You're a Thief!

Argue for and against Christianity

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Divine Insight
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You're a Thief!

Post #1

Post by Divine Insight »

Just for the record this post is written for decent people to read. If you actually are a thief, then this post isn't going to make much sense to you.

Let's say that someone comes up to you and says the following:

"You are a thief! All you do is think about how you can get over on other people. All you do is look for opportunities to take what doesn't belong to you. You don't care about anyone but yourself. And you need to change your evil ways."

What would be your first reaction?

Well assuming that you are a decent person and you know these accusations are false, your first reaction would most likely be to ask this accuser, "Where in the world did you even get such a horrible idea about me?"

You know that the accusation is false right? So it's clear to you that all that really needs to be done here is to convince this accuser that these accusations are false. And even if you can't succeed in convincing the accuser that the accusations are false, you still know that they are indeed false accusations.

So, now if these accusations were made by some author of 2000-year-old religious texts what would change? :-k

Would you suddenly think, "Gee, I must be a thief who is out to get over on everyone, and I don't care about anyone but myself"?

Surely not?

Questions for Debate:

Why should any decent person believe in an ancient religion that makes accusations toward them that they know to be false anymore than they should believe some stranger who just now came up to them making all manner of false accusations about them today?
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Re: You're a Thief!

Post #31

Post by rikuoamero »

[Replying to post 27 by Willum]
No progress, and the murder of folks like Galileo (Wjjo didn't repent) and the Spanish Inquisition.
Galileo wasn't murdered. He lived under house arrest after his trial for the rest of his life, dying after suffering a fever and heart palpitations at the age of 77.
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Re: You're a Thief!

Post #32

Post by Willum »

[Replying to MadeNew]

Look at the results, not the claims. Stalin proclaimed peace and order, and probably obeying the law, he got many a person murdered as well.

Really that is a good divining rod: If a leader of any kind gives you Inquisition, slaughter of indigenous peoples, god-justified genocide and other whole-sale terror, you may bet it is false.

While, look to Louis Pasteur, Edward Jenner, Mahatma Gandhi and so on, and you find truth and good. It is such an easy standard, isn't it?

Bad causes death and discord, good causes weal and peace.
I will never understand how someone who claims to know the ultimate truth, of God, believes they deserve respect, when they cannot distinguish it from a fairy-tale.

You know, science and logic are hard: Religion and fairy tales might be more your speed.

To continue to argue for the Hebrew invention of God is actually an insult to the very concept of a God. - Divine Insight

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Re: You're a Thief!

Post #33

Post by MadeNew »

[Replying to post 32 by Willum]

Willum, if you cannot show that Christ supports such heinous crimes you should just rid yourself of this kind of fallacious arguments against him. It isn't even something i have to continue to debate about, it is a gross misrepresentation of Christianity, period.

Now you told me i was avoiding your questions, i wasn't. I am curious about how you protect your own decision making from something that might be influenced by evil. I told you mine, Christ is the pinnacle of righteousness and this is how we can protect our own souls from being manipulated. How do you make decisions of righteousness?

Hitler exterminated Jews to benefit the germans, as he saw it. Do you condemn him on the basis of your moral understanding? Is it wrong for people to castrate other humans in the name of eugenics, to benefit our future population, on your understanding of morality? Would it be ok to enslave a few people to benefit the existence of a mass population, according to your understanding of morality?

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Re: You're a Thief!

Post #34

Post by Strider324 »

Divine Insight wrote:
MadeNew wrote: [Replying to post 1 by Divine Insight]

Lets drop this "thief" example and get to what Christianity actually teaches about, that is "sin". Are you not a sinner? Are you a perfect person? Have you never regretted something you did or said? Have you always been the person you think you should be?

And let's drop your example that anything less than perfection = a "sinner".

Let's take a look what what the Christian scriptures actually say:

Romans 1:
[28] And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
[29] Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
[30] Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
[31] Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
[32] Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.


This is hardly suggesting that someone is merely "less than perfect" :roll:

And besides, a God who would create humans who are less than perfect and then condemn them to eternal damnation for being less than perfect would himself be far less than a perfect God. And thus by this very same line of reasoning he would need to be damned along with everyone else.

It's an impossible theology to defend.

Ok, now I'm all bummed that we're all going to hell for the sin of 'debate', which is apparently a sin equal to murder....
:tongue:
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Re: You're a Thief!

Post #35

Post by rikuoamero »

[Replying to post 26 by MadeNew]
So any consensual sex is fine? Even if it is grossly perverted?
Between adults yes. What do you call 'perverted'?
I mean even the Bible tells us that to sin sexually is to sin against your own body, and not against others (1 Corinthians 6:18). They say "Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body."
I myself have been down that road, up to and including thinking that masturbation is a sin, is wrong. Nowadays, I don't.
Again, like I pointed out in my last reply to you, what is called a sexual sin is left completely up to the subjective viewpoint of whoever is making the claim, then given a false stamp of godly authority.
Do you think watching pornography is fine?
Yes. At one point, I thought no, and even harbored plans to create a virus to delete all internet pornography. Look at where I was going - my thoughts at the time of what was sexually moral led me to conclude it was perfectly ok for me to violate the free speech rights of everyone else, to damage their computers.
Look at what your religion is doing to you - they are telling you what is and isn't moral, up to and including watching pornography, controlling you into not watching it, making you afraid that watching it will turn you into a deviant like Ted Bundy.
However, think about it. Both you and I know that pornography is consumed in large quantities in the world. For your fears to be true, to make sense, that would mean that most or ALL of these viewers are like Ted Bundy; and I can't believe I actually have to say this to reassure you...but I'm not a necrophiliac.
Your fears are irrational.
Do you think consensual perversion is fine?
Yes. I have to ask why you don't think its ok and why you (if you actually do it in real life) speak out against it.
Like orgies?
Yes, although I highly doubt I'll ever participate in one myself. If a group of consenting adults gather in a room to have group sex, what's the problem? You seem to have a problem with these even if its consensual. I'd understand if you made a distinction between consensual and non-, but you don't. Even certain consensual activities are immoral to you.

Or prostitution?
Yes. I follow the talks and thoughts of a few prostitutes online who actually love their work. This isn't to say that all prostitutes are in a good position - but this doesn't mean that its immoral in and of itself.
Or like 2 girls 1 cup, where people poop on each other and eat it. Is that stuff ok because it is consensual?
Disgusting yes, unhealthy yes (I in fact have never watched 2G1C). However, what are you going to do if you hear of someone being involved in scat (involving real faeces, I have heard of fake scat using things like chocolate)?
At worst, I'd talk to them and maybe refer them to psychological counselling. I wouldn't be standing there on a podium denouncing them for their immorality.
It isn't like I'm trying to demonize you, and to outcast you. Everyone is a sinner, we are all in the same boat.
We're not in the same boat. The list from Paul in Romans details a laundry list of nasty things he considers non-believers to be. If you agree with Paul, then you believe this is what I and DI are. So why would you lump your loved ones in with us, if we're so horrible?
Every Christian is a sinner, and so is everyone else, the difference is the acknowledgment of sin, and not that you guys are worse then any of us.
So why Paul's tirade against non-believers?
Determining whether actions are in line with Christianity,
As I said, your subjective opinion.
is a lot different then coming up with your own morality based on whatever you feel like at that time.
Then there shouldn't be boat-loads of different denominations with their own opinions on what is moral and immoral, right?
Christians should be able to read the official Christian handbook, learn what is moral and immoral and not have any divisions.

Oh wait. No, that doesn't happen.
What you call moral, what you say Christianity says is moral, can and often is completely different to what that other Christian person over there says is moral, what he says Christianity says is moral.
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Your life is your own. Rise up and live it - Richard Rahl, Sword of Truth Book 6 "Faith of the Fallen"

I condemn all gods who dare demand my fealty, who won't look me in the face so's I know who it is I gotta fealty to. -- JoeyKnotHead

Some force seems to restrict me from buying into the apparent nonsense that others find so easy to buy into. Having no religious or supernatural beliefs of my own, I just call that force reason. -- Tired of the Nonsense

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Re: You're a Thief!

Post #36

Post by MadeNew »

Strider324 wrote:
Divine Insight wrote:
MadeNew wrote: [Replying to post 1 by Divine Insight]

Lets drop this "thief" example and get to what Christianity actually teaches about, that is "sin". Are you not a sinner? Are you a perfect person? Have you never regretted something you did or said? Have you always been the person you think you should be?

And let's drop your example that anything less than perfection = a "sinner".

Let's take a look what what the Christian scriptures actually say:

Romans 1:
[28] And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
[29] Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
[30] Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
[31] Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
[32] Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.


This is hardly suggesting that someone is merely "less than perfect" :roll:

And besides, a God who would create humans who are less than perfect and then condemn them to eternal damnation for being less than perfect would himself be far less than a perfect God. And thus by this very same line of reasoning he would need to be damned along with everyone else.

It's an impossible theology to defend.

Ok, now I'm all bummed that we're all going to hell for the sin of 'debate', which is apparently a sin equal to murder....
:tongue:
That word they took "debate" from is the greek word "eridos", which is literally translated as "strife"

Strife:angry or bitter disagreement over fundamental issues; conflict.

FYI

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Re: You're a Thief!

Post #37

Post by MadeNew »

rikuoamero wrote: [Replying to post 26 by MadeNew]
So any consensual sex is fine? Even if it is grossly perverted?
Between adults yes. What do you call 'perverted'?
I mean even the Bible tells us that to sin sexually is to sin against your own body, and not against others (1 Corinthians 6:18). They say "Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body."
I myself have been down that road, up to and including thinking that masturbation is a sin, is wrong. Nowadays, I don't.
Again, like I pointed out in my last reply to you, what is called a sexual sin is left completely up to the subjective viewpoint of whoever is making the claim, then given a false stamp of godly authority.
Do you think watching pornography is fine?
Yes. At one point, I thought no, and even harbored plans to create a virus to delete all internet pornography. Look at where I was going - my thoughts at the time of what was sexually moral led me to conclude it was perfectly ok for me to violate the free speech rights of everyone else, to damage their computers.
Look at what your religion is doing to you - they are telling you what is and isn't moral, up to and including watching pornography, controlling you into not watching it, making you afraid that watching it will turn you into a deviant like Ted Bundy.
However, think about it. Both you and I know that pornography is consumed in large quantities in the world. For your fears to be true, to make sense, that would mean that most or ALL of these viewers are like Ted Bundy; and I can't believe I actually have to say this to reassure you...but I'm not a necrophiliac.
Your fears are irrational.
Do you think consensual perversion is fine?
Yes. I have to ask why you don't think its ok and why you (if you actually do it in real life) speak out against it.
Like orgies?
Yes, although I highly doubt I'll ever participate in one myself. If a group of consenting adults gather in a room to have group sex, what's the problem? You seem to have a problem with these even if its consensual. I'd understand if you made a distinction between consensual and non-, but you don't. Even certain consensual activities are immoral to you.

Or prostitution?
Yes. I follow the talks and thoughts of a few prostitutes online who actually love their work. This isn't to say that all prostitutes are in a good position - but this doesn't mean that its immoral in and of itself.
Or like 2 girls 1 cup, where people poop on each other and eat it. Is that stuff ok because it is consensual?
Disgusting yes, unhealthy yes (I in fact have never watched 2G1C). However, what are you going to do if you hear of someone being involved in scat (involving real faeces, I have heard of fake scat using things like chocolate)?
At worst, I'd talk to them and maybe refer them to psychological counselling. I wouldn't be standing there on a podium denouncing them for their immorality.
It isn't like I'm trying to demonize you, and to outcast you. Everyone is a sinner, we are all in the same boat.
We're not in the same boat. The list from Paul in Romans details a laundry list of nasty things he considers non-believers to be. If you agree with Paul, then you believe this is what I and DI are. So why would you lump your loved ones in with us, if we're so horrible?
Every Christian is a sinner, and so is everyone else, the difference is the acknowledgment of sin, and not that you guys are worse then any of us.
So why Paul's tirade against non-believers?
Determining whether actions are in line with Christianity,
As I said, your subjective opinion.
is a lot different then coming up with your own morality based on whatever you feel like at that time.
Then there shouldn't be boat-loads of different denominations with their own opinions on what is moral and immoral, right?
Christians should be able to read the official Christian handbook, learn what is moral and immoral and not have any divisions.

Oh wait. No, that doesn't happen.
What you call moral, what you say Christianity says is moral, can and often is completely different to what that other Christian person over there says is moral, what he says Christianity says is moral.

Even the first church had different "denominations" that struggle with different things. I mean the epistles are written to a bunch of different churches discussing different things. I don't have a problem with the large amount of different denomination, as long as they are seeking to understand God, thats exactly what i am doing and what any Christian should be doing.

And Paul himself was a sinner. Go read the end of Romans 7, Paul struggles with sin, everyone does. Well not everyone, some people deny their sin exists and some only live to do whatever their own corrupt heart desires... This is like a psychopath, they deny anyone else existence, they feel no remorse, and they seek to only fulfill what they personally desire to fulfill. That is like the basics of a psychopath, it is like denying sin even exists.

The difference between people is the ackownlgedgment of sin. I am convinced you can not be a Christian and not be convicted of sin. I mean i bet even Mother Teresa was convicted of sin. The Faith of Christ is meant to bring people out of their sin, into faith, and close to God. I am convinced you can not live faithfully while living sinfully, this leads people to repentance. Faith is the righteousness of God. What is scary is to fall into a place where you don't even care.

Yes i believe pornography is sinful, i use to be addicted to the stuff and it completely corrupted my thoughts. Thank God! I am being made new! in the last year i have barely seen any pornography. It is the most freeing way to live.

Listen man, if you are actually going to compromise yourself to where you actually justify the morality of prostitutes, and pornography, and scat porn, and perversion, i have nothing more to debate about. That stuff is disgusting, it is immoral, it is perverted, it is sinful, and there is nothing more to debate about it. At this point i should just pray for you, because that stuff is objectively immoral, and it corrupts peoples souls, and it is never quenched. That fire is never quenched. It the bondage of the flesh, and many people live in it.

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Re: You're a Thief!

Post #38

Post by Divine Insight »

MadeNew wrote: That word they took "debate" from is the greek word "eridos", which is literally translated as "strife"

Strife:angry or bitter disagreement over fundamental issues; conflict.

FYI
Why is it that when it works in favor of Christian theology a literal interpretation of scriptures is pointed to. But the moment a literal interpretation of the scriptures works against Christian theology a claim is made that the Bible shouldn't be taken literally and a non-literal excuse is given instead.

Looks like a game of musical chairs to me.
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Re: You're a Thief!

Post #39

Post by MadeNew »

Divine Insight wrote:
MadeNew wrote: That word they took "debate" from is the greek word "eridos", which is literally translated as "strife"

Strife:angry or bitter disagreement over fundamental issues; conflict.

FYI
Why is it that when it works in favor of Christian theology a literal interpretation of scriptures is pointed to. But the moment a literal interpretation of the scriptures works against Christian theology a claim is made that the Bible shouldn't be taken literally and a non-literal excuse is given instead.

Looks like a game of musical chairs to me.

DI i suggest you go study the philosophy of "hermeneutics"
No one thinks that the entire scripture should be taken literally except nonbelievers who attempt to criticize it on those grounds.

"I am the LIGHT"~Jesus Christ...


How do you propose to interpret the word in question? "eridos" or "strife" of "debate"?
Last edited by MadeNew on Sun Sep 11, 2016 6:36 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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Re: You're a Thief!

Post #40

Post by Willum »

[Replying to MadeNew]
Hi, Madenew - I am sorry, I am not influenced by evil. There is not such thing as evil influence in my world. Actually, I just call evil, "stupidity," and whenever I do something stupid, I just make it up to those people it has harmed.
You believe that there is something god-made called evil, and some character personification of it: I find these concepts personally puerile, like those of the child scared of the monster under the bed, or teenagers who hear a bump in the night after telling scary stories.

Now, would you stop making this personal? It is a fine line on this forum.

But, as to the rest of Jude-Christianity's 'evil:'

Err, Christians and Jews exterminated 54 million indigenous people in the name of the US Manifest Destiny.

Hitler and the Nazi party, as we have discovered killed 11 million people, most of them we not Jews, indeed, it was the Nazis who defined Jewish as anyone with a Jewish grandparent: of those 4 million "Jews," most of them were only Jewish sympathizers. The government was German Protestant, as was he. He is firmly in the Judeo-Christian camp, don't look at me. Just Christians killing Jews, exactly like what was done in the Crusades.

You obviously haven't heard of the Inquisition, but it is not for me to educate you. How much bloodshed and death did Charlemagne bring to Europe in the name of God?

Do you know how many cultures and peoples have been exterminated in the name of Judeo-Christianity? I am guessing the question vexes historians who've studied it.

But I'll hold with my precept: Good generates good, vaccines, peace, and knowledge.
Bad, generates hatred, genocide and ill.

We can see which side Judeo-Christianity is on. It sequestered science and weal, so that people could believe the Sun went round the Earth. There are still sects that teach medicine is bad, a reach-back to Middle Age Christianity. It still promotes the hatred of Jew and Muslims.

I am sorry, going on is making me ill.

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