Neither am I. I'm not quite sure where you got the impression that I was, or that I might take offense. I'm much more "carrot" than "stick", if that makes sense.
never got that impression from you at all, was speaking more to the OP the no offense was directed at your impugning comment, not my intention
The fire and brimstone is a silly way to get you to love God. Even if it could have a certain level of truth to it. I tend to be more "proactive" then "reactive".
Any time you are completely obsessed with something, it is most likely an unhealthy obsession. I don't care if it's religion, sports, drugs or atheism. People who make their faith (or lack thereof) their entire life are neglecting other parts of their well being. I find that strange and unhealthy. Similarly, I find it unhealthy for people to fixate on atheism. You can choose to believe or not believe, but why do you have to prove to others that you're right? I can't stand atheists who demean and talk down to Christians. It's one thing if they're engaging you in discussion, but it's another thing entirely if they're minding their own business. It will never happen, but I really wish people would just keep their opinions on religion to themselves.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/08/11/ebola-curse-god-africa_n_5669366.html?utm_hp_ref=religion You just knew this was coming.
http://www.rightwingwatch.org/conte...e-americas-problems-atheism-and-homosexuality Lord protect me from your followers!
What I don't understand is how everyone seems to twist the proverbs around, or the verses around from pretty much plain English to something entirely different just to suite the needs of the reader, audience, or disbeliever. Not just in the forums here with the recent discussions, but almost everywhere when people talk about the Bible, the actual words/meaning/understanding just get morphed. Sure most people start out by saying "in my opinion the verse meant X" etc, etc, but then at that point, are you following the Bible, or your own opinion of what it should be based on your morals and outlook on the religion?
As I said before, I am not a religious person. I do try to give the gift of faith to my child, however. As for me, I tend not to read scriptures like legal texts, adhering to the letter. Rather I focus on the spirit, and try to live what I believe to be a decent life. The Golden Rule seems to always be a good reference guide.
I think I'd just avoid the person, frankly. They aren't amenable to reason, and rarely will they just "agree to disagree" and be friends based on your common interests.
I'm just now trying to sort this stuff out with my wife as we are expecting shortly, and she believes in a spiritual christian god, but I do not. The golden rule, and helping others seems like the best place to start for common beliefs about love and compassion.
