Thread: For An Intelligent Conversation On Spirituality/Religion

Originally Posted by Philadelph

Jimmy- some interesting videos. Joseph Goldstein had some good stuff to say. Honestly reminds me of TED: Ideas worth spreading but on a smaller scale in terms of what is discussed.

Thanks for that site Alex. I wasn't aware of it.

My personal view on religion is that if it improves your quality of life, without infringing on anyone else in any way; then it's well worth doing.

Wow, what a cool thread. It has been truly (pardon the pun) enlightening.
Thanks a lot to Jimmy for starting it and moderating with a surprising array of links in support for all arguments. You're a gentleman, and apparently quite the scholar.

Special thanks to those who shared the intimate details of your journeys, especially Elliette and Tony whom I find equally inspiring. I only hope that as an agnostic, I some day am blessed with the certainty either of you have.

Very cool.

Another old quandary struck me as I was heading off to sleep. We haven't heard much from our Catholic friends here. In the spirit of this thread, I've always been curious how Catholic Dogma explains how worshiping saints is not a direct violation of the 2nd commandment. Anyone?

Originally Posted by kenneyty

Another old quandary struck me as I was heading off to sleep. We haven't heard much from our Catholic friends here. In the spirit of this thread, I've always been curious how Catholic Dogma explains how worshiping saints is not a direct violation of the 2nd commandment. Anyone?

well, they are clearly polytheists. so are most Christians, if they believe in angels and demons and a devil and such.

Originally Posted by kenneyty

Another old quandary struck me as I was heading off to sleep. We haven't heard much from our Catholic friends here. In the spirit of this thread, I've always been curious how Catholic Dogma explains how worshiping saints is not a direct violation of the 2nd commandment. Anyone?

Being of Italian ancestry I was raised as a Catholic. I went to religious school and collected three stars on my Holy Sacrement card (my confirmation name is Barnabas because Dark Shadows was on TV then. The Bishop never figured out I chose the name of the evil undead Barnabas Collins). I asked the question about worshiping Saints and the answer was that we don't worship saints, we petition them. It is like calling to speak to the CEO of a major corporation but ending up dealing with a Director or VP. You hope the VP will be able to help or at least be a liason to the CEO.

Okay, now I will add that I do not believe any of that stuff. I think the Nicene Creed is nonsense (,,,seated at the right hand of the Father...oh puleeze!).

Brad

Originally Posted by kenneyty

Another old quandary struck me as I was heading off to sleep. We haven't heard much from our Catholic friends here. In the spirit of this thread, I've always been curious how Catholic Dogma explains how worshiping saints is not a direct violation of the 2nd commandment. Anyone?

ME TOO

Originally Posted by jockeys

well, they are clearly polytheists. so are most Christians, if they believe in angels and demons and a devil and such.

We may believe in angels and demoms, by the way we believe demons are only fallen angels, as Lucifer was a very high ranking and most Beautiful Angel, but we do not worship them as Deity[gods]. I am not speaking for Roman Catholics I do not know .

Originally Posted by paco

We may believe in angels and demoms, by the way we believe demons are only fallen angels, as Lucifer was a very high ranking and most Beautiful Angel, but we do not worship them as Diety[gods].

C'mon, do you really believe there are supernatural angels and demons?

Originally Posted by icedog

C'mon, do you really believe there are supernatural angels and demons?

I'm a Christian and if I am to believe and follow my God then YES.
Do you really believe that everything came from some eternal bit of matter that without some outside cause started evolving to everything ? [ not being a scholar or scientist can't be precise of what i am trying to say hope you understand ]

By the way hope I can get some of your smoker reciepes