Why Would Any Logical Person Be An Atheist?

I am not understanding how you answered my concerns. I am not sure what I was supposed to take from your post. I was simply confused by your statement.

 

Nearly all of your concerns (possibly all of them) addressed your concerns regarding my faith: The quote from your signature line (or maybe it was just a footnote-- I see your signature line is different now) addresses all of those concerns.

 

Yes, I apologize for adding to it. I was in the middle of it when you were answering my post. I was concerned it may be misunderstood.

 

No harm done. Do you believe that I might have misunderstood the message you were attempting to impart with that previous signature line? I hope that I did not misunderstand, as it was a very good message as I understood it.

 

His concerns address his concerns?
Is there a wonder he is confused!

 

And his concerns in that discussion are focused on my faith.

 

I thought you liked it.
Why did you suggest you didn't agree with it when I noticed that?

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Have you met someone who's concerns DON'T address their concerns?

 

I stated that faith is powerful, but I did not say that it would lead you in the right direction. My concern is how you would ensure that it will lead you in the right direction if it is based on how you interpret the bible in different ways.

 

You have just won the most honorable position on my ignore list. The only one there.

 

What do you think he did to deserve this? He seems to be asking a question, not accusing you or badgering you. He simply seems as confused about what you are trying to say as I am.

 

No, you did not state that it would lead me "in the right direction". However, I must point out, that the term "right" is very ambiguous. What is right to me may be wrong to you.

I am already ensured that my faith has led and is leading me in the "right" direction per my perspective, from my experience, and from my relationship with the Lord Jesus.

I try not to interpret the Bible, but when I have a question about the Bible and need an interpretation, I seek guidance from the Lord Jesus, via the Holy Spirit. Subsequently, I do not believe that the interpretations I have are of a 'private interpretation.'

 

Best way to avoid questions you can't answer or are embarrassing for you.

 

Don't worry about it. It's a personal thing.
I regularly show his posts to be absurd, and he has finally come to the conclusion that he just makes it worse when he tries to confront me.

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So you seek the direction of what you have termed "a lesser god"? That is how you described Jesus.

 

When I was a Christian and around those with strong faith whose faith was found deep within. I noticed where their direction came from. Often it was about their wants and needs. If someone wanted something and they prayed for guidance, too often the guidance was given as a twisting of bible's meaning. They would grab at straws in order to get it to say what comforted them. Very few people interpret faith to support higher values at their own expense. I can respect someone's faith if it this were the case. I do not know you but I trust that you are the second of these. I trust that your faith will guide you to compassion at the cost of self as Jesus did. I trust that you will love all mankind over self no matter who they are, as Jesus did. I simply hope that one day, past or future, your faith is not corrupted by emotional needs of self or church and religion.

 

By 'right' I mean, leading your life in a way that is beneficial to you and more importantly to those around you. If your values are defined by God how do you recognize your values? Can you notice where they are defined where God says nothing about it? Is that an issue for you?

 

I appreciate those thoughts GrayMan. Though you used a past tense scenario with regards to your Christian standing, I will still construe those thoughts of yours as your spiritual prayer for my spiritual well being; and for that I thank you sincerely. May your life be equally filled with the blessing of God and Jesus.

 

One of the basic messages that came from Jesus was the spiritual killing of the 'self'. So, if I were to give credence to a 'self worth' I would be defeating that teaching of Jesus. Jesus was the example. He sacrificed his 'self' physically for the benefit of the whole world. Recognition of self is mentioned in the Bible (not necessarily in those terms) but in principle... example: man tends to recognize self through intelligence and man tends to place high honor on the ones holding the highest level of man-made knowledge... this is what the Bible says about such self value(s):

"1 Corinthians 1:18-31

New International Version (NIV)
Christ Crucified Is God’s Power and Wisdom

18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written:

“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;
the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”[a]

20 Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 22 Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

26 Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him. 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”"

 

As you continue to read his posts you will get to know him.
Just know in advance that life is full of disappointments.

 

I need time to consider this. I am drawn into a biased view due to my dislike of Paul and his relation to the corruption of Rome. I am trying to set aside this bias for a moment so that I may accurately see what he is saying. I will get back to you after I have time to accurately see all aspects of this.

 

As you can see from the first quote, your faith is entirely self-centered. You are being led in the right direction according to your perspective.

 

Of course, those not on an "official" ig list still get ignored if he dont like the q. !

 

but given faith is constituted from emotional needs (and to a lesser extent, church and religion), how does one inside the bubble tease out that which isn't of these source 'materials'?

 

True that.

 

Join the club.

 

This should be good. Brace yourself. If you press the issue, the response is going to make your head spin.