will we roast in hell?

[Heno]

its a question that I am sure so many people in the world who believe in religion ask themselves all the time. the issue must be that others would have them believe that if it keeps them part of the flock (nott meant to be only Christian analogies)

Or maybe a realist. IMO, all religion is not good. It creates oppression, self loathing, division, and gives excuse and justification for so many conflicts past and present. I do find it strange that in these modern times of mass communication and hopefully, enlightenment that religion continues to prosper and dominate so many peoples lives. -- although as Heno pointed out, so often not by their own choice.

Live life now, not for the "reward" afterwards.

i'm not sure all religion is not good. i'm not saying its true or based on fact. but personal religion is a freedom of choice and as long as the doctrine is not militantly enforced, as long as it is not part of an organised religion and does not disadvantage you for not being part of it even if your fundamental beliefs are similar then it should be acceptable.

Well, let's see what Mr Capaldi thinks... 

Back on track... the whole religion thing makes me edgy.  For the record, I DON'T hate anyone who has truly (and non-oppressive) religious beliefs... this ain't a great world to live in and if someone has some comfort from their beliefs, then good luck to 'em.  For example, my Mum isn't dealing well with the death of my Grandad, but every now and again she finds a 'sign' (which I won't go into, it's a bit personal) and if that makes her happy, then fine.

I just can't stand this BS that excuses some truly horrific behaviour that, quite frankly, belongs in the middle ages and if you disagree with it, those who believe in it throw in the 'racism' card.  It ain't racism.  It's about believing in humanity and treating others well.

i can go along with this. i can tolerate the existence of religion and i do understand and appreciate what people get from it. there have been so many wrongs done in the name of religion but also many many rights. i accept that western religions are bashed about simply as a distraction from the activities of devious corporate and government interests. hell, the whole middle east conflict is staged for these reasons. that said, who are we to call out anyone else's religion. after all, religion is usually based on someone's words, someone's beliefs, and if you feel you can align with that then you might as well. but ones it becomes militant then its wrong.

i'm an atheist and i think i am somewhat spiritual but that's a personal thing. i dislike organised atheism as much as anything

for the record i think agnostics should get off the fence 

[Master Ray]

Fine words, Heno... for the record, I was referring to the awful acts that I think we all know about and in the name (misguidedly) of what religion...

My opinion about 'going to hell...'?  If you have led a decent life, been good to your fellow people and, basically, been a good person, then it doesn't matter what religion you tied your flag to, if any.  You should take the upward staircase.  Enjoy, I'm told it's nice up there.

Anyone who says otherwise has an agenda that probably doesn't relate to anything decent in the human world.  So **** 'em.

IMO, anyway...

[Heno]

music can say so much more sometimes

nofx - i'm going to help for this one

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXnhhs6tIvg

[Shush]

While religion is not for me, I have always tried to respect the beliefs of others, whatever their religion may be. I am aware it does give people help and comfort in their lives. I can acknowledge that much good is done in the world in the name of religion, particularly charity work.

[DannySan]

While religion is not for me, I have always tried to respect the beliefs of others, whatever their religion may be. I am aware it does give people help and comfort in their lives. I can acknowledge that much good is done in the world in the name of religion, particularly charity work.

That pretty much sums up how I feel. I also agree with Master Ray that if you have led a fairly good life on balance and been nicer to people than not nice to them then I expect if there turns out to be a god he (or she) is not going to turn you away from the pearly gates just because you haven't followed some strict religious doctrine whilst you were alive.

[Heno]

there is no such thing as god


but if there was i would imagine she'd be pissed off with the way people have used her name to impose their beliefs on everyone


but that said, this is more abut the injustice and oppression thats is totally supported by those in power. religion is no different to money and poverty is no different to being oppressed without recourse to the people who judge you.

when these controls fade we will see the new rules being enforced. rules that have been quietly put in place over the last while to ensure that your movement, your interests, your conversations etc are all liable to be monitored and that you can be arrested and held on suspicion for as long at they like. that will be the new fear. not hell after life but actually hell on earth.

[Shush]

Personally I wish humankind had invented or discovered another way in which to come to terms with its own mortality. Not saying I have the alternative answer, but I wish there were one. In world history, its not that long ago we were burning "witches" in the name of god.  Religion today is used to oppress peoples, especially women in a way that does not sit well with me, and still used as justification for many conflicts.

As to the question , will we roast in hell? , no we will not, because it does not exist.  It was invented by people who wanted others to behave and act in their preferred way.

Again, must say, I do respect other peoples religious choices. I come from a staunch Catholic background, and know how important it can be to people.

[rick a.]

I'm glad we have the whole Hell thing settled. I was beginning to get scared by all this global warming talk going around!

As for religion, I find it fascinating to read about but sad in it's application. My reason for not believing is simple. If there was any kind of god out there, why would he/she make the world such a miserable place? Wars and disease seem to be out of control.  Surely that can't be the plan.

[Heno]

yeah, hell was never in the original line up. its use was to create huge fear in people from a very early age. it has worked. ireland, a very devout catholic country for a very long time, still suffers from the guilt associated with sinning in all parts of life even when things are not a sin against the church. its sad and the recent financial upheavals have only amplified this with people returning to god and also the god squad encouraging people to find solutions in their churches.

humans did find many ways to deal with mortality. they were just hijacked by those who nothing else to offer. life was based on functions that allows small settlements to thrive through an almost anarchic doctrine. inevitably there was surplus and whoever control this controlled everything. when things failed it had to be explained. enter the religious explanations: it failed because we have angered the god of the harvest. we must pay more tribute. and so religion took control as the success was associated with the same control.

heres a link to a bloke who reckons they have found life on mars and are afraid of the consequences. http://www.popsci.com/article/science/lawsuit-alleges-nasa-failing-investigate-alien-life?

i honestly hope that when we finally have proof that it does not show us as the most intelligent life form in the universe. that would be a sad day for everything

[Shush]

We seem to be "singing from the same hymn sheet"  on that one

When life on other planets is discovered, I am sure the Churches will rewrite the history of the Universe to include that in God great plan. Just as it did 500 years ago when it was proven the Earth revolves the Sun, and not tuther way round.

[Heno]

even then the greeks had proven it a long time previous and it was decided to suppress it. can't allow the rabble to think for themselves.

and yes, i think there a few of us on the same page on this subject.

now we need something with a little confrontation and conflict to get our creative juices flowing.

[Bunny]

Beleif in a God or Creator? Well something made us and put us here. Belief in a religion because another man says its the right one?? No not for me. A creator is too big a concept to even possibly understand, who or what it was and why people do very bad things if there is a God. And as for hell well I guess logically it was an early control mechanism, if you dont do what this book says you'll go to hell, although interestingly I recall Max Von Sydow in an interview saying in Scandinavia the devil was not looked on as an evil being, more a foolish one.

Personally I think when we die we create new life when whatever fluids are in us drain into the earth. Im not entirely convinced the spirit we talk about isnt just some brain function or chemical compound.
 But then we'll never know til it happens 

[rick a.]

Maybe the Hindu's got it right. Hundreds of Gods to worship. Maybe not.........

[Shush]

Make up your own God, its all good 

[Bunny]

Just be the best you can. I think that about sums it up for me. Im fascinated with how lots of Gods for different things became one depending on what culture. Trying to make sense of it all from our very beginnings!!