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Post by animal on Sept 7, 2010 12:56:18 GMT -5
If I judged your concept of religion/afterlife/etc.... I would be a hypocrite.... My wife is a born and bred Methodist. She tried for years to get me into it. I was a born and bred Jehovah Witness that ran from it as fast as I could when I was 15 (1972). She has no idea how I can not care beyond my last breath, she doesnt get it. I dont get how she can think she will end up in heaven with the other Methodists while saying Jews will go to hell. Seems wrong to me, plenty of good jews out there, no? WHy stress out, let the chips fall where they may. If rch made me feel good, I would go... it doesnt. Biker functions are a different story tho, so I go there.  |
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Post by animal on Sept 7, 2010 12:58:37 GMT -5
As for the day-to-day-life section, it is enjoyable seeing more positive things in peoples lives. That was exactly my idea when I started it. You should attempt to interact minus the negatives, might learn how. I cant do the constant negative/bitching/complaining/attacking.... it puts me in a mood I dont like... so I end up ignoring or attacking.
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Post by jdredd on Sept 7, 2010 13:17:56 GMT -5
If we're wiped out, isn't all of human history for naught if there's no afterlife? We would be completely forgotten...And then it wouldn't matter what you did, it would be a waste. Is just having a lot of feel-good moments what's it's all about? That's depressing. Species die off all the time on earth and new species appear. So what if the "human" race dies off. Just like the other species, they are teaching tools as their prehistoric remains are discovered. We humans may be a teaching tool to a newly evolved creature of earth or maybe even aliens from space. The prehistoric creatures lived through various periods evolving and leading into the current life on earth. Mankind may be just another stepping stone to a new age, even if we all die off. I just read an article stating that most efforts to save a creature from extinction is useless and may even cause more harm. It is said that extinction is part of the evolutionary process. Whether you believe in God or not, evolution does exists! I see your point about mankind being a transitional species like the dinosaurs, and I also like the idea about us being a teaching tool for future beings. Still, I think it may be assuming a lot, as many people do, that once you die there is nothing else. Though I do doubt life is some kind of "test". I think "tests" are a totally human invention. |
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Post by EscapeHatch on Sept 7, 2010 15:51:21 GMT -5
I think this thread has turned into what JD intended all along.
What was there before the Big Bang? Is that even knowable? It is easier for me to understand that there could be an infinite future, but, harder to grasp the idea of an infinite past.
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Post by animal on Sept 7, 2010 17:16:49 GMT -5
Again... none of it interests me.past, future, none of it. I was born, I will die. Nothing before, nothing after.
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Post by Jack on Sept 7, 2010 19:53:04 GMT -5
I think this thread has turned into what JD intended all along. What was there before the Big Bang? Is that even knowable? It is easier for me to understand that there could be an infinite future, but, harder to grasp the idea of an infinite past. Quoted from a June article in the Toronto Sun - you may have seen it in other places: "A top British scientist says we may never know all the secrets of the universe because, quite simply, we're just not smart enough. "Just as Einstein's ideas would baffle a chimpanzee," said President of the Royal Society Lord Martin Rees, gaining a full understanding of how the universe works might not be possible "simply because they're beyond human brains." "Just as a fish may be barely aware of he medium in which it lives and swims, so the microstructure of empty space could be far too complex for unaided human brains." This viewpoint can be easily supported by a quick look back at jdredd's lengthy collection of posts. |
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Post by nikki on Sept 7, 2010 21:25:50 GMT -5
Okay. So this small-time pastor in Florida wants to burn copies of the Koran on the upcoming 9/11 anniversary. I personally would not take part in that just like I would not burn, stomp on, or in any other way publicly deface or damage anyone's religious symbols or the U.S. flag, or any other nation's flag.
BUT I really question the public involvement and condemnation by the White House, the Pentagon, the State Department, and the Justice Department, and their public encouragement for Americans to speak out against this pastor.
"We think that these are provocative acts," Crowley said. "We would like to see more Americans stand up and say that this is inconsistent with our American values; in fact, these actions themselves are un-American."
I am tempted to encourage this pastor to say, "Hey, this is my First Amendment right, even though it might not be the right thing to do. I'll reconsider when the Imam and developers of the ground zero mosque can say the same thing. Until then, I can be as stubborn and insensitive as they are being."
I am not buying that this is putting our troops and Americans in more danger. They are always in danger from the crazies over there. This is just another excuse to act the way they always will.
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Post by Jack on Sept 7, 2010 21:32:18 GMT -5
Okay. So this small-time pastor in Florida wants to burn copies of the Koran on the upcoming 9/11 anniversary. I personally would not take part in that just like I would not burn, stomp on, or in any other way publicly deface or damage anyone's religious symbols or the U.S. flag, or any other nation's flag. BUT I really question the public involvement and condemnation by the White House, the Pentagon, the State Department, and the Justice Department, and their public encouragement for Americans to speak out against this pastor. "We think that these are provocative acts," Crowley said. "We would like to see more Americans stand up and say that this is inconsistent with our American values; in fact, these actions themselves are un-American." I am tempted to encourage this pastor to say, "Hey, this is my First Amendment right, even though it might not be the right thing to do. I'll reconsider when the Imam and developers of the ground zero mosque can say the same thing. Until then, I can be as stubborn and insensitive as they are being." I am not buying that this is putting our troops and Americans in more danger. They are always in danger from the crazies over there. This is just another excuse to act the way they always will. Well said! I don't know why this proposed act is being so widely condemned by members of the Obama administration when burning the US flag, waving foreign flags in protest on US soil and creating depictions of Christian symbols submerged in urine or covered with feces are staunchly defended as protected speech. |
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Post by jdredd on Sept 7, 2010 21:57:16 GMT -5
Again... none of it interests me.past, future, none of it. I was born, I will die. Nothing before, nothing after. Nothing wrong with that, if that's what works for you. |
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Post by animal on Sept 7, 2010 22:02:33 GMT -5
It is a comfortable way to live my life.. otherwise I wouldnt do things like ride motorcycles, drink and smoke, and tempt lefties to meet face to face... I would be too worried, thus I am not.
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Post by Tired in CV on Sept 8, 2010 2:40:39 GMT -5
Well said! I don't know why this proposed act is being so widely condemned by members of the Obama administration when burning the US flag, waving foreign flags in protest on US soil and creating depictions of Christian symbols submerged in urine or covered with feces are staunchly defended as protected speech. I agree with Jack's comments but those are the results of a LIBERAL judge. Other than our Flag, I don't believe we have any laws to protect any "sacred" items, particularly religious. Even with the law concerning our Flag, its desecration often goes unpunished. Even Obama reluctantly wears the Flag lapel pin at the urging of his political Party after saying he would NOT wear one. So, again, the burning of the Koran is a freedom. What Nikki wanted the pastor to say, he has recently said according to the latest news. According to our laws, he certainly does have the "RIGHT" to burn the Koran! As for endangering our troops, I am not sure but it will be a great recruiting tool for the radicals. Look what they did over the supposed "flushing" of a Koran in Guantanamo. Will it endanger more Americans world wide? Probably, it may be hard to judge or it might be quite noticable. The pastor wants to make a statement to the "radical" Islamists by buring the Koran. But the Koran is used by all Islam, not just the "radical" factions. Is it worth upsetting the non-radical Islamists while we are trying to get them to open up against the "radicals"? I don't think it is right and I agree that it may cause problems. I believe that there are many Muslims in the U.S. that are good citizens and they don't deserve to see the burning. The unfortunate aspect is that many U.S. mosques are led by "radical" imams. It is they who are likely to stir up their congregations and push any who respond to their liking. I hope that the media forgoes any pictures or videos, but I am sure that the pastors rch will take their own and have it on youtube before the day is out! If action is stirred up, I hope it is directed at the source (the pastor) and those who participate. Though they have the right, they will bring upon themselves whatever comes about. Then the local law enforcement will have to take action against those perpetrators. |
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Post by animal on Sept 8, 2010 10:09:17 GMT -5
Actually, aside from the preacher having a right is the fact that the govt has NO right to make a statement about the koran burning. The general IS the govt, so he has no opinion on it.
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Post by Tired in CV on Sept 8, 2010 16:47:04 GMT -5
Actually, aside from the preacher having a right is the fact that the govt has NO right to make a statement about the koran burning. The general IS the govt, so he has no opinion on it. On this I see your point but I have to disagree somewhat. I agree that they should not be so vocal through the media. I think that they do, at some level of government, have a duty to at least discuss the issue directly with the pastor. There are many times where local police ASK someone not to do something that is perfectly legal because it will spark unrest. This is just such a case only it has more of an "international" effect of what may result is undetermined but likely not good. Still, the discussions should not be through the media! I suspect that not being able to stop the action due to his right to burn the Koran, the government officials are trying to distance the government (and maybe the rest of America) from the act. It won't make much differecnce to the radicals though. Maybe it would be a good time for a few "moderate" Muslim imams to visit with the pastor and have lunch to discuss the issue? |
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Post by animal on Sept 8, 2010 19:08:59 GMT -5
I bet they dont do it anyhow.... lots of info coming out on this preacher man.... he is no Oral Roberts, thats for sure. And yes, the general shoulda said something to the preacher, not the media. Didnt McCrystal get in trouble for speaking his mind out of school?
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Post by Turk on Sept 8, 2010 19:10:50 GMT -5
Okay. So this small-time pastor in Florida wants to burn copies of the Koran on the upcoming 9/11 anniversary. I personally would not take part in that just like I would not burn, stomp on, or in any other way publicly deface or damage anyone's religious symbols or the U.S. flag, or any other nation's flag. BUT I really question the public involvement and condemnation by the White House, the Pentagon, the State Department, and the Justice Department, and their public encouragement for Americans to speak out against this pastor. "We think that these are provocative acts," Crowley said. "We would like to see more Americans stand up and say that this is inconsistent with our American values; in fact, these actions themselves are un-American." I am tempted to encourage this pastor to say, "Hey, this is my First Amendment right, even though it might not be the right thing to do. I'll reconsider when the Imam and developers of the ground zero mosque can say the same thing. Until then, I can be as stubborn and insensitive as they are being." I am not buying that this is putting our troops and Americans in more danger. They are always in danger from the crazies over there. This is just another excuse to act the way they always will. We are on the same page. If the guy wants to burn the koran so be it, it’s his right. I don’t find burning the koran any more offensive than building a mosque to celebrate the death of 3,000 people. Building the mosque and burning the koran are in poor taste. But what the hell is the administration doing getting involved? This is setting a ridiculous precedent for the administration. Will Obama have Hillary throw her weight around if someone wants to burn the bible? Obama is showing his true colors and continues to show how disconnected he is with the folks. Christians must accept that their believe system will be ridiculed and they suck it up - but let someone question islam and the monkeys go crazy. That’s the real issue, the koran is an evil book supported by violent people, watch the news, the followers of the so-called religion of peace are rioting. If muslims want to get along they must understand respect and acceptance is earned, so far they are deep in the red. |
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