Republicans strong on morals?

[westkoast]

I don't blame you for hating religion. I really don't. There is so much hypocrisy in EVERY form of religion, and it's so easy to see that as a symptom of faith. But hypocrisy and extremism aren't necessarily native to faith, they come from us, IMO.

Excellent point.  Props! You may be an old fart now (seeing you are in the 30 and over bracket) but your noggin still works well :lol:   However some of the hypocrisy is right in the bible itself.  Not alot but there is some.  Like you said tho, 95% of the hypocrisy/extremism does come from the people.

Being the resident non-religious person who runs his mouth the most around here.....the whole 'let god do the judging' is such a load of crap.  Not from the religion side because I agree 110% with that.  Its the people who say it out of one side of the mouth....but at coffee break at church they are spreading rumors and judging how others run their family and personal lives.

[Ted]

Its the people who say it out of one side of the mouth....but at coffee break at church they are spreading rumors and judging how others run their family and personal lives.

So true Koast. That's exactly what I'm talking about when I mentioned the pride in my religion (well except for the coffee break in church part). That is the essence of the hypocrisy of religious people. It's just plain pride, which C.S. Lewis called the Universal Sin.

If you want to read the words of someone who almost perfectly, IMHO, explains Christianity (and religion) as it is supposed to be, you should read some Clive Staples Lewis. "Mere Christianity" is a good start.

[Lurker]

If you want to read the words of someone who almost perfectly, IMHO, explains Christianity (and religion) as it is supposed to be, you should read some Clive Staples Lewis. "Mere Christianity" is a good start.

Good book.  And while my views on organized religion fall in line with koast this book gives a good idea of what religion should be.

[westkoast]

I do have a question and maybe you can answer it Ted (or Joe).  If a person believes in the lord but does so because it makes them feel they are better than others or because they dont want to goto hell.....is that still ok in Christianity?  Does the reason you believe not matter as long as you believe?  Or does there have to be some kind of true love for the teachings and the lord?  I know a number of people who  are Christian because it makes them look better in social circles and whatnot.  Or goto Church because they feel it is more of a social event then a place to show your apperciation for what has been given to you.

I've always been confused about this.  If you aren't really trying to be a better Christian...or just a true Christian period are you still going to recieve the same (cant think of a good word) REAL Christian's do?  Mormon's believe in Jesus Christ but according to many Christians they will not be allowed in heaven.  Is it the Christian way only?  Or as long as you believe in the lord you are good to go?

[rickortreat]

The real question is what is religeon for?  Both for the individual and the group.  IMO, the religions are more about growth and stength in numbers than about individual enlightnenment.

As for the Lord- I think you know enough to answer that for yourself.  

[westkoast]

The real question is what is religeon for?  Both for the individual and the group.  IMO, the religions are more about growth and stength in numbers than about individual enlightnenment.

As for the Lord- I think you know enough to answer that for yourself.

Acctually I brought it up for a reason.....I honestly dont feel ALL the blame falls on the people.  I agree that a good portion of the hypocrisy and extreme beliefs come from the people themselves but the way the law is laid down for Christians is not very clear.  That right there, IMO, plays a part in why some of these people do the things they do.  I've heard multiple answers from many different Christians.....but none of which are as level headed as Ted or Joe are.

[Ted]

I do have a question and maybe you can answer it Ted (or Joe).  If a person believes in the lord but does so because it makes them feel they are better than others or because they dont want to goto hell.....is that still ok in Christianity?  Does the reason you believe not matter as long as you believe?  Or does there have to be some kind of true love for the teachings and the lord?  I know a number of people who  are Christian because it makes them look better in social circles and whatnot.  Or goto Church because they feel it is more of a social event then a place to show your apperciation for what has been given to you.

I've always been confused about this.  If you aren't really trying to be a better Christian...or just a true Christian period are you still going to recieve the same (cant think of a good word) REAL Christian's do?  Mormon's believe in Jesus Christ but according to many Christians they will not be allowed in heaven.  Is it the Christian way only?  Or as long as you believe in the lord you are good to go?

There's a scripture that I think answers your question:
Matthew 7: 21-23

21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

IMO, it's not about going to church or doing anything in life for any reason other than the fact that you believe in God, you love him, and you want to do his will. I believe that's what he wants from us. All of the fake piousness and false pretense will get us nowhere.