If you found out today with 100% certainty there was no afterlife or......

Well said.

 

Ok, entertain us with your apology for that point of view.

 

Why in the world would I even think of apologizing?

 

My guess is the same, one does not need god of religion to know what is morally right.

 

Think of it this way, how many have religion and still do not live a moral life.
religion by some is used in vain by some these days. It's more about look at me I am going to to church.
The most gossip minded people, go to church. Think about it.

 

As I suspected, look up the definition and origin of apology.

 

Do you even have some sort of explanation or are you just trolling? If there is any kind of rational meaning behind your belief that I posted something for which I should apologize, please explain yourself.

 

He's asking you to defend your position.

 

I'm waiting for him to explain why I should be expected to apologize for what I posted. And while we're at it maybe you could explain why I should have to defend my position.

 

Why did you use the word if you suspected it would be misinterpreted? Did you want a pat on the back?


To answer the question, I don't think I would live any differently. I am not perfect but feel like I live my life the best I can. Never have I expected God to do anything for me besides look out for my loved ones. Success comes from hard work and a little bit of luck. IMO.

 

Gary, there is a big difference between someone who claims to have something and actually having it. To blame the whole for the actions of some individuals is pretty petty.

 

I am not blaming anyone or group. Just stating what is really going on.

Am I wrong?

 

I speak of your statement that "I think if we were 100% certain that there is no afterlife, it might make war less popular." Let's hear your apology for that point of view. Do you think if the Japanese didn't believe in Kami, they would not have practiced the expansionist policies? Since Hitler was not religious he was forced into his policies? How about the top five of recorded history, Genghis Khan, Alexander the Great, Tamerlane, Cyrus, and Attila the Hun? These initiators of wars of expansion were the top five of history and their ambitions were not motivated by religion. World War I was not religious in its nature. Korean War - once again religion was not the catalyst. Vietnam war - no religious initiative.

Give it your best shot.

 

If you use the actions of few against the whole, do you think you are right?

 

Gary, that would be like me saying since the bombing of the marine barracks in 1983 happened in Lebanon, everyone with Lebanese blood in them is a terrorist.

 

Actually it's not even close, but ok.

My grandmother is a bad ***.

So far Hooker said it best, IMO.

 

This is not to be construed as an apology because I said nothing for which I should apologize. "Nor do I need to defend my position."

Apparently though, you read far too much into it. And even so, I still see no justification to your need for an apology.

But, for your sake, I will rephrase and explain what I said, although what I meant should be obvious.

A man would be highly unlikely to go willingly into combat if he were 100% certain that this life is all there is. Most religions provide for a belief in an afterlife. So death in combat is not the end. The Norse had Valhalla, Christians have "many mansions." A Muslim who dies for the cause gets 72 virgins. Even Shinto posits an afterlife although it's a little more vague on the details than some other religions. Hence my statement that I think war would be a lot less popular if we were 100% certain that there is no afterlife. It has nothing to do with any of those people you mentioned. I said I think, because, of course, I could be wrong.

Questions?

 

I have to agree the rep for the 72 virgins is not doing a good job I mean there has to be a few out of the 72 that do not want to give it up.

 

Well even that is not very well thought out. I, like many others, joined the military not because of religion but because of a feeling of patriotism toward America. I did not pick up arms and go into combat with the "comfort" of the afterlife, I went to protect my homeland. I went with the understanding if I did not come out alive it was for my country I died. I turned my life over to God shortly before I retired, AFTER my warring days were done.

 

So anyone that disagrees with you has not thought it out? One would think religious enlightenment would include tolerance and meditation on a counter viewpoint rather than simply dismissing it