If I had $1 for every time God bailed me out...

If I had $1 for every time God bailed me out..

"Science develops best when its concepts and conclusions are integrated into the broader human culture and its concerns for ultimate meaning and value. Scientists cannot, therefore, hold themselves entirely aloof from the sorts of issues dealt with by philosophers and theologians. By devoting to these issues something of the energy and care they give to their research in science, they can help others realize more fully the human potentialities of their discoveries. They can also come to appreciate for themselves that these discoveries cannot be a genuine substitute for knowledge of the truly ultimate. Science can purify religion from error and superstition; religion can purify science from idolatry and false absolutes. Each can draw the other into a wider world, a world in which both can flourish."

- Pope John Paul II.

Anyone agree with this statement?
 
If I had $1 for every time God bailed me out..

I don't have any problem with people believing in God. I can't prove he does or doesn't exist. What I do have a problem with is mindless adherence to religious institutions and traditions. Lots of the institutions are almost tyrannical in nature, and only slow the advancement of the human race. They offer nothing to modern world but a false sense of security and purpose. Although, sometimes that's all some people need.

One of my best friends is a hardcore muslim. One day I asked him, "Why do you follow all this stuff man? What do you really get out of it?"

"I get a warm feeling of peace inside, and the real rewards come in the next life."

To someone who's maybe looking for purpose or down on their luck and is willing to suspend logical reasoning, this sounds like a great offer. You get so much for doing so little, (this is probably why people are so easily indoctrinated).
But that "warm feeling of peace" is just the effect of neurotransmitters reacting positively to the false sense of security you've given yourself. That's why when a doctor is doing a brain scan for a disease and the person starts praying, that shit lights up like Christmas. Yes, if you're a believer in the traditions you're following, praying gives your brain a boner.

Also, as far as the afterlife life goes, why is depressing to think that there is nothingness after death? Where were you before you were born? Are you depressed when you're in stage 4 sleep? The absence of consciousness sounds liberating to me. To think that your personality deserves to live on after you're dead is......maybe the most selfish idea I've ever heard.
 
If I had $1 for every time God bailed me out..

Qshimitsu said:
To think that your personality deserves to live on after you're dead is......maybe the most selfish idea I've ever heard.
Click to expand...

Hmm...seems like you don't deal with many selfish people. In general, one man's entrance into heaven isn't exclusive to anyone else's. More selfish imo, would be like cutting down a rainforest and not caring because you got money, and that happens all the time. I'm sure it doesn't take that much creativity to think of many more selfish things one could possibly do.
 
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