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Hi Gate - you have said before that you are a Christian and focus on the present moment and aren't that concerned about eternal life. (I'm in that same boat but as a non-Christian) But why do you think Jesus talked so much about eternal life and heaven if he didn't consider it extremely...

garro - most scientists themselves would argue that there are no "absolute truths" in science. (truth is unknowable as you say) For example, what is the "true" value of Hubble's constant? We will never know... Have you read any of Einstein's writings on science/religion?

Princely - exactly which chapters and verses of the bible are not the "word of the Lord"? And, is the "word of the Lord" found anywhere else besides the bible? For example, the sutras or Popul Vuh or vedas?

Hi Garro, this thread might also be of interest if you haven't read it yet: Spiritual Naturalists

Hi SG, out of respect to the Mayans, I think we should start up our Popul Vuh discussion on the upcoming Winter Solstice. After all, that gives us one year until the end of the world to discuss it :)

Dream - I like your analogy here, and I agree 100%. I wish the fundamentalist right-wing Christians in the U.S. shared this same viewpoint as you do. Unfortunately, the first words out of some fundies mouths are "the bible says..."

How does whether Jesus resurrected or not impact the actual substance of his teachings? i.e. can't an agnostic get as much from Jesus' teachings as one who truly believes in the empty tomb? Does a believer necessarily "love thy neighbor as thyself" any more than an agnostic?

Why do you think it's superior to learn the bible through a teacher, rather than just reading it for yourself and coming to your own interpretation? If the bible's nature is open to multiple interpretations, why would a teacher's interpretation (subject to their particular biases) be any better...

You don't think Jesus' words (i.e. the red parts of the NT) stand alone? If you need the "educated" to teach you what's in the bible, aren't you then subject to their biases and prejudices? i.e. their particular views on slavery, contraception, homosexuality, infant baptism, etc. You seem...

Is the body "made" for monogamy? Do you choose to be monogamous? Is the best/happiest choice always to follow how the body is "made"; that which has been imprinted upon us from 200,000 years of human evolution?

From a survival mechanism standpoint, how would you explain pacifism and vegetarianism? Surely 200,000 years of human evolution didn't favor pacifists and vegetarians? If all human traits and actions are, as you suggest, a result of some sort of survival mechanism; why would someone choose to...

Nick - you say your "God" doesn't forgive, but instead holds you accountable for everything you do. Do you personally believe in forgiveness? Or is everything "an eye for an eye" with you? I personally see forgiveness as a gift we give to ourselves. By forgiving someone else, we are able to...

Ahanu - I don't remember many sermons (if any) regarding the specifics of the Trinity. I would agree with your "iffy" comment, at least regarding my particular church/pastor. Ahanu - coming from a similar background as you, I'm wondering: is this a theoretical/historical exercise for you...

How many modern-day violent conflicts are the result of atheists targeting theists? If believing in a creator God leads to less violence, why is there so much modern-day violence between the Abrahamic faiths? i.e. Jews vs. Muslims; Muslims vs. Christians. They all believe in a creator god...

Buddhists don't believe in God, do you think they are some of the worst of humanity? (350 million worldwide)

Ben - how exactly do you think atheists believing in a creator God would make the world a better place? Would it make them more loving & compassionate, less violent? As I'm sure you're aware, many historical wars were fought not by atheists but instead in the name of a particular god or...

Are you a pantheist?

Is there any historical evidence that the Magi actually visited baby Jesus in the manger? i.e. why couldn't this be just another story that was added posthumously to Jesus' life history by his followers to make him seem more messiah-like?

On the other hand, Buddha presented an alternative path, without divinity, to "save" us from the suffering of sickness, old age, and death. Similar to the Hindu belief system?

Can you give examples of any human traits or actions that you think are NOT some sort of survival mechanisms?