|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2010 4:01 pm
I just want to know: How do you interpret the lessons and teachings that the Bible/Torah/Qu'ran, oral teachings, etc...state? Do you interpret them metaphorically or literally, and how much do you think is true fact or pure myth?
I'm just wondering since I am in Intro to World Religions and we just HAPPEN to be on Christianity. There have been some MAJOR discussions and arguments about Catholicism and topics in the Bible in my class.
Personally, since I am Christian, as far as Jesus's teachings go, you either believe they are true or you don't. I believe they are true. It can't be proven and is an irrational text, so there is no rational way to explain it.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Apr 20, 2010 11:57 am
I personally do not believe, most teachings , I think, particularly in the Judeo-Christian and Islamic traditions, these teachings are nothing more than a carrot-and-stick approach to "morality." Do good or else! Goodness is not promoted for its own sake. It is promoted as a means of avoiding God's wrath and damnation. This is the opposite of morality. You're doing something good solely because you're afraid of what might happen to you (frying in hell) if you don't. You're looking out for Number One---pure selfishness---the opposite of real moral behavior.
This is the main reason why I think most of it is a load of crap.
(btw just my opinion, im do not mean to offend)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Apr 20, 2010 3:35 pm
It's okay- Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Like I said: People either believe or they don't. You just happen to be one that doesn't.
I believe, but I'm not offended. Don't be scared to say what you think of something. It's a discussion forum and is meant for expressing what you think of religion- no matter what you believe/don't believe or think. And if people do get offended- they shouldn't be in this particular section. wink
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Apr 25, 2010 10:53 am
I teld to agree with you, 13th clone. Fearing pain and damnation in an afterlife is selfish, but I don't think that's the only motivation for all religious people. I think many such people view their actions in their mind as acting selflessly by devoting themselves to a "higher cause" or at least to something other than themselves. This could lead to them committing charitable actions for others but your point could still be valid as their main motivation for these actions could be a reward in the afterlife instead of doing because its the right thing to do. I think it varies from person to person how much people let selfish motivations drive them. I think the strangest part is that the end result for the people they are around could be the same. It could be difficult to see the difference between someone being charitable because they think its right or because they want to earn points with a deity.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Apr 25, 2010 10:19 pm
I can see your last point jungleratrob. It could be difficult to tell the purpose of charitable deeds. I'm not part of any charities, but I try to be nice to people I see. If they don't like me being nice- fine. I'm nice anyway. I think everyone should do a good thing: whether trying to score points for the afterlife (depending on your beliefs), devotion to a cause or just being nice to or helping someone or something. Just try to be nice- whatever your motives or goals. biggrin wink
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2010 8:02 am
I believe that those things really happened. That they are not allegorical. I believe that they are an accurate account of the past as long as it was translated correctly... But then again one can get as much out of a fiction novel it depends on why you read and what you want to get out of it...
|
|
|
|
|
|
lilcutiepie23456 Vice Captain
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
