What's next?

[tman_ndsu08]

Eventually, the present day religions turn into mythology.

So, after Christianity, Islam, Judism, etc. all turn into mythology, what might people believe in next?

[Suburbanite]

themselves? or am I just hoping a little too much?

[m5lange1]

IF what you say does come to pass, do you think Christianity will be remembered as polytheistic?
The actual mythological type of stuff that would involve gods comes with the angels and one being cast out of heaven for becoming evil and arrogant.
When you consider angels and the devil as being more godlike than humans some may interpret that as the demi-gods in a pantheon and what is referred to as God being the head of the pantheon like Odin or Zeus.
Not even brining up how the holy trinity will be viewd in terms of monotheism.

I have a Christian backround so it I was taught that Jesus came and straightened out some misconceptions in the old testament.

A second coming? Will he come and talk about how bad his editors were and straighten out the scriptures yet again?

If we are in to what we believe. I think that Christianity is inherently good. The bad parts of it, its intolerance, its accusations, its violent history, its attempt to rule others lives, is all human overlay to the true meaning of Christianity. I hope it never passes into mythology, rather we become enlightened enough to separate the mythology from the pure truth of it.

[katar]

Originally posted by tman_ndsu08, Eventually, the present day religions turn into mythology.

they do? even your verb tense is conclusory and predictive: they WILL? do you have a crystal ball? you could at least temper your conclusions with uncertainty. Then maybe you wouldn't sound like a typical ignorant 16 year old who thinks he has figured out everything there is to know.

Constantine converted to Christianity in 312AD. Since then Christianity has been dominant in the western world. Buddha lived around 500BC. Mohammed (prophet of Allah, founder of Islam) lived around 600AD. These religions have some proven staying power, so it's quite audacious for you to make your assertion with neither analysis nor argument.

What these dominant modern religions have in common is a verifiable historical basis. The Bible refers to Roman kings and rulers and geography of the time. Buddha was a prince-turned-ascetic, Confucius was a philosopher, Jesus was a carpenter and teacher, and Mohammed was a shepherd. Whether they had divine or prophet status is your call, but they were real human beings who walked this earth. You would have a hard time arguing they were mythical beings. There are independent historical accounts of them.

Greek, Egyptian, and Roman pagan religions have become myth, yes. These religions more resembled loose collections of superstitions than a modern religion. They were generally based on constellations or superstitions about death. Unlike modern religions, these pagan religions lacked: a holy text, a corresponding list of moral teachings (Bible had 10 commandments, Buddhism has 8 noble truths, etc), a human prophet, and a concrete historical basis.

In conclusion, modern religions are quite dissimilar compared to mythical religions.

[katar]

This thread is a thinly disguised ridicule of organized religion and nothing more.

The implication is that any religion is as nonsensical and arbitrary as a fairy tale.

[tman_ndsu08]

I'm just saying that people used to believe in things that are now myth.

However, back then, if you called it myth they'd just laugh at you, much like you're doing now.

You're right, I don't have a crystal ball, neither do you. We both don't know what will happen in a 1000 years.

[gr8fuldaniel]

Originally posted by tman_ndsu08,+--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (tman_ndsu08,)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'>Eventually, the present day religions turn into mythology.[/b]

<!--QuoteBegin-katar,
What these dominant modern religions have in common is a verifiable historical basis.[/quote] Verifiable basis? Verify for me, that Jesus is alive, and not just "out there". How do you verify something as true to somebody else when you are required to accept it on faith only, yourself.

In conclusion, modern religions are quite dissimilar compared to mythical religions.

Modern religion seems like myth to me. I believe in God , but I despise any religion/myth that preaches love and requires you to kill a fellow human because they dont look or think like you. More blood has been shed in the name of some bullshit God than for any other reason.

[tman_ndsu08]

Another important point that gr8 touches on is the difference between being spiritual and being religious.

Believing in god and going to church to believe in an organized manner are very different things (although the Bible tells us vaguely that we should go).

[gr8fuldaniel]

Originally posted by katar,+--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (katar,)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'>This thread is a thinly disguised ridicule of organized religion and nothing more. The implication is that any religion is as nonsensical and arbitrary as a fairy tale.[/b]

Looks like Katar may not be back, look at his signature:<!--QuoteBegin-katar
i quit volconvo.
http://www.volconvo.com/forums/index...=90#entry66749[/quote] Too bad, he seemed provacative, interesting.

[Apologist]

I don't think Christianity will be laid off as mythology. Its followers have stayed strong for 2,000 years through the biggest changes this world has ever experienced. But I do believe in a rapid decline in numbers that believe in the word. All these things fullfil prophecy in the Bible. I don't agree with gr8 when he says that more blood has been spilt because of some God than for any other reason. Thats kind of rediculous. I'm no biblical scholar, but I do find Jesus' teachings and that of his apostles very convincing and very heart warming. It may seem absurd to non-believers but I think the world falls into place with the bible very perfectly. It says that people will attack you for what you believe, there will be false prohpets, the world had a beginning and will have an end. I have found no reason not to believe in Christianity. It was a choice made only by me. Other religions, as you have mentioned, seem a little odd to me. To some they might seem normal, but to me they don't. This situation is also in the bible. I find no reason to believe in other religions or not to believe in the Christian God. I don't debate on here much because I find that reply time for me is very slow. But I do like throwing in a comment or two. To answer the question, NO I don't think Christianity will ever be called mythology, though I know it will be mocked and ridiculed. For John makes it clear that this will be of the end times.

God Bless

[Pooeypants]

I already regard the bulk of OT to be Mythology, though the NT is more "realistic" as they mainly consist of moral teachings, there are parts like turning water to wine and rising from the dead that seem more akin to myths than anything else.

This might have something to do with my upbringing in Secular Britain or the fact that I've actually learnt about all the multitude of religions that are out there and realised what some people believed in at this day and age...

I suppose some might say Science and Technology will be the religion, though I think it's more likely to be Fame and Fortune 'cause right now, the majority of the younger generation worship their pop idols in what can only be described as a religious manner.

[tman_ndsu08]

It says that people will attack you for what you believe, there will be false prohpets, the world had a beginning and will have an end.

Those are as vauge as a horoscope, which is mythology.

[gr8fuldaniel]

Originally posted by Apologist, I don't agree with gr8 when he says that more blood has been spilt because of some God than for any other reason. Thats kind of rediculous.

Aggressors always either think God is on there side or they play the God card to drum support. It is often hate that fuels war. In the case of Nazi Germany, hate for Jews slaughtered millions. Look at the current administration, how it drums up hate for other religions to get support for conquering and profiteering. This is not a new thing. Bush called this war a crusade in the beginning, before his puppeteers made him retract it the next day. But the damage was done. It was still a crusade, a religious war; but, wink-wink, we just cant call it that for political correctness.

I'm no biblical scholar, but I do find Jesus' teachings and that of his apostles very convincing and very heart warming.

Sure, Christianity is founded on emotional grounds. Take away the emotional hype and you got no power based in facts and science. Dont tell me to follow someone who is alive, just not available for comment. Same story yesterday, same story tomorrow.

Other religions, as you have mentioned, seem a little odd to me.

And your religion seems odd to them. So what? You are right and they are wrong and must die a horrible death and suffer eternally for it. Your religion is really nice.

I find no reason to believe in other religions or not to believe in the Christian God.

The Christian God is a bigot. Hateful. Willing to send to eternal torture , billions of good people who are merely guilty of seeking peaceful existence through the practice of non-violence in Zen (and others) The Christian God is racist, in showing favor to jews. What ever happened to UNCONDITIONAL LOVE? Is your God a failure at this? Look at how God told Abraham to kill his only son. The simple answer to that ? Go Fuck Yourself. What kind of evil being is going to tell me that? Time to find a better God. There should have been no questiong back and forth. What happens to you when you kill your kids? Dont they come and take you away? So, you explain to the judge, "God told me to do it". What happens? Well judge has to let you go! Right?
Dude, that is so fucked up!

Go peddle that crap to some emotionally twisted outcast from society. Rational people should not be sold into such a vile religion. Evil and violent thats what the christian religion is. Has anyone ever counted how many deaths God ordered in the old testament?

Just because they thought different. Oh brother

[tman_ndsu08]

Maybe god is just a very powerful being...that isn't very smart.

[gr8fuldaniel]

Originally posted by tman_ndsu08, Maybe god is just a very powerful being...that isn't very smart.

I believe God is powerful and smart. I just think we need to question spiritual authority. Question every preacher and every bible publisher/interpreter. Every Denomination should be judged with great predjudice against deception and violent punishing dogma. If the pope is the anti-christ, dont be shy...We need to know.

[tman_ndsu08]

Isn't there a theory out there that the Dead Sea Scrolls and thus all of modern Christianity is actually Satan's plan to take over the world (IE to get people to believe in him, brainwash the world, etc.)?

Do you believe in Satan/Hell, or do you think that that is just a human creation to strike fear into people who do bad things/don't believe?

[gr8fuldaniel]

I am not familiar with the Dead Sea Scrolls/Satans Plan theory.

I believe Satan/Hell are not some ruler/realm in the afterlife. Hell can be experienced in self loathing, insanity, addictions, chemical imbalances, hate/resentment, ego-centricity, loneliness, agoraphobia (or any fear for that matter). Hell can be transcended.

Religion and churchs tend to seperate people from God like an exclusive club.

[tman_ndsu08]

I think I share the same ideas as you on the subject. Churches in America are very cult like and don't necessarily help you get closer to what you believe.

Overall, are you agnostic/athetist? Or do you believe that something is out there?

What about prayer? Do you believe in doing that?

[gr8fuldaniel]

Even though I sound irreverent, I direct my irreverence toward organized religion and not toward God at all. I love God, I have to be open to new revelations because I do not have a complete understanding. I have to grow spiritually. I do not believe I need anyone to define God for me. However God uses other people to reveal himself, often in the least likely persons. A small child could bring information from God. I have learned more from alcoholics who seem to be the most spiritually depraved creatures on earth, about God and humility and truth. I pray every day, but my prayers are brief. My favorite is only 6 words. "Hold me, Help me, Heal me." Because God knows what I need before I ask. I dont need to beg or "con" God into giving me anything.

[tman_ndsu08]

That's cool man.

I'm an agnostic. I don't pretend to have any idea if there is or isn't something out there after death.

I don't believe in hell, heaven, or any fantasy place like that though.