Yeah you did say you didn't find rape to be morally objectionable.

You have read the bible, correct?

And do you consider yourself of a specific religion?

I read the fable of the boy who cried wolf, which teaches us not to lie.

I still lie.

Just because I've read it, doesn't mean I'm gonna live by it..

Yes, and each story in the Bible has a deeper meaning. What I have a problem with is that you read all sorts of stories with deeper meanings under them, but I don't see you throwing a fit about them. I doubt you do. What is the last fiction story you read?

As far as Bible teachers telling you that, I am pretty sure the religious text is where you will find the religion. The people demonstrate it and it becomes tainted. I don't think that being poor is awesome simply because there are a couple of starving artists creating good art.

I would consider myself a weak atheist. I am a weak atheist in that if I ever found a reason to not be one I would surrender my beliefs. However, atheism is the most rational option. Of course, the term comes no where close to describing my beliefs about things.

I have read the Bible probably numerous times. I was a Christian at one time, one who read the Bible.

Have you read it since you stopped being a Christian?

I know what you mean.

Isn't it logical to seek self-preservation? Therefore, isn't it rational to choose a religion? To work toward some type of rewarding existence after life?

It's logical to run as fast as possible from a predator to live another day. How about living as well as possible to live another life, or an afterlife? Maybe the question isn't in the reasons...but the human nature to "survive." Could it be human nature to gravitate to a religion, given the awareness humans have of impending, inescapable death? Doesn't that become a reason to certain people who otherwise were not raised into a particular religion?

I'm not religious but I am not atheist. Just observing and learning...trying not to take any sides in this discussion. Now, back to the music banter...for now.

Who Moved My Cheese.

You have a problem with how I've read all sorts of stories with deeper meanings under them, but I'm not throwing a fit about them.

Since when was I throwing a fit about the bible, I'm just saying they are over-dressed fables.

Then throw a fit about Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Bears can't talk.

Again, I said it was a book of fables.

Hardly throwing a fit is it?

/facepalm

Let me put it this way. My goal in life is to be as happy as possible. There will be things I have to do in order to get there. One thing would be to find out what my destination is, happiness. What is happiness? I figure it out. So now I have to find how I am going to get there. This is a morality. So I get my morality. Now I must go to my destination, or live by my morality. I do so.

Where does a god fit in this picture? Where he would fit in would be in the area of the destination. Basically, believing in a god and such becomes part of the goal. All religions create that goal for you to follow. However, is it really your goal? Nope. It is the goal of the religion. Basically, your existence would then be wasted on living for a goal that has nothing to do with who you really are. You will never enjoy it.

Now let's look at it differently. Let's say believing in a god becomes part of your morality. In other words, let's say you believe in a god in order to achieve that happiness. This is what you are describing. Your argument is that one could believe in God because it is part of our nature. I disagree because I don't believe humans have any nature. Existence precedes essence. You say that we might believe to escape death, however I would like to ask how this would lead you to your goal of happiness. How is one happier thinking that they will live a day longer than they might have? One isn't happy until he is in that moment. We have no clue of what life after death is. How can you possibly enjoy something which you have no true conception of? You might believe it is better, but is there anything you have to do to get it? If yes, then I would question how this specific morality makes you happier.

Yes, I read it occasionally. I also try to read the Quran, but I have no clue how to understand it. I have to ask a Muslim friend to help me read it.