If there is really a God then why do people NEED a book to tell them what is right and wrong

[dahunan]

You would think that we would have the answer in our hearts?

 

[ayabe]

Yes but for some, that feeling in your 'heart' is actually god speaking to you.

on the flip side, god also tells people to drown their kids in the same manner.

 

[Canai]

Lots of people don't listen to their hearts.

 

[Ryan]

IMHO - the mere fact that there is no constant in religion is proof that religion is nothing more than a tool to control the masses - everyone is selective in choosing what they want to believe and follow from their religion. There are thousands of sects of christianity - each one professing to know the real "truth", each using the same book and interpretation to support their viewpoints.

The mere existance of thousands of different religions tells me on thing - there is no singular, universal "TRUTH". There are no constant ideals, there is no heaven, no hell, no god - NOTHING. Life is change - that is the only constant and true thing. Accept that fact, and you will be a better person, and live a better life instead of convincing yourself that life continues after death.

 

[amish]

Originally posted by: dahunan
You would think that we would have the answer in our hearts?

unfortunately no since it seems that people are inherently selfish. "gimme gimme gimme", "what's in it for me?", and "i'm doing this because i want to/it. and my want is my right!" seem to be frequents in this world.

 

[piasabird]

Maybe that feeling in your heart is the devil telling you it is alright to cheat, and steal, and do drugs, and drink alcohol.

"Eat, Drink, and be Merry for tomorrow we die!"

Some people can use some reminding about what is right and what is wrong.

Answer me this: "Why do we study History?"

Does it really matter what people did 10 years or 100 years or 2000 years ago?

Who Cares?

Why do we write down laws?

Why are there books on Philosophy?

We should all know what right and wrong is, but a little mental work now and then is good for us.

 

[Schadenfroh]

If there is really a government, then why do we need a constitution to tell us what is right?

 

[blackangst1]

Originally posted by: Ryan
IMHO - the mere fact that there is no constant in religion is proof that religion is nothing more than a tool to control the masses - everyone is selective in choosing what they want to believe and follow from their religion. There are thousands of sects of christianity - each one professing to know the real "truth", each using the same book and interpretation to support their viewpoints.

The mere existance of thousands of different religions tells me on thing - there is no singular, universal "TRUTH". There are no constant ideals, there is no heaven, no hell, no god - NOTHING. Life is change - that is the only constant and true thing. Accept that fact, and you will be a better person, and live a better life instead of convincing yourself that life continues after death.

Following your line of thinking, anything that isnt universal isnt real?

 

[Ryan]

Originally posted by: blackangst1

Originally posted by: Ryan
IMHO - the mere fact that there is no constant in religion is proof that religion is nothing more than a tool to control the masses - everyone is selective in choosing what they want to believe and follow from their religion. There are thousands of sects of christianity - each one professing to know the real "truth", each using the same book and interpretation to support their viewpoints.

The mere existance of thousands of different religions tells me on thing - there is no singular, universal "TRUTH". There are no constant ideals, there is no heaven, no hell, no god - NOTHING. Life is change - that is the only constant and true thing. Accept that fact, and you will be a better person, and live a better life instead of convincing yourself that life continues after death.

Following your line of thinking, anything that isnt universal isnt real?

No - if anything, you should be able to deduce that the realities of your life, are just that - specific to your life. What you consider to be a truth may not be the same for everyone.

 

[fitzov]

If God exists then He is silent and we are supposed to decide for ourselves how to behave.

 

[0]

Originally posted by: dahunan
You would think that we would have the answer in our hearts?

If you read the bible, you would know about "free will"....

 

[RightIsWrong]

Originally posted by: 0

Originally posted by: dahunan
You would think that we would have the answer in our hearts?

If you read the bible, you would know about "free will"....

Is there free will according to the Bible?

From what I remember from my church days and what I can find referenced online, it sure looks to be just the opposite.

 

[sandorski]

Originally posted by: RightIsWrong

Originally posted by: 0

Originally posted by: dahunan
You would think that we would have the answer in our hearts?

If you read the bible, you would know about "free will"....

Is there free will according to the Bible?

From what I remember from my church days and what I can find referenced online, it sure looks to be just the opposite.

Ya, Freewill is kind of a bizarre concept. You're Free to do anything, but end up in Hell for Eternity. Except there's a way out of that, but you have to give up Freewill to receive it. It's like you got it, but can't use it, making it a sick joke.

 

[alchemize]

Originally posted by: Ryan
IMHO - the mere fact that there is no constant in religion is proof that religion is nothing more than a tool to control the masses - everyone is selective in choosing what they want to believe and follow from their religion. There are thousands of sects of christianity - each one professing to know the real "truth", each using the same book and interpretation to support their viewpoints.

The mere existance of thousands of different religions tells me on thing - there is no singular, universal "TRUTH". There are no constant ideals, there is no heaven, no hell, no god - NOTHING. Life is change - that is the only constant and true thing. Accept that fact, and you will be a better person, and live a better life instead of convincing yourself that life continues after death.

I was with you until you drew the absurd conclusion that your belief system will result in being a better person/living a better life

 

[Moonbeam]

Originally posted by: alchemize

Originally posted by: Ryan
IMHO - the mere fact that there is no constant in religion is proof that religion is nothing more than a tool to control the masses - everyone is selective in choosing what they want to believe and follow from their religion. There are thousands of sects of christianity - each one professing to know the real "truth", each using the same book and interpretation to support their viewpoints.

The mere existance of thousands of different religions tells me on thing - there is no singular, universal "TRUTH". There are no constant ideals, there is no heaven, no hell, no god - NOTHING. Life is change - that is the only constant and true thing. Accept that fact, and you will be a better person, and live a better life instead of convincing yourself that life continues after death.

I was with you until you drew the absurd conclusion that your belief system will result in being a better person/living a better life

Oh dear! There are billions of paths and they all lead nowhere. That is the reason to take a path that has a heart. There is only love and love is only in being.

 

[Ryan]

Originally posted by: Moonbeam

Originally posted by: alchemize

Originally posted by: Ryan
IMHO - the mere fact that there is no constant in religion is proof that religion is nothing more than a tool to control the masses - everyone is selective in choosing what they want to believe and follow from their religion. There are thousands of sects of christianity - each one professing to know the real "truth", each using the same book and interpretation to support their viewpoints.

The mere existance of thousands of different religions tells me on thing - there is no singular, universal "TRUTH". There are no constant ideals, there is no heaven, no hell, no god - NOTHING. Life is change - that is the only constant and true thing. Accept that fact, and you will be a better person, and live a better life instead of convincing yourself that life continues after death.

I was with you until you drew the absurd conclusion that your belief system will result in being a better person/living a better life

Oh dear! There are billions of paths and they all lead nowhere. That is the reason to take a path that has a heart. There is only love and love is only in being.

:heart: - Exactly what I was thinking

 

[TravisT]

"The first work of the Holy Spirit is the conviction of sin. If we are temples of the Spirit, His presence, His name in us will convict us, and others, of sin. We will feel more affinity towards those who, like us, long for more conviction, repentance, and the power of God to live a life that will stand the test of fire." John 16:8

The bible is a tool for Christians. We do not worship the bible, we worship God. And if you are a christian, you will recieve conviction for your sins. I do not believe you have to have own a bible or have read so many chapters within the bible to be a christian. Although I think the bible is a great source to look into in times of need, it is great for inspiration and encouragement when we need it most.

 

[alchemize]

Originally posted by: Ryan

Originally posted by: Moonbeam

Originally posted by: alchemize

Originally posted by: Ryan
IMHO - the mere fact that there is no constant in religion is proof that religion is nothing more than a tool to control the masses - everyone is selective in choosing what they want to believe and follow from their religion. There are thousands of sects of christianity - each one professing to know the real "truth", each using the same book and interpretation to support their viewpoints.

The mere existance of thousands of different religions tells me on thing - there is no singular, universal "TRUTH". There are no constant ideals, there is no heaven, no hell, no god - NOTHING. Life is change - that is the only constant and true thing. Accept that fact, and you will be a better person, and live a better life instead of convincing yourself that life continues after death.

I was with you until you drew the absurd conclusion that your belief system will result in being a better person/living a better life

Oh dear! There are billions of paths and they all lead nowhere. That is the reason to take a path that has a heart. There is only love and love is only in being.

:heart: - Exactly what I was thinking

"Love" is just a complex hormonal state created by billions of years of evolution. "Love" does not exist. Accept that fact, and you will be a better person, and live a better life instead of convincing yourself that "love" exists.

 

[sandorski]

Originally posted by: alchemize

Originally posted by: Ryan

Originally posted by: Moonbeam

Originally posted by: alchemize

Originally posted by: Ryan
IMHO - the mere fact that there is no constant in religion is proof that religion is nothing more than a tool to control the masses - everyone is selective in choosing what they want to believe and follow from their religion. There are thousands of sects of christianity - each one professing to know the real "truth", each using the same book and interpretation to support their viewpoints.

The mere existance of thousands of different religions tells me on thing - there is no singular, universal "TRUTH". There are no constant ideals, there is no heaven, no hell, no god - NOTHING. Life is change - that is the only constant and true thing. Accept that fact, and you will be a better person, and live a better life instead of convincing yourself that life continues after death.

I was with you until you drew the absurd conclusion that your belief system will result in being a better person/living a better life

Oh dear! There are billions of paths and they all lead nowhere. That is the reason to take a path that has a heart. There is only love and love is only in being.

:heart: - Exactly what I was thinking

"Love" is just a complex hormonal state created by billions of years of evolution. "Love" does not exist. Accept that fact, and you will be a better person, and live a better life instead of convincing yourself that "love" exists.

You are mixing up "romantic Love" with the Love Moonie is talking about.

 

[Ryan]

Originally posted by: alchemize

Originally posted by: Ryan

Originally posted by: Moonbeam

Originally posted by: alchemize

Originally posted by: Ryan
IMHO - the mere fact that there is no constant in religion is proof that religion is nothing more than a tool to control the masses - everyone is selective in choosing what they want to believe and follow from their religion. There are thousands of sects of christianity - each one professing to know the real "truth", each using the same book and interpretation to support their viewpoints.

The mere existance of thousands of different religions tells me on thing - there is no singular, universal "TRUTH". There are no constant ideals, there is no heaven, no hell, no god - NOTHING. Life is change - that is the only constant and true thing. Accept that fact, and you will be a better person, and live a better life instead of convincing yourself that life continues after death.

I was with you until you drew the absurd conclusion that your belief system will result in being a better person/living a better life

Oh dear! There are billions of paths and they all lead nowhere. That is the reason to take a path that has a heart. There is only love and love is only in being.

:heart: - Exactly what I was thinking

"Love" is just a complex hormonal state created by billions of years of evolution. "Love" does not exist. Accept that fact, and you will be a better person, and live a better life instead of convincing yourself that "love" exists.

I don't expect many people to accept their ultimate mortality - according to Nietzsche, you will either accept the fact and learn to love life/living, or it will crush you. Sandorski is right - loving life has nothing to do with romance, For me, it's embracing the ever changing aspects that life is, living life now, because it's the only chance you're ever going to get.

"This life as you now live it and have lived it, you will have to live once more and innumerable times more; and there will be nothing new in it, but every pain and every joy and every thought and sigh and everything immeasurably small or great in your life must return to you-all in the same succession and sequence-even this spider and this moonlight between the trees, and even this moment and I myself. The eternal hourglass of existence is turned over and over, and you with it, a grain of dust." - Nietzsche on the "Eternal Recurrence"

For me, that is one of the most profound conclusions I have ever read, and it works for me.

 

[Madwand1]

There are many books, and if you look broadly and deeply, you'll find that many of them say the same or similar things. If you look broadly and deeply, you'll also find further explanations for what are said in part in other books. And it's a given that all these books come through human hands with interpretations, limitations and alternations intentional and otherwise.

To ask the question "why is something more than the heart necessary" is to ask something profound, but also to ignore that fact that our heads are highly active and have their purpose and needs as well.

 

[alchemize]

Who said anything about romantic love? Any emotion is just a complex hormonal state.

Nietzsche overrates us as a grain of dust in that hourglass

 

[sandorski]

Originally posted by: alchemize
Who said anything about romantic love? Any emotion is just a complex hormonal state.

Nietzsche overrates us as a grain of dust in that hourglass

You are still confused.

There is Romantic Love: Butterflies, goofiness, the "complex hormonal state" you speak of, then there is Love. Love is not about feelings, it's about Action(not sex). It's about how you treat Others or respond to Others'. You don't Love because of how you Feel, you Love because it's what you Do.

 

[alchemize]

Originally posted by: sandorski

Originally posted by: alchemize
Who said anything about romantic love? Any emotion is just a complex hormonal state.

Nietzsche overrates us as a grain of dust in that hourglass

You are still confused.

There is Romantic Love: Butterflies, goofiness, the "complex hormonal state" you speak of, then there is Love. Love is not about feelings, it's about Action(not sex). It's about how you treat Others or respond to Others'. You don't Love because of how you Feel, you Love because it's what you Do.

Sounds like another belief system to me. What book did you get that nonsense from?

 

[Vic]

Originally posted by: dahunan
You would think that we would have the answer in our hearts?

Ironically, that's what the book says. So why flamebait?