Philip Moloney: a long-running show about nothing - Page 3

Praxis · #21 2nd June 2010, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by michalis

I don't know you but it almost sounds like you are afraid of leaving christianity and instead focusing on how your personal beliefs can fit in with it - I know I did that for a long time.

Thanks michalis, I really hope Philip reads this.

As so many people here know, it can be quite a painful process leaving behind the security blanket of religion. It sounds like he's already moved towards pantheism and he sounds like an intelligent chap, so there's quite a bit of hope for logic and reason to prevail and for Philip to learn that it's neither cold nor lonely in the world of nonbelief.

Philip Moloney · #22 2nd June 2010, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by riddlemethis

Que? So "god", the description of the "transcendent" (whatever the frig that is!?), is judgemental?

In finance terms my friend you are a hedger. Take a real stance. We'll do our best to help you navigate the path if you like. Let's begin by you evidencing this thing you call the transcendent, and then convincing us why, if this "god" you ritualise is merely the symbol we give this nebulous thing, it even requires ritualisation let alone worship.

Wooly Anglicanism is such fun.

I'm sorry that my blurring the edges gets you upset.
Please check up on Wikipedia definition of "transcendent" as a starter, mate!
I once experienced the transcendant standing on Narrowneck in the Blue Mountains after a particularly hard up-hill early mornig climb and gazing east to to the city and feeling great joy that I was where I was!
Give me wooly anglicanism as opposed to the sterile cut-and-dry scientism of the hard-boiled atheist or the hell-fire-and-damnation creationist!

Sir Patrick Crocodile · #23 2nd June 2010, 09:37 AM

The bible is a lot like epoxy: it comes in two parts which need to be mixed together in equal amounts.

Sir Patrick Crocodile · #24 2nd June 2010, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Philip Moloney

Yes it is. For one thing, it's a great way to meet people. Most of my long-time friends, including my wife, are religous to some extent or other.

And it is a hell of a great way to get into wars and fights over who is right and who is wrong. Also, being atheist does NOT mean you don't get to meet people.

And about being a Christian "atheist" - isn't that an oxymoron?

atheist_angel · #25 2nd June 2010, 09:43 AM

lol. Doesn't the bible say that one is to be hot or cold?

Luke warm things get spewed, it says.

GenericBox · #26 2nd June 2010, 09:45 AM

And there it is - if you think "scientism" is sterile cut-and-dry that is your real problem.

If you cannot see the beauty in absolutely everything for what it is, but instead need the existence or blanket of a religion to explain it to you - then you will never understand.

"Scientism" provides an awe for the world far greater than religion can provide.

(Taking the basic) - Just knowing that everything you look at, involve yourself in and interact with on this planet arose by chance over billions and billions of years is just amazing - and then take the chances of being alive at this particular moment to enjoy it all.

I guess it can't beat everything just being an afterthought of an almighty God who made it just for us. I guess knowing how insignificant (in the grand schema) can be difficult for people to accept, when they have other such selfish, "wooly" religions to believe.

Philip Moloney · #27 2nd June 2010, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davo

If you think some parts of the bible are not true, isn't this just cherry picking?

ie: you are just accepting what fits, and discarding what doesn't as untrue.

If parts of the bible are untrue, how can you say any of it is?

I am wondering what you mean by transcendent. Are you saying there is something outside reality?

Can you define it? Quite interested in exactly what that is.

The Bible (or the Scriptures if you like) are simply a collection of writings of different people over many hundreds of years. It is the basis or foundation of Christian, Jewish and Muslim belief. It is not a magic book written by a god. So I am free to accept whatever truths I can glean from it, but treat large parts of it with a very large graon of salt, or at least some people's interpretation of it. In other words, it is fallible but full of abiding truths and insights.
Could I ask by what authority you can imply that I must take an all or nothing approach to belief?

Philip Moloney · #28 2nd June 2010, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GenericBox

And there it is - if you think "scientism" is sterile cut-and-dry that is your real problem.

If you cannot see the beauty in absolutely everything for what it is, but instead need the existence or blanket of a religion to explain it to you - then you will never understand.

"Scientism" provides an awe for the world far greater than religion can provide.

(Taking the basic) - Just knowing that everything you look at, involve yourself in and interact with on this planet arose by chance over billions and billions of years is just amazing - and then take the chances of being alive at this particular moment to enjoy it all.

I guess it can't beat everything just being an afterthought of an almighty God who made it just for us. I guess knowing how insignificant (in the grand schema) can be difficult for people to accept, when they have other such selfish, "wooly" religions to believe.

Goddness! I've got you angry! Sorry!