jimmy77611

Hi everyone, this is my first post. I've browsed this forum for quite some time, and finally decided to join.

Here's a little bit of info about myself.

This time last year, I was a devout christian, full of faith in the bible, evangelical, and quite sure of it all.

Then I began to think for myself.

I began to examine the bible with an open mind, and came to the conclusion that there's no way it could be the word of god. There are just too many contradictions, inaccuracies, and things that just don't line up with reality. But my mind change doesn't just come from that. It also comes from personal experience, and trying to apply biblical priciples and promises to my life, only to see them not hold up to my expectations. Expectations that come from the bible itself.

I have become a seeker of the truth, and I feel as if none of the world's religions are correct. In my opinion, no one knows where life comes from or where it goes from here. I now find it odd that people can be so sure of something, and can condemn others for their beliefs or lyfestyle, without any shred of evidence or proof that they hold the ultimate truth. Something that I used to do myself!

Now my recovery begins.

Cheers!

Drac

Welcome Jimmy!

Hope you find this site as helpful and entertaining as I do. I rarely post, should more I suppose, but I tend to read quite quite often and it always gets me thinking and most of the time a nice big grin or chuckle.

xxkayxx

Hello, and welcome to the forums. Glad to have ya thinking for yourself...nice feeling, isn't it?

Hope you enjoy yourself here. =)

__________________
If a million people say a foolish thing, it is still a foolish thing

Nick Treklis

It's always pleasant to see someone announce they are a seeker of truth as opposed to someone who labels themselves religious, atheist, or dare I say agnostic. Cut through the BS and get to the heart of matters is what I say. Anyways, Jim, if you want some help seeing how far the rabbit hole goes I suggest reading this E-Book called Poison for the Heart. It was written by Kevin Solway who's work had a large influence, and still does to this day, on my spiritual development. Here's the URL, http://www.theabsolute.net/minefield/poison.html

debdodd

welcome to you. post at your own pace I read more than I posted in the beginning and now I feel comfortable posting and not worrying about who's smarter than me or can argue better ... just enjoy your time here ... I hope you find what you are seeking .... oh and don't be bullied by anyone ... everyone's opinion matters, including yours! Regards, Deb

__________________
"Ubi dubium ibi libertas."

"We are all lone souls. It pays to know humility, lest the delusion of control, of mastery, overwhelms. And indeed, we seem a species prone to that delusion, again and ever again ....."

buzz2

Sure. Your opinion matters, as long as it's insinque with what their belief system is. But, don't dare express something different. Or you're labelled with cute little pet names such as, troll, bigot, or something like that. So don't allow yourself to be swayed by those crazy Christians. Or else you're done for on this forum. Even though, they offer the thread spaces to have an "open" debate. No no. Don't do it. Don't show any signs of being swayed to the side of JESUS. Or you'll get a big beat down. But, hey. That's just been my experience. You need not take my word for it. All you have to do is see for yourself. Take care and GOD Bless You & Yours.

"Eternity is a really long time."

debdodd

don't be such a big baby ..... and don't try and frighten the newbs away .... just because people find your homophobic attitude reprehensible ... don't be such a naysayer ....

Not all Christians are crazy ......

__________________
"Ubi dubium ibi libertas."

"We are all lone souls. It pays to know humility, lest the delusion of control, of mastery, overwhelms. And indeed, we seem a species prone to that delusion, again and ever again ....."

buzz2

OK...Sorry. They need not pay attention to me. It is only MY reality. I'm sure they can come to their own conclusions without my help. OK? OK.

Og

Man.. You're like a dog with a bone buzz. It's ironic how much this illustrates the religious perspective. You can't get your arguments in the front door because they're shady and only (theoretically) exist in the shadows where thought hasn't penetrated yet.

Instead of arguing your position, it's all about the controversy about your position. This is the identical approach that the intelligent design movement is taking with its absurd arguments like that recent "documentary" titled "Expelled." They fabricate a controversy and, instead of arguing any points (there are none of any substance), they argue for fair play and claim that their arguments (of which they have none of substance) are not receiving it.

This tends to play very well into the american psyche. People want a relatively fair playing field otherwise the game isn't fun. But it's a lie where ID is concerned. It is an argument from ignorance and based on other politically motivated ideologies that have no care for the validity of the ID stance.

All views are welcome here. Again, if you feel like you are being personally attacked, you have the ability to flag a post which will email me and I will respond! Buzz, you have NEVER done such a thing.

Again, separate attacks on your ideologies from attacks on yourself. They are different. We welcome full frontal assaults on ideas here at agnosticforums. People who integrate their ideas with their own identity (the definition of close mindedness) will find that they may get in the crossfire.

We want to foster an environment of discussion and vigorous debate about all those topics that you shouldn't mention in polite company. If you feel that this strays into personal assaults, your recourse is to alert a moderator and we WILL act.

Beyond that, vigorous discussion and assault from all angles will result in the survival of the fittest representations of reality. By increasing exposure to assault, you're more likely to not be led astray. This is the core approach that is called the scientific method.

At any rate, welcome jimmy.

__________________
Vi veri veniversum vivus vici. (By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe)
Satchitananda - True Being, Pure Consciousness, and Bliss
Tat Tvam Asi - Thou art That.
You & I, no distinction.
Mettā & Namaste

jimmy77611

Don't worry about me, I'm not easily scared away. I live in the bible belt surrounded by radical, militant, fundamentalist, young-earth creationist, evangelicals at work and almost everywhere I go. I live my life in a state of constant debate. Names don't mean much either.