[Jimbee (OP)]

I hope this is the right section of the boards for this.

Not that I really care either, but you know Christians going to lose all their support just over gays. They think homosexuality if a choice, it isn't. Rev. Fred Phelps (1929-2014) thought God hates f-gs, if he exists, he probably doesn't. Actually, the concept of homosexuality didn't even exist in ancient times.

If Christians accept gays and gay marriage, they may still be around in a couple hundred years. I agree with you, religion is probably nonsense. But you know you, it does give some people meaning in their life. It makes them moral, which isn't bad. And it gives them a firm moral compass, which I've always admired. And I have to tell you, some Christians I've noticed, do seem to be genuinely happy. Anyways, what people choose to believe personally is really up to them. So in that way, it's not anymore or less valid than atheism.

And if a Christian wants to argue for what I'm saying. The Sermon on the Mount says we should love even our enemies and even those who do evil. And you know, Jesus never really said anything about homosexuality. Of course the Biblical Jesus is probably much different than who the real Jesus was.

And there were a thousand Messiahs crucified a year in Palestine by the Romans (which is frightening, because there are 365 days in the year). Jesus just had a good press agent, Paul. Also, you realize, Messiah ("anointed one") referred to a Jew who would free the Jews from bondage.

Anyways, I don't know if religion will even be necessary in a couple hundred years. But who knows what the future holds. And plus you know, religion does fill such an important psychological need. And how could that be bad?

[Bored chemist]

Actually, the concept of homosexuality didn't even exist in ancient times.

I'm pretty sure it did.
How do you define "ancient".
It was well enough known for Leviticus to condemn it.

religion is probably nonsense. But you know you, it does give some people meaning in their life. It makes them moral, which isn't bad. And it gives them a firm moral compass,

Yes; it tells them that the moral thing to do is stone gay men to death.
It tells you that it's acceptable to give your daughter to the rapists to save yourself.


The daughters of the biblical patriarch Lot appear in chapter 19 of the Book of Genesis, in two connected stories. In the first, Lot offers his daughters to a Sodomite mob; in the second, his daughters have sex with Lot without his knowledge to bear him children.

Religion is the antithesis of morality.
It tells you to do what you are told, on pain of eternal damnation, rather than doing what is right.

[alancalverd]

Actually, the concept of homosexuality didn't even exist in ancient times.

Really? The Greeks were all in favor of it.

If Christians accept gays and gay marriage, they may still be around in a couple hundred years.

Really? Homosexual reproduction? 

And you know, Jesus never really said anything about homosexuality.

He didn't need to. As a practicing Jew he (and all his friends) would have been familiar with Leviticus 20:13, which among other things set the Jews apart from their Roman rulers.

I don't know if religion will even be necessary in a couple hundred years.

It never was. But human parasites will always be among us, and religion is one of their more pernicious inventions.

[Origin]

Actually, the concept of homosexuality didn't even exist in ancient times

Don't be silly.

If Christians accept gays and gay marriage, they may still be around in a couple hundred years. I agree with you, religion is probably nonsense.

Religions always evolve to remain relevant.  The Christianity of today is way different than it was in the past. 

[alancalverd]

Religions always evolve to remain relevant. 

as do all parasites.

[Zer0]

It Survived geocentric to heliocentric.
It will Survive opposite-sex to same-sex.
It's Necessary until All of Us learn to manage things, 0n 0ur 0wn.
(Roi Fainéant)

[alancalverd]

I think not. The religion said geocentric, but the disgusting company that purveys it decided to change the product when the customers realised it was flawed. Careers and profits matter, the product doesn't. If the old religion isn't selling, invent a new one.

[Zer0]

Geocentrism was an Observable Fact, later proven to be Incorrect.
(Anytime better than Deluding folks into Believing the Planet rests upon the backs of four Elephants who stand upon a Giant Turtle!)

Changes are a common between the drug, the peddler & the addict...the Constant is Pleasure.

[alancalverd]

Pleasure? Religion causes wars, poverty, anxiety (it's based on anxiety), overpopulation, starvation, repression of women, and pretty much every evil that stems from insisting that superstition trumps observation.   

[Bored chemist]

One common factor between drug abuse and religion is a failure of critical thinking.
Why worship the one who put the serpent in the garden?

[hamdani yusuf]

But you know you, it does give some people meaning in their life. It makes them moral, which isn't bad. And it gives them a firm moral compass, which I've always admired.

Santa Claus story can make kids behave morally. But it's not wise to prevent them from mentally growing up to be adults.

[alancalverd]

There is no meaning in life. There is purpose in what we do, but no ultimate reason for our existence. So what?

As for religion fulfilling a psychological need, so does heroin. But you don't have the need until you have been exposed to it.

[Petrochemicals]

Christianity - Everything's a sin and all sins forgiven.

[alancalverd]

....for a price, of course.

There are subtle variations in the Abrahamic faiths. Catholics have to be taught that they are guilty, Muslims are taught that  everyone else is guilty, and since everyone else believes Jews are guilty we don't waste time inventing collective guilt.

[Petrochemicals]

You will never get a bacon sandwich with that attitude Alan, or God fobid, the full English.

[Zer0]

Pleasure? Religion causes wars, poverty, anxiety (it's based on anxiety), overpopulation, starvation, repression of women, and pretty much every evil that stems from insisting that superstition trumps observation.

We aren't in Medieval Ages...

Wars nowadays are mostly Capitalism vs Communism.
Doesn't Religion preach Sharing?
(natural resources)

Poverty is an Economic Problem.
Ain't Religion against Greed?

Anxiety is Self Inflicted or due to Internal/External Causes.
Does Religion not provide Inner Peace?

Overpopulation is a Sociopolitical Issue.
Religion provides the Choice of Celibacy, unhelpful?

Starvation is a Logistical Distribution Failure.
Religion advocates providing Alms, bad thing?

Repression of Women is a Patriarchal Society drawback.
Religion includes Prayers offered to both, the Masculine as well as the Feminine.
Biased?

Helping to Stem the Tide of Ignorance is a Very Noble Deed.
As Ignorance seems to be the Root cause of all Evil indeed.

[Zer0]

One common factor between drug abuse and religion is a failure of critical thinking.
Why worship the one who put the serpent in the garden?

Critical Thinking isn't the Only way towards The Pursuit of Happyness or Pleasure.

Perhaps the One is Worthy of Praise to atleast have Created the Garden.
& should be Blamed for providing FreeWill!

[Zer0]

But you know you, it does give some people meaning in their life. It makes them moral, which isn't bad. And it gives them a firm moral compass, which I've always admired.

Santa Claus story can make kids behave morally. But it's not wise to prevent them from mentally growing up to be adults.

Santa does Not control Maturity.
Most kids grow up, a few Don't.
Santa provides Sweet Dreams & fond memories...Not Nightmares!

In Life...Growing Old is a Compulsion, while Growing Up is mostly Optional.

[Zer0]

Christianity - Everything's a sin and all sins forgiven.

Not Everything's a Sin.
Factually Inaccurate.
&
Not All Sins are Forgiven.
Perdition...Holy Ghost...Ring a Bell?

[hamdani yusuf]

Poverty is an Economic Problem.
Ain't Religion against Greed?

Some religious leaders are known to show greed and lavish lifestyle, but they somehow can convince their followers that it's justified by their religion.