Comments on When it comes to religious beliefs, is a lot of diversity good or bad?

Go to From The Observation Deck - Add a comment - Go to When it comes to religious beliefs, is a lot of diversity good or bad?

Re:

Very aptly put, Justi. But I believe that the irony of such a discussion is that each group, regardless of their stand or belief, is always going to feel that they are "right," and everyone else is more or less "wrong." I was raised a Catholic, and was "forced" to endure 8 years of Catechism, which, for me, was a complete waste of time. I never really understood anything, I never really learned anything. Then, in my early twenties, I decided to join a Christian Fellowship of my own accord, where we read and discussed the Bible. For two years I stayed, and although I did learn much, much more than I ever had during those 8 years of Catechism, there were still many questions that had remained unanswered for me. I must admit, I believe I approached the lessons more as a theologist than a Christian, because I felt there were too many things to be taken on faith without a lot of applied logic. This confused me even more! So now I find myself in a fourth group: I know, but I don't know, if that makes any sense . . .

posted by JimmyA on October 14, 2013 at 7:24 AM | link to this | reply

Re: Re: Re:

I'm understanding that more and more each day, Kabu. I think people can be content practicing their religion, favoring their beliefs, feeling a certain love that only God can provide, without feeling the necessity of going to a church each and every week. It will be interesting, however, to see the results of a similar poll in, say, ten years, when these college students are now out and about in the world . . .

posted by JimmyA on October 14, 2013 at 7:13 AM | link to this | reply

Re:

That's probably true, C C T, although I'm sure there are many amongst us who would love to know the answer now! I know I would . . .

posted by JimmyA on October 14, 2013 at 7:09 AM | link to this | reply

This is a great deal of discussion by a great number of people who have not studied for the class. As for knowledge... God is the highest, the ultimate in knowledge. In the end which is near there will be only two groups those totally for and those against to whatever degree. If this were no so sad it would be fun. God is real, yes he is the creator and I love each one of you on here in this comments section. If you had read The Bible enough after receiving the new being of salvation then you may have differed but you, at least more would have know what a slippery sloap they walk. Be blessed and I hope you who havent will find the true love of Jesus.

posted by Justi on October 14, 2013 at 3:05 AM | link to this | reply

Re: Re:

We are on the same page...I always say that I am perfectly in harmony with my God but I don't belong in a Church.

posted by Kabu on October 13, 2013 at 7:13 PM | link to this | reply

Well we shall know the answer one day Jimmy, what we hear will be the correct one.

posted by C_C_T on October 13, 2013 at 10:31 AM | link to this | reply

Re:

Well, lustor, that's probably the easiest thing for people to do. But in doing that, those people are assuming, and we all know what happens when you 'assume' . . .

posted by JimmyA on October 13, 2013 at 10:02 AM | link to this | reply

Re: JimmyA

You think so, Sir Wiley? It seems to me there's actually a "mixed bag" of thoughts out there, as this article alludes to, when it comes to faith. And again, I honestly can't say if that's a good or a bad thing . . .

posted by JimmyA on October 13, 2013 at 10:01 AM | link to this | reply

Re: Jimmy

I think I know what you mean, Naut, but I can't say I agree completely. I believe that a person's assessment of something or someone based on 'faith' can be in error. Look at the German citizens of the 1930's. They had unbelievable faith in Hitler and the Nazi Party, and look what that got them! Looking back with the knowledge you now have, wouldn't you say those people were in error . . . ?

posted by JimmyA on October 13, 2013 at 9:59 AM | link to this | reply

its like grouping people in their believes in politics as the same

posted by Lanetay on October 13, 2013 at 9:58 AM | link to this | reply

Re:

I have a feeling, FSI, that it will be both interesting, and scary! When you reach a certain age, you can reflect back on the alterations you've already witnessed concerning society and such, and then judge for yourself if any of the "changes" were for the good, or the bad! Why does it seem that most of them were for the bad . . . ?

posted by JimmyA on October 13, 2013 at 9:53 AM | link to this | reply

Re: JimmyA

You're welcome, WhiteHat, although I was really anticipating many others weighing in on this! Yeah, people are easily distracted today with all of their electronic gadgets, and sometimes it seems as though the bulk of the population has no idea what's going on around them beyond the edge of their Smart-phones! We've become a lost generation indeed . . .

posted by JimmyA on October 13, 2013 at 9:51 AM | link to this | reply

Re:

Good thought, Kabu. Yes, I believe that people of college age should be able to think for themselves and make their own decisions and assumptions. But at the same time, I don't think anyone should be chastised or considered "morally corrupt" if those same thoughts and assumptions differ from anyone else's. That's what bothers me the most about "organized religion," that feeling of "We're right and everybody else is wrong" mentality . . .

posted by JimmyA on October 13, 2013 at 9:48 AM | link to this | reply

Re: Jimmy

I'll see your John 3:16, Bill, and raise you James 1:5-8!

posted by JimmyA on October 13, 2013 at 9:44 AM | link to this | reply

Re:

That's one way to put it, Utah. It's funny how most people think of "the fence" when it comes to certain beliefs; it seems you're either on one side or the other. But when the group is broken into three sections, where do you go from there? I'm sorry, but the whole concept of "religious organizations" still escapes me . . .

posted by JimmyA on October 13, 2013 at 9:39 AM | link to this | reply

JimmyA

"that nonbelievers are here to stay." Seems to be the most prevalent comment out in the streets here.

posted by WileyJohn on October 12, 2013 at 6:55 PM | link to this | reply

Jimmy

In the realm of 'faith' or 'belief', it's not possible to speak of 'error', unless one speaks of the believer's erroneous reference to one of his 'sacred' texts, or some such. The whole notion of 'error' has meaning only in the realm of knowledge...

posted by Nautikos on October 11, 2013 at 6:54 PM | link to this | reply

What WhiteHat TroubleMaker wrote makes sense to me...It would be interesting to see what, if any, changes the current goes through over the ensuing years...

posted by FormerStudentIntern on October 11, 2013 at 4:41 PM | link to this | reply

JimmyA

To me, the more we try to become different, the more we all become the same. In terms of religion I think it may have to do with the fact that we have so many distractions these days. Religion has taken a back seat to Facebook affiliations, how many twitter followers you have, or even blogging communities! It is an interesting change though. Thanks for posting this.

posted by WhiteHat_TroubleMaker on October 11, 2013 at 3:34 PM | link to this | reply

University is a great time in a person's life to explore all sorts of things and make some decisions for life, some they will change. It is also an age when death happens to other people oldies never to them and when the World revolves around them. Much growth will come in the following years.

I do think that the Western World is very casual about their Faith but I wonder if it is ever denied them if they will find themselves again.