Recent content by Godmachine

I think a problem we run into when we discuss Christian theology and beliefs is that Christianity is such a fractured religion. Different Christians sects hold to different 'truths' and many claim to hold THE 'Truth'. There is a lot of disagreement among different Christians about what...

Obviously I have just entered the twilight zone. What did I say that was "way off base"? The vast majority of Christians believe in divine judgement and heaven and hell. Is there something wrong with that statement? I'm not saying it applies to 'all' Christians. I'm not saying my idea of divine...

I am pretty sure the vast majority of Christians believe in heaven and hell and divine judgement. Every Christian I have ever encountered, be it in person or through some form of media, has believed in heaven and hell and divine judgement. Can you give me an example? Can you show me a Christian...

The concept of sin, as it exists in western religions (i.e. a deliberate act of disobedience against god) does not exist in Buddhism. Belief in a divine being is not a necessary part of being a Buddhist, it is optional. The are moral and ethical codes in Buddhism but there is no divine...

Point taken. There are religions that can and do exist without the concept of 'sin'. Buddhism is a good example. But then there are those who say Buddhism is not really a religion and that Buddhists live in sin. I suppose I was talking about western religions when I started the thread. Perhaps...

My original question (which came first.....?) was rhetorical. I was not looking for or expecting an answer. The question was intended to emphasize my point that religion would not exist without the concept of 'sin'. A good analogy here would be the medical profession which would not exist or...

OK fair enough. When white settlers came to America from Europe, they seized control of a land that did not belong to them. They stole it from those who were already here. They enacted genocidal policies and imposed their religious beliefs upon the natives. Now, I am an American and I love this...

Are you saying murder and theft are ALWAYS morally wrong? If that is the case, what makes ownership of land morally right?

I suppose it depends on your point of view. I focus on Christianity because that is the religion I am most familiar with. I grew up in a Catholic home. I have friends and relatives who call themselves Catholics, Lutherans, Methodists, Presbyterians, Baptists, etc. Their views and opinions differ...

I see the world through one pair of eyes. Undoubtedly other people see things and understand things differently than I do. That does not make any of us 'right'. I am perfectly willing to admit my beliefs and perceptions of the world could be wrong. I see nothing wrong with being wrong as long as...

You're right. It isn't god that needs sin. It's people.

I remember reading once about a discussion between the chief of a native American tribe and a Christian missionary whose job was to convert them. It went something like..... Chief: ....so if I did not know anything about your Bible or this thing called sin I would already be saved? Missionary...

One does not necessarily need religion to acknowledge our flaws and imperfections. My question here would be, are those flaws synonymous with 'sin'? Or can we be our flawed human selves without such a concept? My problem when it comes to the concept of sin is that is such a twisted labyrinth of...

No, not a product of salvation but a necessary step toward it.

I agree. Christians believe everyone is a sinner, we just can't help it. Sin/evil is essentially a part of human nature because we have this thing called 'freewill'. As if having a choice or making a choice is in itself something evil that we do. It is absolutely essential for Christians to...