"Cult of Mary"

Quote: Evenbob

But saying it's all empirical truth just has
me perplexed. It's anything but..

{empirical truth is when something can be proven as true with the use of gathered data and evidence}

You are forgetting an important element of empirical truth. It is not only based on what we can observe but also through experience. In fact the etymology of the word empirical has everything to do with experience. I don't see why it is so flummoxing for you to understand that those who have had very different experiences than you believe very different things. Once you have an experience of the divine it is unbelievable that anyone would actually be an atheist, especially because outside of personal experience the data and evidence all point to the existence of God.

Quote: FrGamble

Once you have an experience of the divine it is unbelievable that anyone would actually be an atheist, especially because outside of personal experience the data and evidence all point to the existence of God.

An experience of the divine is indeterminable from an experience of a con-man or a magician. I mentioned those drowning rats who are given hope by being repeatedly rescued as they weaken, what is more convincing than a great big hand coming down from the sky and saving their lives. Perhaps less inspiring but equally convincing is the con man passing the deck of cards over his black coffee?

Quote: FrGamble

Y Once you have an experience of the divine it is unbelievable .

But not everybody gets one of those,
apparently, just a special few. Why
not just consider yourselves lucky
and quit rubbing it into the rest of us
just how special you are.

I'm being sarcastic. It reminds me of
a club where no matter what rank
you move up to, there's always a rank
above you where the really 'special'
people are. And you can never quite
get there..

God wants to have a relationship with each and every person. You are no more special or less so than the Pope in God's eyes. God loves us all.

Quote: FrGamble

You are no more special or less so than the Pope in God's eyes.

But it is the Pope that has all those Billions of dollars and banks and construction companies.

Quote: FrGamble

God wants to have a relationship with each and every person. You are no more special or less so than the Pope in God's eyes. God loves us all.

If your god is real, he knows where I am
if he's oh so wanting a relationship with
me. I'm real (as opposed to him) and I'm
right here, not holding my breath in
anticipation.

It takes two to tango. By design relationships can't be forced or one-sided.

That's a pretty good pick up line you have to start a relationship; "I know you aren't real and I don't even care, so call me maybe?" How's that working for ya?

Quote: FrGamble

That's a pretty good pick up line you have to start a relationship; "I know you aren't real and I don't even care, so call me maybe?" How's that working for ya?

The same way my relationship with Santa
works; I expect nothing and get nothing.

How else..

*St Nick, another faith based pipe dream.

Quote: Evenbob

I expect nothing and get nothing.

Sad. Let me give you some advice, "If you take a risk, you may lose. If you never take a risk, you will always lose."

Quote:

*St Nick, another faith based pipe dream.

You done crossed a line messing with St. Nicholas my friend. He was a great bishop of the fourth century who underwent great persecution at the hands of Diocletian. He actually attended the first Ecumenical Council of Nicea in 325 AD and there famously punched a heretic in the face. He was super kind and generous and loving, but I don't think you in particular would want to meet him walking down the street.

Quote: FrGamble

You done crossed a line messing with St. Nicholas my friend.

The other one, that comes down the
chimney at Xmas. Christians love
mythical creatures. Santa, god,
the holy spirit, Jesus still being
their friend who does them favors.

So big on promises and so short
on delivery..