Zone1 Separation of Church and State?

[Meriweather]

I don't think my not believing in God or Jesus means I can't lead a moral life. I don't commit murder, I don't need God to tell me that would be wrong.

It's not about living a "moral" life because a moral life is the baseline for everyone--it's the average. Jesus teachings takes us beyond a that ho-hum moral life that most go along with into something greater. Now, if a moral life is all someone wants, that's fine, just as that passing 'C' grade in school is fine. Go with it. But to wave aside something greater than just moral living based on no physical proof of miracles is not good reasoning. Let's go back to the C-student reasoning: It's not worth the extra effort to earn an A or even a B. That is sound reasoning. So simply say, "It is not worth the extra effort it takes to live something greater than a simple moral life."

 

[ding]

If that is true, please explain why the letters of Paul sometimes tell a different story of what Paul did than Acts does.

No idea what you are talking about. Do you need to convince me?

 

[ding]

that is the right to bare arms for citizenry, not for fanatic reactionaries and religious zealots ...

try to catch up, whether for sport or self defense the american firearm is a mainstay of american society.

And yet every conversation starts with restricting the rights and f everyone.

 

[alang1216]

I’m not trying to convince you. So do you need to go on?

Not if you're willing to admit my 'unsupported conspiracy theory' is in fact supported.

 

[alang1216]

No idea what you are talking about. Do you need to convince me?

Convince you? No. Educate you? It was worth a try.

 

[ding]

Not if you're willing to admit my 'unsupported conspiracy theory' is in fact supported.

It’s not though. But I’m happy you admit you believe it was a massive conspiracy of epic proportions.

 

[ding]

Convince you? No. Educate you? It was worth a try.

You seem invested in this so knock your socks off.

 

[alang1216]

It's not about living a "moral" life because a moral life is the baseline for everyone--it's the average. Jesus teachings takes us beyond a that ho-hum moral life that most go along with into something greater. Now, if a moral life is all someone wants, that's fine, just as that passing 'C' grade in school is fine. Go with it. But to wave aside something greater than just moral living based on no physical proof of miracles is not good reasoning. Let's go back to the C-student reasoning: It's not worth the extra effort to earn an A or even a B. That is sound reasoning. So simply say, "It is not worth the extra effort it takes to live something greater than a simple moral life."

If you believe you live "something greater than a simple moral life", you are welcome to that belief. It is not a belief I share or envy.

 

[Meriweather]

If you believe you live "something greater than a simple moral life", you are welcome to that belief. It is not a belief I share or envy.

Exactly. Just as those who note a C passes the class as well as an A or B, are not likely to envy those who go above and beyond and pass with a B or an A. After all, passing is passing. It's a matter of whether the best version of oneself matters, or whether the average version is good enough. Depends on each individual and it is an individual choice.

 

[alang1216]

Exactly. Just as those who note a C passes the class as well as an A or B, are not likely to envy those who go above and beyond and pass with a B or an A. After all, passing is passing. It's a matter of whether the best version of oneself matters, or whether the average version is good enough. Depends on each individual and it is an individual choice.

If you're going to be that condescending let me say I don't envy alcoholics or heroin addicts either and for similar reasons.

 

[Donald H]

If you're going to be that condescending let me say I don't envy alcoholics or heroin addicts either and for similar reasons.

The Catholic church is struggling to achieve a passing grade. To maintain a 'C', it's needed to reinterpret the meaning of the bibles.

For proof we have many on this board that refuse the latest or later interpretations.

Those are the Christians that Meri and Ding condemn for striving for an 'A' on their faithfully believing! And now M and D resent needing to be backsliders, in order to come off as sounding sane!

 

[ding]

The Catholic church is struggling to achieve a passing grade. To maintain a 'C', it's needed to reinterpret the meaning of the bibles.

For proof we have many on this board that refuse the latest or later interpretations.

Those are the Christians that Meri and Ding condemn for striving for an 'A' on their faithfully believing! And now M and D resent needing to be backsliders, in order to come off as sounding sane!

I'm surprised you didn't work "Russia good" in that post.

 

[ding]

If you're going to be that condescending let me say I don't envy alcoholics or heroin addicts either and for similar reasons.

For me it is a statement of fact that my faith has enriched my life greatly. Faith in a higher power is a functional advantage and that's why it still exists today in overwhelming numbers. Is saying that condescending?

I think you should be honest why you are having this discussion in the first place. Isn't it true that you believe your beliefs are superior to mine? Isn't that why you are really here? To demonstrate that?

I'm here to out smart the people who are trying to outsmart the people. Why are you here?

 

[ding]

If you're going to be that condescending let me say I don't envy alcoholics or heroin addicts either and for similar reasons.

If I am reading this correctly you equate people who believe in God with alcoholics and heroin addicts. Or is it only Christians you equate to alcoholics and heroin addicts?

And you don't believe you are being condescending? Maybe a little honesty is in order here.

 

[Fort Fun Indiana]

Very true

But the government can’t endorse your faith

Freedom of religion is also, by definition, freedom from religion.

 

[ding]

And for the record... this is what it looks like when being led by the Holy Spirit.

 

[ding]

Freedom of religion is also, by definition, freedom from religion.

Sure, but the founding fathers believed we have a duty to the Creator.

 

[Fort Fun Indiana]

Sure, but the founding fathers believed we have a duty to the Creator.

Some did. Mostly that piffle was included to satiate those people. Also, it is an easy way to lend authority to words and ideas.

"Endowed by the creator"

Sounds a lot better than, "Endowed by 20 guys with quills and ink."

 

[ding]

Some did. Mostly that piffle was included to satiate those people. Also, it is an easy way to lend authority to words and ideas.

"Endowed by the creator"

Sounds a lot better than, "Endowed by 20 guys with quills and ink."

I've got a paper that says it was more than some. I think it said to a man. Want the link?

 

[ding]

https://scholarlycommons.law.wlu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3506&context=wlulr#:~:text=He%20once%20wrote%3A%20%22The%20true,be%20limited%20without%20being%20lost.%22