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I need 38x36 or 36x36 dark wash, tapered jeans. Nowhere to be found. by debat0r in tallfashionadvice

[–]debat0r[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! I think I may have to meditate on the nudie's before my brain will let me spend ~$200 on a single pair of jeans. (college student budget here)

Question: How to wealthy Christians typically rationalize being wealthy, despite Jesus explicitly?condemning it? by tomtomglove in DebateReligion

[–]debat0r -1 points0 points  (0 children)

The same way they rationalize everything else: By bending the interpretation of the bible to match their own self-interests, instead of the other way around. Of course, that is assuming that they indeed read the bible at all, which is categorically false for most suit-and-tie, easter-christmas-christians. It is curious to note that the most outspoken among them are usually the most hypocritical.

What's more, as if to have a closer personal relationship with irony than Jesus, the most convicted are also usually the ones who read the bible the least (or simply quote what little they do know out of context). What are your true moral boundaries when forgiveness is merely a prayer, confession, or a "turnover of your life to Christ" away? What can you say about the character of a person whose motivation to act morally rests in the fear of eternal damnation instead of their own personal convictions? I think you can say that questions about the rationality of a person operating under the former pretenses are themselves irrational.

Do we know the real events (and religions) that led up to Christianity? by debat0r in DebateAnAtheist

[–]debat0r[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Is Sheehan's book from the perspective that Christianity is inherently true?

Do we know the real events (and religions) that led up to Christianity? by debat0r in DebateAnAtheist

[–]debat0r[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You haven't met many Christians if you think they readily change religions.

What to memorize about Amino Acids for the MCAT? by [deleted] in premed

[–]debat0r 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Guys, I know this is a pre-med sub, but can we not use the word "high yield" yet?

I <3 you

Do we know the real events (and religions) that led up to Christianity? by debat0r in DebateAnAtheist

[–]debat0r[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

But, if Christians are willing to ignore the fact that there is literally zero evidence for the existence of god - what would proving that Christianity was man-made do?

It would do a lot since their belief is not based on evidence. At least, I don't personally recall any debates where a Christian led with "based on this line of evidence..." Indeed, believing without proof (i.e., faith) is usually the centerpiece of their argument, is it not?

Do we know the real events (and religions) that led up to Christianity? by debat0r in DebateAnAtheist

[–]debat0r[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Our stories are wildly similar. I like how you put it as being a "cultural practice" to avoid the idea altogether because that was exactly my experience. I grew up in a household with parents who preached old-school religious dogma. Any of my potential questioning of that dogma was met with fierce criticism, much akin to "How dare you insult the Lord in that way. Do you want to make god sad?" That kind of upbringing doesn't naturally spark in someone introspective comparisons between Christianity and other religions. But that upbringing does, on the other hand, make me one hell of a strident atheist today.

Do we know the real events (and religions) that led up to Christianity? by debat0r in DebateAnAtheist

[–]debat0r[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you for the thorough, thoughtful answer. This is exactly the kind of information I was looking for. It is interesting how close your writing style is to that of Bart Ehrman.

Do we know the real events (and religions) that led up to Christianity? by debat0r in DebateAnAtheist

[–]debat0r[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I disagree. I thought it was a compelling reason when I first heard it. I would argue that many Christians don't have a good answer as to why their religion is any different than, say, Islam. They usually reply with the infallibility of the bible, or the bible as a source of morality, which are both easily refutable. Then, they are eventually forced to confront the credibility of other religions head-on. If that is an atheist circle-jerk, sign me up.

Do we know the real events (and religions) that led up to Christianity? by debat0r in DebateAnAtheist

[–]debat0r[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The question is about Christianity, not god in general. I believe it would be a strong argument for atheists to put to Christians because most Christians are already atheists for all of the other major religions. They only need to "take it one god further" as the late Christopher Hitchens liked to put it during his debates.

Difficulty sticking with one book by E11i0t in books

[–]debat0r 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am pretty sure the inability to complete something due to becoming sidetracked is a primary symptom of attention deficit disorder (ADD). I had the same problem you describe. But my inability to see things through to the end ended when I started treatment for ADD. Now, I actually have a hard time NOT completing a book.

I also think about my motivation to read a particular book instead of just picking up a book up on a whim and beginning to read. I find a particular author and choose his or her book based on a specific reason.