Death.. Then what?

[ARTgames]

Does god what to be parsed all the time or is it that people do it just because they what to show there respect? just wondering.

[Lingus]

To be fair, I don't think it's the praise for God that religions teach gets you into heavan. I think it's more of living your life by their standards. Don't sin, etc etc. The praise is probably, like Art says, as respect. I still don't think it's fair to do good things just so you can go to heavan (or w/e). I think that God would know...

[Red October]

According to the bible, the only way into heaven is through Jesus Christ. Therefore that means that you'll need to believe; in God and that Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins; to going into "God's Kingdom". Going to church isn't vital, but encouraged. I haven't been in my life.

[Mystery]

I'm still confused as to why everyone expertly dodged this question.

Free will my ass. If you don't do as he says you're burning in hell for eternity. I may be very thick headed for posting this, but is any of it true? I myself have never read the bible, so I don't know if this is bullshit or not. http://www.evilbible.com/Slavery.htm
If it is, what the hell? Apparently slavery isn't a sin? I'd love for someone to clear that up for me.

I'd REALLY like this to be cleared up.

[Cactuscat222]

First of all, before you read stuff like that, please consider the bias in which it is from.

This author directly sets up a site called EvilBible.com...

Now on to what that link said: Yes, the bible does talk about slavery, and it does talk about how its acceptable. Now, I'm not sure which bible he is quoting, but its definitely a modernized one; the one I have in front of me is more classical, but it doesn't have nearly as much of the details those did. So no, slavery was not a sin, but the bible clearly laid out some rules for it. The way the author talks is ridiculous, he totally brings it out of context: You couldn't have as many sex slaves as you wanted just by "feeding them, clothing them, and screwing them"... the author apparently didn't try to read what was said. If the man fails to do so, then she can leave. And according to the bible I have, for that passage it says "And if he take another wife for him, he shall provide her a marriage, and raiment; neither shall he refuse the price of her chastity." (Exodus 21:10) Its not so evil as the author tries to make it out as.

Next, consider the context of the bible; in the era it was written in, slavery was acceptable and allowed. As you should know, it wasn't until recently, in the past century or so, that slavery was abolished and promoted as a terrible thing. We are now brought up to know that this is true, that slavery is against the basic rights of humanity.

Oh no, this man has pointed out a fallacy with our CURRENT beliefs! The bible is evil, the bible is wrong! Run away!... [/sarcasm] Yes, we currently don't believe in slavery, but back then it wasn't bad!

"So, wouldn't God think that slavery is evil?" you would probably ask. Heck if I know, have you talked with God recently? I assume he probably didn't/doesn't. We are human, so we are free to make our choices, especially when it comes to ethics and morals. However, I do believe the bible set and teaches many of these morals, and continues to do so - however, it may be outdated according to our 'times'. I personally see it as timeless, but it is true; as we go along, we humans change things - it is how we work. It doesn't mean that God would agree - if we were made to only follow God's word, then why would we be given free choice as such?  

[Cactuscat222]

*Accidental double post, meant to edit.*

[Mystery]

First of all, before you read stuff like that, please consider the bias in which it is from.

This author directly sets up a site called EvilBible.com...

Now on to what that link said: Yes, the bible does talk about slavery, and it does talk about how its acceptable. Now, I'm not sure which bible he is quoting, but its definitely a modernized one; the one I have in front of me is more classical, but it doesn't have nearly as much of the details those did.

Next, consider the context of the bible; in the era it was written in, slavery was acceptable and allowed. As you should know, it wasn't until recently, in the past century or so, that slavery was abolished and promoted as a terrible thing. We are now brought up to know that this is true, that slavery is against the basic rights of humanity.

"So, wouldn't God think that slavery is evil?" you would probably ask. Heck if I know, have you talked with God recently? I assume he probably didn't/doesn't. We are human, so we are free to make our choices, especially when it comes to ethics and morals. However, I do believe the bible set and teaches many of these morals, and continues to do so - however, it may be outdated according to our 'times'. I personally see it as timeless, but it is true; as we go along, we humans change things - it is how we work. It doesn't mean that God would agree - if we were made to only follow God's word, then why would we be given free choice as such?  

I know it was allowed for humans in that time. I'm just confused as to why several Christians say the bible is God's word(a few people even said it in this topic), yet we have this piece of work. Slavery is most definitely a sin, yet it's in the bible, as an acceptable thing to do. And free choice? If you sin enough of your own free will, or don't accept Christ's gift or believe in God AS YOUR OWN FREE WILL, you're hellbound according to Christians. I'm just saying, that if God doesn't think something as sinful as that is a sin, how can Christians not see the complete lack of logic there?

EDIT: I do realize that the author is biased against it quite a bit, but that doesn't change the ACTUAL point he brought up. Slavery in there may not be as bad as he's making it out to be, but from a 'Christian viewpoint,' it's a sin.

Sorry about any things I missed, as I have never read any parts of the Bible.

[Cactuscat222]

First of all, before you read stuff like that, please consider the bias in which it is from.

This author directly sets up a site called EvilBible.com...

Now on to what that link said: Yes, the bible does talk about slavery, and it does talk about how its acceptable. Now, I'm not sure which bible he is quoting, but its definitely a modernized one; the one I have in front of me is more classical, but it doesn't have nearly as much of the details those did.

Next, consider the context of the bible; in the era it was written in, slavery was acceptable and allowed. As you should know, it wasn't until recently, in the past century or so, that slavery was abolished and promoted as a terrible thing. We are now brought up to know that this is true, that slavery is against the basic rights of humanity.

"So, wouldn't God think that slavery is evil?" you would probably ask. Heck if I know, have you talked with God recently? I assume he probably didn't/doesn't. We are human, so we are free to make our choices, especially when it comes to ethics and morals. However, I do believe the bible set and teaches many of these morals, and continues to do so - however, it may be outdated according to our 'times'. I personally see it as timeless, but it is true; as we go along, we humans change things - it is how we work. It doesn't mean that God would agree - if we were made to only follow God's word, then why would we be given free choice as such? 

I know it was allowed for humans in that time. I'm just confused as to why several Christians say the bible is God's word(a few people even said it in this topic), yet we have this piece of work. Slavery is most definitely a sin, yet it's in the bible, as an acceptable thing to do. And free choice? If you sin enough of your own free will, or don't accept Christ's gift or believe in God AS YOUR OWN FREE WILL, you're hellbound according to Christians. I'm just saying, that if God doesn't think something as sinful as that is a sin, how can Christians not see the complete lack of logic there?

Mystery... are the authors of the bible still around to update the bible? Or are you saying that as we modernize, we should go back to everything created beforehand, and update them according to our beliefs? The bible is known as the word of God to Christians, and its values are still very relevant and ethical today - but yes, in some areas it has become outdated according to OUR (read, us, we, people, NOT God) beliefs. So according to the bible, written FOREVER ago, its not a sin - but are you seriously going to argue its evil now because of that?

[Mystery]

First of all, before you read stuff like that, please consider the bias in which it is from.

This author directly sets up a site called EvilBible.com...

Now on to what that link said: Yes, the bible does talk about slavery, and it does talk about how its acceptable. Now, I'm not sure which bible he is quoting, but its definitely a modernized one; the one I have in front of me is more classical, but it doesn't have nearly as much of the details those did.

Next, consider the context of the bible; in the era it was written in, slavery was acceptable and allowed. As you should know, it wasn't until recently, in the past century or so, that slavery was abolished and promoted as a terrible thing. We are now brought up to know that this is true, that slavery is against the basic rights of humanity.

"So, wouldn't God think that slavery is evil?" you would probably ask. Heck if I know, have you talked with God recently? I assume he probably didn't/doesn't. We are human, so we are free to make our choices, especially when it comes to ethics and morals. However, I do believe the bible set and teaches many of these morals, and continues to do so - however, it may be outdated according to our 'times'. I personally see it as timeless, but it is true; as we go along, we humans change things - it is how we work. It doesn't mean that God would agree - if we were made to only follow God's word, then why would we be given free choice as such? 

I know it was allowed for humans in that time. I'm just confused as to why several Christians say the bible is God's word(a few people even said it in this topic), yet we have this piece of work. Slavery is most definitely a sin, yet it's in the bible, as an acceptable thing to do. And free choice? If you sin enough of your own free will, or don't accept Christ's gift or believe in God AS YOUR OWN FREE WILL, you're hellbound according to Christians. I'm just saying, that if God doesn't think something as sinful as that is a sin, how can Christians not see the complete lack of logic there?

Mystery... are the authors of the bible still around to update the bible? Or are you saying that as we modernize, we should go back to everything created beforehand, and update them according to our beliefs? The bible is known as the word of God to Christians, and its values are still very relevant and ethical today - but yes, in some areas it has become outdated according to OUR (read, us, we, people, NOT God) beliefs. So according to the bible, written FOREVER ago, its not a sin - but are you seriously going to argue its evil now because of that?

No, I'm not saying it's evil at all. I just saw that it was confusing to me because of what Christians believe about slavery today. I really don't have much knowledge where the bible is concerned, that just confused me. But thanks for somewhat explaining it.

[Cactuscat222]

Well, there isn't much more to say about it. Religion is all about opinions anyways - you have the radical ones who follow the bible strictly. You have others who use it more as a guide line/set of rules, but aren't going to follow every last word to their dying breath.

I think most everyone today doesn't agree with slavery, and for good reasons too - but considering the bible was written by people, and not God himself (for some reason, there are people who don't understand that [both Christians and others]), there is definitely 'bias'; what people thought were right and wrong, though technically it all came from God.

And, if you agree that God is the ultimate, what he says goes. We as a people don't agree with slavery, but it doesn't mean God wouldn't/doesn't; he could by all means be upset with our decision. God is quite wrathful, as evident by the bible.

[Chaos]

Well, there isn't much more to say about it. Religion is all about opinions anyways - you have the radical ones who follow the bible strictly. You have others who use it more as a guide line/set of rules, but aren't going to follow every last word to their dying breath.

I think most everyone today doesn't agree with slavery, and for good reasons too - but considering the bible was written by people, and not God himself (for some reason, there are people who don't understand that [both Christians and others]), there is definitely 'bias'; what people thought were right and wrong, though technically it all came from God.

And, if you agree that God is the ultimate, what he says goes. We as a people don't agree with slavery, but it doesn't mean God wouldn't/doesn't; he could by all means be upset with our decision. God is quite wrathful, as evident by the bible.

Which, in turn, causes much of the whole 'faith' thing to crumble.  I've heard many claim that the bible is the 'word of God'. 

Who says?  Considering that God is perfect, God's word would need no revisions.  If the bible is indeed God's word, then the original writing is completely valid.  Clearly, slavery is a-okay.

Or not.  We can instead agree that it is NOT God's word.  God is perfect, so there shouldn't be so many bloody contradictions.  The bible is a book, written by (imperfect and corruptible) humans.  And suddenly, without the "God's word" argument floating around, any and all authority it had vanishes.  If some of it is flawed, who is to say other portions aren't?  How are we drawing these lines, now?  Murder is a sin, but for how long?  Til public opinion says otherwise, and we decide to revise "God's word"?

Gays are bad?  Who says, the bible?  Who gives a crap about a bunch of old farts opinions centuries ago?  Orrrr, is it God who said so?  Cause, you know, the bible is God's word.  Or...is it?

Hell, why did God decide to suddenly plop down the rulebook in our midst MILLIONS of years after he decided to make the world?  God is timeless (and *COUGHCOUGHperfectCOUGHCOUGH*), why not drop it down when, say, we !@#$ed up and got kicked out of Eden?  Keep us on the straight and narrow with our new-found, ill-gained knowledge?

Conclusion:  The bible is garbage, and you're all participating in the biggest trolling in history.

[Cactuscat222]

You are arguing against me, and I am by no means an expert in religion or its ideas.

I'm sure there may be some problems with what I say that is not reflected by the true ideal and religion of Christianity, as I do not attend church or regularly read the bible.

Still though, I don't think you could come to the conclusion that the bible is trash. If God is omnipowerful, he can do whatever the hell he wants, no matter what you think. Yeah, he should have done this, or should have done that, then he would be true - but he doesn't have to.

Additionally, I didn't say we had to revise the bible. In fact, I said we SHOULDN'T revise, because that is ludicrous...

Perfection is completely based on your own state of mind: If God is 'Perfect', it doesn't mean your sense of perfection fits him.

[Mystery]

Perfection is completely based on your own state of mind: If God is 'Perfect', it doesn't mean your sense of perfection fits him.

Which is why the whole idea of 'perfection' in and of itself is bull[Censor]. But MOST Christians have the idea that by perfect, God does no wrong, knows all, loves all, and all that other jazz.

And I share Chaos' viewpoint on this.

[Cactuscat222]

Perfection is completely based on your own state of mind: If God is 'Perfect', it doesn't mean your sense of perfection fits him.

Which is why the whole idea of 'perfection' in and of itself is bull[Censor]. But MOST Christians have the idea that by perfect, God does no wrong, knows all, loves all, and all that other jazz.

And I share Chaos' viewpoint on this.

So why is that wrong? Who says God doesn't do any wrong, knows all, loves all, and all that? I don't see any proof saying he isn't.

[Mystery]

Perfection is completely based on your own state of mind: If God is 'Perfect', it doesn't mean your sense of perfection fits him.

Which is why the whole idea of 'perfection' in and of itself is bull[Censor]. But MOST Christians have the idea that by perfect, God does no wrong, knows all, loves all, and all that other jazz.

And I share Chaos' viewpoint on this.

So why is that wrong? Who says God doesn't do any wrong, knows all, loves all, and all that? I don't see any proof saying he isn't.

Because if he doesn't do any wrong, then what the hell is slavery advocation doing in the bible(as Christians' say it's God's word) when it's OBVIOUSLY bad? If God is perfect and knows all, then there's no reason for his viewpoint to change from slavery in the old days to now, right? I mean, he supposedly knows all. He has ALWAYS supposedly known all. And if he loves everyone, then why EVEN ALLOW slavery since it's so cruel? True, some people treat slaves well, but I can guarantee most people will always treat them badly. And it's wrong to do allow that. So did God do wrong? Naw, since he's COMPLETELY INFALLIBLE.

EDIT: I'm getting tired of this endless 7-page  on-and-off debate....Religious debates pretty much NEVER get anywhere. I like debates just as much as the next guy, but people will always have their different beliefs that may not ever change. I'm an atheist. So are others. People are Christians. People are Muslims. People are polytheistic. People are Hindus. People are Buddhists. Let's just leave it at that.