Zone1 One significant reason why many do not believe in religion, it is just too damn hard

[frigidweirdo]

Abraham has faith in God, he has a relationship with God. Consider your own faith in God (none); consider your own relationship with God (hate Him).

Building on the Genesis story of Adam and Eve. God asked them not to eat of a certain tree. They disobeyed. God asks something much more difficult of Abraham. Abraham, through his relationship with God, trusted God and proceeded through obedience. He told his son that God would provide the sheep. In fact, afterwards, Abraham named the place God will provide.

In other words, it is obedience to God that results in freedom, putting God first which brings about the best results.

Ah, the good dictatorship argument "Do as you're told, and you will be free." Imagine that they do this in North Korea, China, Iran, Afghanistan....

 

[Meriweather]

If so, then why do you so insistently try to convince people into YOUR personal belief and some God???

More or less everyone goes to school or might have religious parents, relatives and friends - who talk about their religion and God.
So I would suggest that you just tolerate that people make up their own mind - and kind of abstain from proselytizing.

Ever thought about being a priest/preacher where you can spread the word of your God in a church - to those waiting to hear it?

By "people", do you mean Joe? Joe and I have been having this same discussion for twelve years now. Each of us could write out, beforehand (without checking with the other), the complete debate we would have on any Bible story you choose. Joe's mom passed away when he was small. Since Joe no longer believes, she is one who still has my prayers. As I told Joe recently, she is his St. Monica. The agreement is that as long as Joe can put up with me, I can put up with him.

I do not "proselytize" any more than does Joe. Changing someone's belief does not cross my mind because that is not my intent. Nor is it his intent to change mind. We just seem to enjoy wrangling as siblings might. My only motivation is that over the decades I've spent a lot of time studying the Bible, diving into history, culture, etymology, etc. All I can offer is what I've learned from these studies about the original author's intent to his original audience. Joe tends to get caught up in the King James English translation written at least sixteen hundred years and more after the original Hebrew version.

Persuading anyone to do anything is way above my pay grade. All I can do is pass along what I have learned to those whose hobbies don't include Hebrew Bible Study.

I hope you can perceive how funny it is that you suggest people talk about religion in church--but suggest they avoid religion forums! Remember, no one has to look into a religion forum, or open a thread about a religious figure any more than they have to open the door of a church and look into it.

 

[Meriweather]

Ah, the good dictatorship argument "Do as you're told, and you will be free." Imagine that they do this in North Korea, China, Iran, Afghanistan....

No, it is not anything like a dictator argument. As I've said before 'obedience' as presented by God (due to our free will) is along the lines of signs that are posted that say Danger! Quicksand! or Danger! Riptide! The difference is dictators will use their power to subdue others.

Obedience to God is more like a sign that says "Scenic Route".

 

[onefour1]

Matthew 11:29-30
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Jesus did not find his yoke to be too hard. Here he declares that his yoke is easy and the burden is light and that you find rest unto your souls by taking upon yourself his yoke.

 

[Kruska]

......I hope you can perceive how funny it is that you suggest people talk about religion in church--but suggest they avoid religion forums! Remember, no one has to look into a religion forum, or open a thread about a religious figure any more than they have to open the door of a church and look into it.

Ehm... this forum doesn't just say RELIGION but also ETHICS. - I believe very much in Ethics - so here I am.
We can discuss about Ethics all day long - but not about conversion or proselytizing religion and some no-existing God.

However I am totally into history, and so I regularly visit churches, temples and so called sacred sites. Personally I find Angkor-Wat absolutely fascinating. But no Buddhist will approach you and tell someone - you are missing out on your life if you don't pray to Buddha.

You need a God and religion to understand Ethics?- okay, - I don't.

 

[MarathonMike]

Belief in God equates to being a strong person. Atheists are fragile.

I think you are one of the more reasonable Christians on this board. I do disagree with your statement based on my personal experiences.