‘A’ Week 2012 Is Coming Up

That banner almost makes me want to switch over to timeline.

Almost.

 I’m sure I’ll like it once I get used to it. However, I fear change and I’m putting it off as long as possible. 😉

I miss the black background with the red A.  I know “they” said they wanted to change it from that because it seems more intimidating, but the original choice had such a nicely appropriate Hester Prynne feel

I was really hoping to build up the courage to take part this next time.  I’m not sure I’m there yet, though. *sigh*

Thanks Kevin.

“This isn’t about insulting or criticizing faith. It’s not about mocking religious friends.” “…its a chance to express…that…you’re  a good person…”

So it’s okay for you good, morally people to criticize faith and religion the other 51 weeks a year? How many times have I been cussed at on this board? At least a dozen if not more. My parents (and a large amount of society) see cussing as being quite immoral. So why do I hear so many atheists tell me about how good they are and then cuss me out because of my beliefs in the next sentence? How moral is that?

Does this mean that this board will finally be all pro-atheist instead of anti-Christian? 

A wonderful author once wrote “Men and women, conscious of their tremendous scientific achievement in recent years, naturally incline to a high opinion of themselves. They view material wealth as very important. Concerning morals, they are resolutely kind to themselves, treating small virtues as compensating for great vices and refuse that there is anything wrong with them morally. A bad conscience is seen as an unhealthy psychological freak rather than an index of morality. “That seems to be dead on where I’m sitting. I’m not saying that I or any Christian has better morals. That’s not what I’m saying at all. I also don’t claim to be “good” either. That’s regardless of being with or without God. I’m not good at all. I’m selfish. There’s times when my spouse asks me for a favor and because I’m tired I work my way out of it. I’ve lied before too. My ambitions are sometimes selfish as well. I’m selfish and I’m a liar. It’s okay, I know you are too. The difference is that I see it and you don’t. Please, someone tell me you’ve never lied (even when you were 3) and never have a moment when you do something for yourself. How many of you have a nice, flat screen t.v. while other people are starving? What’s “good” about that situation? If you’re so “good” then tell me of how you have denied yourselves every day all for the betterment of someone else. My point, bottom line: You’re not good. I’m not good. “WE” are not good. But then again, I don’t claim to be. 

I totally agree with your definitions that you used of immoral and of good. The problem is that these are extremes. I do not think atheists are monsters.( my parents would disagree). And I think that atheists are totally capable of charitable acts. I know this is true from experience. 

I think perhaps some Christians (myself, included) use a different definition of immoral and good than what you are suggesting. Or maybe I’m alone in this. Maybe they are thinking of extremes and I’m not. 

I’m thinking New Testament, Jesus definitions though. He was teaching that what goes inside is what counts, not just the outward acts. So no, while I have never murdered anyone, I sure have held spite, bitterness and contempt for someone. These things are labeled as sins. 

Everyone is guilty that I have ever met of these things. (Don’t let anyone, especially Christians, tell you differently). It’s because of this, and the coming judgment of these things is what drives the beginning chapters of the Christian message. 

Islam would say that there is a cosmic scale somewhere that God controls and that our bad deeds are weighed against our good deeds and whichever one is the greatest determines one’s eternal future. 

Christianity says that the punishment, for even the smallest mishap or moment of selfishness, since the sin is ultimately against the creator of the universe, is in fact rebellion against Him and punishment must be dealt out accordingly. 

Sorry for the long response. This is just to help define terms where I’m coming from. 

I guess my biggest question is  this: From the banner, what is meant by the term “good”? It makes for a nice advertisement, but what does it mean? 

My personal banner would say: “I’m selfish and often rebel against God and His standards that He has set forth. I needed a rescuer to come and save me from the insuing punishment that I deserve, and have found Him. His name is Jesus.”