A Rather Religious Debate

[The13thMan]

[QUOTE=DeathKnight][/color][/font]

[color=crimson]But funny and true.[/color]



[color=crimson]Er, you mean the moonies?

If so then uh.

Wow.[/color][/QUOTE]

[COLOR=DarkOrange][FONT=Century Gothic]::rolls eyes::

Your ignorance bothers me.


[/FONT][/COLOR]

[DeathKnight]

[QUOTE=The13thMan][COLOR=DarkOrange][FONT=Century Gothic]::rolls eyes::

Your ignorance bothers me.


[/FONT][/COLOR][/QUOTE]

[color=crimson]Your lack of a sense of humor and pride bothers me.

Maybe we can call it even and hug?[/color]

[The13thMan]

[QUOTE=DeathKnight][color=crimson]Your lack of a sense of humor and pride bothers me.

Maybe we can call it even and hug?[/color][/QUOTE]
[COLOR=DarkOrange][FONT=Century Gothic]Sense of humor is not appropriate when discussing one's religion.

You should know this by now, everybody should.

And i have a fantastical sense of humor. Just look at my avatar and sig for Christ's sake!
[/FONT][/COLOR]

[SunfallE]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue][B]1. What religion are you CURRENTLY following? If you don't have one, then why?[/B]

None I don?t believe in religion. Why? Because after being raised in the LDS/Mormon faith and spending years being uncomfortable attending something I didn?t really believe in, I decided it was time to pull the plug so to speak.

[B]2. Why do you follow that religion? Parents, personal reasons, etc?[/B]

The only reason I ever belonged to church was because my parents took me to it when I was a child. I left for personal reasons, which I will not discuss. But I can tell you that one of the main reasons is I see no point in belonging to and giving money to an organization I do not believe in. And that applies to any religion.

[B]3. Do you ever feel that people often critisize you because of these beliefs?[/B]

Perhaps for my perceived lack of beliefs. There was a time when people who knew I had quit being a part of the church would keep sending missionaries to try and ?save? me. But a quick visit to the current bishop with a request to either take my name off of the church records or quit sending missionaries to my door ended it. So now I?m allowed to be a ?fallen? member in peace.

For people who don?t know me, well when religion comes up I pretty much stay out of it since it?s too easy to get people riled up.

[B]4. This one may spark a little bit of arguing: Do you believe that your religion is the [I]one true religion?[/I] If so provide evidence.[/B]

No I don?t think my disbelief is necessarily the only truth. Just as those who believe may later find that they were all wrong, when I die, I may also find out that I was wrong. Only time will tell. [/COLOR]

[DeadSeraphim]

[QUOTE=The13thMan][COLOR=DarkOrange][FONT=Century Gothic]Sense of humor is not appropriate when discussing one's religion.

You should know this by now, everybody should.

And i have a fantastical sense of humor. Just look at my avatar and sig for Christ's sake!
[/FONT][/COLOR][/QUOTE]
[size=1][color=indigo][font=arial]I looked at your avatar and sig, and well...

I'm not feeling it.[/font][/color][/size]

[Tekkaman]

[font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=darkred]1. What religion are you CURRENTLY following? If you don't have one, then why?[/color][/size][/font]
[font=Century Gothic][size=2] [/size][/font]
[color=navy][font=Century Gothic][size=2]- I am a Christian man, though, I don't express my religion much on the Boards to keep others happy. Also, I love reading up on different types of religion (New Age, Hinduism, etc...) just to understand the [slightest] connection between them all. I believe that all religion was [and is] tied together somehow. [/size][/font]
[font=Century Gothic][size=2] [/size][/font]
[font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=darkred]2. Why do you follow that religion? Parents, personal reasons, etc?[/color][/size][/font][/color]
[font=Century Gothic][size=2] [/size][/font]
[color=navy][font=Century Gothic][size=2]- At first it was because of my parents always dragging me to Sunday Church. But throughout the years, something happened to me. I'm sure you all know what, otherwise I wouldn't be going to church on my own. However, I do believe that you don't have to go to church in order to praise God [Though my family feels otherwise].[/size][/font]
[font=Century Gothic][size=2] [/size][/font]
[font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=darkred]3. Do you ever feel that people often critisize you because of these beliefs?[/color][/size][/font][/color]
[font=Century Gothic][size=2] [/size][/font]
[color=navy][font=Century Gothic][size=2]- Nah. I stayed around positive people throughout my life. People that I believe hold a bad vibe, I tend to stay away from at all costs. There are exceptions to the rules, though, but that's a different story.[/size][/font]
[font=Century Gothic][size=2] [/size][/font]
[font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=darkred]4. This one may spark a little bit of arguing: Do you believe that your religion is the one true religion? If so provide evidence.[/color][/size][/font]
[font=Century Gothic][size=2][/size][/font][/color]
[font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=navy]As i've touched on #1, I dig in numerous religions; though, not on the same level as Christianity. I believe in my Christianity but i'm not a slave to it. I want to know as much about different religions as possible because I think that they all intertwine in one way or another.[/color][/size][/font]

[Jeebs]

[b]1. What religion are you CURRENTLY following? If you don't have one, then why?[/b]

I'm pretty much agnostic. I don't have any reason to follow a religion.I have my own set of morals, and I'm not interested in how the world was created or why things are the way they are; I just accept it. There's no way to prove/disprove god, so he could exist. I don't care much either way. I believe that if god does exist, he/she/it wouldn't care whether people worship him/her/it or not, and he/she/it would have faith in us that we could live without god's guidance, like how (most) parents eventually stop supporting their children.

[b]2. Why do you follow that religion? Parents, personal reasons, etc?[/b]

My mom is pretty religious. She doesn't go to church or anything, but she has no tolerance for religious humor. It bothers me sometimes because she throws around the word "sacrilegious" a lot.

[b]3. Do you ever feel that people often critisize you because of these beliefs?[/b]

No; I'm sure my mom doesn't like it, but she doesn't say anything about it.

[b]4. This one may spark a little bit of arguing: Do you believe that your religion is the [i]one true religion?[/i] If so provide evidence.[/b]

I don't think that there is a true religion. No one can prove or disprove any of them, so you can't know what's true and what isn't; you can only choose what works for you. It's much the same with reality. Technically, you can't prove that anything exists, you can only believe it's there. It's just more difficult to believe in things one doesn't see, hear, feel, taste, or smell. That's why I don't argue with people over religious beliefs or say that they're wrong. Their guess is as good as mine.

[Ikillion]

[SIZE=1][color=#d2b43b][FONT=Trebuchet MS]1. What religion are you CURRENTLY following? If you don't have one, then why?

Although for the larger part of my life I have grown up as a Protestant Christan. As of recently, I've become Non-Religous for a majority of reasons, the majority of which are questions that are just not able to be answered.

2. Why do you follow that religion? Parents, personal reasons, etc?

For as long as I can remember I have just been going to curch just becasue my mom did. The only reason I even bothered to follow it was because my mom did. I didn't really think any way or another. However since I rarely went to Sunday School and really didn't know to much about the bible itself, I just went along with whatever everyone else said.

3. Do you ever feel that people often critisize you because of these beliefs?

For me? Nah. For the most part the people whom I hang out with just talk about game / current events. Although we will make the occasional joke / sterotype at whatever we may find funnay at the moment it is only in a joking way and we all understand that.

4. This one may spark a little bit of arguing: Do you believe that your religion is the one true religion? If so provide evidence.

Its funny though, since this is one of the questions that made me non-religous in the first place. I just found it very hard to believe that if there realy is only one way to salvation how do I know the one that I practice is the correct one? It was just one of the reasons I though that there really isnt one correct path to the afterlife. Whatever happens just happens.[/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE]

[Sandy]

[QUOTE=The13thMan][COLOR=DarkOrange][FONT=Century Gothic]Sense of humor is not appropriate when discussing one's religion.

You should know this by now, everybody should.
[/FONT][/COLOR][/QUOTE]

Honestly, people should be able to laugh about anything, even death. It'd make the world a much, much happier place when people wouldn't take everything so damn seriously and personally (I know I'm at fault here too, but hey, we're all humans here).

Remember that you can laugh [I]at[/I] somebody, or [I]with[/I] somebody. A little self-humor doesn't hurt.

Besides, I wasn't making much of a joke: I [I]have[/I] read the same theory about a god whose lost his powers because of people not having faith in him from about a cazillion different fantasy novels.

[Goodbye, Face]

[size=1][font=arial]Come on guys, stop picking on The13thMan. :-/

[b]1. What religion are you CURRENTLY following? If you don't have one, then why?[/b]
I do not have a religion and I don't plan on ever having one. I was born with the freedom to choose my spiritual path and I chose very early on that I felt that only I could govern and decide what's best for my own life. I consider myself to be an atheist, but if there's a more appropriate term, I'm interested.

[b]2. Why do you follow that religion? Parents, personal reasons, etc?[/b]
I follow this "religion" because it's something tangible that I can believe in, it's simple really. From [u]my point of view[/u], the Christian God is merely a fictional character who most likely started as an explanation as to how things work. The Bible is no different than "How the Leopard Got Its Spots" to me. I can see religion in general as being a good right-and-wrong teaching mechanism for children, but most of the people around here take it way too far and are utter bigots about their religion.

[b]3. Do you ever feel that people often critisize you because of these beliefs?[/b]
Oh, every day, I'm sure. There was a discussion about which churches my classmates go to in seventh grade, and the classmates were all listing their churches and raising their hands and eventually I was the only one who didn't raise a hand and someone picked up on it and basically blurted out "wait, what church does Kevin go to?" and I responded that I don't go to church, and then I was asked about God and and told everyone that I didn't believe in God. Every day from that point until the end of eighth grade I was ferociously attacked by my classmates through words and fists. I'm sure there's plenty of people who still judge me now, but most of the people I hang around with are extremely open minded.

[b]4. This one may spark a little bit of arguing: Do you believe that your religion is the one true religion? If so provide evidence.[/b]
Again, to me there isn't a true religion. Many of the events in each holy text coincide and really, it's just a game of Telephone with different viewpoints attatched. I don't believe in anything really, but I cannot dismiss anyone else's religion either.[/size][/font]

[Veritas]

[QUOTE=Sandy]Honestly, people should be able to laugh about anything, even death. It'd make the world a much, much happier place when people wouldn't take everything so damn seriously and personally (I know I'm at fault here too, but hey, we're all humans here).

Remember that you can laugh [i]at[/i] somebody, or [i]with[/i] somebody. A little self-humor doesn't hurt.[/QUOTE] [size=1][color=dimgray]Word...... Couldn't have said it better myself. I personally think God laughs at us sometimes, kinda like when we look back on something, it might have been a crappy situation at the time, but looking back on it you realize it is funny.[/color][/size]

[quote name='Sandy]Besides, I wasn't making much of a joke: I [i]have[/i'] read the same theory about a god whose lost his powers because of people not having faith in him from about a cazillion different fantasy novels.[/quote][size=1][color=dimgray]Hmmm the movie Elf comes to mind, or a bagillion other christmas movies. Yes I know, doesn't have to do with God, I'm just stating the theory is out there, and used...... alot.[/color][/size]
[color=sienna][color=sienna][/color]
[/color]

[Xander Harris]

I haven't been around these boards in a long time, and I think my thoughts on all of this has changed a lot since then... I've decided to fill this out mainly because I think these questions are really phrased well, and it would be interesting to try to explain my views in them and see people's reactions to them

1. What religion are you CURRENTLY following? If you don't have one, then why?

I try to follow the example of Jesus Christ, who told us to love our enemies, love God and other people with our whole hearts, minds, souls and strength, and proclaimed the coming of the Kingdom of God in this world through his ministry, death and resurrection, and the work of those who would follow him.

I believe that the world is fallen away from it's original state, and that only the grace of God can save us and our world from our sin. God wants to have a relationship with each individual, and to restore all the cosmos to perfection.

I believe that the purpose of the Church is to serve the world the way Christ gave himself up for us. The Kingdom will come in full when all things are reconciled together in Christ, but in the meantime God gives the privilage of building that Kingdom to us.

I believe that God is Love, and that he will never give up on us. He is the "hound of heaven" who will go to any length to secure the good of those he loves, and that this all consuming love is best found within the person and work of Jesus of Nazareth.
"For God so loved the world, that he gave us his only begotten son"



2. Why do you follow that religion? Parents, personal reasons, etc?

I started out as a pretty conservative evangelical in church with my parents.. in the past few years at college, I've changed a lot of my views. I still believe in the Bible as the inspired word of God, I've just come to believe in different interpretations.

3. Do you ever feel that people often critisize you because of these beliefs?

Sometimes. Ironically, any criticism at this point in my life comes from other Christians, who feel that I should be just as concerned about gay marriage and abortion as they are ;-)

4. This one may spark a little bit of arguing: Do you believe that your religion is the one true religion? If so provide evidence.

Well, if by this question you mean; "do you think people in other religions go to hell," I'd have to give a big no. One of the main ways my beliefs have changed over the years is that I think originally the Church held to Universalist beliefs ([url]http://www.tentmaker.org/[/url] has some good articles on this), and that everyone eventually will have a place in God's restored creation and will be included in the resurrection of the dead. There's a lot more I could say about this, but I'll wait to see what others have to say about it first.

However, I do believe that the revelation I've found in Christ is 'true.' I used to give many proofs for this belief. I still think arguments like the "empty tomb" argument are actually fairly strong. However, after many many bouts of wrestling with my faith and seriously considering atheism (nothing challenges one's faith like studying philosophy and history full time) I've made a conscious decision to follow Christ. I look at all the suffering and pain and cycles of violence throughout history, and see the way of Christ as the only thing crazy, pure and unique enough to bring about ultimate peace and reconciliation. I find, deep in my heart, a real sense of the existence of God when I am still amidst the beauty of nature. When I look at all the possible belief systems in the world, Christianity is the only thing with a vision for the world at once supremely realistic and supremely idealistic. Hence, for all these reasons, I have resolved to "live as a Narnian even if there is no Narnia" to quote a book from my childhood.

All that said, I certainly find truth and beauty amidst other religious traditions as well. And I think the Church has a lot to work out within itself, a lot of apologizing to do, and a lot of love issues like environmental stewardship and poverty to concern itself with at the moment. Although I love Jesus and love to talk about him, I'm really not horribly concerned if someone else doesn't share my religious views, and I certainly can see elements of beauty and truth in other religious traditions as well.

So the answer is yes and no. In some ways, I do think (or at least have chosen to live as if) my religion is the 'true' religion. But I don't think I really mean that in the same sense that others here do.

[Anakoni Stark]

[SIZE=1]1.[B]What religion are you currently following? If you dont have one, then why?[/B]
[COLOR=DarkBlue]Well, this is a little hard to describe, I'm an on and off christian, I have times in life where, it's either: A] He's there and I know that, B] I know that He's there, but I just dont have a care to notice, or C] I really need Him right now. but I affiliate with atheism, just to get people confused.[/COLOR][/SIZE]
[SIZE=1]2.[B]Why do you follow that religion? Parents, Personal Reasons,[etc.]?[/B]
[COLOR=DarkRed]Well, I'm not into organized religion, I think that everyone has a choice as to what they want to follow.[/COLOR][/SIZE]
[SIZE=1]3.[B]Do you ever get critized by others about your religion?[/B]
[COLOR=DimGray]Yes, all the time, I could feel the pressure bearing down on me when people got into a disccusion about religion in geometry [even the teacher, long story on that one] what I couldnt understand was, everyone know what LDS, Chirstianity and what have you, but they did have a clue about atheism. "Leon, what in the world? You dont belive in God? You [B] DO [/B] have problems."[/SIZE][/COLOR]
[SIZE=1]4.[B]Do You belive that your religion is the one true religion? If so, provide evidence.[/B]
[COLOR=DarkSlateGray]Well, I dont know, from my chirstian point of view I would say no, cos all I'd hear is the chruch bells ringing in victory for getting another follower, and the hardcore followers [Dae excluded] trying to shove everything there is about Christianity down my throat. From my atheist point of view I would also say no, cos people have the freedom to choose whatever they want that keeps them happy, I'm not one of those people who critisizes others about their religion.[/COLOR][/SIZE]

[Boo]

[quote name='RiflesAtRecess][size=1][font=arial]Come on guys, stop picking on The13thMan. :-/ [/size'][/font][/quote][size=1]It's a religion thread, what did you expect? It's like entering a pit full of hungry lions, at your own will. You can't blame the lions for eating you if you knew that it would happen when you'd enter the pit.[/size]

[The13thMan]

[COLOR=DarkOrange][FONT=Century Gothic]I don't know what you guys are all reading, i personally don't feel like i was attacked at all. I just think most people's comments towards me have been kinda lame.

Blah blah humor, right? Well, in my opinion, nothing funny has been said. But then again, i am rather difficult to make laugh. Not because of a lack of humor but because i'm the one that usually tells the jokes around whatever group of friends i'm hanging out with. You'd have to be a pro to make me laugh, or one of the 3 or 4 genuinely funny people i know. Also, it's even harder when you're reading posts on a message board.

I stand by my previous comment that it's innapropriate to joke around with one's religion. I never said that i can't take a joke. I'm simply saying that it's a stupid move to do something like that, because you could very easily be talking to a deeply religious person, and you could offend them. I'm agnostic, so i really don't care if you poke fun at any religion. All i'm getting at is it's a fool's move to do so to a stranger, Sandy.

Sure, it's good to laugh at yourself, i've done it many a times before. But it's also good to be respectful and tasteful. Your comment was towards a person you've never talked to before in your life, that's why i think it was a stupid one.

Tone is lost when you're reading text over the internet. If you could hear me speak what i'm saying with the tone in my voice and the playful smile on my face you'd know my true feelings towards all of this. In all honesty, this whole post was a pain to write. It was pointless.

But whatev.

Edit: I went back and looked at Deathdude's post and i gotta say, i'm actually a bit angry now. Name calling is so ********** immature, man. In all honesty, i'd probalby punch you in the face for saying something like that to me in person. It's little pricks like you that don't belong in a place like OB. Grow a brain, buddy.
[/FONT][/COLOR]

[DeathKnight]

[quote name='The13thMan][COLOR=DarkOrange][FONT=Century Gothic']I just think most people's comments towards me have been kinda lame.[/quote][/color][/font]

[color=crimson]We work with what you give us.[/color]

[quote name='The13thMan][color=DarkOrange][font=Century Gothic']Blah blah humor, right? Well, in my opinion, nothing funny has been said. But then again, i am rather difficult to make laugh. Not because of a lack of humor but because i'm the one that usually tells the jokes around whatever group of friends i'm hanging out with. You'd have to be a pro to make me laugh, or one of the 3 or 4 genuinely funny people i know. Also, it's even harder when you're reading posts on a message board.[/quote][/color][/font]

[color=crimson]You don't need to laugh at it. I doubt Sandy wanted to bring joy to your life or make your day better and if he did he's a better man than I am.

It lacked intent to harm or genuine malice. Nothing more needs to be said.[/color]

[quote name='The13thMan][color=DarkOrange][font=Century Gothic']I stand by my previous comment that it's innapropriate to joke around with one's religion. I never said that i can't take a joke. I'm simply saying that it's a stupid move to do something like that, because you could very easily be talking to a deeply religious person, and you could offend them.[/quote][/color][/font]

[color=crimson]Oh, you were serious when you said that. Woops.

He could offend them, yes. Deeply religious people have that odd tendency of being easily offended by trivial statements.

Very moody folk, them.[/color]

[quote name='The13thParrot][color=DarkOrange][Font=Century Gothic']Your comment was towards a person you've never talked to before in your life, that's why i think it was a stupid one.[/quote][/color][/font]

[color=crimson]If you're a complete stranger that he'll probably never meet in his life how exactly does it matter if he could have potentially offended you?

And what would it say about the hypothetical stranger on this message board who over reacts to another stranger's statements?[/color]

[quote name='The13thMan][color=DarkOrange][Font=Century Gothic]It was pointless.[/FONT'][/COLOR][/quote]

[color=crimson]Neat. We agree.[/color]

[QUOTE=The13thMan][COLOR=DarkOrange][FONT=Century Gothic]Edit: I went back and looked at Deathdude's post and i gotta say, i'm actually a bit angry now. Name calling is so ********** immature, man. In all honesty, i'd probalby punch you in the face for saying something like that to me in person. It's little pricks like you that don't belong in a place like OB. Grow a brain, buddy.
[/FONT][/COLOR][/QUOTE]

[color=crimson]Heh. The answer to my above question is that the over reacting stranger would be viewed in very, very poor light.

Chill and work on cutting back on your ego.[/color]

[ChibiHorsewoman]

[QUOTE=The13thMan][COLOR=DarkOrange][FONT=Century Gothic]Sense of humor is not appropriate when discussing one's religion.

[/FONT][/COLOR][/QUOTE]

[color=#9933ff][font=lucida calligraphy]A sense of humor is the only thing that keeps an otherwise sane man from hanging himself- Voltaire

That said I think relgion is probably one of the most hilarious things to ever be discusssed. Especially when you're dealing with the religion I was raised in. I mean the Catholic church banned using forks in the middle ages. I think it was the three pronged ones because they represented that lovely pitchfork that Satan always carried around. Then you have all that funny stuff about the Witches Hammer. Actually early Christian beliefs about witchcraft in general are pretty funny. One century it was considered blasphemy to believe that witches could fly then it was considered blasphemy to believe that witches couldn't fly. Finally you can't forget present day that the Catholic church is againt both birth control and abortion. Yes, I respect everyone's beliefs, but some things if you look back in history are really funny and need to be laughed at.

If you want to have some real fun, google Fort Hood Open Circle and the Killeen Tabernacle Baptist church in Killeen Texas. Fort Hood Open Circle is a 'coven' (I'm using the term losely because I didn't have good times with a lot of these people and I don't think that all of them are appropriate examples of Wicca) for Pagan military personnel. Well, a few years prior to me moving to Texas there was this big to do involving the Killeen Blah blah blah Baptist church and the FHOC which actually got to the point of some of the pastors of that church bringing in loaded weapons so 'Warlocks wouldn't steal their children.' Now I don't know how much everyone knows about Wicca, but a warlock is an oath breaker not a male witch. And no self respecting Witch steals children. I saw that and nearly fell from my chair laughing.[/color][/font]

[The13thMan]

[QUOTE=DeathKnight]

[color=crimson]You don't need to laugh at it. I doubt Sandy wanted to bring joy to your life or make your day better and if he did he's a better man than I am.

It lacked intent to harm or genuine malice. Nothing more needs to be said.[/color]

[/color][/font][/QUOTE][COLOR=DarkOrange][FONT=Century Gothic]It's not your place to say what he meant by what he said.

People need to take responsibility for what they said and the possible reactions of people by those comments. Now, myself personally, it wasn't a big deal what he said. I'm not even angry at him, i'm angry at you. So let's not mention him again, he's out of my mind at this point.

[/FONT][/COLOR]

[QUOTE=DeathKnight]
[color=crimson]Oh, you were serious when you said that. Woops.

He could offend them, yes. Deeply religious people have that odd tendency of being easily offended by trivial statements.

Very moody folk, them.[/color][/QUOTE]
[COLOR=DarkOrange][FONT=Century Gothic]What a moronic statement.

My opinion is that humor is not appropriate in religious debates, especially when you don't know how the person you are arguing with is going to take that joke. Now, if you do know how that person is going to take it, and you know that person won't take it the wrong way, then joke the ******* away. I know i've done it many many times before.

People need to have respect for other's religion. Do you agree or disagree?
[/FONT][/COLOR]
[QUOTE=DeathKnight]
[color=crimson]If you're a complete stranger that he'll probably never meet in his life how exactly does it matter if he could have potentially offended you?

And what would it say about the hypothetical stranger on this message board who over reacts to another stranger's statements?[/color][/QUOTE]
[COLOR=DarkOrange][FONT=Century Gothic]::sigh::

That is a pathetically stupid question. Apparantly you have no manners. I try not to piss random people off simply because it's mean spirited and brings pain to others. If you do that, then i truly pity you.

I did not over react.
[/FONT][/COLOR]
[QUOTE=DeathKnight]
[color=crimson]Heh. The answer to my above question is that the over reacting stranger would be viewed in very, very poor light.

Chill and work on cutting back on your ego.[/color][/QUOTE]

[COLOR=DarkOrange][FONT=Century Gothic]Since when did telling a person to chill ever work? Do you really think i'd just chill cuz you said chill? Just wondering.

Buddy, you have no idea what kind of person i am. Don't give advice to a person you don't know. It just doesn't make sense.

And on that note, you chill and work on cutting back on your ego! :sick:

[/FONT][/COLOR]

[Darktactic]

[QUOTE=The13thMan][COLOR=DarkOrange][FONT=Century Gothic]

I stand by my previous comment that it's innapropriate to joke around with one's religion. I never said that i can't take a joke. I'm simply saying that it's a stupid move to do something like that, because you could very easily be talking to a deeply religious person, and you could offend them.

[/FONT][/COLOR][/QUOTE]

People shouldn't concern themselves with what everyone else thinks. There are people in the world that have different perceptions of how things should work. Some cannot be swayed no matter how much reasoning and logic you give them to support your beliefs. They have the right to. After all, beliefs aren't facts. If you try to please everyone, you'll only end up denying yourself the ability of expression. Although, I do agree that in discussions such as this that it is unnecessary to post potentially offensive remarks.

[Horendithas]

[COLOR=DarkRed]And the religious thread begins to derail? The13thMan you?ve made your point that your opinion is that religious humor in a religious debate thread is inappropriate and DeathKnight, ChibiHorsewoman & Sandy have made their opinion known that they think you should laugh at religion, even in debates.

At this point it?s painfully obvious that all of you have a different viewpoint so lets leave it at that and move on. Especially since if you really feel a person?s post is truly offensive or doesn?t belong in a debate, there is a handy tool in the upper right hand corner for reporting a bad post.

As for the question about humor, my opinion is that I?m inclined to agree with DeathKnight, ChibiHorsewoman and Sandy. Laughing on some level at religion is one of the ways I keep myself from looking at those who believe and thinking they are idiots. By seeing that even those who are religious have a sense of humor, it makes them more real to me. It?s the ones throwing out the words sacrilegious or inappropriate over every little thing that worry me.

Even the LDS/Mormon church approves of humor about their own religion as they often approve joke books to be published for their members to read. Just take a look here: [URL=http://www.rickwalton.com/books/riddle.htm]Book[/URL] In order for a book to be published by Deseret Book, it has to be approved by the church on some level, as they own that publishing company. So if they disapproved of humor in any form, they wouldn?t let the author publish the book. At least they wouldn?t let it be sold at bookstores they own. [/COLOR]

[The13thMan]

[COLOR=DarkOrange][FONT=Century Gothic]It's fine to laugh at religion and make jokes about it privately or among friends. Lord knows i've got a sense of humor when it comes to such things. I never disagreed with anybody there. Where i do disagree is when a person makes a potentially offensive comment regarding religion to a person they barely know. It's a stupid move and therefore it shouldn't be done. It'd be like walking into a catholic church for the first time with a satan costume on, making crude jokes aboug God. It's stupid and pointless. I don't understand how you can disagree with me there.

I recall an instance where this dude on Jackass did that. A couple of people got pissed and punched at the guy. The guy was a moron for doing something like that....though, i still laughed.

Having a sense of humor and laughing at jokes about your religion is one thing. Taking an offensive comment silently and simply turning the other cheek is another.
[/FONT][/COLOR]

[DeathKnight]

[quote name='The13thMan][COLOR=DarkOrange][FONT=Century Gothic']i'm angry at you.[/quote][/color][/font]

[color=crimson]Okay.[/color]

[quote name='The13thMan][COLOR=DarkOrange][FONT=Century Gothic]People need to have respect for other's religion. Do you agree or disagree?[/FONT'][/COLOR][/quote]

[color=crimson]You hope they respect you.[/color]

[quote name='The13thMan][COLOR=DarkOrange][FONT=Century Gothic]Apparantly you have no manners. I try not to piss random people off simply because it's mean spirited and brings pain to others.[/FONT'][/COLOR][/quote]

[color=crimson]Oh?[/color]

[quote name='The13thParrot][COLOR=DarkOrange][FONT=Century Gothic]Since when did telling a person to chill ever work? Do you really think i'd just chill cuz you said chill? Just wondering.[/color'][/font][/quote]

[color=crimson]Uh.. pretty often.

And yeah.. I said to chill because you seemed a wee bit steamed.

You weren't over reacting, of course. Just reacting.[/color]

[quote name='The 13thman][color=DarkOrange][font=Century Gothic']Buddy, you have no idea what kind of person i am. Don't give advice to a person you don't know. It just doesn't make sense. [/color][/quote][/font]

[color=crimson]Haven't you been giving advice to Sandy and I continually over the last few posts?[/color]

[quote name='indifference][COLOR=DarkRed']At this point it?s painfully obvious that all of you have a different viewpoint so lets leave it at that and move on. [/COLOR][/quote]

[color=crimson]Yessum.[/color]

[SunfallE]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue]The13thMan I?m going to tell you the very same thing indifference already did: [quote name='indifference][COLOR=DarkRed]At this point it?s painfully obvious that all of you have a different viewpoint so lets leave it at that and move on. [/COLOR][/QUOTE]What you have done here: [QUOTE=The13thMan][COLOR=DarkOrange][FONT=Century Gothic]It's fine to laugh at religion and make jokes about it privately or among friends. Lord knows i've got a sense of humor when it comes to such things. I never disagreed with anybody there. Where i do disagree is when a person makes a potentially offensive comment regarding religion to a person they barely know. [/FONT][/COLOR][/QUOTE]Is simply restate your opinion that humor in a religious debate thread shouldn?t be done. I?ve read through the thread and not one of those comments from the others came across as a deliberate attempt to offend anyone. I can?t and won?t moderate people for making a [I] potentially[/I] offensive comment. Religion is a topic that many people disagree on and it?s only natural that that disagreement is going to spread into how people think you should even discuss it. And like indifference also said here: [QUOTE=indifference][COLOR=DarkRed] Especially since if you really feel a person?s post is truly offensive or doesn?t belong in a debate, there is a handy tool in the upper right hand corner for reporting a bad post. [/COLOR][/QUOTE]So if that is the case, use it. You found it potentially offensive and others do not and arguing over it isn?t going to change either sides? point of view on this issue. So lets stop arguing and get back on topic here.[QUOTE=The13thMan][COLOR=DarkOrange][FONT=Century Gothic]It's stupid and pointless. I don't understand how you can disagree with me there. [/FONT'][/COLOR][/quote] Again you are talking about your opinion on the subject. Not everyone feels the same. People have different ideas as to how they express themselves in regards to religion and for some, laughing over stuff is part of how they see it and talk about it as well. I don?t want to turn this into a more official warning, but I will if this continues. You have clearly said what you think and it?s not productive to keep trying to convince others that your view point is the correct one. Nor is telling someone you would punch them in the face or that they are [I]little pricks[/I] So be a little more civil here as well. [/COLOR]

[conpiracymonki]

[size=1]..[i]anyway[/i].

[B]What religion are you currently following? If you don't have one, then why?[/B]
Islam

[B]Why do you follow that religion? Parents, personal reasons, etc?[/B]
Was born into a Muslim family. That isnt to say I dont believe in what I was taught though. I'm not still a Muslim for my family lol. Personal reasons yo.

[B]Do you ever feel that people often criticise you because of these beliefs?[/B]
Yes. It's all the rage dontcha know.. I'm not gonna cry about it though.

[B]Do you believe that your religion is the [I]one true religion?[/I] If so provide evidence.[/B]
Provide evidence? lol. Are you [i]trying[/i] to start a flamewar?
Yeah, I believe what I believe is worth believing in.

While I can take comments about my religion, I dont think it's fair to joke about religion because those who are strong followers of a faith are usually extra-sensitive about it (no duh, sorry). You have to consider that God, to someone who believes in Him/Her/It/Them, is supposed to be more important than anything worldy including family etc. Hideously poor comparisons but, for all you know, it could be as bad as joking about a dead family member or rape to them - bad taste.

Having said that imo I dont think anybody above was joking like that towards 13thMan, but just thought I'd throw in my 2 British pennies
:)[/SIZE]

[Sora]

[size=1][font=arial][b]1. What religion are you CURRENTLY following? If you don't have one, then why?
[color=Blue]I used to be Mormon, but I don't really know. I've been on and off (to extremes) since I was at least 8. I remember telling my mother that I didn't want to get [/color][/b][/font][/size][size=1][color=Blue][font=arial][b]baptized when I was eight and that I was doing it because everone else was. [/b][/font][/color][/size][size=1][font=arial][b][color=Blue]I still go to church because my parents make me, but I surely wouldn't go [i]every[/i] sunday if I had the choice. Perhaps I'd still go every once in a while, though. Who knows?[/color] [color=Blue]I've looked into every religion I know of, though. I've gone from Buddhism to Satanism to Wicca to Transhumanism and back again. There's not much general information about any religion I don't know. (Not to boast. Hence the "general information")[/color]
[/b][/font][/size][size=1][font=arial][b]2. Why do you follow that religion? Parents, personal reasons, etc?
[color=Blue]Mostly because I need a break from what people are trying to build me into. I want to be me, not what other people want me to be. I might return to that religion, but I want it to be [i]my[/i] choice, not anyone else's. I know that it's an impossibility to not be what other people make you into, but at least I'll question what is that I'm becomming and associate with different people if I don't like it. I'm more on the nurture side of nurture vs. nature when it comes to philosophy.[/color]
[/b][/font][/size][size=1][font=arial][b]3. Do you ever feel that people often critisize you because of these beliefs?
[color=Blue]Absolutely. My mom just sort of gives me the "I-feel-sorry-for-you" look and my dad gets into a stupid argument that circles around itself constantly. He'll say something and I'll say something and he'll say something and I'll say something and he'll say the same thing that I said two somethings ago like it's a new brilliant idea that just recently dawned on him.[/color]
[/b][/font][/size][size=1][font=arial][b]4. This one may spark a little bit of arguing: Do you believe that your religion is the one true religion? If so provide evidence.[/b][/font] [color=Blue]If I had to say yes or no, I'd say no. I lean more towards there being no single true religion.[/color][/size]