Pain and suffering are part and parcel of being a physical being. You can't have one without the other. Prayer is simply a metaphysical replacement for psychoactive drugs. You can smoke a joint, or pray for an hour, the effect is the same. And so is the outcome.

shivashakti: TigerStar: The physical universe is the universe. There are only 4 things in the universe: space, time, energy, and matter - that's it. Matter and energy do not influence and are not influenced by supernatural forces. There are no supernatural entities or forces acting on nature, because there is no evidence of anything beyond or outside nature.

I cannot disagree with that.

Bodhisattva, my brothers.

HAMMERTOE: Prayer is simply a metaphysical replacement for psychoactive drugs.

What if you pray for psychoactive drugs?

Dear God

I understand that if I fail to believe in you enough, you'll send me to Hell.

Thanks for not being a dick about it.

Asshole.

You know who else believed in a divine wind?

TigerStar: Overfiend: As a Christian I want to state that Pat does not speak for me or for my beliefs.

yourenothelping.jpg

/I'll pray for him


[i.imgur.com image 640x451]

Thanks! Nice reference site.

LovingTeacher: Overfiend: LovingTeacher: Overfiend: As a Christian I want to state that Pat does not speak for me or for my beliefs.

yourenothelping.jpg

/I'll pray for him

The problem with this is that Pat and friends are consistent with the bible. You'd be better off just leaving the whole mess behind if you don't want to get lumped in with him.

I have been blasted before for saying this, but I (and many others) believe that the Bible is a great guide book for living. It is not to be taken literally.

While I would never presume to tell others what they believe I just don't see the point of being Christian if you don't believe in the bible. Do you not believe that Jesus is the son of god? If not then how do you call yourself Christian? Also, "Great guide for living" are you including all of the gay hate, the violence, the rape and plunder that god justifies in the OT?

Yes - I believe that Jesus is the Son of God. That is the prime thing that makes me a Christian.

As for the Bible - I see it as a guide book for living - NOT to be taken literally. It was written by humans - therefore prone to having the author's slant on things.

I support gay rights, am against the death penalty and believe in science and evolution (gasp!). I also believe that you do not have to be a Christian to get to heaven.

Anyone can call me what they wish - but I call myself a Christian and a follower of Jesus' teachings.

God Hates Amputees (new window)

Slowdog: You know who else believed in a divine wind?

Bette Midler?

So in related news, Pat Robertson is still alive. Color me impressed.

Wish Gene Scott were still alive though. Guessing he would be older than Abe Vigoda now, but at least he was weird enough to kill a couple minutes.

Slaxl: Does he actually believe the crap he says?

Basically "God" is up there planning to kill lots of people *unless* they pray to him. I would rather take my chances blaspheming against this piece of shiat "God" than worshipping the sadistic cesspool of galactic excrement that he or she so clearly is. Also works for Pat. I would rather take my chances arguing against this piece of shiat "Pat" than agreeing with the sadistic cesspool of galactic excrement that he or she so clearly is

I've always thought that his god was kind of a dick about things. Pat represents his lord well.

vpb: I guess people in New York City and Boston pray more than people in places like Kentucky. That must be it.

Has there ever been a tornado in Saudi Arabia? Not a haboob, a tornado.

/Haboob.

Overfiend: LovingTeacher: Overfiend: LovingTeacher: Overfiend: As a Christian I want to state that Pat does not speak for me or for my beliefs.

yourenothelping.jpg

/I'll pray for him

The problem with this is that Pat and friends are consistent with the bible. You'd be better off just leaving the whole mess behind if you don't want to get lumped in with him.

I have been blasted before for saying this, but I (and many others) believe that the Bible is a great guide book for living. It is not to be taken literally.

While I would never presume to tell others what they believe I just don't see the point of being Christian if you don't believe in the bible. Do you not believe that Jesus is the son of god? If not then how do you call yourself Christian? Also, "Great guide for living" are you including all of the gay hate, the violence, the rape and plunder that god justifies in the OT?

Yes - I believe that Jesus is the Son of God. That is the prime thing that makes me a Christian.

As for the Bible - I see it as a guide book for living - NOT to be taken literally. It was written by humans - therefore prone to having the author's slant on things.

I support gay rights, am against the death penalty and believe in science and evolution (gasp!). I also believe that you do not have to be a Christian to get to heaven.

Anyone can call me what they wish - but I call myself a Christian and a follower of Jesus' teachings.

Are you new to Fark? You must not be aware that according to many here you are wrong. Christians are not allowed to be loving, merciful, gentle or humble.

If we don't believe in all the ignorant, hateful, and bigotous parts of the Bible our opinions don't count.

I find it amazing how many people who are upset with the way Christians have used a literal interpretation of the bible to commit unspeakable acts then discount anyone who doesn't use a literal interpretation of the bible.

It's nice to see hypocrisy effects everyone equally.

vudukungfu: Praying is like masturbation.
You're only doing it for yourself
and god doesn't want to know about it anyway.

This is why I have you favorited:-)

Slowdog: You know who else believed in a divine wind?

That was more of a divine gas, aka my God who farted in the shower.

TommyymmoT: Yeah, He just might, but I'm pretty sure his plans call for a new parking lot.

And yet this woman keeps putting a house on God's parking lot. Why is that those that strive to be closer to God the hardest are the one's least likely to get the message?

Danger Avoid Death: Bette Midler?

John waters?

I guess they pray alot in Maine

I've been praying for Pat Robertson to die for 20 years so he'd get off my farking tv.

You can see how well prayer works

shivashakti: LovingTeacher: Like I said earlier, Pat is consistent with the bible. If you think he is wrong open your eyes and leave the church.

It depends upon the church/denomination. Pat's church has one interpretation. Others have different ones.

That's what happens when you have a holy book written by dozens of different people over thousands of years. There are going to be conflicting messages.


Why?

hbk72777: I've been praying for Pat Robertson to die for 20 years so he'd get off my farking tv.

You can see how well prayer works

Why'd you do a foolish thing like let Pat Roberson on your TV?

"All I can say is, why do you build houses in a place where tornadoes are apt to happen?"

Wow, that's even dumber than the God stuff. What are we supposed to do, completely abandon the entire middle of the country? I think people would start to get hungry sooner or later. And where are we going to move to where natural disasters don't happen? Does Pat have the address for the Garden of Eden? Is there room for all of us?

Also, why does God let child rapers and serial killers live but smite God-fearing people living in trailer parks? Is it because of the gays? It's the gays, isn't it?

TigerStar: shivashakti: LovingTeacher: Like I said earlier, Pat is consistent with the bible. If you think he is wrong open your eyes and leave the church.

It depends upon the church/denomination. Pat's church has one interpretation. Others have different ones.

That's what happens when you have a holy book written by dozens of different people over thousands of years. There are going to be conflicting messages.

I prefer the interpretations that focus on God's love for everyone and the words of Jesus on the Sermon of the Mount. Pat doesn't. Pat prefers to focus on the Old Testament angry God that destroys cities or countries because they don't worship him. I can't believe in that version of God.

What test can I do to prove your god exists? The physical universe is the universe. There are only 4 things in the universe: space, time, energy, and matter - that's it. Matter and energy do not influence and are not influenced by supernatural forces. There are no supernatural entities or forces acting on nature, because there is no evidence of anything beyond or outside nature. How does your god communication with atoms? There is no evidence of a collection of "spirit particles" and "spirit forces" that interact with our regular atoms.

You sure about that?

Summer Glau's Love Slave: If prayer really worked Pat Robertson would have been dead years ago.

/Just sayin'.

Are you sure you are not in Hell?

Darth_Lukecash: TommyymmoT: When asked whether she would rebuild again, she said "yes, I believe God has a plan for us all".

My first thought? Yeah, He just might, but I'm pretty sure his plans call for a new parking lot.

Actually, God is telling her that He doesn't like her very much.

Or he's saying "leave me alone lady, I'm busy. There's a high school football game in Texas."

/yeah yeah, I know it's not football season

TORNADOS DO NOT WORK THAT WAY!

Goodnight!

//Morbo

StoPPeRmobile: shivashakti: LovingTeacher: Like I said earlier, Pat is consistent with the bible. If you think he is wrong open your eyes and leave the church.

It depends upon the church/denomination. Pat's church has one interpretation. Others have different ones.

That's what happens when you have a holy book written by dozens of different people over thousands of years. There are going to be conflicting messages.


Why?

The question to ask isn't why Dozens of different people (it's more likely hundreds, really- if you consider how much it's been rewritten canonized and decanonized since then) can't agree on a consistent narrative.

The question to ask is why an awful lot of people choose to stand by a schizophrenic collective narrative as the sum of all truth.


You'll never get a satisfying answer to either. I just love good questions.

Alternate explanation: bad people are praying and it is resulting in an early tornado season. And plagues of locusts and such.

/We're glaring at you. Pat.

SkunkWerks: hbk72777: I've been praying for Pat Robertson to die for 20 years so he'd get off my farking tv.

You can see how well prayer works

Why'd you do a foolish thing like let Pat Roberson on your TV?

Usually turned the tv on too early for Boy Meets World on ABC Family. Apparently said cock made a deal every time his old station is sold, they have to keep the 700 asshole Club in their programming.

shivashakti: TigerStar: The physical universe is the universe. There are only 4 things in the universe: space, time, energy, and matter - that's it. Matter and energy do not influence and are not influenced by supernatural forces. There are no supernatural entities or forces acting on nature, because there is no evidence of anything beyond or outside nature.

I cannot disagree with that.

Sure you can. Einstein unified matter and energy via special relativity, and then space and time with general relativity. The universe consists of only 2 things, space/time and matter/energy.

Mr. Coffee Nerves: Nothing like suffering through a time of personal trial caused by an act of God only to have your religious leader tell you "Well, it IS your fault, you know?"

To put it another way? Even State Farm and Allstate will cut you slack that Pat Robertson won't.

So, act of Mayhem, then?

Wow I read the headline as Robert Pattinson.

///Disappointed.

Here's the thing I wonder.

WHEN IS PAT ROBERTSON GONNA REALIZE GOD IS TALKING DIRECTLY TO HIM!!!! He's saying "stop, you little con-man. STOP using my name for your own benefit".

and mostly, he's saying:

I DID NOT SAY THAT, YOU farkING LIAR. HERE, HAVE A HURRICANE

INeedAName: Overfiend: LovingTeacher: Overfiend: LovingTeacher: Overfiend: As a Christian I want to state that Pat does not speak for me or for my beliefs.

yourenothelping.jpg

/I'll pray for him

The problem with this is that Pat and friends are consistent with the bible. You'd be better off just leaving the whole mess behind if you don't want to get lumped in with him.

I have been blasted before for saying this, but I (and many others) believe that the Bible is a great guide book for living. It is not to be taken literally.

While I would never presume to tell others what they believe I just don't see the point of being Christian if you don't believe in the bible. Do you not believe that Jesus is the son of god? If not then how do you call yourself Christian? Also, "Great guide for living" are you including all of the gay hate, the violence, the rape and plunder that god justifies in the OT?

Yes - I believe that Jesus is the Son of God. That is the prime thing that makes me a Christian.

As for the Bible - I see it as a guide book for living - NOT to be taken literally. It was written by humans - therefore prone to having the author's slant on things.

I support gay rights, am against the death penalty and believe in science and evolution (gasp!). I also believe that you do not have to be a Christian to get to heaven.

Anyone can call me what they wish - but I call myself a Christian and a follower of Jesus' teachings.

Are you new to Fark? You must not be aware that according to many here you are wrong. Christians are not allowed to be loving, merciful, gentle or humble.

If we don't believe in all the ignorant, hateful, and bigotous parts of the Bible our opinions don't count.

I find it amazing how many people who are upset with the way Christians have used a literal interpretation of the bible to commit unspeakable acts then discount anyone who doesn't use a literal interpretation of the bible.

It's nice to see hypocrisy effects everyone equally.

I am not being hypocritical, I just don't understand how you can hold these two thoughts in your head at the same time and remain sane: "The bible is the holy word of god and a good guide for living" and "Parts of the bible are utter BS and I don't believe in them"

I understand that there are "good" christians out there I just don't understand why they associate themselves with a so obviously ridiculous book. This book, the bible, is your founding document. If it is wrong and bad in so many ways then be honest with yourself and abandon it. Go on doing the good things that you would be doing anyways and get rid of the religion thing entirely.

TigerStar: 1. What test can I do to prove your god exists? 2. The physical universe is the universe. There are only 4 things in the universe: space, time, energy, and matter - that's it. 3. Matter and energy do not influence and are not influenced by supernatural forces. There are no supernatural entities or forces acting on nature, because there is no evidence of anything beyond or outside nature. 4. How does your god communication with atoms? 5. There is no evidence of a collection of "spirit particles" and "spirit forces" that interact with our regular atoms.

1. a few miracles should do the trick
2. does reality only consist of physical things? do you exist?
3. what is Nature, and furthermore what is natural? (please be specific)
4. the same way bill gates communicates with windows
5. there is plenty of evidence, if you are willing to consider it, but first you should start with #3, and then i can answer your questions

shivashakti: That's what happens when you have a holy book written by dozens of different people over thousands of years. There are going to be conflicting messages.

actually that happens with anything as long as humans are involved, the book of mormon only has one author written in a very short time, are there any conflicting messages there?

even scientific facts have conflicting messages

I am not being hypocritical, I just don't understand how you can hold these two thoughts in your head at the same time and remain sane: "The bible is the holy word of god and a good guide for living" and "Parts of the bible are utter BS and I don't believe in them"

I understand that there are "good" christians out there I just don't understand why they associate themselves with a so obviously ridiculous book. This book, the bible, is your founding document. If it is wrong and bad in so many ways then be honest with yourself and abandon it. Go on doing the good things that you would be doing anyways and get rid of the religion thing entirely

I feel the same way about Islam, Judaism, Wiccans, Bhuddists, etc. You can be good without religion, and since your religious documents are so full of utter nonsense abandon them and be free.

The Flying Spaghetti Monster is angry:

Overfiend: Yes - I believe that Jesus is the Son of God. That is the prime thing that makes me a "christian".

i see, so then Lucifer is also a "christian"? and all the demons as well?

Overfiend: I also believe that you do not have to be a Christian to get to heaven.

...speaking of The Devil

Overfiend: Anyone can call me what they wish - but I call myself a Christian and a follower of Jesus' teachings

i'd call you a very confused person who doesn't understand the meaning of words, with a bad case of delusion, but then again i've only read a couple of your posts, i could be wrong

concerning your "following" Jesus' teachings... is that the part you do take literally? or does that also fall under the metaphorical part that you can interpret to whatever you wish-believe?

also i'm just a bit curious, which parts of the bible are to be taken literally vs. figuratively? perhaps just the parts you like and/or agree with vs. the parts you don't like??

am i getting warmer?

God said he would spare Sodom and Gomorrah if there were only ten righteous people in the whole conurbation.

Is Pat telling us that there aren't ten righteous people in these towns?

LovingTeacher: I feel the same way about Islam, Judaism, Wiccans, Bhuddists, etc. You can be good without religion, and since your religious documents are so full of utter nonsense abandon them and be free.

tell me more about this "good" thing, without invoking religion, if you will

btw if we were to abandon all documented forms of utter nonsense, how would you be able to post on this site?

but let's pick your favorite targets, since the book of mormon, the quran, dianetics, etc... are clearly examples of utter nonsense, therefore the bible is invalid as well?

sorta like since in history we have documented cases of junk science, therefore all Science is bunk? (does that about summarize your view?)

oh, and to all the cute posts in here about how useless prayer is:

Prayer is communication with God, not a miracle hot-line

so then you are correct, for people with bad attitudes, there is absolutely no use for prayer

likewise for people that claim that they have "good" attitudes yet insist that because of their fallacious beliefs that God must cause supernatural-physical events to confirm their status with Him, you are just as delusional as the others

i hope that clears a few things up

Black Sun Rising, When True Night Falls, Crown of Shadows - C.S. Friedman (Coldfire Trilogy)

I think Pat has been reading too much science fiction

Too Pretty For Prison: Black Sun Rising, When True Night Falls, Crown of Shadows - C.S. Friedman (Coldfire Trilogy)

I think Pat has been reading too much science fiction

L. Ron Hubbard maybe?

The man's a National Treasure.

Appreciate him while you got him, Americans.

/before God takes him away

Boris S. Wort: The man's a National Treasure.

Appreciate him while you got him, Americans.

/before God takes him away

I think someone further south has first dibs.