I was having a discussion with a friend of mine the other day, and it started me on a certain train of thought about two topics in particular. I think they’re often points of misunderstanding between those who are religious and those who aren’t. I have my own thoughts about these two issues, but I’d really like to hear from the other nonbelievers who read this blog. As always, Christian commentary is welcome too.
- If the Bible’s claims about God, Jesus, miracles, etc are untrue, what were the motives of the people who wrote it?
- Many nonbelievers view Christians’ efforts at teaching their children and others as indoctrination. Is that a fair term? Why do we view it as indoctrination? And if that’s what it is, what is the point of it? Furthermore, are we indoctrinating our own children against religion? If we’re striving for open-mindedness, should we try to teach our children about religious perspectives as well?
Again, I have my own thoughts regarding these questions. I think they’re often asked (or unasked) in a way that carries some assumptions, and I’ve tried to leave those intact. So if you feel that the questions aren’t phrased correctly, feel free to address that in your response as well.
I almost never directly ask for comments, yet my posts usually get quite a few. It will be just my luck that no one comments now that I’m asking. 🙂
Finding Truth 
Foist of all, I took the spelling straight off of Wikipedia, and If you can’t believe Wiki, who can you believe? Secondly, if you don’t quit picking on me, I’ll sic Sabio on you, and he knows how to spell “Tu quoque” – so there!
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Agreed. I forgot to turn on my sarcasm emoticon. 😀
Were it not for religion it wouldn’t be called church, would it? It would only people socializing, providing support, helping each other out with no ulterior motive or agenda. I like people.
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I was surprised, Ark, when Sabio accused you of Tu quoque remarks, that you didn’t respond with, “I know you are, but what am I?“
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@Ruth
Sarcasm emoticons are a must….especially if dealing with Manchester United Supporters.
I would like anyone to explain to me the benefits of joining Ken Ham’s organisation.
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Sigh…..Sometimes my (meagre) typing skills are best exercised in more profitable pursuits, like helping you with your spelling..
If ever Microsoft or someone comes out with a keyboard that types in ”Crayon Font” I will gladly chat with Sabio all day.
How is it ‘Up North” today?
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I think Ark forgets to turn his off!
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I always assume he speaks in sarcasm.
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RE: “How is it ‘Up North” today?”
Unless you’re near, or south of the equator, I’m not entirely sure I’m exactly “up North.”
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Ah, monolinguistic! He got the two of us thrown off another site, you know, and after the site hostess said I was the GOOD one! I’m sure he’s been thrown out of much nicer places than that, but I haven’t.
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Birds of a feather and all that, you know. You are known by the company you keep. 😀
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Ah..well I am down in Johannesburg. So unless my geography is shot to pieces or the earth is flat…. 🙂
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Neither of which would surprise me. I didn’t know that’s where you were, you speak so often of England. I guess from there, most everything is “North.”
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No, because it isn’t their goal to manipulate. I think that, in and of itself, puts religious organizations in the “bad” category.
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Well,I was born in England and grew up in the City of Chester.
I was deported for trying to blow up the Houses of Parliament with some bloke called Gay Forks
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Like here, we just happened to be in the same place, at the same time – it’s not like we were together! Besides, I was the GOOD one, she said so —
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Ark – Was Gay any relationship to Guido (Guy) Fawkes? You were lucky to be deported in one piece rather than drawn and quartered and sent to the four corners of the realm. I suspect you have been involved in a lot of mischief over the centuries.
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I wondered about that too, Marc, before I decided it just may well fall under the heading of, “Don’t ask, don’t tell.”
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<blockquote.Like here, we just happened to be in the same place, at the same time – it’s not like we were together! Besides, I was the GOOD one, she said so –
And you believed her? Oh dear oh dear….
When it comes to their ”faith” you just cant trust ’em.
Look at the way they mess with the bible…..
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Of COURSE I believed her – she was HOT – all hot girls tell the truth, don’t they?
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Still working on that blockquote thing, I see —
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Blame the host…I told you.
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Sure, “Blame the host” – and you wonder why we get kicked off of websites. Or DO you –?
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Well….just look at the way you two feed off of each other. I can see how one might get the impression that you were together; tying to play good atheist – bad atheist kind of thing.
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No. I never wonder. Besides, I am fully paid up with Nate. No problems. Until I began sending visitors the most comments Nate ever had was 12 and a half.
BTW Have you been invited to join whatshername’s blog? I sent four requests. She didn’t even answer!
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