Firearms vs. Religion

[Sanford]

so judaism and islam also aren't religions since there are different sects and denominations?

Can't say - I've never personally experienced either of them.
(edit)Don't really know what O'Reilly means, either - but don't particularly consider him an expert on either religion or Christianity.(/edit)

 

[caojyn]

http://www.newshounds.us/o_reilly_admits_christianity_is_a_religion_12042012

Last night, during his War on Christmas discussion with Father Jonathan Morris, Bill O'Reilly made a rather startling admission: Christianity is a religion. Why is this statement that most of us would consider an obvious truth significant? Because just last week, when he was attacking arguments against Christmas displays on public property, O'Reilly insisted to the atheist he began yelling at that Christianity is a philosophy.

As I wrote in my post last week about O'Reilly's attack on discussion with David Silverman, of American Atheists,

O’Reilly... said brusquely, “You listen to me and you answer my questions.” Then, in a condescending tone, he “asked,” “What religion is involved with Christmas?”

As Silverman said, “Christianity,” O’Reilly interrupted to say, “That’s not a religion, that’s a philosophy.”

Silverman was not snowed by this gotcha tactic. He said, “It’s not cool for you to cloud this issue,” with that argument.

Things devolved from there.

But with Father Morris, O'Reilly sang a completely different tune. Or should I say, "hymn?" At the end of the segment, at about the 6:30 mark, as the two talked about the importance of Christians standing up for their faiths (or whatever), there was this interesting exchange:

O'Reilly: "This isn't a Catholic issues, you Protestants out there and you unaffiliated Christians, we're all in the same soup bowl here."

Morris: And not just Christians. Not just Christians and Catholics. People of belief.

O'Reilly: People who admire the philosophy of Christianity. But we are under siege...

Morris:The religion of Christianity. Let me correct you on that.

O'Reilly: We're not gonna debate that now.

Morris: It's also a religion.

O'Reilly:It's a religion but it's a philosophy that is being... administered by different religions. But we'll have you back for that discussion.

Morris: I couldn't let you get away with that.

 

[Sanford]

Almost all "Christians" believe Jesus died as a sacrifice, believe in the Trinity, and that He will return.

If you'll make that "self-described Christians" I'll agree with your statement. However, none of those beliefs make a person a Christian, nor does the failure to believe any of them prevent a person from being a Christian. Any of us - including Christians - can believe anything we like, even if we're dead wrong.

 

[TwoForFlinching]

You know, Jedi is a recognized religion in Australia with more than 70k practitioners. I like the idea of it

 

[Sanford]

You know, Jedi is a recognized religion in Australia with more than 70k practitioners. I like the idea of it

Heck, I think Glock may be a religion for some ... there, back on topic now?

 

[caojyn]

There are lots of religions that claim to adhere to the principles of Christianity - Catholic, Methodist, Baptist, Morman, Lutheran, Episcopalian, Presbyterian, Mennonite, Church of God, Church of Christ, Church of the Nazarene, Seventh Day Adventist, etc. There are even religious institutions that identify themselves as a "Christian Church" - but the definition of Christianity is not a religion because it's not dependent on the existence of any of those religions, churches, or other institutions. It's also been called a philosophy, or a culture, or a myth but is none of those either.

http://www.debunkingskeptics.com/DebunkingChristians/Page16.htm

interesting to think about

 

[Sanford]

http://www.debunkingskeptics.com/DebunkingChristians/Page16.htm

interesting to think about

Always interesting to think - however, on a quick scan through I note the author is way off base in at least one place ... down in paragraph 3 where they say "So, to have a relationship with God, a Christian must agree with him and obey everything in the Bible. This means that you are not allowed the freedom to have your own opinions or to think for yourself!". The author couldn't be more incorrect. Yes, some religions that identify with Christianity do teach that or some variation of it, but that doesn't make them right any more than their existence makes the author right as regards Christianity itself.

 

[caojyn]

Always interesting to think - however, on a quick scan through I note the author is way off base in at least one place ... down in paragraph 3 where they say "So, to have a relationship with God, a Christian must agree with him and obey everything in the Bible. This means that you are not allowed the freedom to have your own opinions or to think for yourself!". The author couldn't be more incorrect. Yes, some religions that identify with Christianity do teach that or some variation of it, but that doesn't make them right any more than their existence makes the author right as regards Christianity itself.

there a a couple parts in there where he gets really preachy (especially the end). It's an interesting topic, I can definitely see where you're coming from.

 

[aeropb]

I wish religion would go away.

 

[dutchwrangler]

I wish religion would go away.

Meh, it's here to stay. It gives the sheep among us something to put "hope" into instead of simply coming to know the Creator via his handiwork of nature and the application of reason. Religions and politics are simply the means by which despots control the sheep...