I agree 100%. I think we all have been the victim of this. I don't care if you don't like my statement, but to down vote me into oblivion is the epitome of narrow-mindedness. I think Catlady6000 is wrong in her approach, but I wouldn't down vote her just because we disagree.

Just leave the comments and allow the downvotes. If we disagree, we disagree.

Ironic isn't it, on a post about brainwashing.

As a fellow atheist, I agree with your point, but from what I understand, the general scholarly consensus is that there was a historical Jesus. I don't believe that he was the son of God, or that the gospel is historically accurate, but Josephus and Tacitus both referenced/documented a Jewish teacher who had a reputation as a supposed miracle worker and was executed.

Susan Davies - it IS a FACT that the bible was written by nothing more than mortal man. AND that is was written HUNDREDS of YEARS AFTER the death of Jesus. It IS based on the telling of stories through generations. Then on top of all of that it has been re-written and revised several times over. Those are FACTS. You can look that up if you'd like. Knowledge = maturity.

I agree with you with mostly everything but all the things going on in our country isn't in the name of the Bible that's just funny, it's all in the name of our president, before him we were not dealing with as much hate and ignorance as we are now. A book has nothing to do with the racism, hate, intolerance and homophobia in this country, that book doesn't stand in front of cameras to spread hate.

I find it interesting that AnnaB said, " If there is a God...," and that is similar to what probably is thousands of posts on the internet a day, at a minimum. Interesting, because it's not, "If there is a god or gods...." Most religions that we know of are not monotheistic. Some religions sport no gods at all. Even people who are agnostic or atheist, who are raised in a monotheistic culture (I'm not saying that applies to AnnaB) tend to still think of things in terms of the religion of their upbringing or the major religion around them. There either is a male God in the sky, or there isn't. Those are the only options most people can conceive of if raised on the US or other country where majority religion is Judaism, Christianity, or Islam. Even if they proclaim to be non-believers of any organized religion.

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

AnnaB - you just did what you are condemning Catlady6000 of doing - you voiced YOUR opinion of religion, as a statement of fact rather than saying "I believe......" or "Personally, I think........". No, you stated factually "the bible is a written version of the children's game 'telephone". So, where did you get that FACT? It's not a fact, it's your opinion, and a very immature one as well. And then you attack again by saying " it's imperative to keep your faith to yourself and not attempt to impose it on those of us who actually realize the irony of professing love and tolerance while acting on everything but that." As though "those of us" are some select group who are privy to some FACT that religion is a crock. If you truly believe what you said "Believe what you will. I have no issues or problems with that", then that was a lie on your part because you CLEARLY have issues with what she believes. You would have chosen to read and slide on by without commenting.

What makes YOU or anyone believe they have the direct path to enlightenment? What makes you so very sure that YOU have the ear of whatever god you worship? Now, what would you do if I came to your door and began talking about...well, any other belief system and kept talking even if you showed zero interest or even hostility? The problem I have with so many so-called "Christians" is how they live their lives. Jesus spent his time reaching out to the needy, the outcasts, the marginalized. Today's "Christians" spend their time judging others, rejecting others whose lifestyles they cannot accept, marginalizing the needy and finding reasons to reject anyone who is not one of them. They show no respect for differences in belief systems and often advocate discrimination. If you truly love your neighbor, how about instead of spending time trying to convert others, you spend your time serving the poor, advocating for the marginalized and spreading tolerance and true respect for diversity?

It helps you maintain love of neighbour, but does it help neighbour maintain love of you (the neighbour from their perspective)? People are free to believe what they want. But nobody should push their beliefs onto others, no matter what good you think it might do. Leave others be.

And then you go back to your congregation and are rewarded for you efforts. You are being brainwashed so you are not seeing it for what it is.

THERE ARE NO GODS. GROW UP

Catlady6000 posts entirely thoughtful reply. Gets negged. Welcome to BP--where Heathens rule!!

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Julie Julie- to Christians this a matter of life and Death, not a "I'm not going to rock the boat" kind of issue. I want you to go to heaven so if I have to beg you then so be it if it gets you saved. I don't want to "push" my belief on you, I just want to to listen and make your choice.

Teach**

Hi Helena. I hope all is well. I'm not a parent myself, so take my advice as you will. I would just try to differentiate teaching children to respect the person, but they never have to respect an immoral belief. They should never have to change who they are or bow just for having a more rational belief. Talking to children about science is a great thing. I would talk about fairy tales and try to teach children about what is fiction and what is reality. When they hear stories of eternal torture, or people walking on water, they may start associating with other fictional tales. When they approach you with these stories, ask them, what is more likely true? Skepticism is a valuable life skill. Teach it early. You don't want children who grow up gullible and falling for cons.

I said, and or. Do you have a reading comprehension problem? There are god botherers other than just jehovas witnesses.

Terd you just said as much..."Also the message of jehovas witnesses (and many other religions) is very offensive. They say that I have found the one true god, the one true way. By definition they are saying that they are right and you are wrong. These god botherers come to your house to tell you that you are wrong unless you believe as they do and god is coming any minute and he will smite the unrighteous (you) and or send you to eternal torture unless you believe in their cult. They come to your house to tell you you are wrong, and they threaten you (even though the threat is fictional). They worship a god that kills and tortures. They are fine with him killing and torturing human beings."

Stevie B., what specifically did I say that was incorrect?

Catlady6000, you say that "it's because I know the truth and benefits of what I'm talking about" but I would like to call you out on this. You merely wish it to be the truth.

Well said Jenni!

In the case of my beliefs, it's because I know the truth and benefits of what I'm talking about, and no you will not burn in hell because you don't want to hear it. It's not that I feel as I'm somehow better, it's that I know my own life has improved, therefore, out of love of others, as well as love of God, that I put myself out there. It is not easy, it's not always pleasant, but it is always rewarding. There have been many times I have knocked on someone's door just when they needed comfort, support or help. Sorry for being long winded, but those of us who engage in these work, who put our heart and soul into it, do so out of clear headed, eyes wide open love of God and neighbor. Frankly, many of us used to feel exactly as you do, and some of us weren't as nice about it either. Thank you for your input and respectful tone, I sincerely appreciate it

Jenni when was the last time someone knocked on your door to tell you jesus loves you, and when you politely declined they told you that you would suffer an eternity in hell? About as many times as the Corgi lovers I bet.

Frightening!

Depends on the organization. The Bible does place responsibility for spiritual education squarely on the parents Deuteronomy 6:9-10

Daria, a 'steady organised religion' is merely a sect that was eventually more successful than others.

Daria, the "steady organised religions" as you put it, are often in an advanced pole position. They are, in most countries I believe, allowed to start the brainwashing already in school. In fact, they usually have a complete monopoly there.

What does SOG mean?

While I respectfully disagree, I would be interested in your reasoned, coherent and respectful argument supporting your statement.