Religious affiliation

**Generator** · 11 Mar 2004, 9:09 AM

I am amazed that people still think that an ancient text should determine how we act as a society today...
The term popular morality has been thrown around a few times in the past few posts, yet how can anything bar the secularised christian social system be what is popular (not outspoken, but popular) in this country?

Lexicographer, the EU goes far beyond the mere poster for the first few weeks of university, which is why I made the comment. I will admit that the Islamic awareness week also has its own little stall near the library, but they aren't as proactive in their attempts to teach others what they believe to be true. However, neither group is as annoying as the socialists...

**Lexicographer** · 11 Mar 2004, 11:22 AM

Originally posted by aud
blah blah blah

I'm sincerely sorry, but I just can't be bothered arguing with you any more. I've done all this before (three concurrently occuring threads in NS late last year) and quite frankly don't see the need to justify myself or my faith to you. I don't expect you to do that for me, so I say we're even.

Path analogy: I agree to a point, but for the most part that is the stupidest thing I've ever heard. Yes, in any faith system there is a certain level of "calling" to which any adherent is bound to respond, though it is ultimately up to the individual to determine whether or not they wish to accept this call.

Debating against me: Debating is totally impersonal. Here you utterly fail because rather than attack the validity of Christianity and its methods you choose to attack its integrity, unforgiveable practice because it renders anything else you say invalid. Nobody cares if you make the most brilliant point against Christianity unless you can argue in a detached and impersonal manner.

Homosexuality: Not even going to bother. If you choose to subscribe to the idea that Christianity is the big bad monster coming to kill your gay lover then I don't see the point in correcting you. Homosexuality as an ACT is the only thing rejected by the church. The reason we don't hate homosexuals (or rapists, or thieves, or adulterers, or even atheists) is that Jesus specifically said to hate the sin but love the sinner. We are all sinners, and to hate each other for our actions would contradict the very nature of our faith.

"New-Age" concept: This is a term I didn't think I'd have to define. It is a reference to the modern and postmodern rejection of the "old world" cultural norms. Basically anything that wasn't traditional or popular in the Western paradigm before 1900 is considered New-Age (though the term applies more to the rise of Hippy culture of the 1960s and its subsequent peace movement, drawing many obscure practices from Indian and Celtic culture). It's not a reference to time.

Originally posted by olay
before you said it was the "athiest majority" that were pressuring "people to abandon their religious values". and that they believe that "popular morality is "more right" than that taught by my faith."

athiests don't really follow "popular morality". its the very reason why they're atheist - they have their own beliefs on spirituality. i tend to find they're the ones with more individual thoughts on religion. which is why they do not follow any religious affiliations. and i don't see anyone telling them to abandon their religious values. i see athiest saying "you think your thoughts but please don't try to make them mine."

Another term I should reintroduce is antitheist. This is the small group of people who call themselves atheist but rather than ignore religion actively seek to destroy it. These people I truly despise, because by maintaining their grip on the term "atheist" they do an injustice to all the conscientious objectors you have mentioned above.

Originally posted by Generator
I am amazed that people still think that an ancient text should determine how we act as a society today

...

However, neither group is as annoying as the socialists...

I won't argue the point of the text's validity (since this thread is really tiring, what with all the other Christians sudden silence) though I agree totally with you regarding the socialists. I approached their stall once, since I wanted to at least give them a chance to explain their position on things, and was immediately pressured into signing a powerfully worded petition against the police. When I refused the girl pulled some warped moral reasoning (oppressed Aborigines rising up against brutal, racist police) so I pulled into defensive. Grabbing a pamphlet I explained that I didn't think I knew enough about the issues to commit my name to them, but if the information session this pamphlet advertised was open to everyone I'd gladly turn up. As soon as I turned the corner I trashed the flyer and never went near that group again.

**olay** · 11 Mar 2004, 3:48 PM

"preach at all times. use words only if necessary."

**Lexicographer** · 12 Mar 2004, 6:55 PM

Originally posted by olay
"preach at all times. use words only if necessary."

I don't know about the "only if necessary" (since you can't osmose knowledge) but the implications of this message are excellent.

One should live in a manner worthy of notice, always acting as one's faith would expect. By our actions we proclaim our virtues.

whsmith · 14 Mar 2004, 9:05 AM

[I'm a Christian]

I just thought i would provide some other interesting thought..

Alot of people here, Christian, and Not Christian, are going on about understanding others opinions, and recognising them before challange. But quite a number of posts ago, Maybe even Around 6 pages, Some one asked:

"Where's Satanist?"

And you all said things like sickos, and "They shouldn't be in these forums" and stuff like that...

I just want to ask: Did you ask about his Beliefs? Or his reasons behind, bringing up satanism? Satanism can take many many many different meanings.

I think you adopted the " Slaughtering Cows! Maiming The Innocent! Spill the Blood! Ra ra ra Chant Chant Chant - Type Satanists."

I Know a guy at my school who says he is a Member of the Church of Satan, But he doesn't go around Sacrificing Goats, and Setting things alight. He Doesn't Even Believe In Satan!

I say now, That it is possible the come across Extreme followers who do have arcane practices, or "Extremists", But you automatically {im guessing] Put them in that Pile.

I highly doubt that they all, want to be classified with extremists, Juts like Christians, Muslisms, and other beliefs.

Continuing with the guy i know:

They Adopt Satan as a Figure head. Simply a Figured Head. Becuase they dont agree with Christian Teachings. And Who else to be a Mascot other than Satan? Plus, They believe Satan to be a God of Love, And the only provider of free will. And that the Christian God damns people to a life without pleasure and true existance.

My friend's church is very Ethical, If you ever read thier texts, they Hold children in the highest regard, no harm, ever, should come to them [ just an example]. And they believe in respecting other people's beliefs. But not tolerating people shoving it done thier necks. Alot of people my i've talked to, considered them selves Satanist, and least one time in their life, because they filled in so much of the 'criteria'.

I know someone will Jump out at Me yelling, Probably a Satanist, BUT just understand this just One 'denomination' . Im not trying to speak generally.

Juts thought this might spark some interest, or that you might want to look around of the net, and attempt a greater understanding.

**hipsta_jess** · 14 Mar 2004, 9:16 AM

guys, we each have our own beliefs and values and morals, whats the point in arguing them here, its not like we can get people to change their view (or want them to)

**Grey Council** · 14 Mar 2004, 9:16 AM

This might be slightly off topic (actually, quite a bit off topic), but here goes:

Everyone here will have heard of Jameeh Islamiyaa but most people will never have heard of the probably bigger movement known as Tablighi Jamaat.

http://www.internationalscope.com/jo.../zainuddin.pdf

That article pretty much tells everything about Jamaat-e-Islami (not Jameeh Islamiyya) and Tablighi Jamaat. hhee, thats my bit done to ensure that SOME people know more about Islam than terrorism and bombings and killings and "jihad". ^_^

**stuff** · 15 Mar 2004, 9:08 AM

I think that every person (particularly every christian) should see The Passion of The Christ

**Nick** · 15 Mar 2004, 9:48 AM

you wouldnt happen to be mel gibson would you?

**Lexicographer** · 15 Mar 2004, 10:30 AM

I don't think he came from Country NSW

**Generator** · 15 Mar 2004, 1:20 PM

He was educated up on the far north shore of Sydney, so he is just as likely to be a conservative fool as someone from the country (as shown by his 'need' to make this film).

Hehe that turned out to be a highly generalised comment. I wonder how true it would be?

**Lexicographer** · 15 Mar 2004, 7:08 PM

Not likely. Most North Shore Yuppies (the group I assume you're referring to) prefer materialism to actual faith. Most of them proclaim atheism, now that it's fashionable.

**aud** · 15 Mar 2004, 9:51 PM

Originally posted by Lexicographer
"New-Age" concept: This is a term I didn't think I'd have to define. It is a reference to the modern and postmodern rejection of the "old world" cultural norms. Basically anything that wasn't traditional or popular in the Western paradigm before 1900 is considered New-Age (though the term applies more to the rise of Hippy culture of the 1960s and its subsequent peace movement, drawing many obscure practices from Indian and Celtic culture). It's not a reference to time.[/B]

Sorry, sorry, I didn't mean for you to define it for me, I know what it is, what I meant was to say that I don't know why people use it, that's all.

**stuff** · 16 Mar 2004, 3:22 PM

NO Way Hosay (I think thats how you spell that). Wrong Sex. It's so well made. It's not like any movie. More like a documentary or memory. It was so amazing.

I wouldn't call me conservative. Maybe in my beliefs and what I think is right and wrong. But no I don't think that I'm conservative.

Anyhow I believe that Mel Gibson was called to do this movie. He had to make it.

**stuff** · 16 Mar 2004, 3:24 PM

Not all country people are conservative

**aud** · 16 Mar 2004, 9:13 PM

Originally posted by stuff
NO Way Hosay (I think thats how you spell that). Wrong Sex. It's so well made. It's not like any movie. More like a documentary or memory. It was so amazing.

I wouldn't call me conservative. Maybe in my beliefs and what I think is right and wrong. But no I don't think that I'm conservative.

Anyhow I believe that Mel Gibson was called to do this movie. He had to make it.

Jos�, not hosay... what are you talking about exactly?

**Lexicographer** · 16 Mar 2004, 10:17 PM

Originally posted by aud
Sorry, sorry, I didn't mean for you to define it for me, I know what it is, what I meant was to say that I don't know why people use it, that's all.

Yeah I figured you would, but we were also arguing for an audience remember?

Originally posted by stuff
NO Way Hosay (I think thats how you spell that). Wrong Sex. It's so well made. It's not like any movie. More like a documentary or memory. It was so amazing.

Originally posted by aud
Jos�, not hosay... what are you talking about exactly?

Yeah, Jos�. And I too don't quite understand what you're saying. Please use quotes to make it clear?

**stuff** · 17 Mar 2004, 9:04 AM

I have no idea. I thinks it cause I'm from the country. You may have to ask me specific questions. Yeah... I find if you do that I may actually give intelligent, thought-provoking answers.
(I think that I was saying that I wasn't Mel Gibson and that country people aren't all conservative)

**Generator** · 17 Mar 2004, 10:01 PM

Originally posted by Lexicographer
Not likely. Most North Shore Yuppies (the group I assume you're referring to) prefer materialism to actual faith. Most of them proclaim atheism, now that it's fashionable.

You do not have to be religious to be socially conservative (the general group that I was referring to).
It was not the best link given the thread's topic, but eh.

**stuff** · 18 Mar 2004, 9:10 AM

Atheism is probably the hardest "faith" to defend

**olay** · 18 Mar 2004, 4:19 PM

Originally posted by stuff
I have no idea. I thinks it cause I'm from the country. You may have to ask me specific questions. Yeah... I find if you do that I may actually give intelligent, thought-provoking answers.
(I think that I was saying that I wasn't Mel Gibson and that country people aren't all conservative)

*hugs* you're funny.

Originally posted by Lexicographer
I don't know about the "only if necessary" (since you can't osmose knowledge) but the implications of this message are excellent.

One should live in a manner worthy of notice, always acting as one's faith would expect. By our actions we proclaim our virtues.

agreed.

and i think where actions don't suffice and its down to words/osmosis of thought, is where the verbalisation begins.