guitarwizard said:
They hate Christian converts as much as we in America hate people who convert to satanism....a lot.
"We in America hate people who convert to satanism....a lot." is a pretty bold statement. I am not defending that religion (as I don't defend any religion at this time), however, I am defending the right for people to practice what they choose without ignorance. Have you ever really talked to someone who was into satanism? It's not the opposite of christianity, as most christians are taught. It is (to my understanding) more about hedonistic views and personal goals. A former member of this site practices those beliefs. It would be wrong of me not to point out that your statement was made without many facts.
[quote author=megadrive]Man that's nuts. I never knew that Well let's do what Jesus would do, set'em on fire and send them to hell! [/quote]
Since when did Jesus Christ set people on fire and send them to hell. Maybe all that reading of the bible that I have done was misinterpreted. I was pretty darn sure that the coming of the messiah was the grace of god, not the wrath of god... Again, someone needs to do some reading before posting.
[quote author=stealth]Not necessarily. I mean, looking at Christianity for example, the idea of an eternal afterlife greatly diminishes the purpose of this life. No matter how long we are alive, 50 years, 70 years, 100 years, when you compare that with the infinity of the afterlife you realize this life is infinitely insignificant.[/quote]
However, if there is an afterlife, underemphasizing this life does not give people more rights to infringe their beliefs on others. There is importance in living each day as it comes and not planning everything around a single belief. Even if someone had faith that they would be taken care of in retirement does not mean that they should make no preparations for themselves.
"Faith without works" is worthless.
[quote author=megadrive]Havent had this much fun since the SALEM WITCH TRAILS! [/quote]
Look up ergot in relation to the salem witch trials. There's more of an explaination to it than you assume.
[quote author=creepindeth]Even though people who practice satanism or atheism are hated[/quote]
Atheism literally means "no theism", no religious practice. Therefore it is LACK of practice. And, I hope that athiests are not necessarily hated since, as I stated before, people should be free to practice their beliefs as long as they are not causing harm to others. (Read up on John Stewart Mill's liberty limiting principles.)
[quote author=creepindeth]I agree that this life pales in comparison to eternity but I don't see how it diminishes it's purpose, since we still have a chance to either live a good afterlife or a bad one from the choices we make in this life. At least from what I remember according to Christianity and Catholicism.[/quote]
I agree, the chance of eternity should not diminish the importance of this reality, this time and this life.
[quote author=stealth]Whether we are aware of it or not, we all live according to a set of morals, principles, guidelines, etc., (all of which are at the backbone of most religions) and to say that some people take these things "too seriously" seems to suggest that whoever would say that is not fully aware of what they are saying.[/quote]
I currently am not actively practicing any religion, but am a moral person. Religion and morals are not inseparable. Read up on deontology, utilitarianism, consequentialism, virtue ethics, Bentham, John Stewart Mill, Hobbes and Immanual Kant. I've taken a few ethics courses and have to make medical ethical decisions every day in my line of work.
[quote author=stealth]Sorry if I'm getting a little too into this, but religion in general is a bit of a hot button issue with me, as I find that many misconceptions and stigmas about religion exist.[/quote]
I'm glad that you pointed that out. I agree that many stigmas are held in ignorance. Actually, I was once told by a Lutheran (Christian/protistant) pastor that my half caucasion, half pakistanian friend was going to hell since his father was muslim even though his mother was christian. He was brought up learning about both religions, yet after explaining that to the pastor, he replied, "Your friend is going to hell unless he learns the truth." (BV, I won't use names, but you know the pastor, unfortunately.) There is such a strong stigma in many religions that automatically alienates them from eachother. Unfortunately, this brings about immoral behavior among believers of different faiths.
I'd like to see this topic continue in a logical, respectful fashion. No one has really gotten out of line, but please, think about what you say before posting responses on subjects that you know little about (namely faiths other than your own unless you've done some serious study on the topic).
I always considered they had issues with the Jews. Yet this, is quite weird...you think it's just because he converted that makes him hated by the Islamics?
Well let's do what Jesus would do, set'em on fire and send them to hell! 
