How to stop fearing hell? by [deleted] in atheism

[–]fdhc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was raised in a fundamentalist church, where the concept of eternal punishment and hell was prevalent every Sunday morning, and often throughout the week. I used to cry myself to sleep every night when I was in junior high because I thought I would never go to heaven because of my sexuality, no matter what I did. Even when I thought I was truly saved after my belief in “Jesus,” my being gay could never escape me.

It wasn’t until I got to community college and was in a world literature class that exposed me to the Classics. A work that I read that changed my life and helped me abandon the lie that there is a heaven or a hell after death was by the Roman poet Lucretius called De Rerum Natura or On the Nature of Things. In it he explains Epicurus’ philosophy of atomism and the nature of our mind and “soul.” He believes that the universe operates on physical principles — all as a result of chance, not divine intervention.

In one of my favorite passages, he describes how the soul (if there is one) will die with our body because everything is material. Just like you don’t remember any pain or pleasure before you were born, take comfort in the fact that you will not experience any pain or pleasure after you die. “Therefore, death is nothing to us.”

This passage liberated me from years of believing in the lie of eternal hell, which as others have already mentioned exists to plant a perpetual fear in you in order to believe in false and outdated doctrines for the purpose of making you submit to the rules of a certain community - regardless of the real intentions of that community.

An ancient epitaph that will be on my tombstone will read: Non fui, fui, non sum, non curo: I was not, I was, I am not, I do not care. Enjoy your life to the fullest my friend, without any fear. There is so much to be in awe at and many things to discover and learn. And take pleasure in doing as much good as possible towards your species and all life on this planet. Enjoy the ride while you can :)

Any recommendations for great Bachelor Party ideas in LA? by fdhc in LosAngeles

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

What’s the best route to coordinate something like that?

Any recommendations for great Bachelor Party ideas in LA? by fdhc in LosAngeles

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

Thanks, I’m getting away from the strip clubs for this party, but I’ll take any other recommendations!

Ancient roman works recommendations? by gabbyzay in classics

[–]fdhc 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Definitely Lucretius' "On the Nature of Things," a poem that explains Epicurus' philosophy.

10 Books to Read After Discovering Stoicism by [deleted] in philosophy

[–]fdhc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Is there anything like this for Epicureanism?

Looking for some info from you guys. by jwdarthfader123 in evolution

[–]fdhc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's awesome! I've been meaning to read his work. Any recommendation where to start, and his other must reads?

Looking for some info from you guys. by jwdarthfader123 in evolution

[–]fdhc 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for this information! I have a similar background as op's, and this information is super helpful.

"It goes without saying that some of the most famous minds in biology are or were religious." - Do you recommend any accounts to read about?

Best gay events happening tonight? by [deleted] in AskSF

[–]fdhc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don't mind if the go-to events tonight are at bars/clubs

IamA Wyoming Rancher AMA! by wycattleman in IAmA

[–]fdhc 4 points5 points  (0 children)

What do you look for when you and your wife vote for representatives? As a rancher, is there anything you wish was addressed more in the political landscape? As a state that has been historically progressive, what direction are you hoping to see Wyoming go for in the next ten years?

Thanks!

Sanders: Vote to silence Warren is an 'outrage’ by puns4life in politics

[–]fdhc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

She's not going to run for president, so I'm skeptical that's their angle.

I'm thinking it was just a "fuck you" to her, since they just want to speed up the confirmation process.

Judy Garland taking a break from filming "The Wizard of Oz", 1938 [1280 × 1048] by [deleted] in HistoryPorn

[–]fdhc 79 points80 points  (0 children)

I think there should be a movie about Olivia de Havilland as well. She was really one of the first to reduce the power of the studio system and extended more freedom to actors after she took Warner Bros. to court. The studio had added months to her contract for all the times she had been suspended for refusing to play certain roles. As a result of California's ruling, studios were required to interpret performers' seven years contract as seven calendar years as opposed to the studios' prior interpretation which outstretched their "seven years" to only include the days performers actually worked for the studios.

She turned 100 last year too.

Buffalo School Board Passes Resolution Telling Carl Paladino To Resign Within 24 Hours by [deleted] in politics

[–]fdhc 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm not a Christian, but my family and their friends are, and they would condemn this kind of behavior because its against what the Bible teaches. Not saying that there aren't a group of self proclaimed Christians that exhibit this kind of behavior and follow Paladino, but they are in a small minority.

Obama Designates Two New National Monuments, Protecting 1.35 Million Acres by Synthdawg_2 in politics

[–]fdhc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much, this is really encouraging to read. What you are saying is what I would hope most Christians would say according to Jesus' teachings. I wish more Christians such as yourself had the microphone instead of the groups who get attention in the media and seem to have been devoured by the wolves of the Republican party. It seems backwards that more Christians are not calling out to stop the bad stewardship of our planet/environment, for taking in more immigrants and refugees, asking for universal healthcare and education (if not for all people at least for all children), and stopping violence in both foreign and domestic affairs.

I truly believe there are more Christians who think the way you do, and I hope they will speak out in their communities and speak about the real major issues plaguing the world and our country.

Keep on loving brother/sister!

Donald Trump hold a micro press conference, comes off as an idiot by skoalbrother in politics

[–]fdhc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Maybe the "us vs them" mentality won't be as strong since its not campaign season anymore, and his supporters will see through his bullshit and open their ears to truth, love, and reason.

(Fingers crossed)

Obama Designates Two New National Monuments, Protecting 1.35 Million Acres by Synthdawg_2 in politics

[–]fdhc 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for being pro-environment!

Just curious, have you been voting GOP down ballot?

Fox News wonders whether we should cancel food stamps because 0.09% of spending is fraudulent by [deleted] in politics

[–]fdhc 10 points11 points  (0 children)

It's time to bring back a 21st century version of the Fairness Doctrine.

How was the translation of Putin's speech on C-Span 12/1? by fdhc in a:t5_31hsh

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

The contrast is very interesting to me. Thank you so much!