An interesting discussion

[mikemarshall3]

I have been having an interesting discussion on another forum with a Southern Baptist. After tying her in knots over the problem of evil she eventually decided that God was NOT wholly benevolent. I am still working on disabusing her of the notion of his omnipotence and omniscience but I live in hope.

Yes, it is approaching Christmas and I am married to a Christian. No, I am NOT an atheist but I do feel that any belief - political, religious or otherwise -that cannot defend its positions rationally needs to be shown its contradictions.

[Dex]

Mike, my family were Southern Baptists and I was, too while I lived at home. After I got away (military service and college), I could look back and see a lot of things I did not agree with. After I got married, my wife and I decided to join a denomination that was just as helpful for teaching the kids good morals and ethics but not so strict.

I don't know that I'd describe any branch of Christianity as "rational", but some churches give kids a good basis to build on when it comes to encouraging honesty, kindness, etc.. Start with the 7 deadly sins and go from there. They'll get the idea if they're smart kids.

[beth]

Dec 9, 2019 11:35:59 GMT -5 mikemarshall3 said:

I have been having an interesting discussion on another forum with a Southern Baptist. After tying her in knots over the problem of evil she eventually decided that God was NOT wholly benevolent. I am still working on disabusing her of the notion of his omnipotence and omniscience but I live in hope.

Yes, it is approaching Christmas and I am married to a Christian. No, I am NOT an atheist but I do feel that any belief - political, religious or otherwise -that cannot defend its positions rationally needs to be shown its contradictions.

I grew up in a Southern Baptist church, too ... until the point came when I realized it was mostly a social experience and there were other things I'd rather do with my time.  

When I was growing up, our SB minister was one of my dad's best friends.  He wrote his sermons on Monday and Tuesday, officiated over the Wednesday prayer service and then spent Thursday, Friday and Saturday on the golf course.  I thought it looked like a job I'd like .. until I figured out female pastors were not a part of the Southern Baptist work/worship experience.  

They're okay.  Just a little straight laced about (to me) unimportant things.  

From childhood, though, I had wondered about where "heaven" might be ... beyond the solar system?

I guess I'm agnostic now, but have Christian friends and my daughter is a good Catholic.  No scuffles.

[mikemarshall3]

Well, I am married to a lady who was raised a Presbyterian but then abandoned it and became Church of England. She remains a Christian while I am an agnostic but I am happy for her and our children to attend church and to believe as they wish!

[Sysop3]

Dec 9, 2019 18:37:31 GMT -5 mikemarshall3 said:

Well, I am married to a lady who was raised a Presbyterian but then abandoned it and became Church of England. She remains a Christian while I am an agnostic but I am happy for her and our children to attend church and to believe as they wish!

Most churches will let anybody step up and say they believe in Christ, but if they want to be welcomed into a particular church they need to become familiar with the rules of that church and promise to abide by them.

I've noticed agnostics do not try to undermine Christians as a rule, but Christians will work to convert agnostics and atheists to Christianity. I grew up in a Methodist church because my paternal relatives were involved with building the church, but I have not been in years.

I do sometimes go to a Catholic church because I have friends who go there. I feel more comfortable there. Maybe it's because I'm not a member.

Freedom of worship seems fairly important. Would your wife mind if the children decided to go to a different denomination when old enough to decide for themselves?