[Sephiroth]

I would like to take some time to point out the metaphorical meaning behind Through The Looking Glass. Now you may be sitting there thinking ``I wasn't aware there was one.``

Oh, but there is - it colorfully details the sham that is organized religion. The Walrus - with his girth and good-nature - obviously refers to either the Buddha, or - with his tusks - the lovable Hindu elephant god, Lord Ganesha. This takes care of the Eastern religions. The Carpenter is an obvious reference to Jesus Christ, who was purportedly raised the son of a carpenter. He represents the Western religions. And in the poem, what do they do? What do they do? They dupe all the oysters into followmg them. Then, when the oysters collective guard is down, the Walrus and the Carpenter shuck and devour the helpless creatures, en masse. I don't know what that says to you, but to me it says that following faiths based on these mythological figures insures the destruction of one's inner-being.

Organized religion destroys who we are or who we can be by inhibiting our actions and decisions out of fear of an intangible parent-figure who shakes a finger at us from thousands of years ago and says "Do it--do it and I`ll [bleep]ing spank you"

[Ironsight]

Sorry Skidz, but I've never read this book, so I have no real idea what you're talking about.

[Sephiroth]

Read it again. You don`t need to know the book to get what I`m saying. I explained it pretty good up there ^.

[Mallick]

Sephiroth, on Jan 28 2009, 10:22 PM, said:

The Walrus obviously refers to either the Buddha

the Walrus shuck[s] and devour[s] the helpless creatures, en masse. I don't know what that says to you, but to me it says that following faiths based on these mythological figures insures the destruction of one's inner-being.

Did you just call Buddha a mythological figure?

[Saturos S.]

Alice in Wonderland is the best book ever.

[Sephiroth]

Not Alice In Wonderland--Through The [fork]ing Looking Glass.

[bleep], yes I did. Meh. His teachings are just as detrimental to society as ``God`s``.

[Mallick]

Saturos Striker, on Jan 29 2009, 10:53 AM, said:

Alice in Wonderland is the best book ever.

I ****ing love you.

[Saturos S.]

Sephiroth, on Jan 29 2009, 09:31 PM, said:

Not Alice In Wonderland--Through The fucking Looking Glass.

Shit, yes I did. Meh. His teachings are just as detrimental to society as ``God`s``.

I do believe it's: "Through the looking glass and what Alice found there"

Don't you try and beat me at Lewis Carrol expertise. For I have:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Complete-Carroll-C...1604&sr=8-1

[Sephiroth]

I know that, but nobody says the full name. Alice In Wonderland is really Alice`s Adventures In Wonderland. But you don`t [bleep]ing say that do you? Didn`t think so numbnuts.

[Saturos S.]

Well then obviously you know that Alice's adventures in Wonderland and Through the looking glass are consecutive stories.

[Mallick]

whatever cats

lets just stick to hating religion in this thread alright

[Sephiroth]

Sir Walsingham, on Jan 29 2009, 04:36 PM, said:

Well then obviously you know that Alice's adventures in Wonderland and Through the looking glass are consecutive stories.

What makes you come to that conclusion? I know they are set in the same universe and are sequels/prequels to each other.

[Saturos S.]

Saturos Striker, on Jan 29 2009, 07:53 PM, said:

Alice in Wonderland is the best book ever.

Sephiroth, on Jan 29 2009, 09:31 PM, said:

Not Alice In Wonderland--Through The fucking Looking Glass.

[bleep], yes I did. Meh. His teachings are just as detrimental to society as ``God`s``.

Justifying that comment of mine.

[Sephiroth]

I still was talking about TTLG. They may be set together, but the ``story`` in TTLG is much different than that of AIW. Did you see me actually once say Alice? No, because she was irrelevant in my point.

[Saturos S.]

As much as I'd normally drop this, I'm bored, so I'll continue.

I was merely stating that Alice in Wonderland IS the best book ever. Your comment suggested that you thought I was confusing books. I wasn't. So, cake, chickens, spanish turds.

[Sephiroth]

Cake`s a lie, therefore you are probably lieing about knowing that AIW and TTLG were different books.

Ipso fatso.

[Saturos S.]

1. Ipso fatso is fat design for fat people (fact)
2. Fat people are thick (tautology)
3. Thick is another word for stupid (thesaurus)

1 + 2 + 3 = Your post was stupid.

Q.E.D.

[Mallick]

holy ****

[Nat Johnson]

Sephiroth, on Jan 30 2009, 01:36 PM, said:

Cake`s a lie, therefore you are probably lieing about knowing that AIW and TTLG were different books.

Ipso fatso.

Portal jokes are OVERDONE, therefor you are probably OUT of the CIRCLE.

[Kevin Holmes]

I'm in the circle... Hehe get it?

:)

[Mallick]

Nat Johnson, on Jan 30 2009, 03:43 PM, said:

Portal jokes are OVERDONE, therefor you are probably OUT of the CIRCLE.

Shut up.

[Nat Johnson]

G-DUB 3000, on Jan 30 2009, 08:01 PM, said:

Shut up.

Clever. Clever as CRAP.

[Caael]

Nat Johnson, on Jan 31 2009, 01:14 AM, said:

Clever. Clever as CRAP.

Shut up.

[Nat Johnson]

This is a WONDERFUL way to solve problems MEN. Blankly tell people to SHUT THE NUT UP.

[Caael]

Nat Johnson, on Jan 31 2009, 01:52 AM, said:

This is a WONDERFUL way to solve problems MEN. Blankly tell people to SHUT THE NUT UP.

It appears you did not comprehend the previous statement.

Shut up.

[Nat Johnson]

Caael, on Jan 30 2009, 08:54 PM, said:

It appears you did not comprehend the previous statement.

Shut up.

It APPEARS you have COMMUNICATION ISSUES.

[Caael]

If this is somebody else like Toasty or Skidz, GTFO now.

If it's some hyped up 11 year old, also GTFO.

Anything else and GTFO.

You dont really have many options here.

[Nat Johnson]

Well you included 'ANYTHING ELSE' so technically I have NO options.

[Caael]

Getting the [oh my] out is the only option. That is one option. Lrn2 count

[Nat Johnson]

Caael, on Jan 30 2009, 08:59 PM, said:

Getting the [oh my] out is the only option. That is one option. Lrn2 count

Hold on let me gather my THINGS first.

[Caael]

No time. Leave.

[Nat Johnson]

This is very IMPORTANT. I can't leave without my THINGS.

[Caael]

The only thing you brought with you is your dignity, but that went after you made your first post. Now off you [ROFL].

[Nat Johnson]

Trust me I lost my dignity as soon as I CLICKED the REGISTRATION button.

[Caael]

Yes you did. Now really, off you [this is boring].

[Nat Johnson]

Really, this conversation is going NOWHERE.

[Toasty]

Sephiroth, on Jan 28 2009, 10:22 PM, said:

I would like to take some time to point out the metaphorical meaning behind Through The Looking Glass. Now you may be sitting there thinking ``I wasn't aware there was one.``

Oh, but there is - it colorfully details the sham that is organized religion. The Walrus - with his girth and good-nature - obviously refers to either the Buddha, or - with his tusks - the lovable Hindu elephant god, Lord Ganesha. This takes care of the Eastern religions. The Carpenter is an obvious reference to Jesus Christ, who was purportedly raised the son of a carpenter. He represents the Western religions. And in the poem, what do they do? What do they do? They dupe all the oysters into followmg them. Then, when the oysters collective guard is down, the Walrus and the Carpenter shuck and devour the helpless creatures, en masse. I don't know what that says to you, but to me it says that following faiths based on these mythological figures insures the destruction of one's inner-being.

Organized religion destroys who we are or who we can be by inhibiting our actions and decisions out of fear of an intangible parent-figure who shakes a finger at us from thousands of years ago and says "Do it--do it and I`ll [bleep]ing spank you"

Lolololololololol.


If you take the time to think about the benefits of following the ten commandments for example, you'll see why it's good to follow them regardless of whether you want to get to heaven or not (or even care/believe that god exists).

For example:

Committing adultery breeds anger between husband and wife. Don't do it, and things will work out better.

Honoring your father and mother (most often times) makes life much easier for both you and them, and it breeds good will between both parties.

Murdering is obviously bad, as it'll get you thrown in prison where a big muscular black guy with a 5 foot long penis will rape you 'till you bleed.

Chances are that when you steal, whoever you stole from is going to come after you in some way. If you're unlucky, they'll be armed with shotguns.

If your neighbor asks for you to be their witness, and you lie, they;re gonna come back for your ass/head. (that's "Thou shalt not bear false witness to thy neighbor" btw).

Envying other people, or envying what they own often leads to bad things.
You might be tempted to steal whatever it is they have (see "If you're unlucky, they'll be armed with shotguns.").
You might be tempted to murder them and take what they have (see "a big muscular black guy with a 5 foot long penis will rape you 'till you bleed.")
Or you could do something else.


The other 5 are bull**** in all but the eyes of a believer, and only really apply to you if you're not religious (though arguably, as a religious person myself, I believe they all apply to everyone regardless).




So Skidz, there's a good reason for why christians follow the tend commandments. Besides earning us treasures in heaven and pleasing God, It's the smart thing to do.

[Ironsight]

Why are the mods never on when you need them?

[Toasty]

Sersiously.


And skidz needs to quit trying to prove how "wrong" and "bad" religion is. He's doing a piss poor job.

.....no offense, of course, skidz. :)

Caael, on Jan 30 2009, 05:57 PM, said:

If this is somebody else like Toasty or Skidz, GTFO now.

I'd like to use a lifeline, please.

*calls WD*

What's that? The IP's don't match? You don't say.....

[Nat Johnson]

I know SERIOUSLY. People here draw to CONCLUSIONS like nobody's business. It's like COMMUNIST CHINA in here.

[Sephiroth]

Sir Walsingham, on Jan 30 2009, 02:55 PM, said:

1. Ipso fatso is fat design for fat people (fact)
2. Fat people are thick (tautology)
3. Thick is another word for stupid (thesaurus)

1 + 2 + 3 = Your post was stupid.

Q.E.D.

Ipso factso is a saying originated by the Simpsons (fact)

Nat Johnson, on Jan 30 2009, 06:43 PM, said:

Portal jokes are OVERDONE, therefor you are probably OUT of the CIRCLE.

Your improper capitolization

Caael, on Jan 30 2009, 08:57 PM, said:

If this is somebody else like Toasty or Skidz, GTFO now.

If it's some hyped up 11 year old, also GTFO.

Anything else and GTFO.

You dont really have many options here.

Will you shut the [French] up!

And stop letting these trolls get to you Caael. You freak, they laugh, therefore they win. You are the kind of person that allows [fish]tards like these two to continue.

Toasty, on Jan 30 2009, 09:14 PM, said:

Lolololololololol.
If you take the time to think about the benefits of following the ten commandments for example, you'll see why it's good to follow them regardless of whether you want to get to heaven or not (or even care/believe that god exists).

For example:

Committing adultery breeds anger between husband and wife. Don't do it, and things will work out better.

Honoring your father and mother (most often times) makes life much easier for both you and them, and it breeds good will between both parties.

Murdering is obviously bad, as it'll get you thrown in prison where a big muscular black guy with a 5 foot long penis will rape you 'till you bleed.

Chances are that when you steal, whoever you stole from is going to come after you in some way. If you're unlucky, they'll be armed with shotguns.

If your neighbor asks for you to be their witness, and you lie, they;re gonna come back for your ass/head. (that's "Thou shalt not bear false witness to thy neighbor" btw).

Envying other people, or envying what they own often leads to bad things.
You might be tempted to steal whatever it is they have (see "If you're unlucky, they'll be armed with shotguns.").
You might be tempted to murder them and take what they have (see "a big muscular black guy with a 5 foot long penis will rape you 'till you bleed.")
Or you could do something else.
The other 5 are bull**** in all but the eyes of a believer, and only really apply to you if you're not religious (though arguably, as a religious person myself, I believe they all apply to everyone regardless).
So Skidz, there's a good reason for why christians follow the tend commandments. Besides earning us treasures in heaven and pleasing God, It's the smart thing to do.

Where did I say ten commandments? Just following the word of God in general.

Toasty, on Jan 30 2009, 09:18 PM, said:

Sersiously.
And skidz needs to quit trying to prove how "wrong" and "bad" religion is. He's doing a piss poor job.

.....no offense, of course, skidz. :)
I'd like to use a lifeline, please.

*calls WD*

What's that? The IP's don't match? You don't say.....

Piss poor job I think not. Those paragraphs were well thought out, and exposed religion for what it really is. You just would rather not see yourself as being wrong.

And what`s that...

*calls WD*

...Caael is a [oh dear]ing retard and needs to stop accusing GSSF members? You don`t say...

[Mallick]

Caael, on Jan 30 2009, 05:57 PM, said:

If this is somebody else like Toasty or Skidz, GTFO now.

If it's some hyped up 11 year old, also GTFO.

Anything else and GTFO.

You dont really have many options here.

Naw, I did IP tracin' bull****. They're just two random ****wads that joined.

[Sephiroth]

merked [my child]!

[Toasty]

Sephiroth, on Jan 30 2009, 09:09 PM, said:

Where did I say ten commandments? Just following the word of God in general.

Lawl. The Ten Commandments are the word of God in general.

Sephiroth, on Jan 30 2009, 09:09 PM, said:

Piss poor job I think not. Those paragraphs were well thought out, and exposed religion for what it really is. You just would rather not see yourself as being wrong.

Nononononono. Some religions are like that. We don't live in medieval times where nobody could read and the priests interpreted the bible for you (often with their own twist on it).

Smart people let religion influence their lives, but only foolish people let religion control every aspect of their lives. As far as Christianity is concerned, God doesn't want you to come to him because "your supposed to," or because "the Bible says so." Or, God forbid, because you "don't want to go to hell."

God wants you to follow him because you want to follow him. So if you consider yourself a Christian, but you don't truely want to follow God, then I'm sorry to break it to you but you're only fooling yourself.


That book, like many others that try to talk bad about religion (And more specifically christianity), focus on the assumption that everyone who's religious is blindly following their respective religion for the reasons I stated above (obviously disregarding the reason you should have for being a follower).

WARNING: An ass-load of sciencey stuff and rambling is ahead. If you're tempted to say tl;dr, then read the very first sentence in the very next paragraph, and all of the last two paragraphs. They're the only one's that really matter

Do you want to know why I follow Christianity? It's because I believe science can only explain things to an extent. That there comes a point where things become so complex, organised, and intricate that there's no chance it could have just randomly spawned.

You can throw the "Big Bounce" theory at me, which I've read over and thought quite a bit about (I actually came to that theory by myself, and later on learned that [no surprise] it had already been theorized, and that it had a name). But it still relies on the existance of the universe being infinite. Meaning it has always existed. That is something that science cannot explain, and it wouldn't surprise me if that part of the theory disagreed with some law of conventional science (as these theories often due. Infact, the theory of evolution actually contradicts a basic law of thermodynamics. iirc.).

But that's not the only reason. When I look at things in nature, and marvel at it's complexity and the complexity of things like the human body (which is so complex infact, that we still don't know everything about it), I'm awestruck. I find it unbelievably and incredibly unlikely that all of these things could all exist at the same time. But not only exist, exist with eachother in such a way that we depend on them. Plants depend on the sun's light and nutrients in the ground to grow. Herbavoirs depend on the plants, etc. etc. etc. (basic science). Take away a link in the chain and the system suddenly becomes unstable. Yet even though it becomes unstable, it's still able to compensate.

The human brain is amazing. How the hell are memories even stored? We have cells that send out electric and chemical pulses/signals in our brains, but how exactly is a memory stored? When it comes to computers, it's bits and bytes. Easy as pie. But what about emotions? Chemicals are released in the brain, and those chemicals trigger reactions in our bodies. Anyone who does some form of illegal drug on a daily/weekly basis should be an expert on that subject. But how can we "feel" those emotions? It almost seems as though the brain can't be the final stop. Like there's supposed to be some "spirit and emotion" organ that allows us to "feel" sensations and emotions. But that would have to be multiple times more complex than the brain, and the brain is already the most complex organ in the body. So the only thing left is the theory (put forth by many religions) that we have a "spirit".
I mean, think about it. When you study the brain, it just seems like a complex, organic computer (to me). All it does is take in sensory input, and send out a "reaction" signal. It seems to me like the brain should be heavily constrained to logical thought, just like a computer. In that case, everyone should get mad when someone insults them. Some may argue that the complexity of the brain allows it to have multiple output variables. But if it worked like that, a reaction to an event could be completely random (though still constrained logically to be applicable to said event. I.E. someone might scream in pain at touching something hot, while some else would just shrug it off. But logically speaking, you wouldn't just leave your hand there to burn.). Still others will argue that the brain is a living organ and can change and adapt over time.
However, this stil doesn't explain how we can be self aware. We can "know" right from wrong (by "know," I mean it could be hard wired into our brains), but how can we actually be aware that there is a right from a wrong? Let alone know which is which?
A computer doesn't actually know whether you clicked the "yes" in a dialogue box or the "no", or whether "this" is spelled with a t, h, i, and s. It "knows" that you chose one option, or that those letters make up that word, but only in the sense that those options and letters are represented by sequential "on" and "off" signals. But It doesn't actually know what any of those are. It only knows "on" and "off".
So the question remains, how are we self aware?

Now both those scientific things aside, I have "asked" and "recieved" a number of times before. Each event in and of itself seemed insignificant at the time it happened. But afterwards I was like "wait....that's related to what I was praying about!" And after having many of them occur, they've stopped being wierd coincidences to me, and have become completely normal. I am under the understanding that if you pray for something, you will get it. Unless of course what your praying for either a) doesn't fit into God's overall plan for me/the person I'm praying for, b) the thing I am praying for is either a foolish thing to ask for, or will lead to some pretty bad stuff, or c) you'll get it, but it's going to be a long, long time before you do. But the point is, I have my own personal proof that God exists.


But above all else, I follow God because I see the values in following his teachings (see my explanation for why it's a good idea to follow the ten commandments regardless of your religious standing), and I truely want to follow him because of it.



Now to remind you why I went off on a seemingly long tangent, it is to show you that I've put an ass-load of thought into my belief. What I showed here was merely a grain of sand on a vast beach. I do not follow my religion because I'm told to, I follow because I want to, and because it makes sense to me. I put a lot of thought into why I believe the things I believe, so I can garuntee you that my religion is not "controlling" me. I am free to do as I please and sin as much as I want. Infact, I find it incredibly hard not to sin. Yet I choose to sin as little as I can, because it's the right thing to do in my eyes. I see the benefit in choosing the "righteous" paths in life.

[Someone Else]

Deja frickin' vu. Toadsty, Sephy, take it out of the damn forum. Jeebus.