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One Who Cares wrote on Dec 28, 2008 3:18 PM:
To Nicole,(answer to your question) the Holy Spirt came over the men who wrote the passages you are referring to.(they wrote, but the Holy Spirit guided them)
I feel our country was blessed because we believed in God and stated so, (Our money says in God We Trust,It was FRANKLIN'S BELIEF THAT ONE MAN COULDN'T DO IT ALONE, BUT A GROUP OF MEN, WITH THE HELP OF GOD, COULD DO ANYTHING. THE lATIN ABOVE THE PYRAMID, ON OUR MONEY SAYS: ANNUIT COEPTIS, means, "God has favored our undertaking."
Darrell your posting has alot of truth and very good points ! I totally agree with. Since we are taking God out of our country that he blessed, now he is allowing us to experience what life can be without his blessings. I have always felt 911 and New Or. disater was allowed by God to wake us up and try to turn us back towards him like our country first did when it was new. Lets face it we have been pulling away from God more each day, the more we do it the more disaters we will face as his hand of blessing is gradually uncovering us.
I feel our country was blessed because we believed in God and stated so, (Our money says in God We Trust,It was FRANKLIN'S BELIEF THAT ONE MAN COULDN'T DO IT ALONE, BUT A GROUP OF MEN, WITH THE HELP OF GOD, COULD DO ANYTHING. THE lATIN ABOVE THE PYRAMID, ON OUR MONEY SAYS: ANNUIT COEPTIS, means, "God has favored our undertaking."
Darrell your posting has alot of truth and very good points ! I totally agree with. Since we are taking God out of our country that he blessed, now he is allowing us to experience what life can be without his blessings. I have always felt 911 and New Or. disater was allowed by God to wake us up and try to turn us back towards him like our country first did when it was new. Lets face it we have been pulling away from God more each day, the more we do it the more disaters we will face as his hand of blessing is gradually uncovering us.
To Nicole Ann wrote on Dec 22, 2008 3:33 PM:
Re: Point 1. It's apparent you know very little about the Bible and the Constitution. You really should read both before you comment. Regarding seperation of Church and State, it does not exist. Read the Bill of Rights Amendment 1.
Dogs and Swine wrote on Dec 22, 2008 2:01 PM:
In St. Peter's square or plaza at the Vatican, the symbol of Baal is within the symbol of Ishtar, and at the center is an Egyptian obelisk, all representing pagan sun worship.
To Hope wrote on Dec 22, 2008 9:46 AM:
The Christian is not called to unconditional approval. We really can love people who do things that should not be approved of. Balancing love with discernment. Do not give what is holy to the dogs: Dogs and swine in this context are those who are hostile to the gospel.
Hope wrote on Dec 21, 2008 9:41 AM:
To: To my Sky God
"I know that you love them and you will continue to love them as they burn."
I hope you are willing to stand by your words when judgement day comes. Don't worry, God will love you while he watches you burn for judging others!
Now how silly and hypocritical is this? No loving God would do this and why would we worship your God if he is not loving? What's the point again?
"I know that you love them and you will continue to love them as they burn."
I hope you are willing to stand by your words when judgement day comes. Don't worry, God will love you while he watches you burn for judging others!
Now how silly and hypocritical is this? No loving God would do this and why would we worship your God if he is not loving? What's the point again?
Nicole Ann wrote on Dec 19, 2008 11:59 PM:
FYI, I love God and believe in him very dearly. However I also believe that people should not judge others or tell them their choices will send them to hell. I do have one concern though about the bible. Someone here already mentioned that Jesus did not write it. It was written by several individuals, which has several contradictions. So isnt fair to assume some of that which was written was that individuals opinion rather than fact? Just a thought to theorize on.
Nicole Ann wrote on Dec 19, 2008 11:32 PM:
Point 2. You don't choose your sexuality. You can say what you want about that statement, however it doesnt change the fact that it is true.
Point 3. Abortions done in secret often lead to death of the mother due to lack of sanitary conditions, so you are wishing death on someone, nice.
Point 4. "Under God" was not in the original Pledge of Allegiance it was added several years after the writer, an ex-reverend died and relatives of his said he would disapprove of the addition.
Point 5.God gave us the freedom to choose, not so that we would follow others blindly and not believe what we wish.
Point 3. Abortions done in secret often lead to death of the mother due to lack of sanitary conditions, so you are wishing death on someone, nice.
Point 4. "Under God" was not in the original Pledge of Allegiance it was added several years after the writer, an ex-reverend died and relatives of his said he would disapprove of the addition.
Point 5.God gave us the freedom to choose, not so that we would follow others blindly and not believe what we wish.
Nicole Ann wrote on Dec 19, 2008 11:27 PM:
Point 1. Constitution was founded by religeous "people", however the constitution itself calls for the seperation of church and state. SO I think they understood how important it was to keep things different and please remember who persecutes the most, who hung illegid witches with no proof, who killed many in religeous wars, and who forced native americans to convert to their religeon?
It is OK wrote on Dec 17, 2008 7:26 AM:
To Sigh if you will notice, most of the Non Christians on this post can not write an honest thought rather then copying and pasting the same things on every single article in the comment sections.Same names same sentiments, over and over and over.......
we know who you are.
we know who you are.
Can any one wrote on Dec 15, 2008 9:32 AM:
name one good thing that comes from organized religion? The base for MOST wars doesn't count. Imagine.
Gerry wrote on Dec 15, 2008 12:59 AM:
WOW!! I'm truely impressed. I didn't realize there were so many free thinkers in CB/NB.. What a great bunch of opinions. I think the non believers have the edge on writing reasonable letters though. You "believers" need to come up with better quotes. Maybe changing preachers next Sunday would help in finding new material. Could that work for you? Or would learning how another faith works mess up your thought process.
eramus wrote on Dec 13, 2008 11:06 AM:
Well SIGH, since the whole point of these posts is about the letter writer wanting to make his particular belief paramount in our country, then why do you condemn those fighting back against such an un-American attack on our religious freedom, and not him?
Sigh wrote on Dec 12, 2008 11:31 PM:
The thing that stands out most in this whole conversation is that when critics of religion speak, they cannot do so without being sarcastic and verbally abusive. Your snide comments and insinuations that anyone that does believe in God is some sort of knuckledragging half breed only makes you look like condescending snobs. For some reason you find it impossible to say "I dont like religion" without making it a personal attack on the person that does.
Sad.
Sad.
to moonpenny wrote on Dec 9, 2008 9:31 AM:
The 'point' missed was how can anyone prove that their religious belief is right and any other one is wrong? Our Constitution wisely separates Church from State largely because of that truth.
You apparently can very easily believe only one Deity exists, and that all the other Gods do not, which makes you just one small step away from being Atheist.
Think about it.
You apparently can very easily believe only one Deity exists, and that all the other Gods do not, which makes you just one small step away from being Atheist.
Think about it.
moonpenny wrote on Dec 8, 2008 7:48 PM:
"believer's diety returns", since you had nothing worth saying and even went as far as to point out my grammatical error, diety is spelled wrong, its deity. If your going to try and be sarcastic, at least get your spelling right.
DeeBee wrote on Dec 8, 2008 6:45 PM:
Our Country was founded for the freedom OF religion - not freedom FROM religion. Look at our world without God - the killings, adultery, moral emptiness, coveting things that should be worked for... a person could go on and on. Our Constitution provides for freedom of speech - and Christians have the same freedom as all others. Non-believers are not forced to church, your income is not taxed to support the church. And those that are truly in need of help - where is the first place they go? Straight to a Church. If you don't want to believe in Christ our Lord - don't celebrate Christmas or Easter - or take the paid holidays. It seems that the quietest ones are the Christians - we just keep quiet and keep taking it. It's time we stood up and shouted loud and long!
TO Shocked at Ignorance wrote on Dec 8, 2008 4:58 PM:
Our country was not founded on God? Where do you find seperation of Church and State?
You are a true psuedo-intellect spouting ignorance.
You are a true psuedo-intellect spouting ignorance.
fnord wrote on Dec 8, 2008 2:21 PM:
Since everyone's throwing quotes around, here are a couple
"Christianity neither is, nor ever was, a part of the common law" (T. Jefferson). "All persons shall have full and free liberty of religious opinion; nor shall any be compelled to frequent or maintain any religious institution." (T. Jefferson, from the draft constitution for the state of Virginia). "I am for freedom of religion, & against all maneuvres to bring about a legal ascendancy of one sect over another." (T. Jefferson), and finally, "Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between man and his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legislative powers of government reach actions only, and not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should "make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof," thus building a wall of separation between church and State." (also by Jefferson)
"Christianity neither is, nor ever was, a part of the common law" (T. Jefferson). "All persons shall have full and free liberty of religious opinion; nor shall any be compelled to frequent or maintain any religious institution." (T. Jefferson, from the draft constitution for the state of Virginia). "I am for freedom of religion, & against all maneuvres to bring about a legal ascendancy of one sect over another." (T. Jefferson), and finally, "Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between man and his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legislative powers of government reach actions only, and not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should "make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof," thus building a wall of separation between church and State." (also by Jefferson)
Local Lady wrote on Dec 8, 2008 1:44 PM:
I personally don't let some beat up old relic of a book run my life. And I am certainly not religious. But I am spiritual. There are forces at work beyond human control and/or understanding every day. I just can't quite wrap my mind around some big dude in the sky raining down love and forgiveness on all of us. That's just creepy. He can probably see down my shirt.
to moonpenny wrote on Dec 8, 2008 8:57 AM:
"A sound heard across the world the day our lord returns ...
"oops"."
'Lord' should be capitalized, but more importantly: If some other believer's diety returns instead, then what sound will you utter?
Your paraphrasing of Pascal's Wager only makes sense if one bets on the right God.
"oops"."
'Lord' should be capitalized, but more importantly: If some other believer's diety returns instead, then what sound will you utter?
Your paraphrasing of Pascal's Wager only makes sense if one bets on the right God.
Citizen wrote on Dec 7, 2008 11:29 PM:
I couldn't help but add my two cents. It's all I had left in my 401K. Look, what really matters is that we all just get along. We need to obey the law and behave reasonably. The moment we start to impact the life of another we enter dangerous waters. I agree that religion to most is a good thing. Like anything else it get's twisted and manipulated by people who are "evil." Evil, as we all should know isn't always easy to spot. Some times we miss it because we are to close. Maybe we need to take a step back now and then to see what direction we are going.
Reason wrote on Dec 7, 2008 8:26 PM:
For the folks who insist that Christianity was the foundation of the United States Constitution need to read "Freethinkers, A History of American Secularism," and "The Age of Unreason," both by Susan Jacoby. Two other "Good Books."
coosbay 18 wrote on Dec 7, 2008 2:57 PM:
Are founding fathers came her for the freedom of religion. In England the government was controlled by the church. That is why they started coming to this great land. Yes they were christian but they came here so that they could be free to practice freely. The U.S. is not founded on religious views but that views of freedom. Are so the separation of church and state is so we can practice religion freely. As far as America changing is the multiculturalism. Yes people may not care and others not believe. We just need to know that we all are different and America isn't a communist country. And we shouldn't hate anyone if you believe in the bible read John 15:12. If you don't just remember the old saying treat people how you want to be treated.
Jen wrote on Dec 6, 2008 8:28 PM:
"Our Constitution was based on the Bible. I think that if those men had been able to see this generation, they would probably have let the British have the country."
If it was based on the bible then why do we have freedom of religion?We'd all be reading the holy bible, nobody would be reading the quran or the jewish bible or anything else.
If the british had the country we'd be governed by a church.
And if the world got so out-of-hand like a lot of people think it is, then don't you think god would've stepped in already and made some huge thing to make people better?
If it was based on the bible then why do we have freedom of religion?We'd all be reading the holy bible, nobody would be reading the quran or the jewish bible or anything else.
If the british had the country we'd be governed by a church.
And if the world got so out-of-hand like a lot of people think it is, then don't you think god would've stepped in already and made some huge thing to make people better?
The First Great Awakening wrote on Dec 6, 2008 3:50 PM:
Thomas Jefferson proclaimed that human equality is a gift from GOD:
"we are endowed by our Creator with inalienable rights"
He wrote that he was not expressing new ideas or principles when he wrote the Declaration of Independence, but was rather giving expression to something that had become settled in the American mind.
John Adams wrote: "What do we mean by the American Revolution? The war? The Revolution was in the minds of the people...a change in their religious sentiments." Those religious sentiments were forged in the sermons of the Great Awakening.
Imprimis ll/2008 Vol 37,number 11
"we are endowed by our Creator with inalienable rights"
He wrote that he was not expressing new ideas or principles when he wrote the Declaration of Independence, but was rather giving expression to something that had become settled in the American mind.
John Adams wrote: "What do we mean by the American Revolution? The war? The Revolution was in the minds of the people...a change in their religious sentiments." Those religious sentiments were forged in the sermons of the Great Awakening.
Imprimis ll/2008 Vol 37,number 11
So Sad wrote on Dec 6, 2008 3:46 PM:
"Are you calling MILLIONS of people around the world too uninformed to have formed an educated opinion on religion?"
Yeah, pretty much...
Yeah, pretty much...
Founding Fathers thoughts... wrote on Dec 6, 2008 11:27 AM:
Thomas Paine
From The Age of Reason:
"All natural institutions of churches, whether Jewish, Christian, or Turkish, appear to me no other than human inventions, set up to terrify and enslave mankind, and monopolize power and profit."
From The Age of Reason:
"The most detestable wickedness, the most horrid cruelties, and the greatest miseries that have afflicted the human race have had their origin in this thing called revelation, or revealed religion."
From The Age of Reason:
"What is it the Bible teaches us? -- rapine, cruelty, and murder."
James Madison:
"Religion and government will both exist in greater purity, the less they are mixed together."
From Thomas Jefferson's Bible:
"The day will come when the mystical generation of Jesus, by the Supreme Being as his father, in the womb of a virgin, will be classed with the fable of the generation of Minerva in the brain of Jupiter."
From The Age of Reason:
"All natural institutions of churches, whether Jewish, Christian, or Turkish, appear to me no other than human inventions, set up to terrify and enslave mankind, and monopolize power and profit."
From The Age of Reason:
"The most detestable wickedness, the most horrid cruelties, and the greatest miseries that have afflicted the human race have had their origin in this thing called revelation, or revealed religion."
From The Age of Reason:
"What is it the Bible teaches us? -- rapine, cruelty, and murder."
James Madison:
"Religion and government will both exist in greater purity, the less they are mixed together."
From Thomas Jefferson's Bible:
"The day will come when the mystical generation of Jesus, by the Supreme Being as his father, in the womb of a virgin, will be classed with the fable of the generation of Minerva in the brain of Jupiter."
Kari wrote on Dec 6, 2008 10:00 AM:
Preaching to the multitudes wrote on Dec 5, 2008 7:53 AM:
Jesus' followers spread the Good News via the gift of the Holy Spirit Acts 2:4
It just so happened that when Jesus' followers were filled with the Spirit in this way, there were thousands of people from countries all around Israel who had come to Jerusalem to celebrate one of the Jewish feasts. (You can read a list of these countries in Acts 2:8-11.) Miraculously, each of these visitors could hear Jesus' followers telling the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ, speaking in their own language!
R I G H T !!!!!!
AND - Mary was a virgin !!!!!1
Ya'all will believe anything.
Jesus' followers spread the Good News via the gift of the Holy Spirit Acts 2:4
It just so happened that when Jesus' followers were filled with the Spirit in this way, there were thousands of people from countries all around Israel who had come to Jerusalem to celebrate one of the Jewish feasts. (You can read a list of these countries in Acts 2:8-11.) Miraculously, each of these visitors could hear Jesus' followers telling the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ, speaking in their own language!
R I G H T !!!!!!
AND - Mary was a virgin !!!!!1
Ya'all will believe anything.
moonpenny wrote on Dec 6, 2008 9:34 AM:
A sound heard across the world the day our lord returns ...
"oops".
"oops".
People wrote on Dec 5, 2008 10:52 PM:
need to keep God to themselves. If you want to live in a theocracy, move to the middle east. Don't bring it here. We're supposed to be free.
Bible Student wrote on Dec 5, 2008 6:43 PM:
Part 2:
I appologize to those who have been offended by the church and Christians in particular. The wrongs you have seen in the church are by imperfect people. I hope you will not hold that against the rest of us who share their beliefs. There is no reason that living according to the bible should offend somebody so I apologize on behalf of those who have mis-represented their faith. And I know I am often times one of the people who does not love the way Christ shows it. We should not be condemning others for how they live when we are still making mistakes. If you are a Christian and this offends you please do those 2 things above.
I appologize to those who have been offended by the church and Christians in particular. The wrongs you have seen in the church are by imperfect people. I hope you will not hold that against the rest of us who share their beliefs. There is no reason that living according to the bible should offend somebody so I apologize on behalf of those who have mis-represented their faith. And I know I am often times one of the people who does not love the way Christ shows it. We should not be condemning others for how they live when we are still making mistakes. If you are a Christian and this offends you please do those 2 things above.
Bible Student wrote on Dec 5, 2008 6:42 PM:
Part 1:
I am a student at a bible college in portland and I am very sad to say that I am very disappointed in many of the fellow believers who have posted on this article. I ask that all of you who are Christians and posting negative things on here please do 2 things before posting again:
1) Read the bible that you believe in: Start with John 8:2-11. If you are perfect then you can condemn others for how they live their lives.
2) Watch the movie "Lord Save Us From Your Followers". The man who made it is also a Christian and it shows us how articles and comments like many of these are percieved by those who do not hold the same beliefs.
I am a student at a bible college in portland and I am very sad to say that I am very disappointed in many of the fellow believers who have posted on this article. I ask that all of you who are Christians and posting negative things on here please do 2 things before posting again:
1) Read the bible that you believe in: Start with John 8:2-11. If you are perfect then you can condemn others for how they live their lives.
2) Watch the movie "Lord Save Us From Your Followers". The man who made it is also a Christian and it shows us how articles and comments like many of these are percieved by those who do not hold the same beliefs.
I would rather live my life believing that there is a God and find out there isnt then to live life believing there isnt and find out there is wrote on Dec 5, 2008 1:58 PM:
and I have friends who are atheist and friends and family members who are homosexuals. I love them and respect their right to their beliefs and in turn, they respect mine. These things are not for me to judge. I wouldn't want that responsibility. They are good people and I pray for them as I would for any one else not because of their beliefs.
Shocked at the ignorance wrote on Dec 5, 2008 1:51 PM:
Our country was not founded on God. Separation of Church and State was of supreme importance to Thomas Jefferson. Only one of the signers of the Constitution was preacher, and even he was an existentialist. If you read the writings of many of the founding father's, you will see that their interpretation of God as it fit into the nations governing was more along the lines of the existential views, not that of the religious literal.
Please try learning your history from historians and original writings instead of taking every word said from a pulpit as fact.
Please try learning your history from historians and original writings instead of taking every word said from a pulpit as fact.
Opinions are like noses wrote on Dec 5, 2008 12:56 PM:
Some of you folks need to get down off the cross...we can use the wood!
Besides, God may love you, but I am her favorite! HA!
Besides, God may love you, but I am her favorite! HA!
pril wrote on Dec 5, 2008 11:59 AM:
I'm neither offended by or opposed to Christianity. I'm just not interested. Is that so hard to grasp? I'm pretty sure there are more than a handful of people out there who have similar feelings. It doesn't mean we hate it. It means, again, we aren't interested. Maybe we'll go to hell for it, but that's our problem, not yours.
AnneofOregon wrote on Dec 5, 2008 8:54 AM:
RE SO SAD: "You can hate me and those that believe as I do all you want..."
HATE you? Who said that? I don't believe in religion and say so, and you twist that into some emotion on my part? Is that somehow easier for you to grasp than disbelief?
"The fact is that most people opposed to or offended by Christianity have little or no idea of what they are taking about." Are you calling MILLIONS of people around the world too uninformed to have formed an educated opinion on religion?
Yep, sounds like a God complex to me.....
HATE you? Who said that? I don't believe in religion and say so, and you twist that into some emotion on my part? Is that somehow easier for you to grasp than disbelief?
"The fact is that most people opposed to or offended by Christianity have little or no idea of what they are taking about." Are you calling MILLIONS of people around the world too uninformed to have formed an educated opinion on religion?
Yep, sounds like a God complex to me.....
Preaching to the multitudes wrote on Dec 5, 2008 7:53 AM:
Jesus' followers spread the Good News via the gift of the Holy Spirit Acts 2:4
It just so happened that when Jesus' followers were filled with the Spirit in this way, there were thousands of people from countries all around Israel who had come to Jerusalem to celebrate one of the Jewish feasts. (You can read a list of these countries in Acts 2:8-11.) Miraculously, each of these visitors could hear Jesus' followers telling the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ, speaking in their own language!
It just so happened that when Jesus' followers were filled with the Spirit in this way, there were thousands of people from countries all around Israel who had come to Jerusalem to celebrate one of the Jewish feasts. (You can read a list of these countries in Acts 2:8-11.) Miraculously, each of these visitors could hear Jesus' followers telling the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ, speaking in their own language!
RE SO SAD wrote on Dec 5, 2008 6:28 AM:
Jesus apparently did no writing, so is it any wonder that His teachings for us as recorded, translated, and edited over the years might become misunderstood?
The problems you note with Christianity probably would not have happened if He has passed His message on to mankind differently, and we are left to wonder why God chose such an imperfect method.
The problems you note with Christianity probably would not have happened if He has passed His message on to mankind differently, and we are left to wonder why God chose such an imperfect method.
bruce wrote on Dec 5, 2008 12:21 AM:
christian love is incredibly powerful, in the same sense as a salmon left in the trunk of a buick riviera in an outdoor parking lot in phoenix, arizona over the fourth of july weekend.
to give me a break wrote on Dec 4, 2008 9:33 PM:
right on! people do need to worry about their own business and not yours, mine or the guy down the street! I am all for freedom of speech and religion, don't get me wrong. I just don't like other people's religion or opinions crammed down my throat or being made to feel less of a human because I don't agree with them. And what the hell is with the "blue laws"? I agree if you get an abortion it is nobody's business and it's not like people go around bragging about it, get real. And homosexuality is NOT A CHOICE and as long as you aren't making out in public, who cares?
So Sad wrote on Dec 4, 2008 8:45 PM:
ANNEOFOREGON, it’ true that hypocrisy has tainted and poisoned religion. There are huge deviations in a lot of churches and religious circles from the principles laid out in the bible and often there is a profound difference between religious doctrine, which is made through the interpretation of mankind and the actual written word. The result is a broad mistrust and ill-will towards God when it should serve to point out the flaws in mankind
The entire reason Jesus came to earth was that the hypocrisy of the Lords followers had perverted the teachings of the Old Testament so badly that the entire world had been led into sin. Most people however, still can’t get past this and completely miss out on what Jesus did for them on the cross. You can hate me and those that believe as I do all you want, I will still continue to pray for those that have been hurt by the hypocrisy of those who use religion to benefit their own agenda’s. I will also continue to pray for those doing the offending so that they may see the harm they cause.
The entire reason Jesus came to earth was that the hypocrisy of the Lords followers had perverted the teachings of the Old Testament so badly that the entire world had been led into sin. Most people however, still can’t get past this and completely miss out on what Jesus did for them on the cross. You can hate me and those that believe as I do all you want, I will still continue to pray for those that have been hurt by the hypocrisy of those who use religion to benefit their own agenda’s. I will also continue to pray for those doing the offending so that they may see the harm they cause.
a child of God wrote on Dec 4, 2008 5:00 PM:
no matter what God is my God. I love him and he loves all of us. I do not force my beliefs on anyone, I just know that when I die I am going to heaven and I am happy.. truely happy! I do not like people to put God down.. but I will not hold it against you and will not judge you for it. I am a sinner I am not perfect but I do try. Gods Blessings to all and I wish you a Merry Christmas
AnneofOregon wrote on Dec 4, 2008 1:15 PM:
"Knowing Jesus and loving God is not about hate, rules, exclusion or persecution."
Yep, just ask all the people who over the centuries have been hated, excluded and persecuted for their beliefs (or lack therof). Please ~ read legitimate accounts of what religion has done to countries and peoples over the years and you, too, may then understand why many, many of us choose not to buy into the pure hypocrisy of it all.
Yep, just ask all the people who over the centuries have been hated, excluded and persecuted for their beliefs (or lack therof). Please ~ read legitimate accounts of what religion has done to countries and peoples over the years and you, too, may then understand why many, many of us choose not to buy into the pure hypocrisy of it all.
GIVE ME A BREAK wrote on Dec 4, 2008 12:36 PM:
To all you PC Preachers:
You need to spend more time worrying about your own lives and things that you can affect instead of worrying about everyone else’s lives and passing judgment. One’s religion or lack thereof, is a personal choice and just because someone doesn’t believe in the same thing as you do does not make them wrong or you right. Please don’t feel sorry for those of us that choose not to practice or believe in your religion, we don’t need your hypocritical pity parties.
You need to spend more time worrying about your own lives and things that you can affect instead of worrying about everyone else’s lives and passing judgment. One’s religion or lack thereof, is a personal choice and just because someone doesn’t believe in the same thing as you do does not make them wrong or you right. Please don’t feel sorry for those of us that choose not to practice or believe in your religion, we don’t need your hypocritical pity parties.
pril wrote on Dec 4, 2008 12:16 PM:
The founding fathers, for the most part, (and this is in their own personal writings) believed that who and what a person worshipped or did not worship was between that person and their god only. That the state had no business regulating religion. The state still has no business regulating religion. And neither does anyone else.
Thorkin wrote on Dec 4, 2008 7:18 AM:
Hey! Leave Thor out of this. Or he will whack you with his hammer.
tomoonpenny wrote on Dec 4, 2008 7:07 AM:
"Our laws and our institutions must necessarily be based upon and embody the teachings of the Redeemer of mankind. It is impossible that it should be otherwise; and in this sense and to this extent our civilization and our institutions are emphatically Christian." - United States Supreme Court, 1892."
This supposed 'quote' is a hoax, and does not exist in that court decision.
This supposed 'quote' is a hoax, and does not exist in that court decision.
So Sad part 2 wrote on Dec 3, 2008 9:31 PM:
Trish made an excellent point in that there is a direct correlation between the presence of Christianity and the prosperity of a nation. Look through the numbers sometime and you’ll not only find that the most prosperous nations are Christian, but that the fluctuations in Christianity and the trends in poverty are linked as well.
Mike also hit upon something very important when he mentioned relationship as opposed to religion. So many Christians have used religion to try to enforce a set of rules and beliefs on people in an attempt to force them to accept their views and this is both sad and unfortunate. Knowing Jesus and loving God is not about hate, rules, exclusion or persecution. It’s knowing that we are here on this earth not by accident but for a purpose and that is to support and help one another regardless of lifestyle choices or beliefs. I often wonder how different the world would be if the hypocrisy was left out of Christianity. It’s so sad that people tend to hold on to the spirit of religion rather to embrace the power of relationship with Christ.
Mike also hit upon something very important when he mentioned relationship as opposed to religion. So many Christians have used religion to try to enforce a set of rules and beliefs on people in an attempt to force them to accept their views and this is both sad and unfortunate. Knowing Jesus and loving God is not about hate, rules, exclusion or persecution. It’s knowing that we are here on this earth not by accident but for a purpose and that is to support and help one another regardless of lifestyle choices or beliefs. I often wonder how different the world would be if the hypocrisy was left out of Christianity. It’s so sad that people tend to hold on to the spirit of religion rather to embrace the power of relationship with Christ.
So Sad part 1 wrote on Dec 3, 2008 9:29 PM:
I don’t usually get involved in the religious threads on these boards, not because I am ashamed of my faith, simply because the content here is always so grossly ignorant and hate filled.
But I have to say to Mike and Trish how much I agree and applaud your comments. Fact, the Bible provides guidelines for every aspect of American life (and any other prosperous nation I may add). From morality to government and even economics and business, it’s all there and anyone who has any real knowledge of the Bible can tell you that. The fact is that most people opposed to or offended by Christianity have little or no idea of what they are taking about. Most either do not understand or have been hurt by religion at some point in their lives, therefore those of us who believe will continue to pray for those individuals whether they care or not.
But I have to say to Mike and Trish how much I agree and applaud your comments. Fact, the Bible provides guidelines for every aspect of American life (and any other prosperous nation I may add). From morality to government and even economics and business, it’s all there and anyone who has any real knowledge of the Bible can tell you that. The fact is that most people opposed to or offended by Christianity have little or no idea of what they are taking about. Most either do not understand or have been hurt by religion at some point in their lives, therefore those of us who believe will continue to pray for those individuals whether they care or not.
Samuel wrote on Dec 3, 2008 7:20 PM:
I have read all of the opinions here and it is obvious that we are still a diverse country. I respect that and to all of the non-believers, I respect you if you let me believe as I wish to do without blocking my rights. I have accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior and I feel sorry for anyone who has not! If you the non-believer wish for me not to pray for you then that is fine but the Bible says I must as a Christian. Lets just agree to disagree and we can leave it at that. I served in the Military so that you may enjoy your right to believe as you wish and I think that if we are such a free thinking society, that we should do that and leave others alone. Compassion! That was what Jesus was all about! He loves you even if you do not love him back!!! That is constant and forever!
Kaye wrote on Dec 3, 2008 6:28 PM:
Has anyone ever noticed that most founders of the well-known my-way-or-the-highway intolerant religions have spent time in the desert fasting and having a lot of sun on their heads (Allah, Moses, Jesus and that Mormon dude). That can't be healthy.
If you need to have any religion, maybe you should check out Buddhism. Buddha got enlightened in the shad of a tree as I have heard.
If you need to have any religion, maybe you should check out Buddhism. Buddha got enlightened in the shad of a tree as I have heard.
Linda wrote on Dec 3, 2008 3:03 PM:
Can someone please tell me which version of the Bible we are suppose to be talking about? There are so many versions that I just kinda made up my own way of living right. Okay go ahead find something wrong with that too.
nb girl wrote on Dec 3, 2008 3:01 PM:
Connie-
to quote you in another comment section:
for anyone of you to judge what happened. and for those of you, who don't read the bible, it states Matthew 7:1-5 "Do not judge so that you will not be judged. ... Romans 2:1-4 Therefore you have no excuse, everyone of you who passes judgment,
glass houses, m'girl!
to quote you in another comment section:
for anyone of you to judge what happened. and for those of you, who don't read the bible, it states Matthew 7:1-5 "Do not judge so that you will not be judged. ... Romans 2:1-4 Therefore you have no excuse, everyone of you who passes judgment,
glass houses, m'girl!
DABinLA wrote on Dec 3, 2008 2:12 PM:
As a Christian myself, I am often appalled to see the attitudes of some others claiming Christianity. My relationship with God is a personal thing, and it is not my job as a Christian to force anyone to follow my morals or ethics. God gave us free will. Whatever choices you make with that free will are between you and Him.
E wrote on Dec 3, 2008 12:40 PM:
I suppose God was on vacation until America was founded right? Because.. Well..Due to the latest Homeland Security Initiatives God only loves you if you are carrying an American birth certificate...
AnneofOregon wrote on Dec 3, 2008 12:21 PM:
To Education is More Powerful than Religion: Right on ~ could not have said it better myself. Thank you for being a voice of reason.
To Trish: Let me clarify for you ~ we 'non-believers' think it is ludicrous for you to pray for us to a God we don't believe in. What most of us would prefer is for those of you who do choose to believe to respect OUR beliefs (or lack thereof) and quit trying to shove yours into our government and schools, even in the name of your attempt at 'saving' us.
To Trish: Let me clarify for you ~ we 'non-believers' think it is ludicrous for you to pray for us to a God we don't believe in. What most of us would prefer is for those of you who do choose to believe to respect OUR beliefs (or lack thereof) and quit trying to shove yours into our government and schools, even in the name of your attempt at 'saving' us.
Hypocrites wrote on Dec 3, 2008 11:22 AM:
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." - Declaration of Independence 1776
I guess this doesn't apply if you are a homosexual.
I guess this doesn't apply if you are a homosexual.
Trish wrote on Dec 3, 2008 10:08 AM:
Wow, no wonder our world is in the condition we are currently experiencing. All of the non-believers in the world, say a prayer for them. As to an " improved and enlightened world without Christianity" all I can say is, gee isn't our world in great shape without the Lord?
Mike wrote on Dec 3, 2008 9:23 AM:
I was an atheist for 20 years and spoke often on the subject with Pastors and Preachers. They were unable to sway my views.
I can safely say today thank you God for Grace.
Today I work hard for my church.
So you see God forgives and you move on in the light. My life has improved 1000 fold since I finally forged a relationship not religion with God.
I can safely say today thank you God for Grace.
Today I work hard for my church.
So you see God forgives and you move on in the light. My life has improved 1000 fold since I finally forged a relationship not religion with God.
To God in the Closet wrote on Dec 3, 2008 7:35 AM:
I can tell you that no one knows what a "generation" is in the Bible.
It sounds like you have read or at least researched some of the Bible.
I have been taught that you have to use 20/20 vision with every verse:
20 ahead and 20 behind the verse you quoted!
`
It sounds like you have read or at least researched some of the Bible.
I have been taught that you have to use 20/20 vision with every verse:
20 ahead and 20 behind the verse you quoted!
`
CONNIE wrote on Dec 3, 2008 1:21 AM:
i wish more people would believe in God. someday they will realize this. if there is no God, how did you get here?hmmmm... imagine that... i think God should be in everything you do, church and state. and it doesn't matter if you take God out of your government, he will still always be there. hmmm, did it ever occur to you that we are in such a recession is that most of the population decided they didn't need God? i believe he is punishing all of you for those very reasons. how many people world wide are losing their jobs? how many that have God in their lives still have jobs? yeah, that's what i thought. God will always be there. that i do know, for a fact, as i not only believe, i happen to be someone who has had a second chance at life, and have seen him personally. so you believe what you want, i, along with 90% of the population, will believe in our God.
moonpenny wrote on Dec 3, 2008 12:37 AM:
For Thomas:
"Our laws and our institutions must necessarily be based upon and embody the teachings of the Redeemer of mankind. It is impossible that it should be otherwise; and in this sense and to this extent our civilization and our institutions are emphatically Christian." - United States Supreme Court, 1892.
"Our laws and our institutions must necessarily be based upon and embody the teachings of the Redeemer of mankind. It is impossible that it should be otherwise; and in this sense and to this extent our civilization and our institutions are emphatically Christian." - United States Supreme Court, 1892.
No wrote on Dec 2, 2008 9:29 PM:
God needs to be kept privately in ones heart. Organized religion is bad for humanity. It is at the heart of wars and death.
Al the Pal wrote on Dec 2, 2008 8:24 PM:
Kat,
It couldn't have been said better.
How about we just pick up a newspaper and get what we paid for?
Like, NEWS?
Let Darrell, and his other brother Darrell, get their own soap box.
It couldn't have been said better.
How about we just pick up a newspaper and get what we paid for?
Like, NEWS?
Let Darrell, and his other brother Darrell, get their own soap box.
GOD BELONGS IN THE CLOSET wrote on Dec 2, 2008 8:03 PM:
It is morally reprehensible to praise and accept salvation from a vain and jealous god who supposedly killed thousands of children, both infants and unborn, when He flooded the earth and destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah. Also, why are Christians still waiting for Jesus when he told his disciples 2,000 years ago that their generation would not pass before his return in visible glory (Matthew 24:34)? The Revelation was clearly written to apply to the Mediterranean region of their day, not ours. Even Francis Bellamy, the Christian author of the original Pledge of Allegiance, recognized the divisiveness of religion and consciously chose to leave out references to God. It's about time for humanity to mature and start walking into the future without the psychological crutch of reglion.
kat wrote on Dec 2, 2008 1:22 PM:
The World Newspaper needs to wake up and accept its responsibility when it prints garbage like this. I'm not opposed to freedom of speech, but when you print letters like this that continue to foster hate and bigotry against homosexuals or the non-religious, then you are part of the problem.
I'm sick of the small minded attitudes that use God as a shield to defend their antiquated beliefs & bigotry. A lack of belief in your God isn't the problem, its the so called "religious" that would rather Godsmack others than accept and embrace their differences.
I'm sick of the small minded attitudes that use God as a shield to defend their antiquated beliefs & bigotry. A lack of belief in your God isn't the problem, its the so called "religious" that would rather Godsmack others than accept and embrace their differences.
Ashley wrote on Dec 2, 2008 11:52 AM:
I really feel sorry for those who don't have God in their lives. It is sad that they want to bash those that do, which is all the more reason maybe they need God in their lives.
I commit my life to God, I am a sinner, I make mistakes, I am not perfect. All I can do is do my best every day to be a better person and try to live a better life. Some people think that is a sham, well maybe it is in their lives.
When times are bad I feel better by ssimply praying, if you don't have that I guess you just go with the feeling
I commit my life to God, I am a sinner, I make mistakes, I am not perfect. All I can do is do my best every day to be a better person and try to live a better life. Some people think that is a sham, well maybe it is in their lives.
When times are bad I feel better by ssimply praying, if you don't have that I guess you just go with the feeling
Boo Baby wrote on Dec 2, 2008 10:41 AM:
Could you keep keep the prayers down a little? They upset my familiar.
E wrote on Dec 2, 2008 10:18 AM:
It's time to move forward and stop basing your life off of a book of fairytales and a mythical non existant man that was made up to subjagate the masses. This myth of Jesus,Moses the great flood etc etc has been carried on in SEVERAL other random religions (The great flood was based off of a story by the EGYPTIANS) THOUSANDS of years before Christianity even existed. Religion doesn't bring anyone together it FORCES everyone APART.
Who would Jesus bomb?
Who would Jesus bomb?
To my Sky God wrote on Dec 2, 2008 9:54 AM:
I pray that you will Bless these comments and forgive those who choose not to know you. I know that you love them and you will continue to love them as they burn.
The founding fathers would only be surprised by the fact that we lasted as long as we did without imploding wrote on Dec 2, 2008 9:19 AM:
How many patriotic songs have God in the lyrics?
"God Bless America"...God Bless America land that I love
"America"...our father's God the Thee, author of liberty
"America the Beautiful"...God shed His grace on thee
"Star Spangled Banner"..our motto shall be in God we trust.
"God Bless America"...God Bless America land that I love
"America"...our father's God the Thee, author of liberty
"America the Beautiful"...God shed His grace on thee
"Star Spangled Banner"..our motto shall be in God we trust.
Education is more powerful than religion wrote on Dec 2, 2008 8:08 AM:
Sky gods don't fix civic problems, educated communities and governments do. Keep God, Allah, Zeus, and Thor all where they belong, safely confined in the pages of antiquated books of fables and lore. Uniting people under banners of false hope and imaginary gods does not solve anything, it just puts the blinders on...as made evident by the romantic spin some people put on the founding years of this country; which in reality were full of bigotry, genocide, slavery and lawlessness. If you want to return to the middle (dark) ages when religion ruled the world's governments and the people were controlled through fear and poverty, then please do, just don't try to take the rest of us with you.
MrButterbur wrote on Dec 2, 2008 5:48 AM:
Uhhh, I think the constitution actually promotes separation of church and state. While I personally have no problem with referencing God on my currency, I draw the line at the narrow-mindedness of religion when faced with fact, not to mention the tendency to persecute others not in agreement with the dogma du jour. The author of the article is correct, in that morals have degraded and this degrades society as a whole. Therfore, if religion will make you a better person, go for it. Realize too, that you can be moral without being religious. People, turn off the televangelists... they only want your money. Turn off Rush, too... he only wants your money, too. These vampires will sell you whatever they think you want to hear and are laughing at you behind your back. Learn to think for yourselves!
To Kari wrote on Dec 1, 2008 6:13 PM:
Who was Debra, Ester, Sarah and Mary? Man's inhumanity to man has nothing to do with God's plan. Although the Bible uses the term Man it also includes Women of all nationalites. The entire human race came after the flood from Noah's sons. Better brush up on your Bible kid, He didn't promise you a Rose Garden here on earth. Great letter Darrell..
Kaye wrote on Dec 1, 2008 6:02 PM:
to say it with the bumper sticker: "If you want to live in a country run by religion, move to Iran"
I support complete separation of religion and government
I support complete separation of religion and government
Al the Pal wrote on Dec 1, 2008 4:35 PM:
Remember when we had to walk outside to get to the plumbing> And how about those fun filled trips by horse back to get anywhere, even in the worst of weather. And, Oh Yeah! Children dying early from all kinds of childhood diseases.
I wish we could go back to those great days.
The word is called progress, and comes from finding a better way to get things done.
Keep in mind, when you rail on social liberties, some gays, and in fact, some women who may have had an abortion sometime in their life may have fought for your right to do so.
Your standard is not my standard. So, in the future, don't quote scripture to me. I saw things happen in Vietnam, Nicaraqua and West Africa that, in your version, could only have happened when God was on a day off.
I wish we could go back to those great days.
The word is called progress, and comes from finding a better way to get things done.
Keep in mind, when you rail on social liberties, some gays, and in fact, some women who may have had an abortion sometime in their life may have fought for your right to do so.
Your standard is not my standard. So, in the future, don't quote scripture to me. I saw things happen in Vietnam, Nicaraqua and West Africa that, in your version, could only have happened when God was on a day off.
Aristotle said wrote on Dec 1, 2008 3:30 PM:
"A tyrant must put on the appearance of uncommon devotion to religion. Subjects are less apprehensive of illegal treatment from a ruler whom they consider god-fearing and pious. On the other hand, they do less easily move against him, believing that he has the gods on his side:"
The USA's government and laws are based mostly on Mesopotamian, Greek and Roman ideas, plus some Pre-Christian European practices, and owe almost nothing at all to Biblical sources.
The USA's government and laws are based mostly on Mesopotamian, Greek and Roman ideas, plus some Pre-Christian European practices, and owe almost nothing at all to Biblical sources.
Can you say Magna Carta wrote on Dec 1, 2008 2:05 PM:
The Constitution of the United States was drafted so as to be in accordance with the Scriptures, to be the legal foundation of a republican form of government based on that model which God had ordained for the children of Israel.
Thomas Jefferson even suggested that the national seal be a portrayal of "the children of Israel in the wilderness, led by a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night."
Much of the Constitution and our American common law and organic law is also derived from the principles of the Magna Carta, which expressly forbade monarchial tyranny.
Thomas Jefferson even suggested that the national seal be a portrayal of "the children of Israel in the wilderness, led by a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night."
Much of the Constitution and our American common law and organic law is also derived from the principles of the Magna Carta, which expressly forbade monarchial tyranny.
Jason wrote on Dec 1, 2008 1:56 PM:
Virtually every one of the 55 writers and signers of the United States Constitution were members of various Christian denominations: 29 were Anglicans, 16 to 18 were Calvinists, 2 were Methodists, 2 were Lutherans, 2 were Roman Catholic, 1 lapsed Quaker and sometimes Anglican, and 1 open deist--Dr. Franklin who attended every kind of Christian worship, called for public prayer, and contributed to all denominations.
George Mason is called the father of the Bill of Rights, for he insisted that the first ten amendments be added to the Constitution. The purpose for such an addition? "The laws of nature are the laws of God, whose authority can be superseded by no power on earth," Mason said.
George Mason is called the father of the Bill of Rights, for he insisted that the first ten amendments be added to the Constitution. The purpose for such an addition? "The laws of nature are the laws of God, whose authority can be superseded by no power on earth," Mason said.
Thomas wrote on Dec 1, 2008 12:36 PM:
"Our Constitution was based on the Bible."
Can you cite something from our Constitution which reinforces that comment?
Howsoever, it does say that there may not be any religious qualifacations for holding office, nor may Congress legislate regarding religion.
BTW, the commanding general of our Revolutionary War, had no use for the type of belief you claim is America's foundation, yet he and probably much of that Army served honorably to create our Noble Experiment as free from any such religious bigotry.
Can you cite something from our Constitution which reinforces that comment?
Howsoever, it does say that there may not be any religious qualifacations for holding office, nor may Congress legislate regarding religion.
BTW, the commanding general of our Revolutionary War, had no use for the type of belief you claim is America's foundation, yet he and probably much of that Army served honorably to create our Noble Experiment as free from any such religious bigotry.
Victory wrote on Dec 1, 2008 12:12 PM:
I totally agree Darrell. It is a sad thing to see our country agreeing to things like Sharia law (soon to be exposed here and already taking place in Europe)and completely disrespecting our heritage. Our country was founded on God. Not Allah, or Budah, or Darwinism etc. If you live in this country yes you have the right to choose your own beliefs, but it should NEVER be allowed to over proceed our Foundation in "God We Trust". Keep to your own beliefs but DO NOT SILENCE THE BELIEVER WHO BELIEVES AND TRUSTS IN GOD.
Kari wrote on Dec 1, 2008 11:43 AM:
There was a time when an American was a person who loved God, family and country. If you recall our Founding Father’s men of honor and sacred honor who swore to do what was best for the people.
R I G H T !!
Unless, of course, you were a woman, or a man with anything other than a white European ancestry.
THOSE "people"?
Naw, no rights whatsoever.
Darrell, AND yer other brother Darrell, let's not foster Reverse Evolution, okay?
R I G H T !!
Unless, of course, you were a woman, or a man with anything other than a white European ancestry.
THOSE "people"?
Naw, no rights whatsoever.
Darrell, AND yer other brother Darrell, let's not foster Reverse Evolution, okay?
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