Religious Debate

Last night at the local chess club there was a friendly debate on religion. In my opinion most debates on religion are a waste of time. I compare it to arguing about the color of air. Someone may say the air is green and how can I deny it. For instance they may have been told or read that air is green and you cannot change their mind. I would rather not discuss religion with most people. It's often a closed-ended discussion. In other words you are just "talking to the wall."

From my experience, fundamental religious people (of any religious faith) are often the most closed-minded. There's nothing you can do to get through to them. It's a waste of time. They say the Bible is the infallible word of God. However, the books of the Bible have been written by several different men over the period of centuries--not to mention the numerous translations and books left out of the bible.  Additionally, the religion has been administered by man over centuries. In my opinion, many of the spiritual truths, have been either deleted or "watered down" through the centuries.

For example, in 553 CE the the Byzantine emperor, Justian, abolished the Catholic belief  in reincarnation. It's pretty hard to argue with this point because it's proven historical record. Why did this happen?

(1) Did it happen because God changed his mind?
(2) Was man's belief in reincarnation incorrect and through Justanian, God changed the belief of the church?
(3) Or was the ruling changed by a man (Justinan) for other purposes? I think this reason is more likely. For more on this go here:   http://www.adishakti.org/_/great_cover_up_of_reincarnation.htm

So, if the bible is infallible, then what about some of the inconsistencies?  Did God decide to change his mind or is it because of the work of men?  Clearly, men are responsible for this.

The book, Jesus Interrupted, is written by a man who was a christian and who began to search for answers to the bible. Of course, some of the fundamentalists accused him of being a heretic. For more, here's a link to a book review of Jesus Interrupted: http://renman.typepad.com/ps/2009/05/book-review-jesus-interrupted.html

Let me make this point clear. I believe in the Bible. It is a book of many spiritual truths. However, I also believe that much of the true spirituality of the bible has been "watered down" by men who are in religion for power or money.

Also, spirituality is so abstract. How can you describe something abstract with words? Therefore, words can only be used as a guidepost in spirituality. You simply cannot read it literally and get the full meaning. It is impossible. And lastly, remember men in charge of these beliefs can and often change these beliefs for their own agenda and measure of control.

I'm not asking anyone to change their belief; however, if they would only open their eyes and begin to question. If you lose the ability to question you become vulnerable to accept whatever comes along. You get "locked in that small box" forever, never to question what placed you there. Sometimes it's fear that keeps you in the box--the fear of losing your salvation. It you only took a minute to hear your inner voice and realized that control is not a good thing. Why do the church leaders need fear or control of you? Control and spirtuality do not naturally mix. Anybody or any religion that needs fear or control to keep you in church has a separate agenda. I know from experience. Years ago, I did not question and got sucked into a christian cult...more on a later blog.  Beware of control and fear.  They are only chains to keep you "locked up."

I'm not asking you to believe anything. Many men will do more research when buying a car than when choosing a religion. We all know of people who put absolutely no thought into marriage.

All I'm trying to say is research, question and think for yourself! I had to shed much of my old belief system and starch from scratch.

Do I know everything? Absolutely not! Some people read the bible and act as if they know it all.  They want to show off their knowledge in a debate.  The discussion is typically one-sided with them talking and then closing their ears when others respond. 

Here's a simple truth about knowledge.  The more knowledgable we become the more ignornant we realize we are.  It sounds like a contradiction at first thought, but it makes sense if you think a little.  The more knowledge we gain the more questions we have and only then do we realize just how ignorant we really are.  This applies to science, religion and even to chess.  Beware of someone who thinks he knows everything.  That person has not asked questions and is not aware of just how ignorant he or she is.

cheers

Paul