tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226103369043606765.post213850086008132344..comments2024-03-29T03:57:21.878-07:00Comments on Banned by HWA! News and Observations About Armstrongism and the Church of God Movement: Dennis on: "Oh Hives and Flocks" God's Church Part IINO2HWAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02018654662518613623noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226103369043606765.post-10860459676501145712012-12-03T12:34:02.720-08:002012-12-03T12:34:02.720-08:00I even learn a lot from TV. I think I'd alway...I even learn a lot from TV. I think I'd always want to keep a set around even if it were just to watch the science and history programs on PBS. NOVA is one of the best science series that I've ever seen. Science informs and improves belief in my book. It helps keep things real and contemporary.<br /><br />BBByker Bobhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15602697337552385535noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226103369043606765.post-16162809080019670712012-12-02T14:10:04.279-08:002012-12-02T14:10:04.279-08:00Thanks BB, I agree. I read a lot, got rid of TV ...Thanks BB, I agree. I read a lot, got rid of TV 12 years ago, love science, origins and theology. I dont trust anybody or much of anything presently. I know how deeply sincere I was going into WCG/AC and ministry. It is what I wanted to do. I'm a caretaker plain and simple. I dont start churches and when burned, move on evidently<br /><br />denAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226103369043606765.post-37694453588316189332012-12-02T12:56:12.639-08:002012-12-02T12:56:12.639-08:00Dennis,
I never thought of you as being flippant...Dennis, <br /><br />I never thought of you as being flippant, although other posters occasionally act in that role.<br /><br />From my perspective, you've just found a new set of books, adopted a new set of theories, and it seems to be working for you at the present time. I do get a really big sense of "been there, done that" from reading your posts, but far be it from me to attempt to spoil or co-opt someone else's journey. Extra time spent is never wasted so long as the destination is eventually reached.<br /><br />It may be interesting to compare notes perhaps ten years from now, assuming we're both still walking the planet. <br /><br />BBByker Bobhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15602697337552385535noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226103369043606765.post-33511411150894911522012-12-02T11:05:39.506-08:002012-12-02T11:05:39.506-08:00I think we would all like to find something to bel...I think we would all like to find something to believe in, or meaningful faith.....but it doesn't seem available.<br /> <br />If I look at those preaching such things they often appear not too smart and motivated by power and money or maybe just ego. <br />Then there are the emotional group, they feel love, they feel the power of god. I can feel that way too, but does it prove anything except that I am an emotional human being who seeks meaning and love.<br />Are we all waiting for the Saul on the road to Damascus experience? Even if I had that I might think it was an hallucination, or maybe I had gone insane. There are plenty of locked-up people who claim god told them to do things.<br /> <br />I guess one day if someone positions me in front of the lake of fire for not believing I might finally believe, but it might be for the best because I don't think I could spend eternity with those "believers" who don't seem too smart. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226103369043606765.post-44405225559888557892012-12-02T09:04:09.884-08:002012-12-02T09:04:09.884-08:00The Painful Truth has a videos posted that deals w...The Painful Truth has a videos posted that deals with the role of Christianity within American politics. "The Power of Nightmares" <br /><br />Whatever you might feel about religion, in this country it is a tool for politicians and for others that have a ax to grind with Islam. <br /><br />Nothing is as it seems. <br /><br />History of the past has also been manipulated. What Christianity's founders might have thought or said has been distorted no doubt. If not by them, then by those who follow.<br /><br />Herb did it, Gerald Flurry, Meredith, Pack and the rest of the wannabe apostles do it.<br /><br />Cable news or the info-commercials the cog's put on the idiot box all use language, and stories that tell their viewers who to fear, what to fear. They are selective with their facts and persuasive with their language. Sensationalizing the storyline they create in order to drive a religious or political agenda.<br /><br />In the end its all bullshit from people who want to use you as part of their agenda. Give them nothing.Jameshttp://the-painful-truth-group.orgnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226103369043606765.post-33530061019947783262012-12-02T08:25:58.677-08:002012-12-02T08:25:58.677-08:00Dennis said: ”Dont ask me to believe the unbelieva...Dennis said: ”Dont ask me to believe the unbelievable or to have faith in that which is suspect”<br /><br />My comment: <br />It would be futile to ask anyone to believe or have faith in anything. Belief and faith are not things that can be turned on and off. They are qualities that are not always associated with reason. Quite often they are associated with personal relationships and trust. You seem to believe your present beliefs about life are closer to reality than the beliefs others may hold.<br /><br />To me you come across as believing your understanding of what is really true is greater than these dumb ignorant people searching for truth and they need to quit following people who are not well informed and trust in their own research and intelligence like you have. <br /><br />You overlook the fact that people need contact with people that express faith, hope, and love more than the failings, flaws, and distortions in information defined as truth.<br />Of course this is just my personal opinion and I could be wrong.<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226103369043606765.post-80063343860444013022012-12-01T23:10:31.055-08:002012-12-01T23:10:31.055-08:00I just hope that Dennis realizes the terribleness ...I just hope that Dennis realizes the terribleness of destroying anyone's faith in Magic Underwear.<br /><br />The unfaithful cannot fathom just what kind of a profound personal relationship one can have, one-on-one, with their Magic Underwear.<br /><br />I'm hesitant to mention the blessings bestowed upon God's Chosen Wearers, because regular people and those in he mainstream press would even besmirch the awesome miracles that Magic Underwear has freely given, elastically.<br /><br />Magic Underwear. Destined to Reign (in your buttocks.)<br /><br />-Mitt Romney<br /><br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226103369043606765.post-35220540956028800332012-12-01T17:03:09.119-08:002012-12-01T17:03:09.119-08:00I am not being flippant or screwing around with re...I am not being flippant or screwing around with religion. My questions are honest and sincere. I know what questions to ask which is more than most seem to admit to or ask. Those who are the most sincere are the most put off by bullshit and apologetics. My questions are meant to be provocative and sincere to get those willing to look to think. There is so much information available that most don't wish to consider but it is there nonetheless. Dont ask me to believe the unbelievable or to have faith in that which is suspect. <br /><br />One can play all the games they wish to make the Bible true and authoritative but the facts will win out every time. <br /><br />BB, I appreciate your sincerity. You can adjust your perspectives as you wish. I simply cannot. DennisCDiehlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10417850852638492246noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226103369043606765.post-76131282552962757442012-12-01T16:04:14.368-08:002012-12-01T16:04:14.368-08:00Korah and his company were right. Moses had gone t...Korah and his company were right. Moses had gone too far and became an evil overlord. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226103369043606765.post-16831134758300534982012-12-01T12:02:35.639-08:002012-12-01T12:02:35.639-08:00Part II
Jesus' disciples had problems getting...Part II<br /><br />Jesus' disciples had problems getting along with one another, and differences of opinion, even while He was alive. Yet, somehow, their focus was on getting out the gospel, and as a group, their efforts contributed greatly to the genesis and spreading of Christianity. One can see how John would have questions about Peter. Who wouldn't have? John, after all, was the disciple present with the Galilean women who supported, loved, and never deserted Jesus, even through a horrifying crucifixion. I can't even fathom how one would watch such a thing myself, let alone being present in the supporting role as they were. Following Jesus' reinstatement of Peter, we find John and Peter together going out on one of the first missionary trips described in the early chapters of the book of Acts.<br /><br />The apostles struggled with their understanding as they observed the Holy Spirit working. In those ground breaking days of a totally new era, conversion of the gentiles was a huge issue for them. They had been schooled in the law of Moses, under which people who were uncircumcised, and who ate unclean meats, had to be shunned, lest one become unclean one's Jewish self! So, it was perfectly natural that the basic code of conduct for gentile Christians would need to be codified by the Jerusalem Council. Imagine! People who ate unclean meats were suddenly speaking in tongues, and being transformed in other ways as well, and this could not be denied. Therefore, james ultimately issed a statement abolishing circumcision amongst Gentile Chrisians, and his official statement indicates that they were to be held to less stringent cultural standards than those still observed by Jewish Christians. The things James proscribed were activities which gentiles had traditionally had severe problems with, such as rampant idolatry, and sexual promiscuity.<br /><br />I'd encourage anyone who is struggling with their faith to do their own due diligence, start from scratch, and take advantage of the opportunity to perform your own study without artificial restrictions or filters. There are just so many blessings for living the Christian life. It's not all about obeying an "apostle" and supporting him financially, in order to be counted worthy to make it to a place of safety when "the Germans come". It's a loving lifestyle, based on a personal relationship with God, directed towards fellow man, and family, be they believers, or non-believers. A little bit of God's kingdom here and now in our daily lives. You never know how precious that really is until you try to live several decades without it!<br /><br />BBByker Bobhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15602697337552385535noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226103369043606765.post-2944974947832999002012-12-01T11:43:45.587-08:002012-12-01T11:43:45.587-08:00Motives. Objectives. How, exactly, can those be as...Motives. Objectives. How, exactly, can those be ascertained without questions?<br /><br />If life's journey is instructive, there's no telling where Dennis's questions, or those of anyone else, may lead.<br /><br />Just because questions may make us uncomfortable doesn't mean they shouldn't be asked. Asking is simply verbalizing what already exists in the mind. The best way to arrive at answers is to do the asking.<br /><br />Like I said, ask away. Doesn't bother me in the least.Assistant Deaconnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226103369043606765.post-59945922852806237232012-12-01T11:38:27.039-08:002012-12-01T11:38:27.039-08:00Part I
Nobody's faith needs to be destroyed, ...Part I<br /><br />Nobody's faith needs to be destroyed, although what I've found, in certain cases, is that amongst the Armstrong churches, it is relatively easy for a person's faith to become destroyed. That is because the faith of most members is rooted in HWA, supposedly as the semi-deified "endtime Apostle", and therefore, in his pet theories. Destroy faith in him, or accomplish the same by proving his theories to be in error, and since in actual practice they consider Jesus to be secondary to HWA, all basis for Christianity is suddenly out the window. The good news is that conscious choice is involved in whether or not one's faith becomes reprioritized, modified, and corrected through God's guidance, or is allowed to die. That's what our minds are for.<br /><br />There is an abundant history from the early church era, written by some prolific and respected writers, known collectively as the Antenicene Fathers. Unfortunately, HWA, with his unprovable Simon Magus conspiracy theories, wrote them off as being Catholic (a pejorative as used in Armstrongism), and therefore somehow false, not credible, and to be ignored. However, in reality, they were a direct line of leaders and preservers of the faith, who were personally taught, first by the original apostles, and then by their direct successors. And, in fact, these devout men were the first ones to question the authenticity of many of these same books and epistles which were ultimately canonized into what we now have as the New Testament. It behooves each of us to perform a relatively easy study into this for ourselves, and the study will make it immediately apparent that some books and their authorship were under question from the first decades of Christianity. So, this is not new material by any means.<br /><br />The Antenicene Fathers lived out this issue in real time, were closer to the actual events, and had evidence available to them which we no longer have today. Admittedly, there are some events and concepts for which we, today, in our more educated state, have a better chance at arriving at truth, but this is not one of them. Matters where new understanding of ancient languages is involved, yes. Matters where more ancient manuscripts have materialized, yes. But, not this. It is so easy, and even considered "cool" to get into revisionist mode today, prompted by a new book by a contemporary writer, based on his own conjectures and theories. But, this is not new material. In a court of law, you'd have to classify this as "asked and answered" and by primary sources who were in fact present during the era in question. One must always be cautious when reinventing the wheel!<br /><br />BBByker Bobhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15602697337552385535noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226103369043606765.post-60046969014375350662012-12-01T11:16:38.156-08:002012-12-01T11:16:38.156-08:00A Dennis opinion
I believe we all know how terribl...A Dennis opinion<br />I believe we all know how terribly unrealistic this view of group think is. Christianity is nothing but splits, schisms, slivers, twigs and division. Churches, especially the COGs, tend to add to themselves by subtracting others from each others fellowship and multiply themselves by dividing others. Chloe in the text was a tattle perhaps for self gain and it obvious no one got along with anyone. What Paul seems to mean here, as do all COG ministers is that Paul would simply prefer you followed him and that the others would get their act together and recognize that he is the group think leader. <br /><br />My opinion <br />While this is true to some degree it does not and should not imply that Paul wanted them to follow him. The writer is focused on God and Jesus Christ not individuals. Whether this means the writers understanding of God and Jesus Christ must be considered. People who are drawn together should have a mutual understanding regarding God and Jesus Christ before expecting oneness in a community relationship. If a leader expects to have unity there must be an agreement on critical issues. Paul (or the writer) in the letter is addressing the issue of people following people rather than issues over the existence of God and Jesus Christ. <br /><br />One thing people today fail to recognize is the fact that all of the writing attributed to the apostles and Paul agree on the God they accept and that Jesus was the anticipated Messiah. It is a known fact that disagreements on many traditions and cultural applications existed and have continued down through the ages. Today those disagreements are being used to question the core issues of Christianity. If they can destroy the belief in the God and the Jesus Christ of the Judeo/Christian bible Christianity has been destroyed. <br /><br />It is quite evident this is the effort made by many in the world today. The USA is no longer a Christian nation under God (if it ever was) but a nation that wants to be a nation without gods or a nation that accepts all gods. Many believe that any god is a lot of baggage that keeps them from being free to taste and try things to determine what is right for them. The idea is to explore the universe to see what else exists. The problem is the human life is so short that very little of the universe can be accessed physically so the best we can do is get pictures of what are the shadows of reality. To me there a greater joy in trusting a God who has been instrumental in something that is greater than the human mind can imagine, while experiencing the reality of the little speck earth I can relate with. Of course this is just my opinion.<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226103369043606765.post-47147171941412138062012-12-01T09:17:14.372-08:002012-12-01T09:17:14.372-08:00The Torah is just as unreal and the product of Pr...The Torah is just as unreal and the product of Priests in captivity. Moses was just as mythicalAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226103369043606765.post-72487116901850457222012-12-01T08:45:58.010-08:002012-12-01T08:45:58.010-08:00The Graeco-Roman Catholic NT is a fraud.
You'...The Graeco-Roman Catholic NT is a fraud.<br /><br />You're discussing something that doesn't exist - its not real.<br /><br />The Torah of YAH is real, backed by history, archaeology, and writings.<br /><br />HalleluYAH!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226103369043606765.post-88318317429681242402012-12-01T03:43:44.345-08:002012-12-01T03:43:44.345-08:00"It is quite obvious that Dennis no longer ac..."It is quite obvious that Dennis no longer accepts the Bible as a source of information revealing an invisible God. His efforts are designed to support his beliefs by demeaning the source of the Christian faith."<br /><br />Revealing an invisible God? It would be so much easier and credible if God visibly revealed itself. Leaving the revealing of the invisible up to multiple writers with multiple agendas over multiple centuries is not all that revealing, or there would not be so much variety in Christianity.<br /><br />I have also lived long enough to see things of faith changed by the facts over time. Facts rarely revert back to faith.<br /><br />My motive is not to demean. It is to understand what really is or isn't. Billions of humans have this trait although I know many don't.DennisCDiehlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10417850852638492246noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226103369043606765.post-48787052709079855062012-11-30T22:11:44.969-08:002012-11-30T22:11:44.969-08:00Homo Erectus = gay seks amirite?
LOL. Some people...Homo Erectus = gay seks amirite?<br /><br />LOL. Some people!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226103369043606765.post-69709132153159423322012-11-30T17:49:52.871-08:002012-11-30T17:49:52.871-08:00Assistant Deacon said: “Asking questions and destr...Assistant Deacon said: “Asking questions and destroying are not synonymous.”<br /><br />It all depends on the motives and objectives. A person’s faith can be destroyed if the questions are designed to focus on negative details and not the whole picture. Any good attorney will always attempt to cast doubt with the use of questions. It is quite obvious that Dennis no longer accepts the Bible as a source of information revealing an invisible God. His efforts are designed to support his beliefs by demeaning the source of the Christian faith. Whether he is right of wrong is not the question. The motives are no different than those who use the bible to support their faith. The difference is that the Christian faith offers (or should offer) a way of life that has some value and a hope after death. As far as I can discern a strict evolutionary process stops at death no matter what kind of life a person has lived.<br />Of course I could be wrong.<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226103369043606765.post-63868259386659929592012-11-30T14:50:36.841-08:002012-11-30T14:50:36.841-08:00I teach Psychology at a local university. The tex...I teach Psychology at a local university. The textbook makes the point that those with a "meaningful religious faith" and those who are actively involved in church life have less illness and live longer. The reason is that they probably have better health habits plus they have social support. It is the social support that is key. But, you don't get this in a toxic church or cult nor do you benefit by being a "ticket puncher" one hour a week.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226103369043606765.post-12945553101614886962012-11-30T12:39:57.565-08:002012-11-30T12:39:57.565-08:00Ultimately I am not comforted by myths or fairy ta...Ultimately I am not comforted by myths or fairy tales. Not that they aren't comforting and I find most are content with that. It just doensn't work for me.<br /><br />I thought WCG was more true than my Presbyterian upbringing, which while comforting, was not all that encouraging to me. When WCG started to be dominated by drama and then implode, I allowed myself the freedom to follow up on my own studies that were way outside WCG comprehension.<br /><br />I realized Rod Meredith's , "Harmony of the Gospel" approach was terribly flawed and unresearched. He read to us as if he knew but I now know the man never read a book explaining the origins of the gospels in his life. They are not harmonious and weren't even written by the men whose names are affixed. Any real seminary would have pointed this out as well as many other truths about Bible origins. <br /><br />So the beat goes on...<br /><br />DennisCDiehlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10417850852638492246noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226103369043606765.post-37902773467117929412012-11-30T09:42:16.791-08:002012-11-30T09:42:16.791-08:00Dennis you give a long dissertation that appears t...<i>Dennis you give a long dissertation that appears to be basically designed to destroy what is historically defined as the holy bible of the Judeo/Christian religions.</i><br /><br />Hahaha. And: Oh, brother.<br /><br />Asking questions and destroying are not synonymous.<br /><br />Good questions, Dennis. Ask away.Assistant Deaconnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226103369043606765.post-66464483163175135792012-11-30T04:39:43.197-08:002012-11-30T04:39:43.197-08:00Thank you for taking the time to answer the questi...Thank you for taking the time to answer the questions and I have to say that I would answer them just about as you did.<br /><br />I believe as you that the devout of any religious persuasion probably do live a bit longer. There is comfort in magical beliefs and the belief or feeling that one is cared for by a higher power etc can be anxiety reducing. There is always a tendency to return to it in any form to reduce the fears that can surface in just living, growing older and dying. Not here, now here and no longer here is a catalyst for the reaching for religion we all do I believe.<br /><br />Being oblivious to reality, good science done well, true origins etc is not comforting to me in the long run. The picture in the article of "Dot Earth" speaks to me of being just a small part of a very large something. Centering the God of the Universe on the dot, much less a chosen country and a few mountains is simply insane and sprang from a time where humans knew next to nothing about anything.<br /><br />Anyway, good answer to good questionsDennisCDiehlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10417850852638492246noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226103369043606765.post-12803634303219763662012-11-29T22:57:08.998-08:002012-11-29T22:57:08.998-08:00Anon, there is way too much variation from person ...Anon, there is way too much variation from person to person, family to family, belief system to belief system, culture to culture, and so on, to make any prediction about how religious (or non-religious) people as a whole would relate to those who disagree with them. It is impossible to identify an intellectual framework that would satisfy everyone. All of us need some framework, and if the one we've got works--if it allows us to act with reasonable confidence we are doing the right things in the right way--we should not have a different one imposed on us. <br /><br />So I would never insist that my friends and relatives, much less "all those who embrace Christianity," adopt my world-view. With a few of them I enjoy the kind of arguments we have on this site, but many would be offended by a frank discussion, so I mostly smile and nod. <br /><br />At the same time, a lot of people are not really comfortable with the world-view they have. They may feel it is an ill-fitting mish-mash of constraints imposed by their elders and peers. Many are looking for one that fits them better. <br /><br />I know a Baptist who is a missionary in a Catholic country. At first I scorned his choice of career. Why try to convert people who already believe? Then it dawned on me that some Catholics would be happier as Baptists. If the guy reaches them and they end up better satisfied with their new lives, who am I to pooh-pooh their conversions? <br /><br />I keep this realization in mind when I write in a forum such as this about my lack of belief. Certainly the world is full of people comfortable in their faith. Let them keep it. But perhaps others out there would be happier acknowledging their doubts and remodeling their intellectual framework--people like I was as a freshman at Ambassador, unable to work up any faith no matter how hard I strained that anybody was there to listen when I prayed, unable to believe that the fantastic stories in the Bible are literally true. If such people fear they will sink into debauchery and despair unless they keep up the pretense expected of them, maybe I can quell their dread.<br /><br />Nothing I can do will prevent "relational destruction due to corruption and abuse" in general. The best I can do is try my best not to destroy relationships by committing corruption and abuse myself. That, and try to assuage where possible the pain of those who have been victimized, although to be honest, I'm not very good at that part. <br /><br /><br /> Retired Profnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226103369043606765.post-26371656810777355982012-11-29T19:37:59.163-08:002012-11-29T19:37:59.163-08:00A response to Retired Prof
I appreciate your respo...A response to Retired Prof<br />I appreciate your response to my questions to Dennis and recognize the sincerity you seem to project. I am certain people can make that adjustment as many have. My question for you is do you think that all religious people would be able to make such an adjustment with the same results and would your family be as accepting if you appeared to aggressively criticized them for not accepting the information you use to form your beliefs?<br /><br />Another question involves transforming all those who embrace Christianity. Do you think the information that is the basis for your beliefs is strong enough to convince the majority of those embracing Christianity to abandon their faith? If so do you think they would have the same positive results you believe you have experienced?<br /> <br />I personally doubt that such a transition would be possible for most and try to focus on using the bible as a tool for producing positive results in our human experience rather than destroying its credibility. I have already seen too much relational destruction due to corruption and abuse in the use of scripture on both sides of the subject. <br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226103369043606765.post-79972529707797449072012-11-29T18:11:09.016-08:002012-11-29T18:11:09.016-08:00Anon 4:38, I am not Dennis, and I have not studied...Anon 4:38, I am not Dennis, and I have not studied the history of biblical authorship or early Christian rivalries, but I would like to answer your questions from the viewpoint of one who, more broadly, has studied human culture and admired the achievements of human scientists. One name for my kind of person is "secular humanist."<br /><br /><br />1. Does the information you have gleaned from all these other sources give you a better picture of what life really is?<br /><br />Yes. I used to define "myth" for my students as an overarching story that explained a tribe's or nation's or transnational culture's origins and defined the terms of its existence. Our current transnational myth begins with the Big Bang and continues through the coalescence of stars in our galaxy, including our solar system, right up through the origin and development of life on our planet and its evolution to the forms we see today. It may not all be true, but it's the best damn creation myth our species has come up with yet. It explains things far more thoroughly than the Middle Eastern creation myths written down in Genesis.<br /><br />2. Does it add to the joy of the life you experience?<br /><br />Yes. I can trace the atoms that constitute me in a genealogy that stretches as far back as we can see and interpolate. By this sign I know I belong here as an integral part of the universe. I coalesced from it and will dissipate into it again when I die.<br /><br />3. Does it make you a better person morally? <br /><br />No. My morality has not improved since I stopped believing in the Judeo-Christian god. On the other hand, it has not gotten worse. I still try to treat others the way I want them to treat me. I regret that my success is still imperfect.<br /><br />4. Does it contribute to a better relationship with your families?<br /><br />It hasn't damaged my relationship with my relatives who still believe. They are very kind, tolerant people. Some regulars on this site my find it hard to believe, but even the ones in the Churches of God act like true Christians. I have no before-and-after comparison for relationships with my wife and children. If it counts for anything, we all love each other and enjoy each other's company.<br /><br />5. Does it contribute to a greater longevity of life?<br /><br />I haven't seen the actuarial studies of CoG members versus "gentiles." As for church-goers in general, yes. There is some evidence that people who regularly attend church do live longer on average than the rest of us.<br /><br />6. Does it bring people together in developing better communities? <br /><br />Not much evidence either way. It's worth noting that the highest incidence of divorce, teenage pregnancy, and violent crime mostly occur in parts of the country with the highest professed belief in god and church membership. That's not enough to say that religion makes society go worse or that unbelief makes society go better. Too many other variables. <br /><br />7. What hope does it offer after this life ends?<br /><br />It lets me believe that I will not be troubled any more by my non-existence after death than I was by my non-existence before birth.<br />Retired Profnoreply@blogger.com