Hello!
John,
I have to say, I am really glad I came across your videos on YouTube. You are so learned and interesting to listen to. I have learned things from you, but you sort of confirm things that I have always known to be true. For me, in a way, you provide a lot of useful information in a neat and easily accessible package.
I was raised a Catholic, though my parents were never strict. In Catholic elementary school, I was, of course, scared into believing the concept of Hell, which terrified me until I entered a public high school and was able to think for myself. I started learning about hemi-sync, out of body traveling, lucid dreaming, etc. Yada, yada, yada...Basically, I began to understand how reason is one of the most important gifts given to us and that the idea of a loving God sending any of his creations to Hell for being intelligent beings is laughable. I had found this article from an interesting website:
http://what-the-hell-is-hell.com/FromHellsEternalDeath.htm
Now, in my last year of University, I find it difficult to respect individuals who are so closely tied to religion. I remember getting into small arguments with my girlfriend's Catholic family who claimed that only priests had the power to make objects "holy" and such. The whole "middleman" concept is too funny. Today, I really can't believe how so many people in this world don't understand why the concept of Hell is unrealistic. Will the people in Heaven have no concern for most of the world's people who are endlessly being tortured in Hell? How would they really be able to enjoy their Heaven? So silly!
I don't really have anything intelligent to say, other than keep up the excellent work. You are very inspiring, and I plan on ordering your book soon.
Take care,
Chris
Thanks for sharing, Chris, and congradulations on breaking free. I have great respect for those who do despite indoctrination in childhood.
I hope your freethinking heathen ways don't create problems if your girlfriend is still a believer. I can think of one occassion where a catholic girlfriend broke up with me over religion. Thank God (just a figure of speech) that I've met a nice freethinker to settle down with.
My girlfriend used to worry, but I think I've helped change her mind. Now, she is more apathetic than ever. She is Polish, though, so her mother wants her to go to this crazy church every week. Those Polish people need to bless their bread and salt...Oh boy...
I want some perogies.
I am too.
Your YOUTUBE videos first made me start to question and it's been like a snowball ever since.
It's left me feeling pretty lonely and isolated. I cannot come out to certain friend and family but I feel that I am on to something true...I have hard time every now and then but your videos help me through.
THANK YOU!!!
billybizkid,
Please show me the verse you used to prove that God sends people "to Hell for being intelligent"? The fact is the bible claims that the unbelievers are morons and they're incapable of thought or reason. Nothing personal my friend.
The problem I see here is that far too many base what they feel or want and ignore what Scripture says. You being Catholic explains many of your misconceptions but still you will most certainly will be held accountable.
You use one attutribute of God forgetting his holiness and righteousness. Ask yourself this,how could a holy righteous God allow even the smallest sin to enter heaven.
To be an effective Apologist maybe you should at least read what you claim to know?
What is this thing you call "sin"?
As I've heard Christians themselves describe it, it's not doing what Jesus wants or doing what Jesus doesn't want you to do.
So, according to your theology, Yahweh gave us free will but gets upset when we use it to act independently (which is inevitable since no being can ever perfectly act at all times according to another being's wishes) and then has to go bleed on a cross to make everything better?
You clearly did not read my entire post. I am not a Catholic.
Can you explain a way for a person to read that book cover to cover, not pick and choose by necessity, or go mad in the process of trying to do so?
For a small example/task. What would you say you have to do to go to Heaven? Be as thorough as possible.