Original Sin?

It's kind of hard to touch the beginning of the Universe, you actually have to really think about it deeply and use your reason. That's why people clamor for the easy touch the wet paint example, they don't have to think about these important and awesome mysteries. Atheism is an easy way out, demand scientific proof for something science can't touch and when there is none deny there is a painter at all. Poor George Carlin.

Quote: FrGamble

It's kind of hard to touch the beginning of the Universe.. Atheism is an easy way out

It has no beginning, it's always been here. Like
Campbell says, you were never born and will
never die. You're part of something that's
eternal. Atheism is neither easy nor hard, it
just is. I do agree religion is a lot of work,
though. People seem to get a lot of enjoyment
out of tinkering with it, Mark Twain said.

So many religions, 2500 different brands of
Christianity alone. And they're all correct,
till you die and find out the real truth was
right in front of you the whole time. And
it was so obvious..

Remember for the majority of time Christianity has existed it has been one, namely the Catholic Church. Unless that is what you mean about the truth being right in front of me the whole time I'm not quite sure what you mean.

Quote: FrGamble

Remember for the majority of time Christianity has existed it has been one, namely the Catholic Church. Unless that is what you mean about the truth being right in front of me the whole time I'm not quite sure what you mean.

Not everybody is lost, padre. Far from it. You
provide a service for those who are. The problem
with the church is, they assume what they have
is for everybody, and it isn't.

Look at the Buddhists, they could care less if you
join them. In fact, a zen master will likely reject
you as a student unless you can prove to him
you are serious. Most aren't. They realize eternity
is a long time, they can afford to be picky.

The thing about discussions like this is, it just
bolsters what you already believe. I wouldn't
have it any other way. You love what you do
and would be adrift and alone without it. Just
don't think it's for everybody.

The ones who don't think they are lost are the ones most in need of direction.

Quote: FrGamble

The ones who don't think they are lost are the ones most in need of direction.

Seriously, I laughed and laughed when
I read that because I knew it was what
you would say. You really can't accept
there is any view other than yours. You
really think Twain and Hawking and
Asimov and Einstein and Campbell and
a legion of others are lost in the wilderness,
just awaiting someone to clear things up
for them.

Why can't you just be satisfied with those
that are really lost and need your help,
why be so greedy. Not everybody is lost,
padre, you need to accept that. Not
everybody who disagrees with you is
a lost soul. Break out of what you've been
taught and think for yourself. Be happy
with what you can do and leave it at that.

Actually it's not just those who don't know their lost, what is even worse is those who don't care if they are lost or not. Listen, I certainly accept there are other views out there and I don't think the fires of hell are licking at your heels or any of the other men you mentioned, but you seem to be asking me to acknowledge that they are just as correct as Christianity. While that fits in the mind of a moral relativist it doesn't work in the real world of thinking people. You are wrong, you are lost, and I'm worried you don't care. You keep repeating the same stuff and dragging out the same names, I would give you the same advice - break out of what you think and open your mind to the other possibilities. Think deeply about these things without your pre-programmed responses. Here is one more thing; I am happy and it is precisely because of what I believe. Forgive me for saying so but I wonder through some of your posts if you are as happy as you could be. It would be selfish of me to not try to share something that I believe with my heart and soul would be a blessing to your life. I know I am spitting into the wind but it would be equivalent of hogging all the amazing cranberry sauce at Thanksgiving dinner and not sharing it so that everyone can enjoy. Happy Thanksgiving and pass the cranberry sauce will ya?

Quote: FrGamble

It would be selfish of me to not try to share something that I believe with my heart and soul would be a blessing to your life.

I'm happier than most Christians I know, that's
a fact. And a blessing for some is a curse for
others. Your bliss is yours, mine is mine. If
you would adopt a more Buddhist attitude,
you would be better off. Quit worrying about
other people, they will find their truth eventually.
They only have eternity, you know.

I'm back to post this:

Padre, on a long trip with my wife today
(daughter of a Baptist minister), I told
her your comment about Martin Luther,
and she laughed and laughed.

Not a good sign for you..