I Don't Believe In God

I don't see the point of this nonsense in the first place. I don't know if you're Christian or not, but the best reason I can think of not to believe in god, is the fact that there's no evidence backing his existence.

But I guess people have their own reasons for talking about the bible and how it goes against them personally.

the funny thing is, the nonbelievers go to hell, so everyone knows, that based on its very texts, religion discriminates against atheists and people of other faith, since none of those people make it into the kingdom of heaven. I don't see the point in the argument of targeted minorities, because the bible isn't adequate in today's inclusive society, and it simply can't keep up when its condemning nonbelievers to hell. Even the notion of hell in the first place would be enough to stir the moral conscience in anyone willing to think about it for more than five seconds.

But even without the moral construct, no evidence. Complaining about evil characters in fiction is a truly sad way to spend one's time. However, I think what it comes down to, is the fact that the people protesting against the moral code of christianity are just rightfully concerned at the fact that so many people flock to it.

I [b]do[/b] believe in God--although very differently from dyed-in-the-wool Christians. I love the Bible verse you chose.

I love and cherish many things in the Bible, yet I believe it to be imperfect--just as the Quran is imperfect--and other texts that religions believe were delivered straight from God and are in fact God's actual words.

Imperfect, because each was written by only one gender (men) through the lens of each of those men--and so God's word has been interpreted over and over--by men--who were limited by their own gifts, abilities, personal experiences and inherited beliefs.

Which points to a truth that many are not comfortable with: we each create our own reality through our personal relationship with God.

I don't for a moment believe that God has anything but love for us all--no matter our sexual orientation. And I believe God supports anyone who has the courage to pursue what will help them feel whole and loved.

We [b]ALL[/b] need to feel we belong.

This is awesome! Use their weapons against them plumkin!

Plum: thank you. I don't consider myself religious because most religions I've encountered turn God into a bully (some more subtly than others) and do not fully understand the meaning of the gift of free will given to us by our creator.

I [b]DO[/b] consider myself a [b]believer in a loving Creator[/b]--and my belief is founded on [b]faith--what God has revealed to my heart,[/b] not religion.

I believe God gave us the free will to do as we will and to find a deeper relationship with God by understanding ourselves better--and loving ourselves.

Soft breezes to you!

The best thing to do is to forget the Bible entirely. It employs disinformation: the mixing of truths with lies so as to deceive.

[c=#003BB2]the bible contradicts itself in so many areas and its so easy to twist the verses into your own beliefs.. but how can any religions people actually argue against a verse or many others from the bible, sure they can quote another verse that goes the opposite way to the verse you presented, but again that's just the bible contradicting itself.. [/c]

Well, well looks like we've got ourselves a reader! We don't take kindly to that sort 'round 'ere

PB, it seems that there are those who think that being transgender/gay is 'normal', those who do not, and some who just don't care. From there it goes to whether there is moral 'right' and 'wrong' in culture/society. The ones you refer to most likely interpret 'I'm Ok, You're Ok' as a lack of morals-right/wrong. Of course you can get the indignant reply that 'Of course I have morals and a sense of right/wrong -- transgender is something a person is born with and therefore is not 'wrong.' The ones you refer to simply do not accept transgender and don't believe that it is natural/normal/right.

But to get closer to your comment -- there are many flavors of those who read the bible. The 'fire & brimstone' ones are likely to exhibit what you say. The bible says that you are to point out others wrong, or that you are culpable for their sin. It also says that you are to do this with love. Some just amp up the fire & brimstone and forget the love and respect.

The Bible was written by faithful men and over the years has been translated and reinterpreted by powerful, faithful men over and over again.

Note that nowhere in that paragraph did I mention women, and nowhere did I say that they were good men. The bible has been twisted to suit the agenda of whoever was interpreting it at the time.

people try to use religion to justify everything. all of the religions I've studied teach love, forgiveness, kindness compassion, understanding and tolerance of your fellow man. no where in those religious books does it say anything about hatred, anger, bigotry and wars/killing other people are those things ok.

In my experience. Those who quote the Bible tend to have their own spin on the meanings they choose to believe and subsequently, try and shove down your throat !
Personally I consider patience and understanding as better virtues !

[c=#003BB2]@supercute, I agree with you.. but also full on religious people don't listen to actual logic. quoting the bible to them has got to make them at least think though.. I could be wrong but like CallMe said, fight em with their own weapon[/c]

[c=#003BB2]@boobsarefantstic, can I ask what religions you are talking about? they sound great.. I have no problem with people who are religious, its just the hate that gets to me[/c]

[c=#003BB2]changing gender is natural. it can also be fairly common in animal species as well. so I guess from a lot of religious nutjobs, god really screwed up in making so many mistakes[/c]

I think it is quite clear, but without context it does seem easily possible to twist a verse to suit your own views

@mic11225, I agree with you :)

@boobsarefantastic, thanks I will have some new reading material now

Catholicism (Roman Catholic), Methodists, Lutheran and most recently I've started studying hinduism

[c=#003BB2]@Windsylph, I truly wish all religious people were like you :)[/c]

@MrMagic, exactly right

it would be far nicer if we didn't have to consult an outdated book for our infallible moral compass and belief system. But I do like the idea of using said people's words against them.

They say that because of other examples. Take your pick
https://www.openbible.info/topics/transgender

So what