Quote:
Originally posted by Yorick:
quote:
Originally posted by Gammit:
You can't believe something by going "well, I have nothing to lose, so..."! That's just nuts. Secondly, your argument is reminiscent of Pascal's wager argument, in which he argued that it was a better "bet" to believe in God than to not... and that argument has been proven bunk many of times over, even by me.
Yorick, people cause war. (: Money doesn't (imagine thousands of quarters, all hurling insults at each other!). I understand the basic argument that "religion causes war," as many (some would argue most) skirmishes have been fought over religion. I believe that religion can cause both war and peace; it all depends on the person.
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Money being a motive for people.
Animals war over food, territory and mating rights.
It depends on the person but also depends on the religion. A religion of peace cannot cause war. It's like saying 'desires cause war' or "ideals cause war."
The content is vitally important.
Chrsit was quite clear when he told us to turn the other cheek and to love our enemies and those that persecute us. He also said our struggle is not physical, but spiritual. Paul speaks of the spiritual armour of God.
Fighting a physical war in the name of Jesus is thus a contradiction.[/QUOTE]As long as any animal (a human being one as well) has ANY motive, there will always be war. Religion can motivate war quite easily. And yes, a religion of peace can easily cause a war. If you claim Christianity to be a relgion of peace, I give you the crusades, and the inquisition. Granted, you could say that the people involved in these things were motivated to fight over other issues, but it's elementary that religion played a part (no matter how small, or for how few) in motivating the cause. Secondly, the mere existance of a peaceful religion can cause a war (by being attacked by somebody who covets what they have). Granted, if the first group is entirely peaceful, and will not defend, this is more of a slaughter than a war, but you get my point...
As for the teachings of Jesus, I know only of what I read and studied, and what I've read I understand to be full of holes. One day I'd like to learn the ancient languages of the time to read the earliest translation of his teachings as possible. Until then, I'm not too sure...
It may be a contradiction in prose and concept, but tell that to the crusaders, many of whom did just that. Action and concept are separated.