Quote from: Zeke2345 on March 28, 2016, 11:16:07 PM

Quote from: RayBrady on March 28, 2016, 11:03:39 PM

There's a BIG difference between spirituality/connection/belief, and what atheists think Christianity is.

You're covering a dog with a pig mask, and calling it something it isn't. I think the memes you posted are more relevant to islam, not Christianity. For example, Jesus doesn't care if we pray all the time, that doesn't make us closer with him. That's an islamic idea. Prayer isn't to change Jesus' decisions to get what we want either.

It's not a poison. The moment you snap and realize all the puzzle pieces fit, rather than trying to jam things in and say it's poison, you'll understand it far better. Why does the Bible "restrict" or "recommend" you to not have sex outside of marriage? Why does it oppose doing what you want (drinking, smoking, drugs). Because all these things ruin our lives, and degrade and spoil them. There's a reason for everything. It's not a lifestyle, it's how humans were meant to be, people who take the route of living their own lives will only have to wait to see what is after.

It's a poison if you believe fully that the things of this earth and life is the best it gets. Imagine America without greed, drugs, and things that degrade us. It's no doubt that Christianity advises you to live life the proper way. I guess it's all perspective, some see the worms-eye view, others birds-eye. If you want to look at it like a joke and pretend like it is all "fake" and made-up, let it be so. What is love if you are forced to love?

(this post is my opinion, feel free to discuss any point)

The guidelines you reference where altered by the governing powers of the day usually the church to control people. They really are not to benefit humans but to push the agenda of the current time. They did not want people killing themselves in mass due to hard living during famines. That is why hell is such a scary place created to deter people from pulling the plug. You can pretty much point to any religious guideline and it can be countered with a historical point where people where needed to be controlled.
You have a pope that preaches still in the same manner from up high and does not walk what he preaches. Wash a few prisoners feet and active on twitter does not make you cutting edge. Its a desperate attempt to stay relevant in a technological time where people do not give a shit anymore if the church puts out a creed.

Just as a side note, there's a pope for Catholics and Orthodox believers. I would not call myself either.