And he should have resigned the next day

[battery chucka' one]

Main Entry: 1re·li·gious
Pronunciation: \ri-ˈli-jəs\
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French religius, from Latin religiosus, from religio
Date: 13th century
1: relating to or manifesting faithful devotion to an acknowledged ultimate reality or deity <a religious person> <religious attitudes>
2: of, relating to, or devoted to religious beliefs or observances <joined a religious order>
3 a: scrupulously and conscientiously faithful b: fervent, zealous
— re·li·gious·ly adverb
— re·li·gious·ness noun

You just kyoa. I'll let you figure out for yourself how you did it. Will fill you in later. I'm sure both poptart and Tom already see it. Thanks for making our argument for the Christians that worshiping and having a relationship with Christ is NOT a religion.

[Tom In VA]

You're talking about prophecies, covenants and all sorts of other mystical mumbo jumbo.

That's the point, religion exists, because "mystical" things exist - it's the source of all religion from Hindu to Islam and all the Pagan deities in between.

Simply because we evolve and come to understand that which once was "mystical" or "unknown" and can put nice Latin words to things - i.e. Science - doesn't take away the "mysticality" and miraculous nature of those things. Like life.

Your opinion of me and of others who believe is your opinion to which you're entitled. You derive comfort in telling yourself that your opinion is - the way it is. Who am I to try and take that away from you ? Nobody. It gives you comfort, hold onto it. Your observations, conclusions, and strength are there for a reason. It reaffirms my belief, so in that aspect, you are playing your part. Spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally I am a cripple and I do need a crutch. You apparently are whole enough as it is and if I ever get that whole - I will have to attribute it to a power greater than me assisting me. It will never be solely because of my own brain power and will. Spiritually, that assistance comes in the form of "religion" - a belief that God is there and it is His world; intellectually that crutch consists of books, schools, and discourse; emotionally that crutch is from this board and my old football coaches and buddies who'd say "Don't be such a pussy"

So I get all the help I need to be a useful and contented person in society who contributes to the miracle of life and existence rather than simply takes from it.

[Tom In VA]

I'm not sure what any of that has to do with this:

One can believe God exists, that Jesus was in fact sent down to fullfill a prophecy and a covenant between God and God's creation and NOT be religious.

Well, it's from the context I've derived from your application of the word "religious".

Religion is nothing more or less than a system of behavioral control operating on a societal level. It exploits fear and guilt in order to manipulate behavior. Of course there is no deeper fear than the fear of death so correct behavior gets you an eternal reward while incorrect behavior gets you eternal damnation and ignorant fuckwits such as yourself dance to the tune like a puppet on a string.

You don't know anything. As a brainwashed simpleton, you aren't even capable of knowing anything. You simply lack the education and ability to think or reason in a critical manner. You have been deliberately crippled.

1. Nobody crippled me, albeit I am crippled. My faith has enabled me to walk. You contend I was crippled because religion crippled me. I disagree. Religion exists, because crippled people - i.e. Human Species exists.
2. I don't fear death as much as the pain experienced in dying. For instance, I fear burning alive or being flayed and left for animals to feast of my flesh and things like that. I'd prefer to NOT die anytime soon though.
3. My motivation and the motivation of people I perceive as being devout in their religion is faith, love and trust in God. Not winning the eternal lottery.
4. Puppets on a string ? Again, the human species is a crippled species and wind up puppets on some sort of string no matter what.

5. You're right, I don't know anything. I believe and know - that I don't know. I have plenty of education and trivial knowledge of world history and events, I understand dialectics and reason but there's always more to learn and more to come to know.

6. No I have not been deliberately crippled. I have been given the information necessary to NOT be crippled from those of strong faith and devotion to God. It's in the examples they set. I speak of devout Christians, Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims who practice their faith.

All in all, mvscal, I was ulimately agreeing with you in general and disagreeing with you on a few things I deem "technicalities".

I was educating myself and becoming less crippled through our discourse. I appreciate your contribution and the assistance you've given me in reaffirming my faith.

[Tom In VA]

Again, your contention seems biased towards the Christian religion. Religions far and wide since the moment man looked upright and felt a presence other than his own note the innate fallibility and weakness of the human being. It's why most ritual exists and is geared towards self mortification and the development of self discipline, supplication for assistance, and "bartering" with the Gods.

Judaism and Christianity did not invent these things in order to control and oppress.

[battery chucka' one]

So what is it? Lay it all out, fuckstick. Anytime works for me.

You can start by defining religion, supporting your definition and then explaining why believing, worshiping and "having a relationship" with Christ is not religion.

Ready? Go...

1: relating to or manifesting faithful devotion to an acknowledged ultimate reality or deity <a religious person> <religious attitudes>
2: of, relating to, or devoted to religious beliefs or observances <joined a religious order>
3 a: scrupulously and conscientiously faithful b: fervent, zealous

In your words, religion is related to or manifesting devotion.

Being a Christian isn't related to or giving the image of anything. It's not about showing outer appearance of faithfulness to the world (though we're not to do the opposite due to the impressions that the world will draw). It's about HAVING the devotion. It's about BEING in fellowship with Christ. It's not about going to church, though many Christians will go to church. It's not about tithing, though many Christians will tithe. It's not about serving the Lord, though many Christians serve the Lord. It's not about serving the poor and needy, though many Christians serve the poor and needy. It's not about reading the Bible, though many Christians read the Bible.

Religion, according to your definition, is about doing. A Christian is about being. We don't LOOK like faithful. We ARE faithful.

Anything we do is an outpouring of Christ living within us.

I hope that helped you. I pray for your salvation.

[Dinsdale]

Dear God...

manifesting faithful devotion

It's about HAVING the devotion

Uhm... might wanna crack a dictionary to the page that says "manifest" before you start tossing "YHKYOA" around...



Holy fuck, that was one of the more stupid things I've read here in a while... no big shock it comes from the dumbest fucker here.



Does Jesus know what a condescending prick you are in His name?

Do you really believe this is how He wishes you roll... insulting people who have a different relationship with Him than you do?



Fuck, I really do hope there's a Hell, so the rest of us can watch pricks like BCO burn in it... too bad there isn't.

[battery chucka' one]

Dear God...

manifesting faithful devotion

It's about HAVING the devotion

Uhm... might wanna crack a dictionary to the page that says "manifest" before you start tossing "YHKYOA" around...

man·i·fest [man-uh-fest]

–adjective

1. readily perceived by the eye or the understanding; evident; obvious; apparent; plain: a manifest error.
2. Psychoanalysis. of or pertaining to conscious feelings, ideas, and impulses that contain repressed psychic material: the manifest content of a dream as opposed to the latent content that it conceals.

–verb (used with object)

3. to make clear or evident to the eye or the understanding; show plainly: He manifested his approval with a hearty laugh.
4. to prove; put beyond doubt or question: The evidence manifests the guilt of the defendant.
5. to record in a ship's manifest.

–noun

6. a list of the cargo carried by a ship, made for the use of various agents and officials at the ports of destination.
7. a list or invoice of goods transported by truck or train.
8. a list of the cargo or passengers carried on an airplane.

--------------

I'm not arguing semantics with you, son. Not a single one of those definitions has to do with actually HAVING devotion. All that you'd use are based on appearance to others. If I go to church, I have the appearance of devotion to nimrods like yourself. However, that has nothing to do with BEING devoted. Many go to church and don't have love for Christ. They just know that it looks good to go to church. Of course, explaining this to you further would be a classic example of pearls before swine. Therefore, take a seat while the adults talk. TIA

[Felix]

I'm not arguing semantics with you, son.

I like it when bco starts talking all folksy and shit

[poptart]

One trait all the religions of the world have in common is that of man performing some actions, or making some repeated efforts, to meet God and attain salvation.

This is being 'religious' ... and they do this because they are unaware of original sin.
Because man is, by virtue of coming from the seed of Adam, in bondage to spiritual darkness, he, regardless of effort, level or goodness, will go into failure.

But in Christianity, we see it summed up very well by this exchange between the apostles and Christ Jesus.

John 6:28,29
Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?
Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

And that is it.
Just believe on Jesus Christ.

Perhaps a matter of semantics if some people want to call that simple faith ... religion, or being ... religious.

That's fine.

[battery chucka' one]

We both see religion for what it is, Pop.

However, surely you'll agree, that to some who desire not to differentiate, there is no difference between a relationship with Christ and a practice of motions and rituals.

For them it is that I feel that lines need to be drawn that there is a huge difference between going to church every week (religion), taking communion (religion), and accepting Grace and having a relationship with Christ.

I just have a problem when that which saves (Christ) is paired as being on a par with those that, of themselves, don't (religious practices).

I just worry that non-believers can't see the difference and, by tossing it all under the umbrella of 'religion', they won't.

[battery chucka' one]

I just worry that non-believers can't see the difference and, by tossing it all under the umbrella of 'religion', they won't.

Worry about yourself, asshole. Here's a couple questions that might help you out. Do you believe in the divinity of Christ? Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior?

If you answered in the affirmative, you hold religious beliefs and are a religious person. There are no ifs, ands or buts about it. Period. End of fucking story.

Wrong.

There is a world of difference between holding religious beliefs and being a religious person. I pity you that you can't see this. This is why I don't like the use of the word 'religion'. I know that you can't wrap your mind around calling it anything other than religion, but it's about relationship. Christ is a Living God. I know this is hard for peeps like yourself to understand, but it's true. Since you can't understand it, you toss it into the categorization of being 'religious' and leave it at that.

I'd like to say that it's not your fault and that you just don't know better, but it is and you do.

Therefore, it's entirely your choice. Be prepared for God to honor that choice.

[Goober McTuber]

Son, you are a fucking moron.

[Felix]

I pity you

you forgot to mention you're going to pray for him

[battery chucka' one]

I pity you

you forgot to mention you're going to pray for him

That goes without saying at this point.

[battery chucka' one]

I pity you

you forgot to mention you're going to pray for him

In an entirely religion free manner, of course.

If/when I do, it'll be as a servant. Not religious at all. Someday, maybe you'll understand this.

[battery chucka' one]

Yes, of course. Praying to God isn't at all religious.



Dumbfuck.

It can be. If it's for show, then I guess it could be. If you do it for no other reason than because you should, then it could be.

I don't pray for those reasons. I pray for help. I pray for God's power. I pray for people I know. It's not because I should, but rather because, as a saved person, it's my nature to want to speak with my Father. You can call me names if you want, but that won't change the facts.

[Goober McTuber]

I pray for help.

Pray harder.

[battery chucka' one]

No, calling you a dumbfuck certainly will not change the fact that praying to God (for any reason) is act of religious faith.

Nor will it change the fact that believing in Christ as your "Savior" is a fundamentally religious belief.

Nor will it change the fact that you truly are one of the most shockingly ignorant dipshits I've ever come into contact with in any walk of life.

By all means continue to prove my point by arguing that water isn't really wet.

Again, you're wrong. Doesn't it bother you that you mock a God that you, quite obviously, don't understand? Is it comfortable for you to live in your manifest ignorance? Don't you desire to actually understand what a Christian is before you attack them and belittle what they stand for? Is that the 'critical thought' you've taught your children? I pray they're a bit more intellectually honest with themselves than you are.

[battery chucka' one]

I'm belittling Christians who believe in the divinity of Christ, pray, go to church, accept Jeebus as their Savior and yet believe that they aren't in the least bit religious. In other words....YOU.

Of course I'm not in the least bit surprised, given that the capacity for self-delusion is a prerequisite for any form of religious belief. Your belligerent stupidity verges on the awe inspiring, though.

Oh, I'm sorry, MVScal. Perhaps this is where we're having the disconnect. I'm not religious and ALSO don't accept any deity named 'Jeebus' as my savior. My Savior, as a Christian, is Jesus Christ. Have you heard about Him? He works miracles, to be sure.

Seriously, though, you never answered my question earlier. What makes you the authority to speak on the definition of a Christian? I've already picked apart your Webster's definition. Give me something here. Surely some of this 'critical thought' you've taught your children must have remained with you. Or are you a hypocrite as well as being a walking contradiction? I think you just have no idea. Very sad.

[poptart]

One trait all the religions of the world have in common is that of man performing some actions, or making some repeated efforts, to meet God and attain salvation.

This is being 'religious' ... and they do this because they are unaware of original sin.
Because man is, by virtue of coming from the seed of Adam, in bondage to spiritual darkness, he, regardless of effort, level or goodness, will go into failure.

But in Christianity, we see it summed up very well by this exchange between the apostles and Christ Jesus.

John 6:28,29
Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?
Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

And that is it.
Just believe on Jesus Christ.

Perhaps a matter of semantics if some people want to call that simple faith ... religion, or being ... religious.

That's fine.

What the fuck else would you or even could you call it?

It's a faith.

But as I said, you can call it what you want.

It's fine.