Researchers claim they have discovered Noah's ark

[Mercy]

Originally Posted by Luv2Dance

Baptist church and campus/academy/sunday school/basketball courts.....I think 130 million (need to verify with link) .....they just imploded 4 buildings downtown to start building this. They will keep the old chapel for weddings, etc, if people desire to be married there instead of what I've heard coined "Cirque de Baptiste".....and the fountain being the icing and "like the Bellagio, but without the sinful gambling"

That's incredible! We don't have anything that comes remotely close here in MD. I personally don't think I could attend a church of that size. I would feel lost in the crowd.

[Luv2Dance]

Originally Posted by Mercy

That's incredible! We don't have anything that comes remotely close here in MD. I personally don't think I could attend a church of that size. I would feel lost in the crowd.

Uhhhh....yeah. They are saying it is a 3,000 seat worship center. Huge. My hometown population is 2,200......

Sorry to go off topic. I was caught up in that water fountain and had to share.......

[Rissask]

Originally Posted by Jacko

Of course someone's belief system can matter....imo, our lives are not about the end...our lives are about how we live..that is what matters...not just what is....perceptions matter.....our belief systems can strongly impact how we live...how we perceive life, irregardless of what ultimately is.

Yes, of course?

I do believe we are talking in circles here, around each other, instead of TO each other.

oh, and 'IRREGARDLESS'?? Jacko!

Originally Posted by Luv2Dance

See my last post and the Bellagio reference. You really need to come to Dallas! WE have all sorts of digital displays on our buildings, lights......the works!

eek

I remember the Texas 'megachurches' from Religulous. Have you seen that yet?

Religulous (2008) - IMDb

Originally Posted by Seakony

That's just not true.

Which part, what specifically is 'not true' about that line you quoted?

It's NOT sad to see people not living in the moment? FTR, even an atheist can be guilty of doing that.

[Luv2Dance]

Originally Posted by Rissask

Yes, of course?

I do believe we are talking in circles here, around each other, instead of TO each other.

oh, and 'IRREGARDLESS'?? Jacko!





eek

I remember the Texas 'megachurches' from Religulous. Have you seen that yet?

Religulous (2008) - IMDb




Which part, what specifically is 'not true' about that line you quoted?

It's NOT sad to see people not living in the moment? FTR, even an atheist can be guilty of doing that.

No, I haven't seen it! Another movie that I said I wanted to but didn't get around to watching. Thanks! I'm going to add that to my list.

[Rissask]

Originally Posted by Luv2Dance

No, I haven't seen it! Another movie that I said I wanted to but didn't get around to watching. Thanks! I'm going to add that to my list.

It is quite interesting, even though Bill Maher is the King of Sarcastic Snark. And he really needs to lay off the Botox!

but it is well worth watching, if nothing else than to spark interesting conversations.

[Luv2Dance]

Originally Posted by Rissask

It is quite interesting, even though Bill Maher is the King of Sarcastic Snark. And he really needs to lay off the Botox!

but it is well worth watching, if nothing else than to spark interesting conversations.

Agree on the botox thing! Ha! I'm looking forward to seeing it!

[Jacko]

Originally Posted by Rissask

Yes, of course?

I do believe we are talking in circles here, around each other, instead of TO each other.

oh, and 'IRREGARDLESS'?? Jacko!



.

Perhaps so, regardless or irrespective of the circuitous route we take, belief systems, or philosophies that guide our perceptions of what life is and its meaning, can make a difference in how we live (and imo, that is the only thing that matters).....I believe religion helps many people find meaning or purpose in life, providing them with guidance and direction they find useful, giving them hope when they might otherwise not find that hope, and perhaps most importantly give them comfort as they ponder the end of their existence on earth.

[Uno]

Originally Posted by Mercy

Well that's a depressing statement. We are born, live, die. Nothing more, nothing less... how sad and hopeless.

Not sad and hopeless at all. I in fact believe we will continue on after this but I am not living this life to ONLY look forward to the next.

I want to live life happy and pass a little happiness (and maybe good memories) to others along the way. No matter how insignificant they may be.

I remember small things. Small memories that helped shape me. From family, friends and strangers. By enriching my life in some way, they get a good deed star. Earning good deed stars are what life is all about.

[snappysammy]

Originally Posted by Rissask

Darlin', you are by far the biggest narcissist around these here parts!

I believe you are the one who told me that, even.

as i recollect that discussion, we never came to a conclusion on which of us was the king or queen of the narcissists

and furthermore, are my rolling eyed slimies invisible or are they just being ignored??
sometimes a cigar is just a cigar, ya know

[gingele]

Originally Posted by UnoMasMezcal

Not sad and hopeless at all. I in fact believe we will continue on after this but I am not living this life to ONLY look forward to the next.

I want to live life happy and pass a little happiness (and maybe good memories) to others along the way. No matter how insignificant they may be.

I remember small things. Small memories that helped shape me. From family, friends and strangers. By enriching my life in some way, they get a good deed star. Earning good deed stars are what life is all about.

Are you sure you are not a Jew?

[Rissask]

Originally Posted by Jacko

Perhaps so, regardless or irrespective of the circuitous route we take, belief systems, or philosophies that guide our perceptions of what life is and its meaning, can make a difference in how we live (and imo, that is the only thing that matters).....I believe religion helps many people find meaning or purpose in life, providing them with guidance and direction they find useful, giving them hope when they might otherwise not find that hope, and perhaps most importantly give them comfort as they ponder the end of their existence on earth.

whew, that was a mouthful!

If people derive hope from what is essentially a false set of beliefs-is that not false hope? False comfort?

I think that is Harris/Dawkins/Hitchens' whole point. Belief based on bogus premises is meaningless and does more harm than good, overall.

Not to mention all the different religions in the world do nothing but divide us into groups that war against each other.
So let's try to come up with a belief system that will bring humanity closer together instead of reinforcing our differences. Does that not sound like a worthy goal? I would be surprised if you really disagree, based on your posts in the past.

Originally Posted by gingele

Are you sure you are not a Jew?

Dana and Jesus!

[melliedee]

My friend has been going to a Zen center in Toledo, and I'm going to check it out when I get back. I guess Sundays are open to the public and are for people who are novice meditators, ect.

I went to my first Bhuddist funeral a few months ago and I was intrigued. The woman (priestess?) was assuring me that anyone can meditate when I told her how my brain runs a mile a minute and that I find it very difficult to shut off its over-caffeinated twirping.

[Rissask]

oh, Mel.

Not you, too!!

[Jacko]

Originally Posted by Rissask

whew, that was a mouthful!

If people derive hope from what is essentially a false set of beliefs-is that not false hope? False comfort?

I think that is Harris/Dawkins/Hitchens' whole point. Belief based on bogus premises is meaningless and does more harm than good, overall.

Not to mention all the different religions in the world do nothing but divide us into groups that war against each other.
So let's try to come up with a belief system that will bring humanity closer together instead of reinforcing our differences. Does that not sound like a worthy goal? I would be surprised if you really disagree, based on your posts in the past.



Dana and Jesus!

I think you continue to neglect the most important point I am trying to make....that if your personal philosophy works for you in life, and doesn't harm other folks, than not much else matters. Not even Harris/Dawkins and Hitchens...they are just doing what works for them..God works for other folks..one does not need to be "right" to have a happy life. False comfort be damned if it helps you through the night and it works for you.

IMO, Non-believers create plenty of problems in the world based upon their lack of morals or ethics that religion teaches to many believers and they may have more challenging personal lives lacking the help that organized religion provides to many........believers create plenty of problems in the world based upon problems inherent in intolerant organized religions and the concept of faith not requiring objective proof......

I do agree with your stated goal though! I think most here know that I have a problem with organized religions for just this reason..but that does not change my belief in having a healthy tolerance, and indeed acceptance of, any personal philosophy that meets the goals I have been stating.....We should always seek to get better imo..we have much in need of improving.....both the believers and the non-believers.

[Mercy]

Originally Posted by UnoMasMezcal

Not sad and hopeless at all. I in fact believe we will continue on after this but I am not living this life to ONLY look forward to the next.

I want to live life happy and pass a little happiness (and maybe good memories) to others along the way. No matter how insignificant they may be.

I remember small things. Small memories that helped shape me. From family, friends and strangers. By enriching my life in some way, they get a good deed star. Earning good deed stars are what life is all about.

I hope you read everything I wrote regarding this, because I never said "I" was sad and hopeless, just waiting for the next life. I live with hope of a next life, however, this is not something I strive for. The Bible says that because of my faith in Christ, I will have eternal life in heaven.

Originally Posted by melliedee

My friend has been going to a Zen center in Toledo, and I'm going to check it out when I get back. I guess Sundays are open to the public and are for people who are novice meditators, ect.

I went to my first Bhuddist funeral a few months ago and I was intrigued. The woman (priestess?) was assuring me that anyone can meditate when I told her how my brain runs a mile a minute and that I find it very difficult to shut off its over-caffeinated twirping.

Why is it that everyone will try every flavor of spirituality but will not give Christianity a try? Obviously there is something in people that drawls them toward the spiritual....could that be God?