[mkirkpatrick]

Originally Posted by AntonioLao it is unavoidable that when it comes to know what is GOD, the descriptions were implicitly attributed with human qualities. But if these qualities are removed, there is nothing one can say or describe. GOD is beyond human rational thinking. Refusal to accept this transcendental principle (transcending human intellects) led many to say that there is no GOD, instead of admitting that the intellectual faculty is limited. One is smart but there always someone smarter. but who is the smartest? Is GOD the smartest? If one is so s mart, maybe one can fool the flow of time and thus remain ageless.

I agree absolutely that God is unknowable,to think otherwise would be absurd.
I do not think that religion shows any particular weakness,other than itis purely
an invention of his,of course!many have perished and still are today,which is
cause for great sadness,for all faiths have embedded in their tenents the ideas
of love and tolerance,rather odd way of showing this,onefeels.

kind regards michael.

[BIG-BERTA]

Religion is what makes us near to animals and far from intelligent beings.
As we know humans try always to get that what is easyer for them and than religion is that.

I consider religion as the most oldest epidemy of weakness in the human being history

We can consider Religion as a "BIG INSTINCT"

[Stalky]

Since the human mind, individually, is limited and human knowledge, corporately, is also capped it is natural that the concept of "Faith" arise. Faith is a gap filler between what we know and what we could know.

Religion arises from faith, and can be seen in term of human knowledge. Some religions and religious people promote knowledge, and help fill in the faith-gap of human understanding, others use faith as a weapon against others and by doing so create human faith that discourages knowledge and understanding.

Everyone subscribes to "faith." Whether they are honest about it or not. The Atheist has faith in intellect, and believes (without proof) that no God exists. Much like many Christians, Jews and Muslims believe (without proof) in a God who cannot be verified.

Religion does not really show human weakness, but it does arise from the fact that there are limits (weakness) in human understanding.

[subversion]

Originally Posted by BIG-BERTA Religion is what makes us near to animals and far from intelligent beings. We can consider Religion as a "BIG INSTINCT"

Religion is not what makes us near to animals. Quite to the contrary, religion was the first thing that set us apart from animals!! Religion is the ability to abstract, and as such, religion itself was the advent of science, the idea that we can explain things and understand them. This is what sets us apart from animals and makes us intelligent, and it all started with religion, so we should all show some respect.

Religion was instinctual yes, but it was instinct speaking through something that had never been around before, a mind that reasoned. This rare fusion of instinct and intellect is precious, and it's revelations hold hidden meaning and truth which we have yet to see. Religious insights and prophecies represent the first and purest thoughts of man, and for that we should hold them of great value. They are the least biased thoughts, formulated before we had anything to go on, and that innocence only happens once in a species' lifetime. The funniest thing is that we never studied religion like this, scientifically, for if we did, we would see it's child-like merit.

I was born under the societal assumption that I was religious, I prayed everynight, I tried to follow god's will. Then I found out that my parents weren't strictly religious, and as such I started to question religion myself. Soon I realized that religion was stupid, and afterall, science was better.

But since I've developed my theory, based on science, I've come to realize that religion shows a kind of naieve wisdom. Time and time again, concepts put forth by religion, have shown corrolaries in my theory. It was startling, and eery, yet provocative. I had to accept the evidence in front of me, religion was right all along, we just never understood it correctly once we invented science. Science will exhume religion, dust it off and give it a new coat, it is my belief, and when science finally does marry religion, perhaps humbling it under the scrutinous eye of the microscope, a sense of inspiration and divinity will ensue, and it will be the scientists who are truly humbled. I see the faults of both religion and science. Many people think they know about science and religion, but I can guarantee, the TOE will humble us all, and you will think back and laugh.

ps. it is noteable to note that the coming of the TOE has been prophecised by all religions, if you can read the symbolism. I have recently been captivated by the book of Enoch, which wasn't particularly religious, just a very old set of prophecies that some guy Enoch dreamed about, as well as scientific stuff of the day such as the description of lightning, the moon, etc. (back when science and religion were one) which also tells of a messiah who "will reveal all the treasures of that which is concealed". Sounds like a TOE bearer to me.

And in him dwells the spirit of wisdom

And the spirit which gives insight, And the spirit of understanding and of might,And he shall judge the secret things,

And none shall be able to utter a lying word before him;

For he is the Elect One before the Lord of Spirits according to His good pleasure.

And his mouth shall pour forth all the secrets of wisdom and counsel:

For the Lord of Spirits hath given (them) to him and hath glorified him.

In conclusion, I advocate that anybody should take religion and science at face value, and attribute nothing more than that to them

[mkirkpatrick]

Just a brief note,to say thanks,Sub,for your thought provoking last post,I can
agree indeed with most of what you said.I think that ignorance and blind stupidity,coupled with ego-centric behaviour,gross materialism,selfishness,self-seeking,are the main causes for much of our pain today.Religion can be a source of strengh-it can set you free-or imprison you .




kind regards michael.

[enton]

Originally Posted by tom mccurdy Do you believe that religon shows that society is not developed and is more primitive than it will be?

I don't believe!

James 1:26-27 of the Bible states "If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, [and] to keep himself unspotted from the world. "

If anyone wants to be religious, he must prepare to advance his career as a pro-life. Christians as religious people are not primitive. They knew in advance, like what Daniel 12:4 states "But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased."

[mkirkpatrick]

The weakness in society and for the whole planet is self-seeking,selfishness,
ego-driven ideas,that trample down those in the way,thinking that we are apart
from and seperate-from our fellow man,these are the Cancers and boils that
need to be lanced,although many have used their differing Religions in very
negitive ways,on the whole they have been useful to those that were and our
involved in.





kind regards michael.

[Guille]

"Do you believe Religion Shows Weakness in Society "

NO. I KNOW that religions shows weakness in society. Actually, it IS a weakness in society.

[dleviwing]

Institutions formed to control the behavior of people are called governments.
Sub-governments should not be in the guise of religions.
In democratic governments, sub-governments are used to allow minorities to overthrow those created by the majority.

[Stalky]

Originally Posted by <<>> "Do you believe Religion Shows Weakness in Society " NO. I KNOW that religions shows weakness in society. Actually, it IS a weakness in society.

Would you mind backing that up? Seeing as both western society, greek science, and egyptian science (you know, the pyramids) arose from strong religions how would you support your claim? Unless the advancement of knowledge is a weakness? Oh, and evil religion (crusades) is balanced by constructive religion (gregor Mendel). Much like evil Atheists (Stalin) are balanced by constructive Atheists. So try to address the root reasons that religion = weakness, instead of using the tired "religion does bad things" argument.

Thanks!

PS. Nothing can truly be "known", only believed. If you believe you "know" something absolutely, you deceive yourself.