Ye Religion Thread

[reaper]

Might makes right, and absolute power corrupts, pretty much everything can be traced down to that.  For example, the one king wanted a divorce, but the catholics wouldn't let him, then there were the protestant's or whatever, and then there was fighting.   It doesn't look like religion has much to do with it.

[|iR|Focalor]

Maybe that's because religion really isn't about what any god wants, but about what man wants.

[The Dreaming Dragon]

And speaking of what Man wants,here is another upstanding representative of the Catholic Church dreaming of the return of the Good Old Days...

the Middle Ages !

http://videosift.com/video/Polish-Priest-Yearns-for-the-Middle-Ages

And I'm sure his hypocritical child molesting compatriots never crossed his mind...not enough room.

[quadz]

Watched this DVD this evening:

Letting Go of God by Julia Sweeney.

Wasn't sure what to expect, but it was quite good overall.

I think this amazon.com reviewer described it pretty accurately:

This is a very well done show. While not spectacular in terms of cinematography, or even production, what is really impressive is the writing/organization of the soliloquy. It's dense, yet understandable, it's funny, and it's educational. Definitely thought provoking. Julia Sweeney gets a bit melodramatic at times, but does a excellent job of conveying her sincerity and portraying the honest conflict in herself as she experienced it originally (as opposed to reminiscing about it from the point of view of her current "self"). ... it was filmed "live" during a single performance. This is a very moving story that will stimulate a lot of thought and conversation. -- By Was2Be (Australia)

[reaper]

Look at the nation of Isreal, a very "successful" nation, of relatively short age.  Also look at the number of noble peace prize winners that are jewish compared to the raw numbers of jewish people.  The reasons for this probably has some ties to faith.  Many believe they are the chosen people, so they serve in the name of god.  Of course this is double edged, so it has led to negative things as well - running the banks, responsiblity for the problems, etc.  I also don't believe in stereotypes and people should be treated with respect.

In a sense, it is like a placebo effect.  In WWII, I doubt if people knew for sure that when they died, they are just dead, things would not have been the same.  This effect has lead to the current state of affairs, for good or bad.  I would not stereotype a people in general, for obvious reasons.  The reason most people believe in some type of god, are the conditions on earth, and the natural order of things.  For example, hitler is not running the world, all the elements are there for human civilation, and in my opinion, that is very different from the dinasaurs.  The bottom line is that it is unknown, although I do agree, it seems like a supernatural being would have to be very complex, but the issue is explaining away such good conditions being an accident.

I would also like to point out that factors not involving religion are usually primary in the hatred toward one "people" or another, and the placebo effect seems to have had critical importance in civilization.  Then why if the universe just exists, is this needed, and why does the beauty of the earth, etc., appear as though a higher power is invovled.

Basically I am concerened with the current situation, there is a lot of hate : ).

[quadz]

http://www.examiner.com/x-8947-LA-Atheism-Examiner~y2010m6d15-Touchdown-Jesus-statue-destroyed-by-lightning?cid=examiner-email

A 62 foot tall statue of Jesus that stood along the I-75 highway near Monroe, Ohio was struck by lightning during a thunderstorm Monday night (June 14) and burned to the ground, according to police.
[...]
When natural disasters such as this occur, some evangelicals regard it as an omen or judgement from God. Pat Robertson blamed the recent Haitian earthquake on a curse stemming from a "pact with the devil" Haitians supposedly made more than 200 years ago. In 2005 he implied that Hurricane Katrina was God's punishment in response to America's abortion policy. Similarly, Hal Lindsay, host of the religious network TBN's show, International Intelligence Briefing, claimed that Katrina was proof that God's "judgement of America has begun." Former Nixon special counsel-turned-Christian radio commentator, Charles "Chuck" Colson, speculated that God allowed Hurricane Katrina as a reminder to the United States of the importance of winning the "war on terror".
 
There is no word yet from the Solid Rock Church about any possible divine message to be read in the destruction of "Touchdown Jesus" or any plans to rebuild it.

Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUZ3d1tTbWg

[[BTF]Sigma]

That's Fucking amazing.

I'd love to hear the reason for this.

[quadz]

Din0 posted a before/after on IRC:

[|iR|Focalor]

Gotta love the internet. Shit happens and then gets made fun of at the speed of light. Awesome!

[quadz]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pehhlAU00gQ

"Every religion has stories that are alarming or bizarre. If Religions Were Real shows you those tales in live action, as imagined through the mind of a child."

[The Dreaming Dragon]

http://www.churchofstmarks.com/

You can see if you are POSSESSED!  Simple questionarre to fill out and discover ...

this was the one *I* am afflicted with ...

You may be afflicted with a demon known as MIITAKK
Miitakk is the demon of complacence and slothfulness – many initially afflicted with this demon stop making an effort in any aspect of their lives. Without exorcism or care of any kind those possessed by Miitakk will suffer from bedsores, atrophy of the limbs and other ailments of the immobile. Signs: often those possessed by Miitakk take on a nearly catatonic state, and it is difficult to get them to respond. However, if the afflicted is prodded too much, they can suddenly become violent. Touching cool water causes those possessed by this demon to feel a burning sensation.

Who has the best Demon,folks? Lets find out!

[[BTF] Reflex]

 

No Demon
Rest easy friend, based on your responses to the test, you or the person you care about is free from demonic possession.


I must be the most boring person alive 

[|iR|Focalor]

[reaper]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bm4uGECVyBE

[[BTF]Sigma]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pehhlAU00gQ

"Every religion has stories that are alarming or bizarre. If Religions Were Real shows you those tales in live action, as imagined through the mind of a child."

Fucking !!!GOLD!!!