There is plenty of evidence that UFO’s (Unidentified Flying Objects) exist. They have been tracked on radar, observed by millions of people, photographed, & videoed. There is even circumstantial evidence they may be extraterrestrial. But there is no incontrovertible evidence that they are extraterrestrial. That means their origins are unknown at this point in time.Ivy wrote:This from the guy who believes in UFOs, and claims to have actually seen one.If they are truly that smart, and highly educated, many would assume they could figure out that all these religious doctrines, teachings, and traditions have human origins.It's ok, Cootie; I'm open to them as well, but I am also open to their being higher power(s). I've also seen things that are quite remarkable and surreal. I believe you and your wife may have seen something that was from another dimension or maybe even there by time travel.
But back to your statement I quoted above...yes, the people I mentioned were and are bright, and highly educated, with advanced degrees, and yes, they knew about cultural anthropology and the evolution of religious beliefs and faith. As far as I know, one or more of them is still in the cofc mix; probably more. People stay in religions for many different reasons, and just because many traditions have been passed down through human beings does not mean there is no truth to them, or even an "ultimate truth". That's where I think you are misguided when you use that as "proof" of their being no god, gods or higher beings.
In other words, they are not invisible, imaginary objects, or life forms that appear, do to lack of any physical evidence, to only exists in the minds of those that “believe” they exist. I am unaware of any actual or circumstantial evidence of a supernatural realm or supernatural beings be they Deities, Demons, Devils, Ghost, or Angels.
Until some actual evidence is found I have no choice but to accept that supernatural realms and supernatural life forms only exists in the minds and imaginations of those that believe they exists.
As far as I can tell deep indoctrination and brainwashing is the reason highly educated and intelligent people believe in a supernatural realm, deities, ghost, angels, and demons. That is why “faith” is required because there is no evidence to support such beliefs.
I will return to being a believer when actual evidence replaces faith as the foundation for “belief”.
EDITED RESPONSE:
I was going to delete my response, after giving more thought to it, but I’ve decided to just edit it instead. I’ve been accused of attempting to de-convert others. I’m not consciously attempting to do that. The Bible instructs believers to be able to defend their reasons for being followers of Christ. I am simply defending my reasons for leaving the faith.
I will, however, edit my original response to the poster. Christianity comes in many flavors and versions. There are many opportunities for woman to preach and teach within the Christian community.
However, the Bible does forbid women from being teachers and preachers. The c of C is simply adhering to what scripture says. The c of C views the Bible as a divinely inspired instruction manual. Therefore they try to follow it as literally as possible.
Other versions of Christianity interpret the Bible metaphorically, symbolically, and culturally but not literally. The individual believer must decide for themselves how the Bible should be interpreted.
Spirituality is an entirely different approach to the Devine.That approach seeks a personal spiritual relationship with the Devine and believes the need for laws, rules, and commands are simply not required in a relationship based on love and respect.
Each believer will have to decide for themselves what is right for them.
I do trend to rant because I have strong feeling about religion. Those feelings come from having had some very bad experiences with religious people.
