Christian questions

The Dark · Post by **The Dark** » 2002-12-09 12:58pm

Durandal wrote:The Catholic belief is that when you die, your soul goes to either Heaven or Hell. On Judgment Day, the souls in Heaven will gain physical form, and gain physical pleasure in their bliss. Consequently, the souls in Hell will gain physical form and take on a physical element to their suffering, since God is so loving and merciful.

True. That's why I'm glad I'm not Catholic. Between Tertullian's concept of original sin, the physical transubstantion proposed by Radbertus, and the growth of the Cult of Mary during the Middle Ages, it's definitely taken a turn away from proper theology. Not quite as bad as the fundamentalists (at least the Pope has admitted the Bible is symbolic), but still not proper theology.

Darth Servo · Post by **Darth Servo** » 2002-12-09 01:24pm

The Dark wrote:True. That's why I'm glad I'm not Catholic. Between Tertullian's concept of original sin, the physical transubstantion proposed by Radbertus, and the growth of the Cult of Mary during the Middle Ages, it's definitely taken a turn away from proper theology. Not quite as bad as the fundamentalists (at least the Pope has admitted the Bible is symbolic), but still not proper theology.

And just what is proper theology? Since any theology is irrational by nature, who is to decide what is or is not 'proper' aside from moral issues (which don't require theology anyways)?

Durandal · Post by **Durandal** » 2002-12-09 01:38pm

You beat me to it.

The Dark · Post by **The Dark** » 2002-12-09 04:39pm

Whether or not is consistent with the scriptures dealing with the message of Jesus, the traditions of the church, personal experience, and reason. While you may deride the possibility of there being any reason within religion, it is used to a certain extent. Actually, I'm not even expecting you to do anything but ridicule me. Go ahead, it's fine. I've gotten used to it around here.

Durandal · Post by **Durandal** » 2002-12-09 06:25pm

The Dark wrote:Whether or not is consistent with the scriptures dealing with the message of Jesus, the traditions of the church, personal experience, and reason. While you may deride the possibility of there being any reason within religion, it is used to a certain extent. Actually, I'm not even expecting you to do anything but ridicule me. Go ahead, it's fine. I've gotten used to it around here.

You mean the massively contradictory traditions and the obscenely conflicting message of Jesus? You can't base "proper theology" on personal experience, or else it just becomes what you believe or like to believe.

Just face it. Believing in that for which there isn't a shred of evidence is irrational. You wouldn't be so charitable to a 30 year-old who believes in Santa Claus, would you?

Post by **Darth Wong** » 2002-12-09 08:50pm

Durandal wrote:Just face it. Believing in that for which there isn't a shred of evidence is irrational. You wouldn't be so charitable to a 30 year-old who believes in Santa Claus, would you?

Jesus is Santa Claus for grown-ups.

Durandal · Post by **Durandal** » 2002-12-09 10:32pm

Darth Wong wrote:
Durandal wrote:Just face it. Believing in that for which there isn't a shred of evidence is irrational. You wouldn't be so charitable to a 30 year-old who believes in Santa Claus, would you?
Jesus is Santa Claus for grown-ups.

Yes, but you never hear tales of Santa having his elves torture 8 year-olds eternally for being naughty, do you? He just leaves them a lump of coal, saying, "Do better next year." In fact, I'd much prefer it if people would believe in a fun, constructive deity, like Santa Claus, rather than a cult leader with a god-complex.

data_link · Post by **data_link** » 2002-12-09 10:43pm

Drundal wrote:Yes, but you never hear tales of Santa having his elves torture 8 year-olds eternally for being naughty, do you? He just leaves them a lump of coal, saying, "Do better next year." In fact, I'd much prefer it if people would believe in a fun, constructive deity, like Santa Claus, rather than a cult leader with a god-complex.

Or better yet, just believe in someone who actually exists, like the LORD Wong.

Durandal · Post by **Durandal** » 2002-12-09 11:44pm

Who actually is Santa Claus, since he's the one that brings his kids gifts on Christmas morning.

What say you, Mike? Can we hear a jolly ole laugh?

And stop obsessing over Mrs. Claus' ass.

Post by **Coyote** » 2002-12-09 11:51pm

Especially make sure she understands the context when you say, "Ho' Ho' Ho'"!

Evil Sadistic Bastard · Post by **Evil Sadistic Bastard** » 2002-12-09 11:51pm

Coyote wrote:Especialyl make sure she understands the context when you say, "Ho' Ho' Ho'"!

LOL.

Or "have you been naughty"?

Durandal · Post by **Durandal** » 2002-12-10 01:00am

The difference is that Santa Wong likes naughty women. He'll still punish them with a light spanking, but the nice girls don't get jack shit.

Evil Sadistic Bastard · Post by **Evil Sadistic Bastard** » 2002-12-10 01:01am

Durandal wrote:The difference is that Santa Wong likes naughty women.

You talking about me or him?

Ahh, probably applies both ways.

Slartibartfast · Post by **Slartibartfast** » 2002-12-11 03:38am

The Dark wrote:I believe when a person dies, they are dead and gone until the eschatological end times, when new bodies are made and our thought patterns (if you choose to call it a soul, I suppose you could, but it's not immortal away from the body) are placed within those bodies.

Scatological end of times?

The Dark · Post by **The Dark** » 2002-12-11 03:43am

Slartibartfast wrote:
The Dark wrote:I believe when a person dies, they are dead and gone until the eschatological end times, when new bodies are made and our thought patterns (if you choose to call it a soul, I suppose you could, but it's not immortal away from the body) are placed within those bodies.
Scatological end of times?

*Groan* You would think of that

. Oy vey I was being redundant when I wrote that, since eschatology deals with the end times by definition. I hope the end times aren't scatological...sorta brings back the whole "the Emperor farted and exploded" discussion to mind.