[Byte1]

Originally Posted by Boomer

Good morning, coffeebean,

Although I see the flaws in organized religion, I remain a practicing Protestant — but I cannot comprehend certain churches where the sole — though they pretend it’s ‘soul’ — purpose is pounded into congregants by the “The Sermon on the Amount”…….

and all too often, the underlying — and not so underlying— misogyny and homophobia oozing from the pulpit. I also think churches that make politics a focus should lose their tax exempt status. But ( sigh) that ship has sailed.

But, per your comment about “a blessed day” — that does not offend me, but you wanna know what does…..

I about puke when I read posts that say, “Ohhhhh, we are so blessed to live in The Villages.” That kind of comment makes me think of that SNL “Church Lady” (Dana Carvey) doing the “Superior Dance”— perfect satire, illustrating one of the reasons organized religion keeps people out of a church community.

Good day, and back to topic now.

Boomer (who must be feeling like being a bit incendiary this morning)

I get what you are saying. I think that I probably feel the same way to a certain extent. I do not care for organized religion. Why? Well, because it makes me feel like the hypocrite that I am, when I look about me and realize that everyone there is also a hypocrite(my judging). I don't condemn religions because I see a place for them. I don't practice a particular religion. I honor a FAITH/Belief. To me religion is a discipline based on a belief/faith. Religion came AFTER belief. I won't disparage a religion, but I may not totally agree with their beliefs.
That said, I have no problem with someone saying that they feel "blessed" for one reason or another. I chose to move to the Villages, but I believe that I have been blessed to have been able to work hard enough to afford to live here. When I say I am "blessed" I believe it because I do not always think that I deserve some of the things I have, including a fantastic wife that has stayed with me for 50 years. When someone says "GOD bless you" I consider it to be a very nice thing for them to say to me. To me, it is the demeanor and intent when someone says it that makes it a compliment.
Sorry about veering off the subject about what we might think happens when we die. I gave my honest opinion, and someone took offense with my statement.

[Boomer]

Originally Posted by Byte1

I get what you are saying. I think that I probably feel the same way to a certain extent. I do not care for organized religion. Why? Well, because it makes me feel like the hypocrite that I am, when I look about me and realize that everyone there is also a hypocrite(my judging). I don't condemn religions because I see a place for them. I don't practice a particular religion. I honor a FAITH/Belief. To me religion is a discipline based on a belief/faith. Religion came AFTER belief. I won't disparage a religion, but I may not totally agree with their beliefs.
That said, I have no problem with someone saying that they feel "blessed" for one reason or another. I chose to move to the Villages, but I believe that I have been blessed to have been able to work hard enough to afford to live here. When I say I am "blessed" I believe it because I do not always think that I deserve some of the things I have, including a fantastic wife that has stayed with me for 50 years. When someone says "GOD bless you" I consider it to be a very nice thing for them to say to me. To me, it is the demeanor and intent when someone says it that makes it a compliment.
Sorry about veering off the subject about what we might think happens when we die. I gave my honest opinion, and someone took offense with my statement.

I think it’s OK to veer a little. I just see it as conversation.

Boomer

[Aces4]

Originally Posted by coffeebean

Everyone is entitled to their beliefs. I don't believe in God or the "beyond" or an after life. I know I am in the minority, especially around these parts. I do not begrudge anyone for their beliefs. What I do begrudge is someone, such as a cashier at a retail store, telling me "Have a blessed day". I say nothing. Just walk away wondering why they do not realize not everyone "believes".

Wow, “have a blest day”, what are those people thinking? I don’t know how anyone can go on after being attacked with that simple wish!

Now in all seriousness, imagine this earth without faith. If one thinks the religious wars throughout the early centuries were something, watch what happens should faith be erased. If one can’t see the evil and tyranny in the countries which ban faith, he is truly lacking clarity.

Be careful for which you wish!

[Velvet]

To me “blessed” simply means “lucky” and the person saying it just wishes me well. I’d rather hear that than swearing, any time. It’s a reflection on them, not me.

[fdpaq0580]

Originally Posted by Velvet

To me “blessed” simply means “lucky” and the person saying it just wishes me well. I’d rather hear that than swearing, any time. It’s a reflection on them, not me.

How about just a simple, "Thank you for stopping in"? Or even "Have a nice day", "Great day", "wonderful day".
What is wrong with a generic pleasantry?
To you blessed = lucky. Not to the person who said it to you. They have invoked their God (most likely, Jesus) to intervene in your life. They are ministering to you in a very small and subtle way. It seems so bland and innocent and harmless. But it can be seen by those of other faiths as an insult and worse.
Keep it business like and generic. "Bye". "Enjoy the rest of your day".

[PersonOfInterest]

Originally Posted by Byte1

You have a problem when someone wishes you a good day because of what they might believe? I don't have a problem when an atheist wishes me a good day. When I remember Jewish holidays, I try to greet my Jewish friends with the appropriate greeting, just as they wish me Merry Christmas during the holiday season. I wonder what is really behind folks getting upset when someone is kind to them and uses a religious greeting of good will.
Have a GREAT day.

May Allah be with you!

May Satan lick your soul today.


Would those be kind good greetings of good will to you? They are kind sayings if you are of the same belief. If your beliefs differ they can become offensive. Christians have a knack for thinking theirs is the only religion and their God is the one and only God. I'd love to see the reaction of a Christian being placed in a predominately Muslim environment or a Hindu environment. Would they then enjoy the religious greetings of goodwill they encountered?

[Byte1]

Originally Posted by PersonOfInterest

May Allah be with you!

May Satan lick your soul today.


Would those be kind good greetings of good will to you? They are kind sayings if you are of the same belief. If your beliefs differ they can become offensive. Christians have a knack for thinking theirs is the only religion and their God is the one and only God. I'd love to see the reaction of a Christian being placed in a predominately Muslim environment or a Hindu environment. Would they then enjoy the religious greetings of goodwill they encountered?

I guess this is what WOKE must be about. I've lived in Muslim countries and have never been insulted. Should I be? Guess I am not an easily offended type. As for the salutation related to Satan, I would have taken it as a joke.....still not offended.
Oh, and I have also lived in a Hindu country. Try being out and about during "Holi" ......it's a lark.

[Aces4]

Originally Posted by fdpaq0580

How about just a simple, "Thank you for stopping in"? Or even "Have a nice day", "Great day", "wonderful day".
What is wrong with a generic pleasantry?
To you blessed = lucky. Not to the person who said it to you. They have invoked their God (most likely, Jesus) to intervene in your life. They are ministering to you in a very small and subtle way. It seems so bland and innocent and harmless. But it can be seen by those of other faiths as an insult and worse.
Keep it business like and generic. "Bye". "Enjoy the rest of your day".

Why say anything? A good grunt would suffice and it’s nobody’s business what the rest of my day should be like!

[Velvet]

So I give them slack, if a person would say, “May Allah bless you!” I would smile. Not because of Allah but because the person is wishing me well, the way they would like to be wished well. Especially if they were saying this while I was visiting a Muslim country. The golden rule applies; do onto others what you would have them do onto you. If it was a witch who talked about Satan, I still would think, well that’s what they probably hope for. Now if I was wearing a nun’s habit with a giant cross necklace when they said it, I maybe more suspicious….

[Byte1]

Originally Posted by Aces4

Why say anything? A good grunt would suffice and it’s nobody’s business what the rest of my day should be like!

And PLEASE don't smile when wishing someone a good day, because it might be offensive to some sensitive types.
To those that are offended when I say "Bless you" or "Merry Christmas" sue me. Maybe I am just too old to change my ways, even if I wished to.
But, the thread has strayed from the subject of what happens to you when you die.
"..faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." In my opinion, without hope/faith what happens to you after you die wouldn't matter. It would mean that you could do whatever you wish without penalty. Without believing in an afterlife, life would be pretty simple and pretty miserable (in my opinion).

[chrissy2231]

Originally Posted by fdpaq0580

How about just a simple, "Thank you for stopping in"? Or even "Have a nice day", "Great day", "wonderful day".
What is wrong with a generic pleasantry?
To you blessed = lucky. Not to the person who said it to you. They have invoked their God (most likely, Jesus) to intervene in your life. They are ministering to you in a very small and subtle way. It seems so bland and innocent and harmless. But it can be seen by those of other faiths as an insult and worse.
Keep it business like and generic. "Bye". "Enjoy the rest of your day".

Just like Merry Christmas

[MorTech]

Originally Posted by fdpaq0580

Why "must" a creator be all knowing, or even conscious? Humans create many things, as do other animals. We are not all knowing. Earth, fire, water, wind, the natural forces create but are neither all knowing or conscious. Why "must" there even be a creator? I have heard many times that the universe works like a fine watch, and that was their proof. Look at the universe. Chaos! Galaxies colliding. Stars exploding. Black holes sucking up everything that comes within their gravitational influence. The universe is more like the swirling chaos of an explosion, rather than a fine, smoothly running watch.

There are only two things that exist in physical reality...mass/energy dynamic and consciousness. Consciousness is the controlling force in the universe...Therefore Consciousness is God. Consciousness evolves from the mass/energy dynamic (E=MC^2) as does all biolife. That is all that we know about the origin of existence.

"Creator" does not exist. How would Creator be created without a Creator?

[Velvet]

Originally Posted by MorTech

There are only two things that exist in physical reality...mass/energy dynamic and consciousness. Consciousness is the controlling force in the universe...Therefore Consciousness is God. Consciousness evolves from the mass/energy dynamic (E=MC^2) as does all biolife. That is all that we know about the origin of existence.

"Creator" does not exist. How would Creator be created without a Creator?

It sounds like you assume that the Creator must be part of creation and not outside of it.
‘In the beginning was the one who is called the Word. The Word was with God and was truly God’
So what could that Word have been? It could have been consciousness, it could have been energy. I think the Creator is that Word.

[rhood]

When you die, you don't know you are dead. The pain is felt by others. Same thing if you are stupid.

[fdpaq0580]

Originally Posted by chrissy2231

Just like Merry Christmas

Good Day!