The voices in my head tell me to light things on fire. <object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/SqVG0XX_LKI&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/SqVG0XX_LKI&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>
I'm skeptical, not cynical. Big difference. You certainly haven't judged the story on its merits. You've fallen back on your previously held beleifs, which are not in any way grounded in fact. We don't know for sure what this kid actually experienced, if anything. It's even possible that he made the whole thing up. If, however, he actually beleives that God spoke to him, it is far more likely that he is delusional than it is likely that he actually spoke to the God of the Christian Bible. Notice that none of this depends on what you beleive or what the kid's parents beleive. There is much evidence that people hear imaginary voices in their heads, while there is zero evidence that God speaks to people, or even exists. No one knows anything for a fact? I think you accidentally proved my point about delusional adults who don't get the point of religion.
No, I didn't. I'm fully aware of what I believe in. I just don't shove it down people's throats. You should try it.
Saying that you KNOW things are myths about others beliefs is offensive. Learn it. Live it. Love it. And it is "beliefs."
They are myths. I'm not sure what your point is. P.S. Sorry for the poor spelling. That's never been my strong suit. To reciporicate, "others'" requires an apostrophe.
Honestly perception is reality. I never met a person who could disprove these "myths" though I have met a couple of people who have tried. They failed but where they failed they succeeded in finding a truth. I respect the opinions of people who have no beliefs in GOD. Its on them in the end anyway. But why does it hurt to believe in these "myths" especially where they have a moral value. Moral values and emotions of love and sacrifice don't just appear for the sake of evolution.
You have proof that they are myths?? Or are you using the absence of evidence that they happened as evidence that they didnt happen.
Ughh... I deleted my original reply, but I'll retype the main points: I agree with most of what you're saying about the value of myths for teaching lessons about morality. However, I disagree with your last sentence, as it is entirely possible that what we call moral values are products of evolution. Also, I'd like to point out that it is nearly impossible to disprove that the stories of the gospels actually occured, but it is similarly impossible to disprove the stories of any other mythology. Whether or not the events of the gospels actually took place has no bearing on their status as myths. See Wikipedia's entry on mythology.
Because these people are evil and miserable. They don't want to believe in anything good. Some people are like that. To me, whether or not the kid talked to God or not, it is still a touching story. The kid was upset and thanks to his faith, it was able to help him get over it and make peace with the situation. I'm not a bible thumper, but I do have faith. Why not? What have you got to lose? It is wonderful to be able to believe in something good. I believe pushing religious views on anyone is bad, and with that being said, trying to talk someone out of their religious views or bashing them, or calling someone's faith a myth is just plain evil.
Thank you for an admirable, level-headed, even-handed response. I too am a person of faith but evangelism is not my bent or my gift. Nor am I a biblical literalist. I like the majesty and mystery of spirituality more than anything. Spiritual pursuit helps you to lead a decent constructive life. To me this is just astounding that a 13YO boy could have the sensitivity and the courage to face and to share this.
I would be offended by your insults if I actually beleived in such a thing as 'evil'. I am, however, offended by your ignorance. Tell me, are you not evil for including ancient Greek dieties objects of a mythology? Why is that different from Christianity? I never called your faith a myth. I called the Christ story a myth, which it most certainly is. If you look at my first post in this thread, you'll notice I also said that your myths teach valuable lessons about sacrifice, death, and human nature.
