Whats not to get about what he said? "The whole conception of a God is a conception derived from the ancient oriental despotisms." Does the word oriental mean anything else?
I should get a google on Bertrand Russell going. He sounds polite. He seems here to know nothing of what 'is a Christian' so I don't think he should comment about it. In fact reading this small piece I would say he is making educated assumptions and observations not defining Christianity. I would rather say I wouldn't want to be a Christian as he defines it. His view of the world rests more in self perception than reality. If the history of mankind proves anything it is the MOST intelligent men trod over the masses- and are motivated by the highest fears. His trust in his own ability to love others is drowned by centuries of human suffering. What Russell misses is the fine line between self-love and fear- there is no line.
That was a hypothetical point and maybe a bad one because I didn't mean for God to look like an abusive Father - He is the opposite. God says we will be in heaven and He's never lied. I believe I will be in heaven when I die, because He said it. I was just trying to say that going to heaven is not the reason I am who I am. That is not my focus and it should not be any Christian's focus. My poor made attempt was to state that I don't think I was a Christian when that was my focus and now that I am a Christian it's not my focus.
Hilarious. You admit you have not read much Russell, yet you proceed to make grandiose statements about his logic/philosophy.
that's a compliment at my intelligence level. I've read Russell- not alot though He's infamous amongst those who know those who are apologists for the non-Christian. And sects, creeds, strengths of conviction, beliefs, trying to live a good life are enough to know he is aiming in the opposite direction. He does not have the right definition. sorry
I had to read that like six times to understand what the heck it meant, so I guess that says something about my intelligence level... I guess that depends on what you think people's motivation for being religious is. I would contend that Russell thinks that the rationale for one being religious is not the work of the holy spirit or divine intervention, but rather a fear of the unknown and the subsequent willingness to believe in the irrational to allay those feelings. Yet I don't think you are wrong. I'm sure plenty of people are spiritual "legitimately". But I think Russell has perfectly described many religious "converts". It's a fear induced comfort in the sects, creeds, dogma you previously mentioned - and a tendancy to use those same traditions to judge others and manipulate said religion to acquire power. Power which, under their reasoning, justifies there beliefs.
hey rhester, how goes it? did you read the whole lecture? he goes into greater detail. anyway, the definition is not the whole point. the reason i posted it as a rejoinder was that it is an admonition regarding the danger of religion as it effects not just the individual but society/societies and that it has impacted history in many negative ways. personally, i have no problem with anybody practicing religion in any way they see fit so long as it doesn't negatively impact others.
Going great except for Rocks whole lecture- not yet. agree religion is like the one thing you can't put in a bottle or a box I am a pastor and have met some of the meanest people in church, including myself. Practicing religion is a scary thing. thegary- for me Christianity is mostly the work of Jesus in a person. Divine stuff, God stuff, genuine stuff... the rest of what I see leaves my head jumbled. I don't watch Christian TV for that very reason, at least not often. I really would like to share more of my own opinions on Christianity, but I am not sure discussion will prevail over debate.
How do you know if 'Jesus' is 'at work or living' in a person? Read the Bible- and if it looks like the Jesus in the Bible, something other than one's best human effort is probably going on..... Ever read the Sermon on the Mount? Matthew chapters 5-7 Great teaching from the Savior of the World.
Well then, how do you rectify the polarity? For me, I take it to the next logical step - that coming to this understanding negates the worth of joining or identifying with any particular religion. Why do you need a group of people and a published mission/creed/dogma/etc. to justify your beliefs? I don't consider myself an atheist, but I still think a church is just bigotry hidden under the cloak of religious efficacy. That churches seem content to accept people joining out of fear or traditional family connections isolates them from a spiritual identity. They become merely a political entity, accepting of whoever joins the party as long as they get the votes - and the power. Where's the righteousness in that? I prefer philosophies/religions that emphasize finding the spirituality within you as an individual. Otherwise, it's just indoctrination...
Because as far as Christianity goes there is genuine and false. Most every parable Jesus taught dealt with this very issue. In fact it was a major point He emphasized. So as far as Christianity goes the false works right into the arguments for rejecting because it is evidently a mass excuse for human irrationality, irresponsibility, lack of intelligence, logic, reason and verifiable reality. How can the Crusades or the Inquisition or the KKK be viewed as Christian? Jesus directed and inspired? Can't. As far as the real genuine Divine article it is polar opposite of what the majority hold to view Christianity. Again look closely at Jesus and find Him in your churches. There you will begin to find Christianity. Me believing I am a Christian is not the faith of Christianity or the Bible.
I got a number on me I got a number Won't make it through the high noon sun I am my father's son I am my father's son His bed is made I was a hero Early in the morning I ain't no hero In the night I am my father's son And I'll build a house inside of you I'll go in through the mouth I'll draw three figures on your heart One of them will be me as a boy One of them will be me One of them will be me watching you run watching you run Into the high noon sun Watching you run Farther than guns will go You are a runner With a stolen voice And you are a runner And I am my father's son I am my father's son I am my father's son
i'm aaaaight. i know what you mean about the rox. we all had such high expectations for this year. sorry to say my league pass is kinda going to waste as the rox misfortunes have put a major dent in my enthusiasm for the nba in general.
ugh probably not worth telling, but in case you didnt know all NBA League pass owners can watch the games online. Might be useful in April when the Rox are making their playoff push =)
I'm not sure what you're getting at. I don't recall debating whether the Dalai Lama is a true Buddhist.
Yes and no but I'll forgive Bertrand Russell for writing in the millui of his time. "Oriental" for a long time was associated with decadence and backwardness as opposed to "Western" which implied forward thinking and enlightenment. From reading some of Bertrand Russell I don't think he is a bigot but is merely reflecting the inherent prejudices of his time.
