NationStates Jolt Archive

Chopped.

Ok, why is this directed at me?

Well.

Christians aren't perfect Just forgiven.

Anyway as a Christian, some Baptists scare me. Well, IMO good luck and continue searching.

I am convinced that the nature of a religion does not lie in its writings, nor in its representatives, nor in its believers, nor in its social trappings, nor in its extremists.

You can boil any religion down to its core belief, and I believe that's where you should start if you're trying to see where it will take people.

I believe that the central belief of Christianity (and I'm sure some will argue with me) is the Absolute Mystery - the simultaneous bicameral existence of God and Man in Jesus. Believing this requires a certain leap of faith - and faith is something that to me is a central defining element of consciousness that separates human thought from that of other animals.

I believe that the central belief of Islam is submission to God's will (some will argue that as well). To someone in Islam, nothing takes place that is not God's will, and it is not only useless, but blasphemy to struggle against it. This also takes a leap of faith.

Keru, if I've missed something there, let me know. Also, go ahead and give us the classroom answer for the central belief of Judaism.

In any case, religious people - truly religious people, are those who have taken the leap of faith - seeing in existence more than their eyes can see.

I've found that on average, I get better treatment from people who have the ability to take the leap of faith. Yes, there are assholes in every group, even the atheists, but I've met more asshole atheists than assholes with religion.

Ok, why is this directed at me?

Reason forgotten to the winds of history. I'd suggest checking dates on posts before replying to them. :)

but I've met more asshole atheists than assholes with religion.

Actually It's Vice Versa for me.