Scarred's Posts
Nairaland Forum › Scarred's Profile › Scarred's Posts
 Christianity Etc › Re: Why Religion Section Will Always Turn Christians Into Atheists, Not Vice Versa by scarred: 10:03pm On Feb 19, 2013 |
onetrack: The internet is turning many people towards atheism, because now people with doubts can easily look up information about the contradictions, myths, and absurdities in the 'holy books'. Previously this information would have been hard to find without going to a university library in a western country. Now even someone in Maiduguri can instantly access many critiques of the Bible and Quran. Reddit seems to be particularly effective.I do not doubt this neither do I doubt that spirituality evolves and is hardly static. What I doubt is the original premise of this thread. I doubt that this forum in and of itself is enough to make Atheists of Theists. Yes one can be led to such sites as Reddit and even Youtube to gain access to information that would make you question your faith. Yet that which can be questioned can always be re-examined. 1 Like |
| Christianity Etc › Re: Why Religion Section Will Always Turn Christians Into Atheists, Not Vice Versa by scarred: 9:38pm On Feb 19, 2013 |
rhymz: Well, I was a Christian or at least before my peers and family members I am a christian but with the benefits of hindsight, knowledge and maturity, I have come to the conclusion that Christianity just like every other religion was man's creation. I am well versed with the christian religion so I don't see what you are going to tell me about that I have not heard or read about it. I am more concerned with the fact that in the face of serioius academic and historical scrutiny, the bible is always exposed as just another invented compilation from men who originally were not even christians but were influence by the prevalent pegan beliefs of their time. It is disturbing that a majority of christians have very vague knowledge of the historicity of the bible and the characters in it.So would I be right in assuming that you are now devoid of any sort of belief. Would I also be correct in assuming that you gained this 'Hindsight, knowledge and maturity' from discussions on this Thread? |
| Christianity Etc › Re: The Cowardice Of Atheism by scarred: 9:30pm On Feb 19, 2013 |
Ihedinobi: I understand you, dear one. What we are doing is giving a good answer for our Faith. What we are doing is making a witness. It matters little to us whether some love our arguments or some hate it. What matters to us is that we leave the fragrance, the deposit of Christ committed to us here. Some will be saved by it, others will be condemned. We do not need to win, what we need is to witness. And we are doing it with every opportunity given to us.I can accept that. 1 Like |
| Christianity Etc › Re: The Cowardice Of Atheism by scarred: 9:17pm On Feb 19, 2013 |
Ihedinobi: What part of thos thread upsets you so much, brother/sister? If you could show us an example, we may explain ourselves to you or repent our actions as is necessary. There is no need to add your voice to those of unbelievers. We are one, are we not?I am not upset by the thread, far from it. Rather, if I may, I would draw your attention to the ineffectual approach some believers have taken in engaging the Atheists on this thread. I am heartened that you can tell that I am a believer, and as such I do not debate Atheists like we are equally yoked. An approach that unfortunately a lot of believers here seem to have taken. For instance, believers would argue that the infallibilty of the Bible is a given, to an Atheist that is a point of contention that still needs to proved I do not as a matter of fact engage Atheists in the defence of my faith, there is no utility to the exercise. Who benefits from such discourse, if it is NOT GOD, then why do it and if it is you, then why start it. I do not mean to sound overly critical and I would beg your pardon if I come across as such, but believers have no point to prove and we would do well to remember this. 1 Like |
| Christianity Etc › Re: Why Religion Section Will Always Turn Christians Into Atheists, Not Vice Versa by scarred: 8:47pm On Feb 19, 2013 |
Your premise has no weight neither is your argument colorable. To stand behind such a statement you must first prove that which you have set out to defend. You must show evidence of the Christians (that you know) that have become Atheists in the Religion Section. Your talking points are void and do not merit individual scrutiny unless you can show NOT JUST a pattern of Christians on this Section becoming Atheists, but you must also demonstrate that the reason they have done so are the reasons that you've enunciated. In the absence of the above all you've set out to do is honour your own intellect, but you would not have succeeded in setting up any meaningful discourse, which I think should be the point. 1 Like |
| Christianity Etc › Re: The Cowardice Of Atheism by scarred: 8:29pm On Feb 19, 2013 |
It becomes apparent very quickly, that those on this forum who profess to be 'Christians' need to leave the self described 'Atheists' alone. It is woefully obvious that a majority of you find it difficult to make logical arguments without resorting to 'sources' that the Atheists dismiss out of hand. The emphasis has shifted from ministeration to self serving (and deluding) arguments that are meat and drink for the Atheist. This is NOT what you are called to do. You need to re-examine the reason why you engage the Atheist in discourse. 2 Likes |
| Christianity Etc › Re: Why Is God's Will Always Very Difficult? by scarred: 5:15pm On Feb 18, 2013 |
Because it goes against instinctual adherence to our base desires. Thomas Hobbes wrote that '...the life of Man is solitary,nasty, brutish and short', filled with 'continual fear and the danger of violent death...', in this Hobbes tries to capture why Man's base desires are not in allignment with God. The Word of God and by extension is will is a conscious rejection of our base desires, to for go our natural instincts of killing when we feel threatened, love when we would rather hate, give when we would rather hoard. This is why the bible says that the Carnal Mind (Natural Instincts) is '...enmity towards God'. This is why His Will is difficult, obedience to HIS Will goes against our basic instincts... 2 Likes |
| Politics › Re: Nigeria Is Becoming A Failed State – Prof. Ben Nwabueze by scarred: 4:12pm On Feb 18, 2013 |
To be honest, I do not see why the Professor's statement should elicit such vitriolic responses. Some of the responses suggest that no true citizen of a country is allowed to question its direction. Some responses actually go as far as challenging what the Professor said without giving a cogent reason as to why they disagree. Without taking a definitive stance affirming or negating the core of his premise, I would state that instead of 'knee-jerk' reactions, perhaps what we should do is ask questions and attempt to answer those questions truthfully, without the handicap of 'patriotism', which often tends to cloud the issue. So I would ask, as an intellectual exercise, by what objective measure is Nigeria NOT a failed state. This question is not asked in order that anyone question the legitimacy of my birth, but to state that for this needle to be moved, we all need to agree to certain baselines. The statement attributed to the Professor would seem fallacious to anyone who considers that Nigeria epitomizes what it means to be a State. So my question asks, what are the minimums required to be a State, and does Nigeria meet this criteria. Until we arrive at this common (and objective)baseline of what a State is supposed to be, then we are all talking at cross purposes and this conversation need not be had. |
| Politics › Re: Are Boko Haram Working With The Nigerian Government To Suppress The Masses? by scarred: 6:51pm On Feb 14, 2013 |
The premise definitely has precedence, false flag operations have been known to take place all the time. The idea behind it is simple, keep the populace cowed and scared, and they are likely to believe and behave how we (Govt) want them to... |
| Christianity Etc › Re: Understanding "Power To Get Wealth" In The Light Of The New Testament by scarred: 5:22pm On Feb 14, 2013 |
To Goshen: Is wealth a pre-requisite or a confirmation of ones salvation? |
| Family › Re: Why Are You Still Married? by scarred: 5:18pm On Feb 14, 2013 |
Ujujoan: Same reason I got married in the first place . . . .Ditto |
| Family › Re: Tribal Marks: Are They Bad? by scarred: 5:16pm On Feb 14, 2013 |
Are they good...? |
| Politics › Re: A Letter To Nigerians In Diaspora by scarred: 5:14pm On Feb 14, 2013 |
Someone should google Moses. |
| Christianity Etc › Re: Understanding "Power To Get Wealth" In The Light Of The New Testament by scarred: 5:09pm On Feb 14, 2013 |
I dont necessarily agree with this... |
| Christianity Etc › Re: How Does It Feel Knowing That Your Children/grandchildren Will Be Irreligious? by scarred: 5:07pm On Feb 14, 2013 |
MacDaddy01: no probsGood Man. |
| Christianity Etc › Re: No Hope For African Pope - Benedict's Brother. by scarred: 5:07pm On Feb 14, 2013 |
tpia@:Yes, I was just about to ask the same thing, what does a black pope confer to you. Will this some how affirm your faith, will it make it more likely that you'll travel to the Vatican. What exactly is this stake in a Black Pope? |
| Politics › Re: When Will The Youth Given The Opportunity To Rule This Our Great Country Nigeria by scarred: 5:01pm On Feb 14, 2013 |
zibe: The heat is brewing slowly. Soon, the youths would have had enough and the next thing to come may be close to what happened in South Africa.Which is what? |
| Politics › Re: The Canadian Parliament Debates The Zombie Apocalypse by scarred: 4:59pm On Feb 14, 2013 |
I wonder what he knows that we don't... |
| Christianity Etc › Re: How Does It Feel Knowing That Your Children/grandchildren Will Be Irreligious? by scarred: 4:54pm On Feb 14, 2013 |
MacDaddy01: you spoilt a good post with the bulshyt in the last paragraphWe can agree to disagree on that...shall we? |
| Christianity Etc › Re: How Does It Feel Knowing That Your Children/grandchildren Will Be Irreligious? by scarred: 4:50pm On Feb 14, 2013 |
I have no issue with that, to be very honest, I would hope and pray that I do a good enough Job that my Children and Grandchildren are Irreligious. In my opinion Religion has overseen and is responsible for some of the worst atrocities that mankind as ever faced. There is nothing more potent or powerful than a mob galvanized by religious zeal, for in its name we have seen the Inquisition, Genocide and Ethnic Cleansing. We have seen wars fought over doctrine, children raped and killed because of differences in Religious doctrine. As a system of control, Religion is a powerful tool, making disparate groups forget legitimate concerns in exchange of some dim hope of paradise, forging zeal in the least within our society and equipping them with the fervor to commit atrocities. Religion is a terrible thing, it blinds you to your own faults, whilst accentuating the faults of others. Allowing you to state boldly, I am better than you. I will bring up my children without religion, because I do not want their minds paralysed by the dogma and doctrine of corruptible, contemptible men. I am not a religious person, because I truly believe that Religion is a construct of man, but I also believe that everyone should work out their own salvation with fear and trembling, what you believe is deeply personal. You are trying to get to the point where HIS spirit agrees with your spirit and says that you are his child. You are striving to get to the point that you know that nothing can seperate you from HIS love. And this journey, has nothing to do with man or religion, this has to do with you and what you believe... 1 Like |
| Christianity Etc › Re: Victimless Crimes, Yay or Nay by scarred: 4:27pm On Feb 14, 2013 |
Good Morning Wiegraf, You make some very TRUE (capital for emphasis)statements in your post, the primordial need of philosophical discourse is understanding the interaction between the individual and society. What you find inevitably is that most interpretation of that interaction is formed by a bias imposed on that philosopher by his society. One of the few Philosophers that tried to exclude that bias was a gentleman named John Rawls, and what he said was very interesting. He said that if individuals were allowed to make laws, without knowing what their social standing would be, prior to making those laws, then the laws that they would make would favour the weakest individual in society. It is called the Veil of Ignorance theory. So, for instance, if you did not know what your sexual preference was going to be, you would make laws that favoured homosexuals, or if you did not know, what your economic standing would be, you would make laws that favoured the poor. So I completely understand, when you say you would "...would prefer when building laws, individual rights take precedence over societal wants." To your question, what were the Philosophies of the Founding Fathers of America. I think to answer that question we must first be conversant with what they were trying to achieve in the society that they were trying to create. Remember that most of the early pilgrims were victims of religious intolerance, indentured servitude, economic persecutions and the like. So I think that it is a good starting point to state that the foundational basis for their new society would have been a rejection of a lot of the societal norms in the Europe in general, but Great Britain in particular. At the onset of this grand adventure, called America, the British did impose a system of rule. America, like Nigeria was a colony of the British. Once it became evident that this new venture was going to be profitable, they made sure that their interests were well represented. A vast majority of the settlements along the Eatern Seaboard of these United States bear a marked similarity to the original locations they were named for. There were even crown appointed Governors from New England to the Carolinas. For all intent and purposes the US was the UK writ large in those days. So the crown was making a fortune. They could tax their colonies, have them raise Militia at their own expense, charge crippling tarrifs and still write their laws for them in London. It must have come as a shock for these 'new Americans' to wake up one day to discover that that which they had fled from, had not only followed them here, but that by and large, there was no difference in the colonies and what they had fled from. Yet the trials and tribulations that they had endured in taming this new land, must have made them more willing to throw off the shackles of British Rule and seek independence by allying themselves to the French. There is no hard and fast answer to this, but I will take as my cue one of the statements from an earlier American document that states that 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness...', in their estimation British rule was the very antithesis of this and both states of being (independent and subjects of the crown), were not only morally incompatible, but also not in keeping with the life that they had come to forge for themselves here. Jefferson said ' I will cease to exist before I yield to a connection on such terms as the British Parliament propose; and in this, I think I speak the sentiments of America'. The issue of independence was made real once the Fouding Fathers realized that they could not achieve for themselves as men what they wanted whilst still tied to the British Yoke. The Declaration of Independence was a complete and total rejection of British Rule, for in stating to the British that they would rather be equal partners than servants, they had come to realize that the forging of a 'more perfect union', could not be underatking whilst still tied to the British. That in my mind is the quick and dirty of it. |
| Christianity Etc › Re: Catholics Make The Best Atheists Because They Know One Basic Truth......... by scarred: 9:56pm On Feb 13, 2013 |
chukwudi44: Please can you please explain how martin luther was a catholic monk and yet not catholic?But I agreed that he was Catholic, a very staunch one...not just a Catholic, but a Monk as well. |
| Christianity Etc › Re: Catholics Make The Best Atheists Because They Know One Basic Truth......... by scarred: 9:45pm On Feb 13, 2013 |
I accept your apology and in that vein we can speak. Please do not insult me, we can exchange views, facts and opinions all day long, I will never insult you, even if I disagree with you. We can agree to disagree without being disagreeable. To answer your question, Yes Martin Luther was Catholic, in fact he was a monk, so he was schooled in the Catholic Doctrine, this doesn't invalidate what I said earlier though. |
| Christianity Etc › Re: Catholics Make The Best Atheists Because They Know One Basic Truth......... by scarred: 9:30pm On Feb 13, 2013 |
chukwudi44: Quit mqking a fool of yourself!! I am very conversant with the proceeedings of the council of nicea 325 and has read over 100 accounts of that council including records by eye witnesses.I apologize, I can't speak to people like you, as you continue to insult me...I will go elsewhere... |
| Christianity Etc › Re: Catholics Make The Best Atheists Because They Know One Basic Truth......... by scarred: 9:19pm On Feb 13, 2013 |
chukwudi44: @scaredYou are entitled to your own opinions, but you're not entitld to your own facts, please do the research, I have given you enough to go on. I have not disparaged you, so please do not disparage me. Study the Nicene Council, Google: Erasmus (The person who translated the bible from Latin to Greek) and Google William Tyndale (He translated the Bible to English), research Martin Luther and the reformation, pay attention to what their influences where. Not every Christian came from the Roman Catholic Faith. The people that PROTESTED became PROTESTANTS. Say you don't know and I will show you. Google Constantine and when he called for the convocation. Until you have done these things, there really is nothing to discuss. |
| Politics › Re: Mark : Nigeria Has Less Friends In Africa by scarred: 8:55pm On Feb 13, 2013 |
We dont do enough to promote our own brand, we can be a callous and thoughtless people, we revel in our ignorance and infamy, we should lead instead we are led. And 1 in 4 Africans is a Nigerian, it's no wonder we don't have many friends in Africa... |
| Foreign Affairs › Re: California Fugitive Chris Dorner Is Dead by scarred: 8:40pm On Feb 13, 2013 |
Feed me more: How convenient. Pull the press back so no one can watch, the cabin “mysteriously” burns, and a dramatic single gunshot is heard. Pretty much as expected, cop killers rarely get brought in alive. We are never going to find out what really went on at that cabin or in the events leading up to Dorner’s rampage.Precisely. |
| Christianity Etc › Re: Catholics Make The Best Atheists Because They Know One Basic Truth......... by scarred: 7:17pm On Feb 13, 2013 |
MacDaddy01: If the catholic church is false, all christianity is false. |
| Christianity Etc › Re: Victimless Crimes, Yay or Nay by scarred: 6:57pm On Feb 13, 2013*. Modified: 7:29pm On Feb 13, 2013 |
My personal philosophy is an amalgam of those that I enunciated and even more that I did not have time to put down. Even though this philosophy continues to evolve, at present I am at the 'do unto others' stage. If you look at the question you asked (which was very smart by the way) it includes actions that a) only affect (negatively or positively) the actor and b) affectS others. In truth one would think that actions that only affect ones self should not be legislated, since the benefit or disbenefit is borne wholly by the actor. If we extrapolate this further, we could say that only when your actions affect others should questions of societal contracts be considered. This presents a slippery slope though, because one could argue that most actions we take are not taken in a vacuum and would therefore affect others. If you engage in bestiality for instance, but the animal is yours, other people could have developed feelings for that animal and any harm to it could be seen as detrimental to them as well. If you take drugs that impair your abililty and in your diminished capacity cause harm, one can draw a causal link between the drug use and harm to others. So in society is it possible to act solely in a vacuum, I will confess that I don't know. The deeper you dig however you start to realize, that a lot of our social interactions have to do with systems of control. The question is not just about the possible harm that you can cause, it now becomes an issue of social engineering, how to control how you think, how you behave, what information is given to you. These are the things that are now rudimentary in any given society. Once you take the decision to be part of a greater whole then you sacrifice 'personal' for 'societal'. Otherwise you risk acting outside of society, sociopathically. And yet here is my problem, the world is becoming more liberal, society has to make way for a wide variety of view points (a lot of which I do not share), so now what is personal is also within the purview of societal legislation, in other words what is personal is no longer sacrosanct. Personally, I can not ascribe my beliefs unto others, what makes me 'tick' might seem foreign to you. So my philosophy must at the same time allow me to function in that society and yet allow me to remain true to my given Truths. So, whilst as a believer I may not condone a certain thing, to remain within the society I have chose to live I MUST allow for your self expression (to the extent that it does not cause me a disbenefit) so that you don't interfere with mine. It is worth commenting though that the actions that you have brough up draw in sharp relief the distinction between what is personal and therefore no one's business, and what is not, in which case the larger society step in and legislate my actions, and this fight has been going on a long time. If the individual wins, you have anarchy, if society wins, you have a sanitized police state. If I was a betting man, I'd say _________________has already won. |
