Here we go again, another blog/note on religion...
Consider if you will the following scenario:
(no, it is not about anyone...it is a generalized chain of events)
A person who is non-religious is approached by someone who is a very religious person.
This religious person shares their Truth with the non-believer.
This Truth is the only way, but it will save that person and save anyone who accepts it as truth.
--
The non-believer might be skeptical at first, but "gives it a try".
Upon reading and discussing the new concept, the non-believer now believes and everything seems clear.
--
From that day forward, the new believer has found peace, happiness and truth.
They will accept what is known and will never turn back to once was.
The past is full of distortion, lies and nothingness.
In order to have strength and Faith, this person must shut their minds to any other possibility.
Becoming completely closed-minded, for without a doubt they have found Truth.
==
This is my problem (one of many) with religion.
It is okay to be open-minded to consider religion, but as soon as you are in, there is no turning back.
What if that particular faith is wrong?
I have witnessed people being given a hard time, for following their hearts and searching for the truth.
Shouldn't we always be open?
Think about it from the other side.
If we want someone to consider our opinion, they must first be open-minded.
Without being open-minded, their opinion means absolutely nothing to the other person.
The truth should be about finding what makes sense, what feels right.
It should not be about blindly following what someone tells us we must follow.
And if we are not following or accepting it, we are in denial and believing lies.
To that, I bring back the previous point.
What about other religions, faiths, mindsets, etc?
Wouldn't the most ideal, reasonable, rational and logical approach be the following:
To consider all viewpoints, faiths, holy books, etc and then determine which one is right?
It's easy to use circular logic to back up one viewpoint, but without stepping outside the box (circle) or considering the other viewpoint, nothing productive is going to be accomplished.
The problem that might be most glaring, is the inability to understand and see other viewpoints.
I have not come to where I am by being fed up with my previous religion.
I was not sick or tired of anything.
I didn't need to rebel or "deny" what was Truth.
I followed a search for the truth, which began by trying to justify my initial beliefs with an open mind.
When we shut our minds, we ignore all that is around us and of course we will not change our course.
Take a minute, consider other viewpoints or at least consider another side.
It is not about chance that many people come to believe...
Friends, family, environment, culture, etc.
I have noticed a pattern...
Although it is not the case for 100% of the time, but I see a common, more probable outcome.
The outcome is that when people open their minds and consider all other sides, they come to the same thing that I have.
Just my $0.02,
Quincy
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Monday, April 14, 2008
An Invitiation to all Christians (everyone else too)
I invite you all to let me interview you, either on camera, on paper or online, about your religion.
What do I want to know? I want to know what you believe and why you believe it. If you want to be open and have a discussion with me, I will ask more questions. I want to know why people believe in what they believe in and be able to have a civil conversation with someone who's beliefs differ substantially from mine.
The catch? Anything that either of us says can be repeated, posted or otherwise noted. I've talked with several Christians already and I'm a bit baffled by the fact that many of them will tell me things that I am "not allowed to repeat." Are Christians hiding something? I would think not...
Send me a message, a response, a reply, an email (quincyq03ATgmail.com) and share with me!
(even if you are not a Christian, feel free to respond...that why I can get other sides, opinions and stories as well...and maybe share them!)
What do I want to know? I want to know what you believe and why you believe it. If you want to be open and have a discussion with me, I will ask more questions. I want to know why people believe in what they believe in and be able to have a civil conversation with someone who's beliefs differ substantially from mine.
The catch? Anything that either of us says can be repeated, posted or otherwise noted. I've talked with several Christians already and I'm a bit baffled by the fact that many of them will tell me things that I am "not allowed to repeat." Are Christians hiding something? I would think not...
Send me a message, a response, a reply, an email (quincyq03ATgmail.com) and share with me!
(even if you are not a Christian, feel free to respond...that why I can get other sides, opinions and stories as well...and maybe share them!)
An Invitiation to all Christians (everyone else too)
I invite you all to let me interview you, either on camera, on paper or online, about your religion.
What do I want to know? I want to know what you believe and why you believe it. If you want to be open and have a discussion with me, I will ask more questions. I want to know why people believe in what they believe in and be able to have a civil conversation with someone who's beliefs differ substantially from mine.
The catch? Anything that either of us says can be repeated, posted or otherwise noted. I've talked with several Christians already and I'm a bit baffled by the fact that many of them will tell me things that I am "not allowed to repeat." Are Christians hiding something? I would think not...
Send me a message, a response, a reply, an email (quincyq03ATgmail.com) and share with me!
(even if you are not a Christian, feel free to respond...that why I can get other sides, opinions and stories as well...and maybe share them!)
What do I want to know? I want to know what you believe and why you believe it. If you want to be open and have a discussion with me, I will ask more questions. I want to know why people believe in what they believe in and be able to have a civil conversation with someone who's beliefs differ substantially from mine.
The catch? Anything that either of us says can be repeated, posted or otherwise noted. I've talked with several Christians already and I'm a bit baffled by the fact that many of them will tell me things that I am "not allowed to repeat." Are Christians hiding something? I would think not...
Send me a message, a response, a reply, an email (quincyq03ATgmail.com) and share with me!
(even if you are not a Christian, feel free to respond...that why I can get other sides, opinions and stories as well...and maybe share them!)
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Why People Believe in God
A new video from me on religion...a consideration of the reasons why people believe in God.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0erlSfYUapo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0erlSfYUapo
Monday, April 7, 2008
Homosexuality: A Sin, the Biblical Case
why is homosexuality NOT a sin? If God deems it so, shouldn't that be enough whether humans agree with it or not?
That's my point, anyone who takes the Bible seriously as the Word of God and that it is perfect and flawless, "knows" that homosexuality is a sin.
There are people (Christians) who try to defend it, but there's really no case if you take the Bible seriously.
The first section includes fairly clear and straightforward references to homosexuality being a sin.
The second section includes verses that seem to have some relevance, although it is not necessarily direct or clear, on the subject.
Genesis 13:13
But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.
Leviticus 18:22
Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.
Leviticus 20:13
If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.
1 Kings 14:24
And there were also sodomites in the land: and they did according to all the abominations of the nations which the LORD cast out before the children of Israel.
Romans 1
26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
---
Leviticus 22:5
The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.
Deuteronomy 23:
17 Thou shalt not bring the hire of a whore, or the price of a dog, into the house of the LORD thy God for any vow: for even both these are abomination unto the LORD thy God.
18 Thou shalt not bring the hire of a whore, or the price of a dog, into the house of the LORD thy God for any vow: for even both these are abomination unto the LORD thy God.
Isaiah 3:9
The shew of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not. Woe unto their soul! for they have rewarded evil unto themselves.
1 Corinthians 6:9
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind.
1 Timothy 1:10
For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
Jude
7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
8 Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.
That's my point, anyone who takes the Bible seriously as the Word of God and that it is perfect and flawless, "knows" that homosexuality is a sin.
There are people (Christians) who try to defend it, but there's really no case if you take the Bible seriously.
The first section includes fairly clear and straightforward references to homosexuality being a sin.
The second section includes verses that seem to have some relevance, although it is not necessarily direct or clear, on the subject.
Genesis 13:13
But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.
Leviticus 18:22
Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.
Leviticus 20:13
If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.
1 Kings 14:24
And there were also sodomites in the land: and they did according to all the abominations of the nations which the LORD cast out before the children of Israel.
Romans 1
26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
---
Leviticus 22:5
The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.
Deuteronomy 23:
17 Thou shalt not bring the hire of a whore, or the price of a dog, into the house of the LORD thy God for any vow: for even both these are abomination unto the LORD thy God.
18 Thou shalt not bring the hire of a whore, or the price of a dog, into the house of the LORD thy God for any vow: for even both these are abomination unto the LORD thy God.
Isaiah 3:9
The shew of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not. Woe unto their soul! for they have rewarded evil unto themselves.
1 Corinthians 6:9
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind.
1 Timothy 1:10
For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
Jude
7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
8 Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Where does [the Bible] say the world is flat?
Here is a collection of verses in the Bible that describes the Earth as flat.
I could EASILY go on a tirade into discussion and analysis with this topic and other aspects of astronomy, meteorology, mathematics, etc of the Bible, but I will simply post the main verses that talk about a flat earth there.
There are others, but most of them are repetitive in nature to these.
Isaiah 11:12
And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.
Revelations 7:1
And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.
Job 11:9
The measure thereof is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea.
Job 28:24
For he looketh to the ends of the earth, and seeth under the whole heaven;
Job 37:3
He directeth it under the whole heaven, and his lightning unto the ends of the earth.
Job 38:4-6
Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.
Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it?
Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof;
Job 38:13
That it might take hold of the ends of the earth, that the wicked might be shaken out of it?
Jeremiah 16:19
O LORD, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction, the Gentiles shall come unto thee from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and things wherein there is no profit.
Daniel 4:11
The tree grew, and was strong, and the height thereof reached unto heaven, and the sight thereof to the end of all the earth:
Matthew 4:8
Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
I could EASILY go on a tirade into discussion and analysis with this topic and other aspects of astronomy, meteorology, mathematics, etc of the Bible, but I will simply post the main verses that talk about a flat earth there.
There are others, but most of them are repetitive in nature to these.
Isaiah 11:12
And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.
Revelations 7:1
And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.
Job 11:9
The measure thereof is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea.
Job 28:24
For he looketh to the ends of the earth, and seeth under the whole heaven;
Job 37:3
He directeth it under the whole heaven, and his lightning unto the ends of the earth.
Job 38:4-6
Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.
Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it?
Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof;
Job 38:13
That it might take hold of the ends of the earth, that the wicked might be shaken out of it?
Jeremiah 16:19
O LORD, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction, the Gentiles shall come unto thee from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and things wherein there is no profit.
Daniel 4:11
The tree grew, and was strong, and the height thereof reached unto heaven, and the sight thereof to the end of all the earth:
Matthew 4:8
Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
An open-minded atheist
I am an open-minded atheist.
I have a strong urge, a desire, a passion to learn more all of the time.
I am open-minded to listening to all viewpoints, arguments, discussions and ideas.
I have done searching my whole life and I continue to do this everyday.
I was brought up as a Christian and after needing reassurance for what I was taught up to believe in, I decided to search for the truth.
Search for the truth I did, with an open-mind, an open-heart and an unbiased approach.
I first wanted to confirm what I was already following, but this did not work.
Over time, I came to conclude that God did not exist.
However, I am always open to arguments and discussions from Christians.
I did not run away from God and I am not running away from God, like many say.
I do not feel anger towards God.
I do not deny that God exists.
I want to believe in what feels right in my mind, my heart and my soul.
I will not settle for what I was brought up to believe in.
I do not settle for what people try to talk me into.
I do not just simply believe what I am taught.
I go out and do the research and search for the answers myself.
I use logic, reasoning and careful analysis to come to the truth.
That truth for me is atheism.
I do not shut God out of my life.
I prayed and pleaded with God for months, possibly even a couple of years to reassure me and guide the way.
Once I came to that conclusion that God did not exist, everything began to click, everything began to make sense.
I did not need to rationalize all of the contradictions and unanswered questions in Christianity.
I did not need to worry about all of the different interpretations of what is wrong, what is right, what is good and what is bad.
I opened my mind and did not judge or shut people out, simply for their beliefs.
I felt at peace with my mind and just inside overall.
Things in life make sense to me.
I don't really have any questions that cannot be answered.
I do not simply believe, because it is "obvious" or "comforting".
In a lot of ways, God's existence is far from obvious and far from comforting.
I don't just accept answers and rationalizations that are vague.
I can't just "have faith" in something that does not make any sense to me.
One major problem that I have, is that there is a clear line between faith and logic.
People on both sides have brought up this point.
Many Christians and non-Christians alike admit that following logic will not bring you to God. Just as by using faith, you cannot necessarily follow what makes logical sense, based on our physical world that is under the control of physical, scientific laws.
I don't believe that if God existed, he would make His existence so questionable and in many ways, illogical.
In the end, I just wish people of all faiths and beliefs could be open-minded, understanding and tolerant of other beliefs.
That would end a lot of conflict, wars, violence and hate in our world.
I wish we could all come together, consider all sides and be civil about it.
Quincy
I have a strong urge, a desire, a passion to learn more all of the time.
I am open-minded to listening to all viewpoints, arguments, discussions and ideas.
I have done searching my whole life and I continue to do this everyday.
I was brought up as a Christian and after needing reassurance for what I was taught up to believe in, I decided to search for the truth.
Search for the truth I did, with an open-mind, an open-heart and an unbiased approach.
I first wanted to confirm what I was already following, but this did not work.
Over time, I came to conclude that God did not exist.
However, I am always open to arguments and discussions from Christians.
I did not run away from God and I am not running away from God, like many say.
I do not feel anger towards God.
I do not deny that God exists.
I want to believe in what feels right in my mind, my heart and my soul.
I will not settle for what I was brought up to believe in.
I do not settle for what people try to talk me into.
I do not just simply believe what I am taught.
I go out and do the research and search for the answers myself.
I use logic, reasoning and careful analysis to come to the truth.
That truth for me is atheism.
I do not shut God out of my life.
I prayed and pleaded with God for months, possibly even a couple of years to reassure me and guide the way.
Once I came to that conclusion that God did not exist, everything began to click, everything began to make sense.
I did not need to rationalize all of the contradictions and unanswered questions in Christianity.
I did not need to worry about all of the different interpretations of what is wrong, what is right, what is good and what is bad.
I opened my mind and did not judge or shut people out, simply for their beliefs.
I felt at peace with my mind and just inside overall.
Things in life make sense to me.
I don't really have any questions that cannot be answered.
I do not simply believe, because it is "obvious" or "comforting".
In a lot of ways, God's existence is far from obvious and far from comforting.
I don't just accept answers and rationalizations that are vague.
I can't just "have faith" in something that does not make any sense to me.
One major problem that I have, is that there is a clear line between faith and logic.
People on both sides have brought up this point.
Many Christians and non-Christians alike admit that following logic will not bring you to God. Just as by using faith, you cannot necessarily follow what makes logical sense, based on our physical world that is under the control of physical, scientific laws.
I don't believe that if God existed, he would make His existence so questionable and in many ways, illogical.
In the end, I just wish people of all faiths and beliefs could be open-minded, understanding and tolerant of other beliefs.
That would end a lot of conflict, wars, violence and hate in our world.
I wish we could all come together, consider all sides and be civil about it.
Quincy
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