You are a filthy, sinful heathen!

[MineralMan]

I used to be like you, but then I found [name deity or religion]. Now, I am ever so much better than you, while you are still despicable in the eyes of [name deity or religion]. I'll tell you this: You'd better get right with [name deity or religion], or you're going to end up in a very bad place. Be like me. Be a believer. You can stop being a horrible, evil person. Just do as I did and follow[name deity or religion].

How to win followers to your belief system, fer shure!

[underpants]

1. so if people follow someone on Twitter...

Is that a false idol?

[MineralMan]

2. Only if that person falsely claims to be a deity or a religion.

All such claims are false, because [name deity or religion] does not tweet.

[Major Nikon]

7. An interesting question is whether or not Jesus would consider Christians idolaters

Jesus’ claim was that of the messiah, not a god. Jews do not worship the messiah as such would be considered idolatry. Christ was deified long after his death, and as a rabbi would have been bound by mosaic law.

[TygrBright]

3. Oh, I'm all disappointed now... thought you were gonna invite me to party! n/t

[MineralMan]

4. You're welcome to all of my parties.

I'm a filthy, sinful heathen, too, of course...

[TygrBright]

5. We should compare checkmarks...

On the "Stuff people speaking for God think God gives a rat's ass about":



Last time I counted I think I scored a thirteen.

smugly,
Bright

[TlalocW]

6. Well, he just got rid of at least 90% of the population

If you consider that's about the amount covered by people who identify as democrats or as republicans. He's got democrats listed in plain view, but he's hiding republican behind the white supremacist label.

TlalocW

[TygrBright]

9. I sorta wondered how that one got on there at all...

...along with the greedy preachers one.

Normally god-botherers seem to think God LIKES those things.

bewilderedly,
Bright

[Act_of_Reparation]

8. I am going to hell for 9 reasons.

Can anyone top me?

[TlalocW]

13. Yes

And also get more on the list than you did as well.

Bum-dum-bah, ksssssh!

TlalocW

[Act_of_Reparation]

16. Zing!

[MineralMan]

11. I can only count seven.

If I were a woman , the count would be higher.

[struggle4progress]

22. I only scored nine!

[3Hotdogs]

10. I'm working on memorizing that stuff.

I think I can make a lot of money off of it --- scaring the shit out'a suckers.

Can you give me any more guidance? I need money fast. I'm near out of meth.

[MineralMan]

12. Pass the collection plate again.

[Major Nikon]

14. Do what I say or you will spend eternity in unfathomable pain and misery

However, if you comply you will spend an eternity in unfathomable bliss. Mind you all of this is conveniently unverifiable.

When an organization uses those tactics, how can someone not know they are being manipulated?

[keithbvadu2]

15. Adulterers seem to be safe.

Adulterers seem to be safe.

[Pendrench]

17. I remember when I was in grade school, there was a song that we sang called:

"They will know we are Christians by our love"

So it seems to me that if we (who call ourselves Christians) do not show love and support to others who do not believe the same as we do, then we deserve scorn and suspicion as to the sincerity of our beliefs.

As I've posted many times before, if there is a god I believe that she/he/it cares more as to how we treat each other, especially those who are in need and those marginalized by society, rather than adherence to a particular doctrine.

Wishing all well and peace.

Tim

[uriel1972]

18. Look around for your answer...

if a kind loving God created this atrocity called reality it has a different understanding of love than I do.

[Pendrench]

19. Hi uriel1972 - thank you for replying to my post.

While I agree that there are many "atrocious" things in this world, I also believe that there are many wonderful, loving people.

For example, just over a week ago, my father was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer - today was his funeral.

https://www.candlelightfuneralhome.com/notices/Tom-Lynch?fbclid=IwAR2_dYifAi61VqEr8aWuR-Cr4QJSDqae1oX1kMT9Aj83IL5EWLZ0pL7igAQ

During those last days that we spent with him, he and my family were supported and comforted by countless individuals - not just family and friends, but also his doctors, the hospital staff, the nursing home staff, the hospice staff, the people at the funeral home and the cemetery, the florist, and the staff at the restaurant where we held the gathering after the burial.

So that is what I see when I look around...I see and acknowledge that there is sadness, suffering, selfishness and evil, but I also see that there is joy, comfort, selflessness, goodness and love. And hopefully that latter outweighs the former.

Thank you again for your reply - wishing you well and peace!

Tim

[uriel1972]

20. While it's true...

That there is much compassion and love amidst the suffering, why is there suffering, if God is a being of infinite Love?

I am an Atheist, so I don't "believe". What I don't understand, is the mindset of those who believe that an omnipotent God, who loves us, REQUIRES us to suffer. I just don't.

[Pendrench]

21. Hi uriel1972 - I certainly understand and respect that.

Thank you again for the discussion.

Wishing you well and peace.

Tim

[hurl]

23. Sorry for your loss

Wishing strength and comfort for you and your family.

[Pendrench]

24. Hi hurl - thank you very much for your kind words.

My dad was a very devout Catholic - but I think that his greatest lesson to us (his children) was to accept people for who they are and how they treat others, not what they believe or do not believe.

It's a lesson that I try to live by and pass along to my children.

Thank you again - wishing you well and peace.

Tim