Originally posted by Alaskan Man
“Question with boldness even the existence of God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason than that of
blindfolded fear.”
Thomas Jefferson
Jefferson wasn't atheist. He was a big fan of Jesus and wrote his own bible with just the teachings of Jesus. He was a deist and believed in a
higher power, just didn't believe in the church. I don't either.
Jefferson Bible
Thomas Jefferson believed that the ethical system of Jesus was the finest the world has ever seen. In compiling what has come to be called "The
Jefferson Bible," he sought to separate those ethical teachings from the religious dogma and other supernatural elements that are intermixed in the
account provided by the four Gospels. He presented these teachings, along with the essential events of the life of Jesus, in one continuous
narrative.
This means that Jefferson believed for the very works sake(John 14).
“I contend that we are both atheists. I just believe in one fewer god than you do. When you understand why you dismiss all the other possible
gods, you will understand why I dismiss yours.”
Stephen Roberts
In the end, it is only logical that there is only one true god/father of all things. This is quote is a
logical fallacy.
“I am against religion because it teaches us to be satisfied with not understanding the world.”
Richard Dawkins
This guy doesn't have a clue at all. I see him mentioned alot, and he only attacks what the church does and preaches. If he had actually read the
bible rather than pointing out the flaws in others as his "proof", he would know that the statement is 100% false. The bible constantly talks
about the importance of understanding over the acceptance of what men say(church).
"Fear" in the following passages doesn't mean fear in the way we think of it. It means respect, to be in awe of etc.
Proverbs 8
10Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.
11For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.
Proverbs 9
9Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.
10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
Psalm 111
10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.
So that guy doesn't have the first clue. It is all about understanding things. Does the church reflect that? Not usually. But that he would
use the church as an example, only goes to show that he is allowing the church to define the topic for him. Rather than thinking logically, he is
accepting they are a representation of god. Clearly they aren't. God doesn't need a religion.
When Jesus is asked why he speaks in parables, his response is basically - to give understanding.
“An atheist is a man who has no invisible means of support.”
John Buchan
An atheist is a man who has yet to realize that god is within and that the things the claim to "go by" so much, such as understanding, knowledge and
logic is only possible because the father is within him. An atheist doesn't just deny god, they deny themselves.
Maybe someday they will come to understand the father and son relationship, and maybe someday religions will too. Both are the same to me, they only
accept and go off what people say, and do not understand for themselves.
[edit on 7/12/2009 by badmedia]
