Interesting ... Pastors death in his church

[rarjar]

Jeez, Squid- how can he be a troll; the guy's got more posts than most on this forum.

On the other hand, we haven't heard from him since this morning; maybe God decided to take him up on his challenge.

[sgbofav]

Originally Posted by Austin

I've never understood why seemingly intelligent people willingly waster their time, money and energy on religion.

If there is a god, let him strike me down where I sit!

You sir are a bigot! This thread has nothing to do with your non-belief, and nothing to do with bashing christianity. I personally don't care that you are both cursed and unsaved. That is between you and Him to discuss.

You worthless little opinion was duly noted.

[Austin]

Oh, for the love of christ...

I don't mind being called a troll, but I've posted more tech info from the service manual on this forum than anyone else, so I doubt I fit the classic definition of troll.

~~~~~

Squid - I've spent many years on a submarine, poking holes in water & defending this great country. A country where I can say "**** you and your god" if I so choose. The fact of the matter is that all those Navy traditions are silly, and some are blatantly homosexual. That's fine if that's what chokes your chicken, but I don't care to parade a bunch of nubs around the boat in their skivvies or naked. That's just a personal preference - it may be your thing and that's fine. Making another man stuff peanut butter in his *** crack seems homosexual (or at least weird) to me. Again, if that's your thing, that's fine.

You started a thread and stated your opinion. I replied with my opinion. I didn't try to force my opinion on you. If you can't handle different opinions, why are you in an internet forum?

~~~~~

rarjar - Once in a while I leave the computer... I like to give god a moving target.

~~~~~

sgbofav - "Bigot" is defined as a prejudiced person who is intolerant of any opinions differing from his own. I'm not sure I fit that profile. I didn't bash Christianity specifically, nor did I "bash" any organized religion. I said I don't understand it.

I've gone to church for 15 years, and I've been *gasp* saved *gasp*. I've read the bible and the book or Mormom (although I've never been Mormom) cover to cover several times. I've studied religion. I've taken college courses, I've talked to pastors, priests, and rabbi. I just don't get why seemingly intelligent people need religion.

What's the popular saying? "Religion is the opiate of the masses." If you need to go to church every week to feel like you're one with your god, so be it. It's not for me - but I'm not a Bigot. I've learned about many religions other than christianity. I'm very tolerant of your opinion, but my opinion is that subscribing to an organized religion just isn't sensible. I know a lot of smart people do it, I just don't understand why.

The fact that I'm here spending time "yakking" about it is another step in the opposite direction from bigotry.

[Optimist]

Originally Posted by rarjar

I'm sorry Optimist, but I just can't help myself!!! How in the world did these members "die during the service" yet apparently for some it became a weekly occurrence? By some chance these weren't cats with 9 lives were they?

Hey rarjar it would appear so, but nah.. just bad timing along wishful thinking. It’s rare.. but some people would work themselves into a fainting or dizzy spell wishing it was “time” while being prepared & feeling closer to God, but often it was no more than that… fainting.

[Squid]

Originally Posted by Austin

Oh, for the love of christ...

I don't mind being called a troll, but I've posted more tech info from the service manual on this forum than anyone else, so I doubt I fit the classic definition of troll.

~~~~~

Squid - I've spent many years on a submarine, poking holes in water & defending this great country. A country where I can say "**** you and your god" if I so choose. The fact of the matter is that all those Navy traditions are silly, and some are blatantly homosexual. That's fine if that's what chokes your chicken, but I don't care to parade a bunch of nubs around the boat in their skivvies or naked. That's just a personal preference - it may be your thing and that's fine. Making another man stuff peanut butter in his *** crack seems homosexual (or at least weird) to me. Again, if that's your thing, that's fine.

You started a thread and stated your opinion. I replied with my opinion. I didn't try to force my opinion on you. If you can't handle different opinions, why are you in an internet forum?

~~~~~

rarjar - Once in a while I leave the computer... I like to give god a moving target.

~~~~~

sgbofav - "Bigot" is defined as a prejudiced person who is intolerant of any opinions differing from his own. I'm not sure I fit that profile. I didn't bash Christianity specifically, nor did I "bash" any organized religion. I said I don't understand it.

I've gone to church for 15 years, and I've been *gasp* saved *gasp*. I've read the bible and the book or Mormom (although I've never been Mormom) cover to cover several times. I've studied religion. I've taken college courses, I've talked to pastors, priests, and rabbi. I just don't get why seemingly intelligent people need religion.

What's the popular saying? "Religion is the opiate of the masses." If you need to go to church every week to feel like you're one with your god, so be it. It's not for me - but I'm not a Bigot. I've learned about many religions other than christianity. I'm very tolerant of your opinion, but my opinion is that subscribing to an organized religion just isn't sensible. I know a lot of smart people do it, I just don't understand why.

The fact that I'm here spending time "yakking" about it is another step in the opposite direction from bigotry.

It's a lot more fun to dish it out.Gotcha!

[rarjar]

Originally Posted by Austin

Oh, for the love of christ...

I don't mind being called a troll, but I've posted more tech info from the service manual on this forum than anyone else, so I doubt I fit the classic definition of troll.

~~~~~

rarjar - Once in a while I leave the computer... I like to give god a moving target.

~~~~~

Referencing the first part quoted above, just so you know, I was defending you as to the implication that you might be a troll. While I may not always agree with you, I certainly respect your right to an opinion and to express that opinion (even if that opinion is wrong!! ).

As to the second part quoted above, now that's funny!

[BudmanHemi]

My wife, and i do not go to church, but we put our kids in sunday school because i wanted them to try it to see if they liked it. I am glad they do. I think church is good for children if they want to be there. I think it instills good values, and teaches them right from wrong. I will never force them to go, and when they stop wanting to go thats fine with me. I think some are exremely excessive on religion, and turn into some type of God Squad. Thats fine with me as long as you dont go marching it on me, and my children. Religion has become a joke to those who would have joined, and a way of life already there. Not a good thing. The God Squad needs to relax alittle bit, and keep it civil for the sake of the kids. Religius right is killing everything.

[Titan4x4Aggie]

Originally Posted by Austin

I just don't get why seemingly intelligent people need religion.

What's the popular saying? "Religion is the opiate of the masses." If you need to go to church every week to feel like you're one with your god, so be it. It's not for me - but I'm not a Bigot.

Although I dont completely agree with your attitude towards religion, I agree with you that religion is not necessary and seems to be a system that worked for one person which is mindlessly forced on a group of "followers" to get them closer to their beliefs. In that sense, I believe a number of religions and christian denominations follow suit (ie catholocism, baptists, etc).

In that sense, I do not consider myself a religious guy, but rather an average man seeking a relationship with God, the Creator of this universe. I also believe that same, unchanging God of the beginning of time sent His Son 2000 years ago to bridge the spiritual gap between God and Man. I feel when people believe in Christ and become "saved", they are not becoming religious and a "bible beater", but rather renewing a broken relationship with God.

However, I dont understand how "seemingly intelligent people" can seriously think the amazing complexities and intricities of this world came into existence on it's own, and I certainly dont understand how "seemingly intelligent people" can think that this universe is beyond the natural laws of physics and appeared from nothing, or has always existed.

I mean, if you can give infinite or self-creating powers to a universe, who's to say an all-powerful, all-knowing God does not also exist?

[Titan4x4Aggie]

Originally Posted by Austin

but my opinion is that subscribing to an organized religion just isn't sensible. I know a lot of smart people do it, I just don't understand why.

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[b] 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[c] 40All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

What other purpose is there in life? Eat, work, sleep, and die? If it wasn't for the commandments above, I would have a hard time living. It's not like I'm living a life worthy of suicide; I make good money, have a secure job, a loving family, and have an awesome truck. but...

I'm 23, single, I dont really enjoy my job, come home to an empty apartment, new to Houston with few close friends, and have yet to meet to woman of my dreams and get married. Without God and my growing relationship with Him through His Son, my life is worthless. Physically, I have little reason to live, for life is boring and unfullfilling. Spritually, I have faith to grow and mature, every day is a new day full of opprotunities.

Without faith in God, why live? To work, marry, have kids, work more, retire, get sick and die? How worthless and empty!!!! Why even live in the first place???

And dont give me that "whatever gets you through the day" crap. I dont create a god to make my concious happy and give me a reason to live. God created me with a purpose and I live for that reason. Big difference!

[Mike H.]

Originally Posted by Titan4x4Aggie

I also believe that same, unchanging God of the beginning of time sent His Son 2000 years ago to bridge the spiritual gap between God and Man. I feel when people believe in Christ and become "saved", they are not becoming religious and a "bible beater", but rather renewing a broken relationship with God.

Yup, 100% agree.

Originally Posted by Titan4x4Aggie

However, I dont understand how "seemingly intelligent people" can seriously think the amazing complexities and intricities of this world came into existence on it's own, and I certainly dont understand how "seemingly intelligent people" can think that this universe is beyond the natural laws of physics and appeared from nothing, or has always existed.

I mean, if you can give infinite or self-creating powers to a universe, who's to say an all-powerful, all-knowing God does not also exist?

Also 100% agree. The THEORY (yes it is still a theory) of evolution is so scientifically flawed to be ridiculous. Even Darwin doubted himself in several of his writings, especially having to do with the eye. DNA would have really thrown him for a loop. It will always be a theory, as it relates to something that is not currently going on and can not be reproduced.

[IMADOGMAN]

Originally Posted by Titan4x4Aggie

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[b] 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[c] 40All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

What other purpose is there in life? Eat, work, sleep, and die? If it wasn't for the commandments above, I would have a hard time living. It's not like I'm living a life worthy of suicide; I make good money, have a secure job, a loving family, and have an awesome truck. but...

I'm 23, single, I dont really enjoy my job, come home to an empty apartment, new to Houston with few close friends, and have yet to meet to woman of my dreams and get married. Without God and my growing relationship with Him through His Son, my life is worthless. Physically, I have little reason to live, for life is boring and unfullfilling. Spritually, I have faith to grow and mature, every day is a new day full of opprotunities.

Without faith in God, why live? To work, marry, have kids, work more, retire, get sick and die? How worthless and empty!!!! Why even live in the first place???

And dont give me that "whatever gets you through the day" crap. I dont create a god to make my concious happy and give me a reason to live. God created me with a purpose and I live for that reason. Big difference!

And from the Titan Service Manual...Love Thy Titan as though it is a deity, even though some other service manual says to love no false gods...and don't forget to call it your baby, as though it were a living breathing being...created by the Almighty God Nissan, Amen

You guys can get soooo serious...

[Vegas04]

Originally Posted by Titan4x4Aggie

Although I dont completely agree with your attitude towards religion, I agree with you that religion is not necessary and seems to be a system that worked for one person which is mindlessly forced on a group of "followers" to get them closer to their beliefs. In that sense, I believe a number of religions and christian denominations follow suit (ie catholocism, baptists, etc).

In that sense, I do not consider myself a religious guy, but rather an average man seeking a relationship with God, the Creator of this universe. I also believe that same, unchanging God of the beginning of time sent His Son 2000 years ago to bridge the spiritual gap between God and Man. I feel when people believe in Christ and become "saved", they are not becoming religious and a "bible beater", but rather renewing a broken relationship with God.

However, I dont understand how "seemingly intelligent people" can seriously think the amazing complexities and intricities of this world came into existence on it's own, and I certainly dont understand how "seemingly intelligent people" can think that this universe is beyond the natural laws of physics and appeared from nothing, or has always existed.

I mean, if you can give infinite or self-creating powers to a universe, who's to say an all-powerful, all-knowing God does not also exist?

Go Aggies for Christ!! Well said!

[Bill_n]

Austin ...

I have never been a particularly religous person in my life ....

But I have also never been so callous as to discount the beliefs of others ....

Reading your posts made me think of an e-mail I got the other day ...

A college professor, an avowed atheist and active in the ACLU, was teaching his class. He shocked several of his students when he flatly stated that once and for all he was going to prove there was no God. Addressing the ceiling he shouted:


"GOD, if you are real, then I want you to knock me off this platform. I'll give you exactly 15 minutes!!!!!"


The lecture room fell silent. You could hear a pin drop. Ten minutes went by.


" I'm waiting God, if you're real knock me off this platform!!!!"


Again after 4 minutes, the professor taunted God saying,


"Here I am, God!!! I'm still waiting!!!"


His count down got down to the last couple of minutes when a SEAL, just released from the Navy after serving in Afghanistan and Iraq and newly registered in the class, walked up to the Professor. The SEAL hit him full force in the face, and sent the Professor tumbling from his lofty platform. The Professor was out cold!! The students were stunned and shocked. They began to babble in confusion. The SEAL nonchalantly took his seat in the front row and sat silent. The class looked at him and fell silent.....waiting. Eventually, the professor came to and was noticeably shaken. He looked at the SEAL in the front row. When the professor regained his senses and could speak he asked:


"What the hell is the matter with you?! Why did you do that!?"


"God was really busy protecting America's soldiers, who are protecting your right to say stupid $hit and act like an @sshole!!! So he sent me!!"

[Vegas04]

Originally Posted by Austin

Oh, for the love of christ...

I don't mind being called a troll, but I've posted more tech info from the service manual on this forum than anyone else, so I doubt I fit the classic definition of troll.

~~~~~

Squid - I've spent many years on a submarine, poking holes in water & defending this great country. A country where I can say "**** you and your god" if I so choose. The fact of the matter is that all those Navy traditions are silly, and some are blatantly homosexual. That's fine if that's what chokes your chicken, but I don't care to parade a bunch of nubs around the boat in their skivvies or naked. That's just a personal preference - it may be your thing and that's fine. Making another man stuff peanut butter in his *** crack seems homosexual (or at least weird) to me. Again, if that's your thing, that's fine.

You started a thread and stated your opinion. I replied with my opinion. I didn't try to force my opinion on you. If you can't handle different opinions, why are you in an internet forum?

~~~~~

rarjar - Once in a while I leave the computer... I like to give god a moving target.

I'm not proud b/c I'm a shellback; I'm proud that I went to sea. Four years of sea duty may not be the stuff that they write movies about but I'm not going to degrade myself on a forum like this on the internet by slamming the traditions that make the seagoing services different and arguably better, especially not directly to men greater than myself that gave more than me for their country.

You must have believed you were doing something worthy at the time. And if not, then the Navy must've filled some other need in your life, i.e. support your family or help you get independence from your parents after high school. when you tear apart what so many others are so proud of you only make yourself look like an a$$clown!

[Half Shovel]

..........sigh............