Author Topic: Christians who don't make my skin crawl!  (Read 72468 times)

Walt Zingmatilder

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Re: Christians who don't make my skin crawl!
« Reply #750 on: March 06, 2018, 12:18:13 PM »
your mixed-up and confused thinking is very evident in that post . Why don't you step back for a while and try to understand some very basic principles . Atheists (I don't like that term) are human too you know .
And as I've said full time atheists should be in the Lords spiritual.

Walter

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Re: Christians who don't make my skin crawl!
« Reply #751 on: March 06, 2018, 12:21:59 PM »
And as I've said full time atheists should be in the Lords spiritual.
what, as apposed to part time atheists?

Walt Zingmatilder

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Re: Christians who don't make my skin crawl!
« Reply #752 on: March 06, 2018, 12:24:57 PM »
what, as apposed to part time atheists?
Oh yes, Copson and Keith and Terry definitely...or their representatives.
« Last Edit: March 06, 2018, 12:32:55 PM by Private Frazer »

Enki

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Re: Christians who don't make my skin crawl!
« Reply #753 on: March 06, 2018, 12:28:41 PM »
Dear enki,

Outside agency???

Gonnagle.

Outside agency in that one thinks they are praying to some sort of a god which is taken as an entity which is not just their subjective imagination.
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ippy

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Re: Christians who don't make my skin crawl!
« Reply #754 on: March 06, 2018, 12:36:38 PM »
If you really got that you might have some inkling on why I am not happy with contemporary secularism. Because the language of secularism is atheist. It also rejects previous definitions and understanding of what secularism actually meant and that this rejection is being done by the atheists who have hijacked the agenda.

To give Baggini his due he does hark back to a time when nobody saw a real problem with the HOL either because there was an extravagant/underwhelming 3.3% of Lords spiritual or say the labour party ''not doing religion'' as that was taken as read.

To me that there are Lords spiritual at parliament could remind us that we are more than just a number, an elector, an acquisitive materialist demographic. That is why we should be getting more world viewers of a different stripe into the lords spiritual rather than abolish it.

No I don't see why you say "I am not happy with contemporary secularism. Because the language of secularism is atheist. It also rejects previous definitions and understanding of what secularism actually meant and that this rejection is being done by the atheists who have hijacked the agenda", because secularism is as near to neutral as you'll ever get in anything organised by humans, secularism doesn't have an agenda other than, 'fair shares for all and no privilege for anyone'.

The trouble is, religious organisations have so many privileges they've gained over the years and still have, then people like yourself have got so used to the many privileges the religions have you don't see them as privileges any more, then when someone points out one of the many privileges religions have, to people like yourself the next thing we hear from you is persecution.

Generally I don't mind people having these religious beliefs, I think religious people are either gullible or they have been indoctrinated when very young, what other reason would there be to take up religious beliefs? Especially when there is as near to zero viable evidence around to be found that might of backed up any of the main religious beliefs.

Where religious belief makes me see red is the way the religious believers make a point of getting their grubby hands on the pre seven year old children in one way or another, seven year old children as the religious are well aware this is the age where, on average, youngsters acquire the ability to challenge, talk about the religious dirty tricks department.

Apart from that last lot just above this, I feel sad for people that hold these beliefs but don't look on them as enemies, it's the privileges that will have to go no matter who has them, in other words as a system secularism has to be the one, it's pro everybody and fair play for all, their's no way around fair play for all Vlad, if you say anything different you must be talking from the other end, without engaging the brain, try to not make an even bigger fool of yourself, put your hands up admit it, you've got it wrong.

Regards ippy   
   

Gonnagle

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Re: Christians who don't make my skin crawl!
« Reply #755 on: March 06, 2018, 12:38:34 PM »
Dear enki,

Quote
Outside agency in that one thinks they are praying to some sort of a god which is taken as an entity which is not just their subjective imagination.

Oh right, thank you for the clarification.

Dear Vlad,

Stop passing out those pills, enki has went all Vladish :o :o

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Walt Zingmatilder

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Re: Christians who don't make my skin crawl!
« Reply #756 on: March 06, 2018, 12:56:48 PM »
No I don't see why you say "I am not happy with contemporary secularism. Because the language of secularism is atheist. It also rejects previous definitions and understanding of what secularism actually meant and that this rejection is being done by the atheists who have hijacked the agenda", because secularism is as near to neutral as you'll ever get in anything organised by humans, secularism doesn't have an agenda other than, 'fair shares for all and no privilege for anyone'.

The trouble is, religious organisations have so many privileges they've gained over the years and still have, then people like yourself have got so used to the many privileges the religions have you don't see them as privileges any more, then when someone points out one of the many privileges religions have, to people like yourself the next thing we hear from you is persecution.

Generally I don't mind people having these religious beliefs, I think religious people are either gullible or they have been indoctrinated when very young, what other reason would there be to take up religious beliefs? Especially when there is as near to zero viable evidence around to be found that might of backed up any of the main religious beliefs.

Where religious belief makes me see red is the way the religious believers make a point of getting their grubby hands on the pre seven year old children in one way or another, seven year old children as the religious are well aware this is the age where, on average, youngsters acquire the ability to challenge, talk about the religious dirty tricks department.

Apart from that last lot just above this, I feel sad for people that hold these beliefs but don't look on them as enemies, it's the privileges that will have to go no matter who has them, in other words as a system secularism has to be the one, it's pro everybody and fair play for all, their's no way around fair play for all Vlad, if you say anything different you must be talking from the other end, without engaging the brain, try to not make an even bigger fool of yourself, put your hands up admit it, you've got it wrong.

Regards ippy   
   
The British political system does not have 26 bishops and 1300 odd people who aren't in the HOL or HOC on a religious ticket in order to maintain a theocracy Ippy.
The model of governed humanity which is represented in our system is that people have secular or temporal interests that are separate from their spirituality namely what it is that makes them fully human. That is the basis of the division in the house of Lords.
As I have said the HOL is a house of privilege, there are inherited peers, public service, commerce, theatricals, community there is the privilege of age and experience. There should also be a small voice representing the spiritual nature and interests of humanity. If not then we are being badly served at the highest levels.





Walt Zingmatilder

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Re: Christians who don't make my skin crawl!
« Reply #757 on: March 06, 2018, 12:59:51 PM »
Dear enki,

Oh right, thank you for the clarification.

Dear Vlad,

Stop passing out those pills, enki has went all Vladish :o :o

Gonnagle.
Why use one word when ten will do?

What I use on words I save on grammar.

Walter

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Re: Christians who don't make my skin crawl!
« Reply #758 on: March 06, 2018, 01:13:05 PM »
The British political system does not have 26 bishops and 1300 odd people who aren't in the HOL or HOC on a religious ticket in order to maintain a theocracy Ippy.
The model of governed humanity which is represented in our system is that people have secular or temporal interests that are separate from their spirituality namely what it is that makes them fully human. That is the basis of the division in the house of Lords.
As I have said the HOL is a house of privilege, there are inherited peers, public service, commerce, theatricals, community there is the privilege of age and experience. There should also be a small voice representing the spiritual nature and interests of humanity. If not then we are being badly served at the highest levels.
I have taken hundreds of photos of sunsets as reminders of how wonderful they make me feel . Does that make me spiritual ?

Enki

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Re: Christians who don't make my skin crawl!
« Reply #759 on: March 06, 2018, 01:19:58 PM »
Why use one word when ten will do?

What I use on words I save on grammar.

Actually Enki only used two words(outside agency). It was Gonners who wanted clarification, hence the extra words. :)
Sometimes I wish my first word was 'quote,' so that on my death bed, my last words could be 'end quote.'
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Walt Zingmatilder

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Re: Christians who don't make my skin crawl!
« Reply #760 on: March 06, 2018, 01:24:48 PM »
I have taken hundreds of photos of sunsets as reminders of how wonderful they make me feel . Does that make me spiritual ?
Yep, I suppose it does.

Walter

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Re: Christians who don't make my skin crawl!
« Reply #761 on: March 06, 2018, 01:52:51 PM »
Yep, I suppose it does.
a spiritual atheist then. But with no concept of any gods .

ippy

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Re: Christians who don't make my skin crawl!
« Reply #762 on: March 06, 2018, 02:36:22 PM »
The British political system does not have 26 bishops and 1300 odd people who aren't in the HOL or HOC on a religious ticket in order to maintain a theocracy Ippy.
The model of governed humanity which is represented in our system is that people have secular or temporal interests that are separate from their spirituality namely what it is that makes them fully human. That is the basis of the division in the house of Lords.
As I have said the HOL is a house of privilege, there are inherited peers, public service, commerce, theatricals, community there is the privilege of age and experience. There should also be a small voice representing the spiritual nature and interests of humanity. If not then we are being b

As far as I know the MPs and the lords etc have a few believers amongst them, well I'm pretty sure they do?

Just a statement of fact : if you add as of right any kind of group, to either house, that have a particular, common to the group, shared interest, that is a privilege.

Regards ippy

Maeght

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Re: Christians who don't make my skin crawl!
« Reply #763 on: March 06, 2018, 03:22:34 PM »
The British political system does not have 26 bishops and 1300 odd people who aren't in the HOL or HOC on a religious ticket in order to maintain a theocracy Ippy.
The model of governed humanity which is represented in our system is that people have secular or temporal interests that are separate from their spirituality namely what it is that makes them fully human. That is the basis of the division in the house of Lords.
As I have said the HOL is a house of privilege, there are inherited peers, public service, commerce, theatricals, community there is the privilege of age and experience. There should also be a small voice representing the spiritual nature and interests of humanity. If not then we are being badly served at the highest levels.

Since the majority of the Lords Temporal will have religious beliefs then there will be people who can speak regarding spiritual issues whether we have Lords Spiritual or not.

Regarding Lords who can speak regarding public service, commerce etc are there specific number of seats guaranteed for people who can represent these areas?

ekim

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Re: Christians who don't make my skin crawl!
« Reply #764 on: March 06, 2018, 03:31:27 PM »
Isn't this just a different way of saying that you need to take time to pause and reflect on the issue at hand so that you give yourself an even chance of making a sound and equitable judgement as far as you are able?

Or, does it mean that you are asking for guidance from some sort of outside agency which you have already decided may make its presence felt when you pray when you are 'inwardly still', and that you will be prepared to act on the answer that comes to you without necessarily taking into account any other reasoning?  If so, this seems to me to be a decidedly hit or miss approach.
When I replied to Gonnagle, I was commenting in the context of him being a Christian and that this is a Christian topic, but to answer your first question, inner stillness can be a helpful stance in those circumstances.  When engrossed in an intellectual pursuit, I suspect that is when the Eureka moment occurs, and when surrounded by emotional turmoil, with practise a peaceful centre can be found from which to act or not act.  In answer to your second question, I would have to give a 'Jesus' approach to prayer (asking) rather than a Christian one i.e. 'God knows your requirements before you ask' which I believe means the requirement of release from deviating self centredness (sin) and union with God centredness, in a phrase, the Kingdom of Heaven within.

ProfessorDavey

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Re: Christians who don't make my skin crawl!
« Reply #765 on: March 06, 2018, 03:31:51 PM »
Since the majority of the Lords Temporal will have religious beliefs then there will be people who can speak regarding spiritual issues whether we have Lords Spiritual or not.
And that includes a number of former Bishops. Indeed there are currently two former Archbishops of Canterbury who are Lords Temporal, having transferred from being Lords Spiritual when they stepped down from their ABofC role.

Regarding Lords who can speak regarding public service, commerce etc are there specific number of seats guaranteed for people who can represent these areas?
Exaclty

Walter

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Re: Christians who don't make my skin crawl!
« Reply #766 on: March 06, 2018, 03:48:29 PM »
inner stillness ; a required skill if you are a sniper !

Walt Zingmatilder

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Re: Christians who don't make my skin crawl!
« Reply #767 on: March 06, 2018, 04:18:29 PM »
The British political system does not have 26 bishops and 1300 odd people who aren't in the HOL or HOC on a religious ticket in order to maintain a theocracy Ippy.
The model of governed humanity which is represented in our system is that people have secular or temporal interests that are separate from their spirituality namely what it is that makes them fully human. That is the basis of the division in the house of Lords.
As I have said the HOL is a house of privilege, there are inherited peers, public service, commerce, theatricals, community there is the privilege of age and experience. There should also be a small voice representing the spiritual nature and interests of humanity. If not then we are being b

As far as I know the MPs and the lords etc have a few believers amongst them, well I'm pretty sure they do?

Just a statement of fact : if you add as of right any kind of group, to either house, that have a particular, common to the group, shared interest, that is a privilege.

Regards ippy
There was no adding on of the lords spiritual. They were part and parcel of the constitution of the House of Lords which reflects a view that life comprises of the day to day, and the material aspects and the spiritual which in past times has been the preserve of the church and that that view applies to all.

Now that is a model which has survived and one that is not intrinsically wrong. So I disagree with you there.
Secondly given that the HOL is a house of privilage, who else is represented? Well Land, Money, civil and public service as well as the spiritual. To single out one group as having special privilege is nonsense on stilts, in fact there is a case that spiritual lords are the only lords who can represent some peoples interests.

Finally you are trying to introduce a definition of secular that is quite modern atheist and having been redefined by atheism.
In the new definition. The atheist represents the ideal citizen therefore,as Baggini points out, the religious have to talk like atheists in order to have a voice because as Baggini says the atheist does not understand religion or religious ways of putting things. This is why talk of level playing fields is mischievious playing the victim nonsense from people who are,in fact, more than adequately represented everywhere.

Yes there could be an overhaul of the Lords spiritual but to remove them just leaves Land, Money, civil and public service covered. How represented would we be then?


Walt Zingmatilder

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Re: Christians who don't make my skin crawl!
« Reply #768 on: March 06, 2018, 04:21:54 PM »
And that includes a number of former Bishops. Indeed there are currently two former Archbishops of Canterbury who are Lords Temporal, having transferred from being Lords Spiritual when they stepped down from their ABofC role.
Exaclty
Obviously some nuts need to be tightened but the principle of the Lords spiritual is sound.

Maeght

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Re: Christians who don't make my skin crawl!
« Reply #769 on: March 06, 2018, 04:22:11 PM »
There was no adding on of the lords spiritual. They were part and parcel of the constitution of the House of Lords which reflects a view that life comprises of the day to day, and the material aspects and the spiritual which in past times has been the preserve of the church and that that view applies to all.

Now that is a model which has survived and one that is not intrinsically wrong. So I disagree with you there.
Secondly given that the HOL is a house of privilage, who else is represented? Well Land, Money, civil and public service as well as the spiritual. To single out one group as having special privilege is nonsense on stilts, in fact there is a case that spiritual lords are the only lords who can represent some peoples interests.

Finally you are trying to introduce a definition of secular that is quite modern atheist and having been redefined by atheism.
In the new definition. The atheist represents the ideal citizen therefore,as Baggini points out, the religious have to talk like atheists in order to have a voice because as Baggini says the atheist does not understand religion or religious ways of putting things. This is why talk of level playing fields is mischievious playing the victim nonsense from people who are,in fact, more than adequately represented everywhere.

Yes there could be an overhaul of the Lords spiritual but to remove them just leaves Land, Money, civil and public service covered. How represented would we be then?

The spiritual would be represented in the same way as land, money, etc

ProfessorDavey

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Re: Christians who don't make my skin crawl!
« Reply #770 on: March 06, 2018, 04:28:50 PM »
Yes there could be an overhaul of the Lords spiritual but to remove them just leaves Land, Money, civil and public service covered. How represented would we be then?
So what are these current members of the Lords Temporal doing then (as examples):
George Carey
Rowan Williams
David Hope
Richard Chartres

Somehow I suspect they aren't focusing on Land, Money, civil and public service, given their backgrounds.

Walt Zingmatilder

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Re: Christians who don't make my skin crawl!
« Reply #771 on: March 06, 2018, 04:30:41 PM »
The spiritual would be represented in the same way as land, money, etc
Would they though who really represents the poor or the estates for instance.
You seem to be side stepping any criticism of modern secularism namely it's basic assumptions.
1. That the model citizen is atheist
2. That everybody must meet on an atheists understanding
3. That it is ok to focus on removing religious privileges
4. That religion is uniquely or especially oppressive or dangerous.
Look at the list of prominent secularists in Wikipedia. All atheists to a man. That's because they have hijacked the term.

Walt Zingmatilder

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Re: Christians who don't make my skin crawl!
« Reply #772 on: March 06, 2018, 04:34:23 PM »
So what are these current members of the Lords Temporal doing then (as examples):
George Carey
Rowan Williams
David Hope
Richard Chartres

Somehow I suspect they aren't focusing on Land, Money, civil and public service, given their backgrounds.
Since the church is established they were in high management in public and charitable service and presumably that's why they are there.

Anchorman

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Re: Christians who don't make my skin crawl!
« Reply #773 on: March 06, 2018, 04:41:05 PM »
Come off it. The "lords spiritual" is guff, plain and simple. Dress it up in high tones if you like, but all it is is a ridiculous hangover from tghe English parliament and Henry VIII's desire to get his leg over with Ann Boleyn. It has no place whatsoever in a so-called 'UK' parliament; there is no 'UK' established church, nor should there be. The only Kirm minister still active in ministrey when given the dubious insult of the peerage was George McLeod - founder of the Iona Community - and he only accepted the peerage after he had confirmed to presbytery that he was now ruling himself out as a candidate for parish ministry. Other denominations and religions get on quite well without becoming vermin in ermine; isn't it about time the CofE joined them?
"for, as long as but a hundred of us remain alive, never will we on any conditions be brought under English rule. It is in truth not for glory, nor riches, nor honours that we are fighting, but for freedom - for that alone, which no honest man gives up but with life itself."

ProfessorDavey

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Re: Christians who don't make my skin crawl!
« Reply #774 on: March 06, 2018, 04:42:55 PM »
Since the church is established they were in high management in public and charitable service and presumably that's why they are there.
I am actually not arguing that Bishops may not be suitable members of the HoLs. And indeed (unlike some) I think that priests etc should be able to hold public office, including major appointed and elected roles.

However, there should be no automatic positions, specially reserved for them. They should be part of a pool of people (religious and non religious) who are considered for membership of the HoLs on an equal footing.
« Last Edit: March 06, 2018, 04:51:04 PM by ProfessorDavey »