Cool Dad

My religious belief is __________.

I believe in ________ god/God.

Even though the belief that there is no God or gods is, by definition, a religion (a body of persons that adhere to a particular belief... in this case... that there is no God or gods).

I notice a guy who goes to our farmer's market who calls himself the "friendly neighborhood atheist" and he hands out material to people to try to convert them to atheism. But he claims he is converting them not to a belief system, but a system of non-belief. It doesn't make sense... you have to at least "believe" that your non-belief is correct, right? Or do you not believe that atheism is correct either? I guess that would make atheism not a religion. I just don't get it. And why not call it a belief? Is there a stigma to believing in something that makes it not acceptable for certain people?

I don't mind atheists or their belief system... I just find it odd that they work so hard to tell me they are not religious and I don't see why it's so important to them to be labeled that way... does it really matter?

My wife may be traveling by train 6 hours on Amtrak in California. I have a friend picking her up on the other end. Some people think I'm crazy for letting my wife go by herself and not driving her down. I don't see the problem but maybe I'm wrong. Is it safe to send her on a train by herself? Is it sane?

PS - she's a smart and independent woman).

opinions??

I noticed a question like this to atheists and thought it would be nice to hear from the other side...

I hear the term alot and people use words like "fundie" and it seems they have sort of a bad rap... maybe too strict or something. I don't know what it actually means so I can never tell if I am one or not! I'm just curious if there is a pretty standard meaning to people or if the term is used loosely to describe Christians with viewpoints others don't agree with.

BTW: I read my Bible daily. I pray alot. I go to church very regularly (teach weekly). I believe the Bible is completely correct though I (and others) may misinterpret things. I believe I am a sinner as we all are. I believe in love as the most important thing a Christian should be/do. I believe in forgiveness for all (including very bad people). I also believe that accepting Jesus "in your heart" is not "enough" for salvation but one live in obedience to Him in faith. I believe we can't cover our own sins and only Christ can. I believe I am not good enough for Heaven and never will be. Am I a fundie?

Matthew 10:28-31

"Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."

I read this verse as God saying that HE determines the time of our death. If we live for Him, we have nothing to fear... not heart disease, not bullets... nothing can take us until God allows it. What do you make of this and how does it make you feel?

I have been running a Yahoo Plus league for years and am considering moving to ESPN. Anybody have any good comparisons??

I hear people say things like: "That's the way I am" or "I just can't change" and I wonder if this is the norm. I have the attitude that I am the one who determines my actions but that doesn't seem to be the attitude of many others.

I see people who use the excuse that they are "born" a certain way and can't change. Or they use the excuse that somebody "made" them that way.

But I think those are excuses and that people have the power and ability to do amazing things including changing habits/feelings/lifestyles if we desire to.

So am I right in assuming people place limits on their own potential and if so why do you think they do that?

And if you think I'm wrong and people can' change, then I wonder what makes some of us have the ability while others don't. As a Christian, I do think we have the power of God to help us but it seems that even people who recognize God's power use those excuses and some that don't believe are able to overcome those excuses. Your thoughts?

I hear people say things like: "That's the way I am" or "I just can't change" and I wonder if this is the norm. I have the attitude that I am the one who determines my actions but that doesn't seem to be the attitude of many others.

I see people who use the excuse that they are "born" a certain way and can't change. Or they use the excuse that somebody "made" them that way.

But I think those are excuses and that people have the power and ability to do amazing things including changing habits/feelings/lifestyles if we desire to.

So am I right in assuming people place limits on their own potential and if so why do you think they do that?

And if you think I'm wrong and people can' change, then I wonder what makes some of us have the ability while others don't. As a Christian, I do think we have the power of God to help us but it seems that even people who recognize God's power use those excuses and some that don't believe are able to overcome those excuses. Your thoughts?

I want my ten-year old son to join my league. As COmmish, is there any way to override the minimum age requirement, if there is one?

I recently asked Athiests why they care what Christians and others think since it is obviously of no concern to them and we are all going to the same spot no matter what we think. Here are some of the answers and a "rebuttal" from me:

7 people said they don’t like that Christians “impose” views onto them. BUT they are on Yahoo answers in the R&S section. Do they really think God/Jesus won't come up?

7 people said they don’t want Christian influence in shaping political policy. BUT they seem to want athiest influence to shape policy. Why not just accept that athiesm is a religion and that policy should be shaped by personal and moral beliefs of a society regardless of faith?

12 people said they want to argue the “other side” so Christians don’t think they are 100% right. BUT This was the reason I asked the question. Why does it matter if we think we got it right? Can't we dream some?

I am curious: Are the Athiest reasons valid? Are my points valid? Any thoughts? Be nice!!

I don't fully understand atheists as I have never actually thought that way. I am a Christian, though only for the last 7 years of my life. I spent the first 27 believing in "a god" but not The God (if you know what I mean). Anyway, I was wodnering...

If an atheist doesn't believe in God and doesn't believe in Heaven or Hell, then why does it matter to them if others do believe? Meaning, why would it matter if somebody was "lying" to you? Since it is of no importance to you anyway, couldn't you just say "sure, whatever... good luck with that" and move on? Why the debate? It seems like many are trying to "convert" people to think the way they do but I can't figure out why. I mean, if there is no heaven or God, then are we not already both headed to the same place and on the same page? Or is there some great reason to become atheist that I am unaware of? I hope you don't take this wrong... I just don't get it!

Is it for debate? Is it for your faith? Why ask and answer?

I am wondering if anybody actually learns anything about religion from Yahoo Answers or are we all just debating our own theology? Has anybody been truly "seeking" answers and was able to find them? If so, let me here about it! Thanks. Oh, and keep the negative stuff to a minimum please...

Would you mind sharing your story of what made you turn from your faith? If it was just a turn away from a church but your faith is intact, tell that too. I'm always interested in hearing why people have left. If you can, include some comments about how I might be able to help somebody else not go through whatever you did... Thank you!

For a positive spin, let's share some stories about how came to know and accept Christ in our lives. I love to hear how well He works into people's lives and the changes he creates! If you have a story to share, please do. If not, please read and enjoy. Please no negative stories, put downs, etc (I'll save that for my next question in a few minutes). Thanks!

Please include links and/or facts with your answer if you can! Thank you!

I heard this was the reason a shut-in died in our hometown. They said he dies from "toxic gases" from sitting in his house with his doors and windows shut and farting and pooping without cleaning it up. I don't really believe it but maybe it could be true... If so, does anybody understand "how"? Is it because there is a lack of oxygen?