A Modest Skeptic

There are lots of people who benefit from organized religion (i.e., charity events, community volunteers, the feeling of having a purpose in life, etc), but there are also lots of people who have been harmed because of religious reasons (Holy wars throughout history and in the middle east today, those kids who were nearly abducted in Haiti -- which is what sparked my interest in this question in the first place). Clearly religion has had an impact on our world, whether for good or bad.

So, do you think religion is a good thing for the world now? Why or why not?

Ok I've been wondering what people think about the following fake situation:

Imagine a guy. Lets call him Bob. Bob was always a nice, friendly person. Bob worked really hard and became a teacher who works with children with special needs and developmental problems. Bob pays his taxes, tips 15% at restaurants, and even flosses his teeth every night. Bob doesnt swear. Bob doesnt lie. Bob doesnt cheat on his wife. Bob loves his children, his family, and his friends. Bob has always tried to be the best person he could be. Bob has always wanted to make a positive influence in peoples lives. Bob even volunteers regularly at a soup kitchen for homeless people.

Bob is not a religious person.

Ok so what do you think happens to Bob once he dies? Would he go to hell for not believing in God, even if he lived a good, honest life? Would he go to heaven even if he never believed in God? Or would nothing happen after he dies (a more atheist-type perspective)?

I'm interested in what people have to say here. Please just try to answer the question as best you can.

know of any decent games for the 360 with a local multiplayer feature with splitscreen coop?

although i enjoy playing on xbox live, i've had trouble finding games where 2 can play the same game on the same system.

Is there a specific reason why you believe in god? Has something spiritual happened to you? Did something in your past make you believe that god exists? Or have you always just accepted that he/she exists without question?

I'm 10...

Height: 6' 30"

Weight: 295lbs

Bench Press: 3 cars (or 6 minis)

Speed: I can run the 1/4 mile in less than 10 seconds

Other: I've got hands like Reggie Wayne, and run like AP

Ps sorry if you havent guessed that this isnt exactly accurate. I just like making fun of those who make up fake stats and ask which position they should play. And yeah, by asking this question I'm kind of making fun of myself

Last year in the playoffs he accounted for 6 turnovers (5 picks and a fumble). How many will he account for in week 8?

4?

5?

8?

What game would you make if you could design one? It could be an FPS, RPG, or whatever. Its all good.

For me, after playing Left 4 Dead recently and watching Aliens Vs Predator, I think mine would be a combination of the two.

Basically, the game would be designed much like L4D, but with Aliens, Predators, and maybe humans as playable characters. The whole plot of the game would be to pick a race and fight through a number of levels, killing the other ones along the way (much like in L4D you play as humans or zombies and try to kill your counterparts or make it to the end of the levels.

Each race would get their own particular attacks (like the Smoker, Hunter, Boomer, and Tank in L4D). I think a game like this would be awesome, and if there was some way to throw zombies into the game that would be cool too.

So what type of games would you create?

Obviously they have turnover issues (Jake Delhomme now has 13 INTs and 4 TDs). Why do you think they are losing and what do you think they should do to correct it? Replace Delhomme? Find a new Offensive Corrdinator? Fire the Head Coach?

I am looking for some games that my brother and I can play together on our PS3. I've heard that Resistance: Fall of Man has a great offline/splitscreen multiplayer. Does anyone know of some other multiplayer games for the PS3?

I had the 7th overall pick in a 12-team league. No ppr.

QB - Matt Ryan, Jason Campbell

RB - Deangelo Williams, Brandon Jacobs, Lendale White, Darren Sproles, Leon Washington

WR - Calvin Johnson, Dwayne Bowe, Kevin Walter, Chris Chambers

TE - Greg Olson

D - New York Giants

IDP - James Harrison, Jon Beason, DeMeco Ryans

K - Rob Bironas

Maybe it just wasnt added in the Bible, right?

Tell the whole truth on the Bible (like on TV)?

And what if you arent Christian?

Do they let you swear on something else (Koran)?

And what if you dont believe in anything? Do you just promise to be honest without swearing on a book?

Which day did he create the swine flu and why hasnt anyone heard of it until recently?

Ok please pretend for a moment that you are a religious person who believes that abortion is wrong (I know that religious people arent the only ones who believe this, but bare with me please).

Now imagine that you or your wife is pregnant with a child. What would you do if the doctors told you near the end of pregnancy that giving birth to the child would be extremely dangerous for you/your spouse. They recommend that you abort the baby in order to ensure the safety of you/your wife. (Yeah I know they may be able to surgically remove the baby with less risk, but lets pretend that this wasnt an option for some reason).

What would you do? Do you abort the baby and ensure your/your wifes safety? Or do you risk the birth, possibly compromising your/your wifes health?

What are the differences between the old and new?

Is the new one an extension of the original bible?

Why was a new testament written anyways?

Has the church responsible for these events formally recognized and apologized for these events?

And if you want, what do you think about these events? Were they justified, necessary? Or do you think they were mistakes that resulted in nothing more than suffering for the innocent?

If witches were here would you burn them? What if poor Hermione Granger (from Harry Potter of course) was a real person? Could you burn her like the previous followers of your faith did?

Two questions here:

1. Do you believe in life on other planets?

2. Lets pretend that 15 years from now scientists find life on another planet (microscopic bacteria, giant space aliens, or anything in between). How would your conception of God and creation change?

If you'd rather not pretend, please dont answer. I only want to hear what those would do if life was found elsewhere. If its too much for you to play devils advocate for a minute please dont waste my time

Which religions hold negative views on homosexuality? And why do they do so?

Are there religious documents (ie. the Bible) that actually SAY something about hating gay people, or is there no written evidence/reason for some religions hating homosexuals?

I heard once that some church found the bread and wine they served had turned into actual flesh (its just what someone and wikipedia told me). Obviously they could (and probably are) wrong, but do you know of any other cases?