenage years and since I had the conversion experience of meeting and finding a personal relationship with God things haven't always been easy but I have had that peace & joy that goes beyond understanding.

I think you misunderstand faith. Faith isn't always believing in spite of no evidence. Faith is rarely stupid. I have faith that my parents won't disown me, I don't know that for sure but I have faith based on past experience of my parents character and actions that this will be the case.

When it comes to faith in God, it's not a case of jumping towards a landing spot that I don't know is there. It's a case of jumping towards a landing spot that has always been there before. In all my study of scripture and experience with God, He has never let me down and His Word has never been found wanting. So that's what faith means to me, I can't see it but I know it anyway.

The Bible describes faith perfectly in Hebrews (11:1)

'Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.'

I always appreciate discussion about this and will answer any questions though I'd prefer it if people kept things civil as more often than not people just say nasty things to you rather than debate you in my experience.

So many contradictions in the bible.
Written and interpreted by so many that so many mistake/misinterpretations are there for all to see.

That's actually a myth. I have had so many debates on supposed contradictions and they are always easily explained, usually errors on the finders part or simple not knowing the context.

Dead Sea Scrolls and other historic findings actually only verified the accuracy of scripture rather than the other way. They found the book of Isaiah to be 99% correct to the historic scriptures with only joining words such as 'is', 'are' etc. being slightly out.

The New Testament is one of the most verified and accurate books in history -

http://carm.org/manuscript-evidence

You also have it confirmed by non religious scholars of the time such as Josephus.

I believe in Carl Curtis.

Religion is a means of controlling the masses.
Making individuals believe that a god is watching them at all times, and controlling their conscience.
Here endeth the lesson.

Unbelievably simplistic comment.

In North Korea and China the Christian Church operates underground at risk of death if caught. The early Christian Church suffered persecution similarly, actually Christianity grew at risk of death whilst Islam grew at threat of death if otherwise!

Sadly some people have misused their control over religion but saying religion is bad as a result is like saying Football is bad because of Hillsborough. It's not the sport that's wrong it's the choices of those in power.

Seriously then, why do these all loving gods (of which there are many, and all say we will go to hell if we do not believe in that particular God by the way) let babies die from starvation? Why do these all powerful loving gods let old folk freeze to death? Why is Cancer killing millions world wide?
Misused the word control? I don't think so.
This planet is so small in comparison to this universe we are insignificant.
We are smaller than bacteria in this universe.
In fact we a less than the size of an atom in comparison.
Do you seriously believe there is an entity that is interested and can see everyone's thoughts?
Never in a billion years.
I can show you where nature and science is good. I can show you where people are good
So can I show you where they are bad too.
You can not show me god.

I Believe In Miracles (Don't You?)

I believe in Carl Curtis.

HALLELUJAH

Religion is a means of controlling the masses.
Making individuals believe that a god is watching them at all times, and controlling their conscience.
Here endeth the lesson.

straight out of the marxism textbook haha

Nothing to do with anyone but me.

People say Religion is the Biggest Killer on the Planet, i can understand why they say this.

People say Religion is the Biggest Killer on the Planet, i can understand why they say this.

All in the name of God. Sad really.

Religion is a means of controlling the masses.
Making individuals believe that a god is watching them at all times, and controlling their conscience.
Here endeth the lesson.

Unbelievably simplistic comment.

In North Korea and China the Christian Church operates underground at risk of death if caught. The early Christian Church suffered persecution similarly, actually Christianity grew at risk of death whilst Islam grew at threat of death if otherwise!

Sadly some people have misused their control over religion but saying religion is bad as a result is like saying Football is bad because of Hillsborough. It's not the sport that's wrong it's the choices of those in power.

Seriously then, why do these all loving gods (of which there are many, and all say we will go to hell if we do not believe in that particular God by the way) let babies die from starvation? Why do these all powerful loving gods let old folk freeze to death? Why is Cancer killing millions world wide?
Misused the word control? I don't think so.
This planet is so small in comparison to this universe we are insignificant.
We are smaller than bacteria in this universe.
In fact we a less than the size of an atom in comparison.
Do you seriously believe there is an entity that is interested and can see everyone's thoughts?
Never in a billion years.
I can show you where nature and science is good. I can show you where people are good
So can I show you where they are bad too.
You can not show me god.

I'll take this one question at a time -

'why do these all loving gods (of which there are many, and all say we will go to hell if we do not believe in that particular God by the way) let babies die from starvation? Why do these all powerful loving gods let old folk freeze to death? Why is Cancer killing millions world wide?'

For starts, to even make this question you are making the (correct) assumption that these things are bad things and in the case of many other examples you could make such as war, rape, murder - evil things as well. But to even acknowledge these things as wrong you have to have a universal standard for right & wrong. There is no explanation for one other than a higher power. Without God, there is no real justification for any morality.

Why do bad things happen? The Bible elaborates on this that God made a world without any of these things, but gave humans the choice whether to do right or do wrong. Humans chose wrong and just as a tiny bit of poison ruins a whole drink, the whole world is corrupted by this 'sin'. God gave us a choice, would you prefer to be controlled and forced to do certain things?

All of the things you alluded to because of poverty (babies starving, old people freezing) are because of greed in this world, it's our fault. In the Bible God states you either love Him or money and in the African Scramble in the late 19th century and the various examples of corporate greed today we have taken the resources and money away from these people.

'Misused the word control I don't think so?'

I don't understand what you are saying here?

'This planet is so small in comparison to this universe we are insignificant.
We are smaller than bacteria in this universe.
In fact we a less than the size of an atom in comparison.'

It's incredible isn't it? Some see it as the beautiful work of a creator, others see it as something else but I think we can all appreciate that!

However, isn't it incredible that in this whole universe we are in the exact spot with the exact parameters, to the nearest 0.01 in so many variables, for life to exist. Some say there is life elsewhere but as of yet no evidence and I don't believe there ever will be, it would take faith to believe so right now!

Funny that if information as detailed and complex as DNA came down from the universe we would say 'INTELLIGENCE' but when it is stored within our own bodies we refuse to believe so?

'Do you seriously believe there is an entity that is interested and can see everyone's thoughts?'

Yes. I have asked so many times for specific things to me in prayer and they have happened to come to be 'co-incidentally' when I asked...God speaks to people even today, I know hundreds of people in my own area alone who would confirm that.

I can show you where nature and science is good. I can show you where people are good
So can I show you where they are bad too.
You can not show me god

Science is wonderful though a lot of it is guess based and presupposition based, it takes faith to believe totally in a scientific point of view on anything since Science is always changing and second guessing itself.

Okay, but how do you define good and bad?

I can't make God appear to you but the Bible says in Jeremiah (29:13)

'You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.'

Last edited by mjw6150 on Thu Apr 04, 2013 11:02 am, edited 1 time in total.

People say Religion is the Biggest Killer on the Planet, i can understand why they say this.

Two most deadliest wars in the history of mankind in the last century had nothing to do with religion.

People say Religion is the Biggest Killer on the Planet, i can understand why they say this.

All in the name of God. Sad really.

But then who have people like Joseph Kony of LRA in Uganda seeking to impose a ten commandment rule based society - yet is constantly breaking them by murdering others.

Question is, is this person genuinely acting for God or is he just doing whatever the heck he wants and fooling naive people into believing they are doing the right thing? If the latter, how is this the fault of religion, it is surely a fault of the man.

Religion = Bollocks

Religion is a means of controlling the masses.
Making individuals believe that a god is watching them at all times, and controlling their conscience.
Here endeth the lesson.

Unbelievably simplistic comment.

In North Korea and China the Christian Church operates underground at risk of death if caught. The early Christian Church suffered persecution similarly, actually Christianity grew at risk of death whilst Islam grew at threat of death if otherwise!

Sadly some people have misused their control over religion but saying religion is bad as a result is like saying Football is bad because of Hillsborough. It's not the sport that's wrong it's the choices of those in power.

Seriously then, why do these all loving gods (of which there are many, and all say we will go to hell if we do not believe in that particular God by the way) let babies die from starvation? Why do these all powerful loving gods let old folk freeze to death? Why is Cancer killing millions world wide?
Misused the word control? I don't think so.
This planet is so small in comparison to this universe we are insignificant.
We are smaller than bacteria in this universe.
In fact we a less than the size of an atom in comparison.
Do you seriously believe there is an entity that is interested and can see everyone's thoughts?
Never in a billion years.
I can show you where nature and science is good. I can show you where people are good
So can I show you where they are bad too.
You can not show me god.

So many questions we have and when we are given the answers we have a lot more questions. It asks the question will we ever have no more answers.

Sometimes on such a complex subject the answer is very simple. According to the bible God created Adam and Eve to lead the perfect way. However he allowed them the choice to go his way or their own way. They ate the apple and went their own way hence why we suffer with such terrible things.

People say Religion is the Biggest Killer on the Planet, i can understand why they say this.

All in the name of God. Sad really.

But then who have people like Joseph Kony of LRA in Uganda seeking to impose a ten commandment rule based society - yet is constantly breaking them by murdering others.

Question is, is this person genuinely acting for God or is he just doing whatever the heck he wants and fooling naive people into believing they are doing the right thing? If the latter, how is this the fault of religion, it is surely a fault of the man.

You have to ask yourself,what came first?Man or religion.

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Religion, or none, is a private matter for each individual. Wales is a secular country, with no established church. Live and let live, eh?

People say Religion is the Biggest Killer on the Planet, i can understand why they say this.

All in the name of God. Sad really.

But then who have people like Joseph Kony of LRA in Uganda seeking to impose a ten commandment rule based society - yet is constantly breaking them by murdering others.

Question is, is this person genuinely acting for God or is he just doing whatever the heck he wants and fooling naive people into believing they are doing the right thing? If the latter, how is this the fault of religion, it is surely a fault of the man.

You have to ask yourself,what came first?Man or religion.

That's silly as I can just ask, what came first Man or God? It's called a leading question.

Here is another one - what came first, Man or logic?

:lol:

They are all Hebrew names Because our culture was very Christian over the last few centuries we have adopted the more prominent names in the Bible.