Posted by Mister Smosh at 208.225.187.247 on July 12, 2001 at 16:53:09:
In Reply to: Re: Tertullian was but a man posted by Devilsmurf on July 12, 2001 at 16:46:16:
I agree totally. Don't even get me started with people who wholeheartedly believe in stories in the bible like Jonah and the Whale.
Smosh
: I agree that it makes you better. If someone's beliefs are never challenged - internally or from outside conflict, then how strong can they really be? My friend used to joke that the two men who wrote the Bible were Bullshitticus and Eroneus. Everything in the bible was written by a human - and it's been proven that the first gospels weren't even written until 50 years after Jesus died, at the earliest. Which, to me, makes things like the Sermon on the Mount kind of sketchy. I mean, people base their entire belief systems around some very strict wording that didn't even come straight from the Man. This is the reason that I stray away from religion and dealing with over-zealous religious people. As you said, the whole thing should come down to one thing - FAITH. It does take a massive leap of faith - and it is so often that people seem to forget that - and if a person challenges even the most minute detail, they scream Heresy.
: But, I understand. For many people faith is the strongest part of their life, it is what they wake up for - so if someone dogs that - then it's like ripping up their entire existence.
: But, at the same time, many of these people are living with "blind faith" - they just accept whatever is rammed down their throats - and I have a hard time respecting that - get out there and LEARN about it, and all other religions, then make your decision. Just because your great-grandma was Catholic doesn't mean that you have to believe that Jesus threw over a table once.
: so, I think we're in agreement. Personally, I choose to have faith in the fact that I don't know. I don't think this works for many people, but I take solace from that fact that I will never know what or where or why or how, and just make the most of things. But, if you want to label the "unknown" as "God" - then God is everywhere.
: one small thing - I was incorrect about Tertullian being a Catholic, I don't think he was specifically catholic, but a Christian Theologian and writer.
: dlm
:
: : Good point , but know this also. The Bible was written by men. The words in the Bible were written by the same kind of men. That's why it takes a leap of faith to believe that God somehow told these men what to write in the Bible. Do I believe in God? Yes, but I do have doubts about some of the things in the Bible. I don't believe this makes me or anyone else who questions religion, the Bible, or God any less of a person. I think it makes us better. Smosh.