Larry G

Way too many supposed Christians like to say that they are doing God's work. But the Ten Commandments clearly states that we are not to take the name of the Lord in vain (to serve our vanity). Obviously, claiming a special relationship with God, is intended to glorify ourselves. So, isn't this a sin?

"Naturally, the common people don't want war; neither in Russia nor in England nor in America, nor for that matter in Germany. That is understood. But, after all, it is the leaders of the country who determine the policy and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy or a fascist dictatorship or a Parliament or a Communist dictatorship. ...voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is to tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same way in any country."

A number of people come to this site seeking information on their telescopes, or on choosing the right scope or accessories. Some people respond as if everyone else has all the money, time and experience needed to do whatever they want. I assure you that this is not the case.

Do you have any good reason for not helping people:

1. Use what they already have?

2. Stay within their means (budget)?

3. Make the best use of otherwise limited resources?

Most Christians say they believe that Jesus will return to Earth some day. But how will they (you) know? How do you hope to recognize Him? Will He even be a he? Can Jesus come back as a woman? A dog? A video game?

There are some instances from the Bible, and even more afterward, that indicates that people who believe in God with all their might, are duped by con-men, frauds, and agents of evil.

1. Moses delivers unto the Jews of Exodus, stone tablets bearing the Ten Commandments. He claims that God Himself wrote them.

2. Paul finds his way to Peter's (?) house, claiming that he was blinded by a vision of Jesus, while on the Road to Damascus. Paul then proceeds to preach his own religion, in Jesus' name. Yet it actually detracts from what Jesus himself taught.

3. A well known televangelist announces that God will kill him unless his supporters pony up X-million dollars, which they promptly do.

So, are believers incorrigiably stupid, or does their faith make them easier prey for frauds, manipulators, and sociopaths?

Consider :

1. Abraham sought to sacrifice his son Isaac, believing that is what God told him to do.

2. Jesus was claimed to be the "only begotten" (born of sexual union) son of God - a metaphysical entity. Can such things have DNA?

3. Jesus says he is God - "I and the Father are one".

4. Paul claims to have a vision of Jesus in the desert (on the road to Damascus). Then he produces a theology that turns Jesus' teaching on upside down.

After reading countless questions about Christianity, atheism, and religion in general, I get the strong impression that those with the least intellectual sophistication (education, intelligence, understanding of other religions) cling more strongly to their alleged (and often unsubstantiated) faith, than do atheists, agnostics, buddhists, and pagans.

Is this your perception? And if so, why would this be so (or not)?