Actually in the bible it says "Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him," *cough, cough* Ahem!
No, I was expecting the community to give encouragement to members of the community who have made a change in their life.
That image commonly used for Jesus isn't actually Jesus, if I'm correct. If I'm not mistaken, it's the image of a Tuscan noble from the early Renaissance that was used by a painter or something. ...On the internet. Although I think Reddit gives out plenty of free hugs and pats on the back to just about anyone.
If this is what you truly want, then by all means make the change. I would ask, though, that before you convert you do an introspection of yourself, and attempt to understand not why there are flaws in the Christian beliefs, but why you have a problem with them. It may help you with your decision.
Actually Christians probably have answered all your questions, all the different splinter groups have just done it differently. Ever since those Protestants went and had their little "revolution" they've got no fucking idea what the fuck they're doing and disagree on every minor issue they can find. So just go Catholic, conform to the Church's theological view, and call it a day.
@D3VIL Now that I have a keyboard, I'll elaborate a bit. I am a theist. And if you want to get into a bit more, I'm a deist. Most (all) organized religions are just plainly wrong about many things, even if they have good theology. I recognize, too, that theism is irrational according to the status quo logical paradigm of positivism. I don't claim to be rational according to that doctrine, which means that I don't claim to be prima facie rational. Frankly though, I don't think being rational under the status quo paradigm means a whole hell of a lot. Positivism has been getting kicked in the mouth for the better part of a century now, and I don't think many people who are actually educated on the subject take it seriously. Unfortunately, it remains as the go-to instrument for investigation into the natural world (largely due to the state of academia), and certain individuals have seen to it that the philosophy of science is almost inseparable from the doctrine of logical positivism. What that means is that we're unlikely to undergo a paradigm shift away from positivism within my lifetime. So, yeah, I'm okay with being labeled irrational. At the same time, I don't have a particularly strong conviction in the existence of a deity. I think it's definitely possible, and I operate under the assumption that one does exist, but I also recognize the futility of that belief. In large part, my theology is a crutch that enables me to understand society and interact with people in a way that would be impossible as an atheist. I've contemplated 'becoming' (identifying myself as) an atheist many times, and honestly, the single biggest factor that makes me dread that idea is the people who associate with it. Basically, I don't want to be you. I don't want to be the next LampRevolt, greatmustachio, or Ler. I look at what you people say about religion, and even when I think you're right or agree with you, I can't help but think "Man, that guy is a giant asshole and I hate everything he stands for". Now, don't get me wrong, I think you're actually a pretty cool guy. Same with LampRevolt. However, rational or not, I absolutely despise your attitude and worldview. So, in order to keep myself from hating myself and everything I stand for, I'll play the Devil's Advocate, and I'll defend blatantly incorrect, patently ridiculous beliefs. Not because I think they're right, not because I like them, and not even because I don't like you, but primarily because I don't want to be the kind of guy who will assert otherwise. Well, that, and I've got a reputation to uphold. I can tell you really put a lot of thought into this.
This sounds very much like a particular member on this particular forum that I happen to be quoting. Anyway, belief is something you have from within. You shouldn't need support of approval from anyone but yourself. If this is what you want, then this is what you want. Disregard our opinions and the opinions of anyone else, whether they're positive or negative toward you.
God is beyond Religion, anyway you sure your up to this....... religion is not a candy that be reused
Actually, I remember a case where a Sikh boy was allowed to keep his dagger with him in his school, provided that he wouldn't be able to unsheathe it. So, if a Sikh man had sowed his dagger around the sheathe so that it would not be possible to take it out, it would be allowed to pass through security. Not too sure, though, but that's just a maybe.
So if you keep yourself to a basic moral, you're an atheist? In that case, I don't know many theists.
So I asked my land lord about Sikhism and what it takes to be a Sikh. He's been Sikh since the day he was born and this is what he said, at the very minimum, what you have to do in order to call yourself Sikh. Wear the turban. Don't cut your hair "Keep your beard" is the way he put it. Don't eat meat Don't drink or smoke Go to temple at least once a week, but you should do it every day. Any less than this and you shouldn't even bother he told me.
This is one of the weirdest transitions I have heard, who would want to be Sikh (except born Sikhs) it is one of the strictest religions there is. You need to wear a turban all the time or you can't consider yourself Sikh the slightest.
I'm an asshole, because of the truth. That's awkward. Reality is harsh place but most children realize that it is inescapable. Supporting irrational claims that effect millions of lives is not respectable, and never will be.
That's not it at all. You're an asshole because you claim to be superior to religious people and refer to them as savages and cavemen. You're an asshole because you vocalize your beliefs in a way specifically designed to belittle, degrade, and insult.
Wow, I remember that one thread in the philosophy section by the great mustachio, and Koreanpoet was all like ya, im for Jesus and all that jazz, but now he is going to be a Sihk.. I don't know what to do with this..
You're an asshole because you're an asshole. If you were a theist, you'ed be a theistic asshole. Just imagine that for a second, imagine an alternate universe where you believe in God. Know what you're doing right now? Standing on the side of a freeway holding a "God hates fags." sign with the rest of the crazies.
