"So basically I take from that - humanists are strictly concerned with life on earth, as determined by humans."

Not exactly or fully, but close enough. Let me start by saying that I have absolutely no ill-will toward those that choose faith/belief in the plethora of religions out there, over that which is actually provable (which is why I lean Agnostic and not Atheist). I would also respectfully point out, and as I've mentioned in other posts, it's the blatant hypocrisy from those (not you) who treat fellow humans horribly now, but use the excuse/justification of it because they believe they are going somewhere great when they die that bothers me the most. Then there's the whole history thing of My religion/belief is the correct/only one and I'm willing to start wars, or kill, to prove it." I would just rather 'try' to be a decent fellow human being - right now.




"A very, very tiny portion of the universe and infinite time."

In that we agree. Which makes me wonder even more, why so many on this one planet think they're unique/special/alone? The odds are astronomically against that being the case, so how many other Gods are worshiped in this infinite time/universe?

Anyway, I really DO appreciate being able to have a respectable conversation about this with you, instead of what is all too common...with extremists.

Believe what you wish, but some things will happen regardless of what you believe. Death of the body is a given and for some on here, sooner than later. If you knew you were going to die tomorrow and were given a choice between someone's idea of coming back as a cricket (which can live for up to a year), or a dog or a short lived butterfly, or having your spirit/soul live forever, which choice would you make? I have never seen any evidence or heard of anyone that came back as another living organism but I do have historic documentation that there is the existence of a better place (usually called Heaven). Some folks believe that we just cease to exist. That would be pretty convenient, right? Personally, I believe in Divine Design and the creation of mankind, as well as the rest of our universe. I believe in GOD. Now, there is documentation that a man named Jesus existed over 2000 years ago. He claimed to be the Son of GOD, and he claimed to be GOD. Documentation shows that he performed miracles and made predictions. It was claimed that he was without sin and that he was a good man. All this is documented by hundreds of witnesses. Because of his claim, he was put to death. We don't need to go into the details of his punishment but it was predicted in old documentation (Old Testament/Scrolls) a thousand or more years previous to his birth. Jesus promised us a place with him in heaven. Some believed and some didn't. He rose from the grave and there were many witnesses to his return. HE gave us proof of what he claimed would happen. Then he ascended. The reasoning for this whole action was for Jesus (without sin) to take upon himself all of our sin, but only if we let him. Since ALL men (and women) have sinned and GOD does not accept sin, the only way for the promised afterlife with GOD is by allowing Jesus to take the blame and punishment for all our sin. But, it's not automatic. One MUST believe in Jesus and allow him to take their sin upon himself. The Bible claims that the penalty for sin is DEATH. The Bible states that those that believe in Jesus as the son of GOD will NOT die but have eternal life (in spirit form). Other places in the Bible suggest that those with sin will endure eternal torture.
OK, so that is what is documented(paraphrased).
So, if given a choice and ONLY the choice between eternal life or eternal torture, it seems like a no brainer what the choice would be. So, lets say I believe in eternal life (I do) as promised by thousands of years of prophecy, I die and I am wrong. What have I lost?
Someone else believes that when you die, you cease to exist. They die and they are wrong. What have they lost? The have lost an eternal life in GOD's glory. If I happen to be right, then they also endure an eternal punishment.
If I am wrong, then I have lost nothing by believing. If they are wrong, ouch!
This is what I believe happens when I die. I also believe that there will be some harsh punishment for those that attempt to persuade others that GOD does not exist. The question was asked and it was my obligation to pass on what I believe. I won't argue my point, only that this is what I believe.

If all the predictions and beliefs are wrong, my sympathy goes out to all the Nuns, and all the fun they have missed out on!
To be quite honest, I find your whole diatribe to be quite arrogant and offensive.

Then I apologize for the misconception of my intent. It seems to me that it would be "arrogant and offensive" to many when someone suggests that there is no GOD/Creator. Believing man is the ultimate power in the universe would be "arrogant" in my opinion. Not sure what I said was "offensive" to you, but I apologize for your misunderstanding of whatever offended you.
By the way, if the lack of "fun" is related to "sympathy" as you suggest, then I have "sympathy" for all those that have not or will not have the chance to enjoy the Villages lifestyle. :mornincoffee:

It's good to have beliefs. I believe in God, and I believe in Life Lessons, Karma and Reincarnation. God does forgive, and we are created in his Image. God was the one who sentenced his son to death. "The suffering servant’s death was nothing less than a punishment administered by God for sins others had committed."
Article Sin Didn't Kill Jesus—God Did | Crossway Articles

I am the authoress of this post.
One of the ways to enjoy The Villages lifestyle is:
In case you’re interested in having a great time with lots of laughter…ALL SHOW INFO AND TIX PURCHASE are IN BELOW LINK.
IMPROV 2022, Saturday 10/28, 6-7:30PM, ONLY $7 at Rohan.
Improv 2022 - Show on Friday 10-28-22 Tickets, Rohan Regional Recreation Center, The Villages, October 28 2022 | AllEvents.in

No offense meant, but that is an odd way to look at it.

Great post! One man actually said: "he is willing to kill and start wars about his religion." I responded and also sent him Healing White Light. I'm glad I created this post, and also posted it to NextDoor.com

Nice positive post !

You go.........high functioner!

I believe that there is a misinterpretation there. The gentleman's statement was the opposite of his belief in violence. He just stated that it is unfortunate that those things happen in the world. He himself chooses to avoid violence.

"I'm sad for you that you profligate killing and war."

No need to be sad, you just need to reread what I said...and its actual context. It is that history of "killing/war," in the name of (insert one) religion - that I am very much against.

You're very confused. The person you sent some kind of "Healing White Light" to because you thought he was advocating "war/killing," is the same one that wrote the post - you are now calling "Great."

That would be...ME. ;) LOL

Nuns......married to God. Yeah right!

Lady probably still a bit confused after the latest alien abduction.

That made me laugh.

:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

Not just Dracula. Ever see The Incredible Shrinking Man?

Equally possible it is heaven. I don't believe in either, but the possibilities are there for consideration.
👼👹

Sorry to disagree, but like a movie that ends with a person looking out a door. You see them looking, but you can't see beyond the door. You have no idea what, if anything, is beyond that door. Then the movie leaves you hanging, wondering as it fades to black. It is over. No explanation. No sequel. Nothing.
Was it a movie, or a dream. You will never know, or even care. Stuff of the cosmos. Stuff of infinity. RIP!

I think we all know the story, but something being 'Documented' does not make it True or Factual. What 'harsh punishment' have you seen God take against those attempting to persuade others that he does not exist?

"True and Factual" is that the documentation shows that there were many, many witnesses. It's interesting that many even on here will take a scientist's view or theory on a subject such as man caused climate control, as fact even though they have not witnessed evidence of it. I wasn't around for any of the Great Wars or the Civil War, but I take most of history documentation as factual or at least credible. Even if one does not believe in the Bible, it's hard to refute the accuracy of it historically and mathematically, when many have made the attempt. But, I said I would not argue my answer as to what I believe will happen to me when I die. Historically, Jesus did exist and was put to death. That was documented. I suggest that either he was/is what he claimed, GOD's son or he was the greatest documented magician, conman and liar the world has ever known.

And archeological findings. The various cities and countries mentioned in the Bible eg how Babylonians used the bodies of ( probably live) children to build into the walls of their houses to keep the walls up; many, many other physical artifacts all documented in the Old Testament which by the way was written also as a history book. The Dead Sea scrolls, carbon dated etc.

Yup.

It easier for most to accept Civil War accounts over documented accounts of a man performing miracles. What one accepts as true and factual is entirely their choice. I find your suggestion of Jesus as the son of God or magician, conman and liar to be interesting when combined with the defense of historical documentation. I appreciate your views.

When we don’t understand something we call it a “miracle” perhaps because we don’t yet know the science behind it. Remember when people thought that thunder and lightning was caused by angry Gods? Are we so much more advanced in science today that we understand the cause of everything?

He was using that quote as an example of what NOT, NOT. NOT TO DO. Think of it as sarcasm

Heaven is the BAIT on the hook used to extract money from the masses and build churches to impress and create an environment best suited for mind control and the replication of a carefully selected set of ideas. Repetition, singing, ceremony, and socialization are used as Pavlovian rewards.

Science is when people are looking forward for answers. Religion is when people look backward for answers.

I didn't write "Great?" either.

So, you are saying that anyone that believes are morons, susceptible to brainwashing and grift. Well, if you are wrong I guess you are in a bit of a fix in the future.

And you left "FAITH" out of your statement.