I’d bet all the ‘religious’ types use the ‘right relgion’ entrance – all the while wondering why all the misguided souls who should be using the ‘wrong religion’ entrance Or betteryet turned away completely and referred toThe Other Place, are using THEIR entrance!
When I was a kid, the King Tut exhibit was at the museum in Chicago. My folks saw a tiny article about the mile-long line to get in, and it said there was a side door nobody knew about but was just as proper. We gave it a chance and were worried when we only saw a couple dozen people standing there (all looking unsure if it was the right place. But sure enough, when the museum opened, they let us in while the multitudes still waited in line. It kind of looked like this cartoon.
Did anyone hear the story about Osama bin Laden waking up on the Other Side, surrounded by 72 women, the most attractive of whom looked like Janet Reno on a bad day?
The punchline: “Well, why did you think they are still virgins?”
In another version of this story, the women are beautiful, but the punchline is: “What do you mean, they have to remain virgins?”
Not sure any of the commenters here got it: The way I see the picture is that both doors go into the same room, there isn’t a right or wrong religion, if you got to the point where you can go in the gate, it’s all the same. That’s what I think he is saying.
I am quite sure that most religions have quite a bit right.I am absolutely sure that ALL religions have something fundamentally wrong.I take it as given that the great religious leaders, Moses, Buddha, Jesus, Mohammed, had it right. The problem is that their followers started screwing up immediately afterwards.The histories in the Biblical Old Testament is the history of the errors of the Israelites. The Islamic split between Sunni and Shiite came from them arguing over who should lead after Mohammed died. Look at the differences between the Pauline and Petrine doctrines in Christianity, and that was before the split between Catholic and Orthodox, let alone between RC and Protestant.Anyone who’s truly honest would go through the “Wrong Religion” gate and ask for mercy, just as all those thronging through the right hand gate should.
Whew! That was a lot of reading. I’m sure we all changed each others minds. Maybe we can get a political/religious combo cartoon next time. That should make for as much comment print as War and Peace.
There is more historical evidence for the existence of Jesus of Nazareth than there is for Alexander the Great. It is foolish to think he didn’t exist. You don’t “have” to believe Him. I do.
To each and every one of you who says that this is the way and God / Jesus says to do this, I just have one thing to say: Prove it. If you can’t it’s just opinion. If you can’t verify your written history, it’s just myth and legend. Show me the proof.
Just remember one thing folks.Jesus was a Hebrew not a Christian.Christianity was built around him after the fact.Wiley’s art is perfect.All paths lead to God regardless of which one it is or how you get there.I personally like the Marine way.Give your heart to Jesus but your ass belongs to the Corps.
Interesting that the depiction of heaven in this comic is the stereotypical, imagined, Platonic heaven that isn’t actually described in any religion but is incorrectly assumed to be the “Christian” view. So I imagine true adherents to any religion would be really surprised to find themselves walking into this place.
Incidentally, all religions are exclusive. I don’t know why people in these comments keep getting on their high horse and looking down at others for believing that what they believe is the truth. That’s why you believe something, people. Atheists believe everyone else is wrong for believing in a deity. Agnostics believe everyone else is wrong for believing they can know one way or the other. Even inclusive religions exclude exclusivist religions from being correct.
Job 19:25 As for me, I know my Redeemer lives, and that at the last he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God whom I will see for myself, and whom my own eye will be hold and not another. Jesus is Lord.
One of those smug religious types was bothering me. I asked him, “Are you going to Heaven?”
He said, “Yes.”
Then I asked, “So if I go to Heaven, I have to listen to you gloating for eternity about how you were right?”
He said, “Yes.”
My choice was clear.
P.S., Nabuquduriuzhur, could you tell me where your Wiccan friends are who have sex in the woods? All I can find are the “Earth is our Mother” hippie types who don’t bathe.
Religion is the basis of some of the best jokes. I appreciate Christians (most of them) for having a sense of humor and not calling for my death when I make fun of them. Now Islam is scary, because they want their religion to be protected from any type of criticism or mockery. Sorry, just because something is sacred to you, doesn’t mean I have to respect it if I think it’s silly/wrong/dangerous.
I would like to recommend a helpful book on this topic: “Religion Gone Astray” written by Pastor Don Mackenzie, Rabbi Ted Falcon, and Imam Jamal Rahman. The authors, known as the “Interfaith Amigos,” probe more deeply into the problem aspects of our religious institutions to provide a profound understanding of the nature of what divides us. They identify four common problem areas in the Abrahamic faiths: Exclusivity, Violence, Inequality of Men and Women, and Homophobia. They explore the origins of these issues and the ways critics use these beliefs as divisive weapons. And they present ways we can use these vulnerabilities to open doors for the collaboration required to address our common issues, more profound personal relationships, and true interfaith healing. The three authors have appeared in a couple of TED Talks. Search for “Interfaith Amigos”… Peace to you all.
1. People that call themselves “Christians” and then kill someone for being gay, are NOT Christian and I will not be painted with that broad brush.2. Muslims don’t denounce the jihad against infidels.3. You still won’t get it.
1. Christians love the person, but disapproves of the lifestyle.2. Only when pressed, and only then.3. Religion is a man-made concept. Christianity is a relationship with God and His Son Jesus Christ. I do not accept Christianity because I have bad behavior, I am a Christian because I am a sinner. And you’re right, religion will not free you of that evil…but accepting Christ WILL!Why, and how?We ARE all sinners – Romans 3:10, 23The wages of sin is (eternal) death – Romans 6:23Jesus paid for our debt of sin on the cross – Romans 5:8Salvation comes by faith by confessing with our mouths and believing – Romans 10:9-10Do this and you WILL be saved – Romans:10:13.There will be mockers…but SO what? – 2 Peter 3:3-4.I do not let those people get the best of me – Matthew 10:28
These comments reaffirm one of my core beliefs: that there should be a separation of church and state a mile wide. On a side note, it’s a little futile to speak for an entire religion as to what it’s beliefs are, etc. How christians interpret the Bible or say what it means to be a christian varies from church to church – there is no such thing as “The Church”.
Well, there’s where we’re going to have to agree to disagree. I believe it IS a choice. And when people make their lifestyle choices then demand others to approve of what they’re doing, that’s wrong. What they want to do behind closed doors is their business. But when it’s out in the open and include God by saying He approves and using the Bible out of context to make it work for them. Well, I have a problem with that. I have a right to a gun to protect myself and my family under the Constitution of the United States. Yet, there are many who are trying to take AWAY that right. We can go round and round on this till you see I’m not going to agree with you and you shout “AHA!”. You believe what you want, I believe the same for me. What’s it matter to you what I believe? I’ve stated what I believe. I’ve given reasons as to why I believe. I’m not going to wring my hands because I’m worried that someone criticizes me for it.
Which is more important, orthodoxy (correct belief), or orthopraxy (correct action)?
“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’
“They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’
“He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’"Matthew 25:31-45
“I don’t want to start any blasphemous rumoursBut I think that God’s got a sick sense of humorAnd when I die I expect to find Him laughing” -Depeche Mode
Look, it’s hilarious, I suppose, that everyone thinks they are in the right religion, but stop and think a minute. It’s not even the least bit plausible that someone would be in a religion that they thought was the wrong one. So even the most rational of rational thinkers ought to agree that it’s really inevitable that everyone thinks theirs is the right religion.
Remember – someone SAID Jesus said this, God said that. What if the Bible is NOT infallible? Take a big ego to think you speak for GOD. Even if you use the Bible as an excuse….
Everyone belongs to ….what they believe to be, the “right” religion. Doesn’t matter what “group” it is to them it is the right one so everyone enters on the right….doesn’t matter because the same thing exists beyond both doors. but noone wants to admit anything but being right!
@DavidAnd see, there ya go, exactly the reason why I didn’t do it to begin with. I didn’t say it like you wanted to hear it. Well, ya know what, David? I won’t be subject to being pegged into a hole that you want to fit people into JUST how you want them to be. It’s a slippery slope and it’s quite frankly a reason to give you a power trip over people. You’ll never be satisfied. C’ya.
When my aunt was on her deathbed, she said, “Oh, God is so merciful!” She had seen relatives in a vision that she had no idea would be going to heaven, but there they were!
You religious types really don’t get the message here… if there is an individual god (speculation at best) then why would he/she/it allow faithful worshipers of a manifestation of him/he/its self to suffer for following the wrong representation of him/her/it ? If your god is Omnipresent, then it follows that your god is all representations of him/her/it. The trouble, as I see it, is a literal interpretation of Ancient texts that tried to reveal the one, simple truth… There is no such thing as a personal god as a personality… for me, god is the sum total of everything known and those things that will be known. Omnipresent includes you and everyone and thing in the Universe… in fact, the Universe itself, its the massive power and he live force emanating from it is the creative force… which we, in our blindness, have ignorantly have named god. GREAT WILEY… please write a book !
Jesus was responding to questions about how to ‘get to heaven’ which is also translated ‘live with G-d’…
He is reported to have said something like “follow me, my way is the way”… (remember, everything was written after a few generations or so of telling the stories verbally)
It can be easily interpreted to mean that his example of caring for the sick, the poor, and the unfortunate is the way to live with G-d…
It can be easily interpreted that a path of humble compassion is the holiest path Jesus could think of and he knew that that was the path he had accepted for himself…
Personally, I think its a bit of a stretch to believe that Jesus, (the man who preached ‘judge not’, ‘love thy neighbor’, and ‘we are all neighbors in G-d’s creation’)… I think it is a stretch to believe this Jesus would mean that one must go ‘through’ him to get to heaven…
If someone answers ‘you get there by following my example’, it doesn’t sound to me like it should mean ‘you get there by worshipping only me’.
@DavidThe funny thing about you is that you don’t even seem aware of how arrogant you sound. You don’t know me, but you think you’ve got me pegged just because I don’t answer you word for word EXACTLY how you’d want answered. You try to paint people into a corner just so you can feel mighty and superior with your “AHA!”, and then even you’re still as far from the truth as ever before. You’re just AS intolerant to other views and beliefs. You’re just as guilty by not only trying “to get me to open my eyes to my prejudiced position”, but then saying how intolerant you are to people that don’t agree with you on climate change. This whole discussion between you and I have been nothing but me stating what I believe, and you trying to get me to admit something to fit into your OWN beliefs, and if I don’t then I’m a bigot.Again, what does it matter to you to what I believe? Does it keep you up at night? Do you pace back and forth in your room trying to scheme other people into admitting they’re bigots in your world frame of mind? Well, it’s backfired on you. While I’ve been doing my best to be decent about my beliefs, YOU’RE the one whose personality has been screaming that you’re the intolerant bigot!
Gravity is the way things are. It has nothing to do about tolerance of religions… I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me….All shall be resurrected- just and unjust…There are different Glories- Celestial, Terrestrial, Tellestial, etc…You do not have to conform to Jesus’ teachings…A just person will go to heaven- he will only miss out on being with Jesus and Heavenly Father…Which is what he wanted anyway. 1 Corr. 15:40
Project much? Seems ok for you to be intolerant of my beliefs. But not ok for people to be intolerant of yours. That’s what you call hypocrisy. Again, all I ever said was what I believed in. You’re the one that reads into everything, and finds a way to paint someone into the corner with a projected outcome for you to then attack them when you already KNEW ahead of time what the outcome was going to be. Do whatever you want behind closed doors. I don’t care. Go at it! But then act surprised when you want to push it into everybody’s faces and EXPECT them to be ok with it when you already know ahead of time that they won’t be? That’s what they USED to call looking to pick a fight! That is NOT what they call a “good guy”.Also, know what makes you hypocritical? You judge ME by trying to force me to admit to something in a certain way about gays and civil rights, try to force me to OPEN my eyes etc etc. But then you take MY beliefs and call them a mythical being. Not everyone agrees to what I and millions more believe in. That’s just the way it is. Jesus said it would happen, and well, you fulfill it to a “T” (Matthew 5:11, Luke 6:22). But in the end it helps me to grow (James 1:2-3)But when people don’t agree with you, well, you just CAN’T deal with that, and you get all crazy.Look in the mirror before you start accusing them of being something that you yourself are. I’m good where I’m at.
@PianoGuy24You claim that being gay is a choice.Which makes one wonder how old you were when you made the conscious decision to become straight.You did make that choice, didn’t you?Or were you BORN that way?And if you were, then why would you disbelieve that others could be born gay?It’s not that difficult a concept, unless you just don’t WANT to believe it.
Here is the deal. all religions contradict each other. They can not all be correct. If they are all true then none are true. only one can be right. Simple logic.
My answer to you is the same I told David. You already know my answer before you even had to ask. People like you and David are proving Titus 3:9 right. All you’re doing is looking for a fight, not seeking answers.
My answer to you is the same I told David. You already know my answer before you even had to ask. People like you and David are proving Titus 3:9 right. All you’re doing is looking for a fight, not seeking answers.
@DavidYou say you don’t expect me to think like you but get pissy when I don’t put in word for word how you want to hear a response:“By the way, I notice you are unable to say the whole sentence. “No, I (Pianoguy24) do(es) not believe gay are entitled to the same civil rights as straights”This conversation pretty much went south from there when I didn’t fit into your wishes of what I should’ve said. It was also pretty evident that you wouldn’t join me. That’s just as closed minded to my beliefs. And you don’t see that you seem fine with that because in your mind its mythological. Yet you’re intolerant to people that won’t believe in AGW, which I believe is mythological that Man is responsible. I’m fine what you think of me. I don’t lose sleep over it. However, you get your underwear in a bunch when people refuse what you believe. Again, I’m good where I’m at without worrying what others think of meSeems you need to find that same frame of mind.
It’s sad, unfortunate, amazing, AND offensive that I even allowed this conversation to go on this long. And still just as ridiculous that you allow yourself to slam another’s beliefs while you pretty much say don’t say anything against yours or else you’re a mythological, prejudiced, uneducated bigot. Yeah…that’ll bring people to your side…BTW, I referenced everything on what I believe in, and why. All you ever did was insult if I didn’t believe in what you do. No references. Just believe it ‘cause YOU said it. You’ve proven nothing to support your arguments.
Just as I reject and resist your ignorant beliefs of AGW. It is based on flawed science and total nonsense! And your beliefs are trying to besiege on my rights and beliefs when you try to push the faulty global warming agenda on the whole world! So where do we go from here? Our own ways, if you please. Are you able to do that? Something tells me that no, you can’t!
Yep, just as I figured. You can’t leave well enough alone. Once again, seems ok that you can attack my core beliefs and call me a believer of mythology. And that’s to be expected. The world has enemies towards Christianity. I’m used to it. It doesn’t sway me. But wow, when the same is done towards YOURS, you then start attacking character, assume what they do or don’t know. Assume they haven’t done their own research. Call them names. And question their patriotism. You’re unstable, and become unhinged when someone disagrees with you. You’re predictable. I pity you.
“Since I’m not unalterably committed to any particular belief system”.You yourself who claims to not have a belief in anything or any system have no place to try and talk down to people that do. Your posts to both me and MagicFan prove that you don’t know what you’re talking about. You take a few general items (from things you obviously have no in-depth knowledge of) in the Bible, and try to school US on it? .Fail..
Fail, again..Go back and re-read my posts on what I wrote about Jesus and the Mosaic Law. You either just are ignorant about it, or closed-minded, or just really don’t WANT to know. The answer is there if you REALLY wanted to open your eyes..And people like you, people that believe in anything that comes along down the pike end up believing in nothing. It’s wishy-washy. You go along with the latest and greatest fabrication. .Again, I pity you.
Anything more would be fruitless and pointless. You cannot reason with a person who already thinks they know it all. You’re a futile attempt. I’ve better things to expend my energy on. Sayonara, my friend. I wish you well.
The biggest joke is that all religion is hogwash. People are so gullible. Wake up and dump the industry of organized religion. The planet will be better for it. :)
seyleigh almost 11 years ago
I do!
Linguist almost 11 years ago
men, brother. The " good guys " always think they’re on the right side of Heaven
Can't Sleep almost 11 years ago
I’ve always thought God has a great sense of humor, but we’re too scared to laugh.
Linguist almost 11 years ago
It’s Let’s Make A Deal ! Which door will you choose ?Oh. pick me Monty, pick me !!!
jnik23260 almost 11 years ago
I think the “South Park” version of the hereafter is more telling.
The Old Wolf almost 11 years ago
This is, of course, a re-run – originally published on 10/29/09. It remains to this day one of my favorite Wileys of all time.
Dtroutma almost 11 years ago
Hopefully, I’ve worked on Karma enough that next time around I won’t have to participate again in some nationalist liars war.
watmiwori almost 11 years ago
I’d bet all the ‘religious’ types use the ‘right relgion’ entrance – all the while wondering why all the misguided souls who should be using the ‘wrong religion’ entrance Or betteryet turned away completely and referred toThe Other Place, are using THEIR entrance!
Aussie Down Under almost 11 years ago
With those options I think I’d be LEFT RIGHT out.
Varnes almost 11 years ago
How does somebody who doesn’t get the joke get into heaven in the first place? I thought they had standards….
Kvasir42 Premium Member almost 11 years ago
If you’re coming in on God’s right hand, and if he is facing you, you would want the left entrance. Just sayin’.
cdward almost 11 years ago
When I was a kid, the King Tut exhibit was at the museum in Chicago. My folks saw a tiny article about the mile-long line to get in, and it said there was a side door nobody knew about but was just as proper. We gave it a chance and were worried when we only saw a couple dozen people standing there (all looking unsure if it was the right place. But sure enough, when the museum opened, they let us in while the multitudes still waited in line. It kind of looked like this cartoon.
Lacrymose almost 11 years ago
I think a lot of self-righteous people will be in for a surprise if there really is an afterlife.
katy Premium Member almost 11 years ago
Billions of people=millions of lifestyles! Too many people just don’t get that!
Q4horse almost 11 years ago
All religion is wrong. Science has proven that there is no consciousness without respiration.
JohnHerbison almost 11 years ago
Did anyone hear the story about Osama bin Laden waking up on the Other Side, surrounded by 72 women, the most attractive of whom looked like Janet Reno on a bad day?
The punchline: “Well, why did you think they are still virgins?”
In another version of this story, the women are beautiful, but the punchline is: “What do you mean, they have to remain virgins?”
js305 almost 11 years ago
Not sure any of the commenters here got it: The way I see the picture is that both doors go into the same room, there isn’t a right or wrong religion, if you got to the point where you can go in the gate, it’s all the same. That’s what I think he is saying.
Nebulous Premium Member almost 11 years ago
I am quite sure that most religions have quite a bit right.I am absolutely sure that ALL religions have something fundamentally wrong.I take it as given that the great religious leaders, Moses, Buddha, Jesus, Mohammed, had it right. The problem is that their followers started screwing up immediately afterwards.The histories in the Biblical Old Testament is the history of the errors of the Israelites. The Islamic split between Sunni and Shiite came from them arguing over who should lead after Mohammed died. Look at the differences between the Pauline and Petrine doctrines in Christianity, and that was before the split between Catholic and Orthodox, let alone between RC and Protestant.Anyone who’s truly honest would go through the “Wrong Religion” gate and ask for mercy, just as all those thronging through the right hand gate should.
jsweck almost 11 years ago
Thou shalt not COPY!
Beleck3 almost 11 years ago
hey where’s the middle ground? extremes are bad, but then again, religion is a mental disease
sbchamp almost 11 years ago
NONE of them…
erik.vanthienen almost 11 years ago
There is a third door missing : “Righteous People, Whatever their Beliefs”
neatslob Premium Member almost 11 years ago
What a shock they’ll have when they find that both entrances go to the same place.
J Short almost 11 years ago
Whew! That was a lot of reading. I’m sure we all changed each others minds. Maybe we can get a political/religious combo cartoon next time. That should make for as much comment print as War and Peace.
dabugger almost 11 years ago
They are all agnostics and atheists of course…..
puddlesplatt almost 11 years ago
I’ve gone through several fathers…some were good!
Dr.silly almost 11 years ago
Wow. So many posters ironically, and cluelessly, proving the point of the cartoon. Amazing.
edclectic almost 11 years ago
For me, heaven will be where everyone else isn’t…
thomgeno almost 11 years ago
There is more historical evidence for the existence of Jesus of Nazareth than there is for Alexander the Great. It is foolish to think he didn’t exist. You don’t “have” to believe Him. I do.
whopado almost 11 years ago
To each and every one of you who says that this is the way and God / Jesus says to do this, I just have one thing to say: Prove it. If you can’t it’s just opinion. If you can’t verify your written history, it’s just myth and legend. Show me the proof.
Packratjohn Premium Member almost 11 years ago
Sorry, nothing to add today. I’m a born-again pagan.
Vet Premium Member almost 11 years ago
Just remember one thing folks.Jesus was a Hebrew not a Christian.Christianity was built around him after the fact.Wiley’s art is perfect.All paths lead to God regardless of which one it is or how you get there.I personally like the Marine way.Give your heart to Jesus but your ass belongs to the Corps.
Packratjohn Premium Member almost 11 years ago
Heaven goes by favor. If it went by merit, you would stay out and your dog would go in. – Mark Twain, a Biography
Celad almost 11 years ago
Christianity isn’t a religion, it’s a person and a relationship.
fritzoid Premium Member almost 11 years ago
Nice to see people quoting Voltaire and Sartre, even if they aren’t giving them credit.
Of course, a couple of hundred years ago, Wiley might have been burned at the stake for promoting the doctrine of Universal Salvation.
superpope almost 11 years ago
Interesting that the depiction of heaven in this comic is the stereotypical, imagined, Platonic heaven that isn’t actually described in any religion but is incorrectly assumed to be the “Christian” view. So I imagine true adherents to any religion would be really surprised to find themselves walking into this place.
Incidentally, all religions are exclusive. I don’t know why people in these comments keep getting on their high horse and looking down at others for believing that what they believe is the truth. That’s why you believe something, people. Atheists believe everyone else is wrong for believing in a deity. Agnostics believe everyone else is wrong for believing they can know one way or the other. Even inclusive religions exclude exclusivist religions from being correct.
TCulberson almost 11 years ago
Job 19:25 As for me, I know my Redeemer lives, and that at the last he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God whom I will see for myself, and whom my own eye will be hold and not another. Jesus is Lord.
TCulberson almost 11 years ago
Good strip, and most of the conversation seems intelligent without name calling. Bravo everyone
Proginoskes almost 11 years ago
One of those smug religious types was bothering me. I asked him, “Are you going to Heaven?”
He said, “Yes.”
Then I asked, “So if I go to Heaven, I have to listen to you gloating for eternity about how you were right?”
He said, “Yes.”
My choice was clear.
P.S., Nabuquduriuzhur, could you tell me where your Wiccan friends are who have sex in the woods? All I can find are the “Earth is our Mother” hippie types who don’t bathe.
pumaman almost 11 years ago
Religion is the basis of some of the best jokes. I appreciate Christians (most of them) for having a sense of humor and not calling for my death when I make fun of them. Now Islam is scary, because they want their religion to be protected from any type of criticism or mockery. Sorry, just because something is sacred to you, doesn’t mean I have to respect it if I think it’s silly/wrong/dangerous.
bobdingus almost 11 years ago
“No religion” and “wrong religion” are essentially the same thing.
Habogee almost 11 years ago
The human brain is amazing in it’s quest for self importance.
Jml58 almost 11 years ago
I consider my relationship with God to be a private matter between Me and Her.
dflak almost 11 years ago
God does have a sense of humor. We’re proof. He created us for comic relief.
Besides, have you ever really taken a close look at a moose? There is a reason one was used as a sidekick to an aeronautical rodent.
sbeavin almost 11 years ago
Not surprised that this really brought the religious nuts out!
johnjeanmartin almost 11 years ago
I would like to recommend a helpful book on this topic: “Religion Gone Astray” written by Pastor Don Mackenzie, Rabbi Ted Falcon, and Imam Jamal Rahman. The authors, known as the “Interfaith Amigos,” probe more deeply into the problem aspects of our religious institutions to provide a profound understanding of the nature of what divides us. They identify four common problem areas in the Abrahamic faiths: Exclusivity, Violence, Inequality of Men and Women, and Homophobia. They explore the origins of these issues and the ways critics use these beliefs as divisive weapons. And they present ways we can use these vulnerabilities to open doors for the collaboration required to address our common issues, more profound personal relationships, and true interfaith healing. The three authors have appeared in a couple of TED Talks. Search for “Interfaith Amigos”… Peace to you all.
Don Winchester Premium Member almost 11 years ago
1. People that call themselves “Christians” and then kill someone for being gay, are NOT Christian and I will not be painted with that broad brush.2. Muslims don’t denounce the jihad against infidels.3. You still won’t get it.
jshaw42 almost 11 years ago
This should be shared with the world
edclectic almost 11 years ago
bravo…are we related or somethin’?
dvoyack almost 11 years ago
“No one come to the father except through me.” Sounds like Jesus is an offensive lineman, particularly a guard.
fbear0143 almost 11 years ago
I saw this one about a year or so ago, I think, waved it then. Thanks for the rerun. It’s great and spot on!
dvoyack almost 11 years ago
“No one comes to the father except through me.” Sounds like Jesus is an offensive lineman, particularly a guard.
TheAuldWan almost 11 years ago
I’m with Pianoguy24….
Don Winchester Premium Member almost 11 years ago
1. Christians love the person, but disapproves of the lifestyle.2. Only when pressed, and only then.3. Religion is a man-made concept. Christianity is a relationship with God and His Son Jesus Christ. I do not accept Christianity because I have bad behavior, I am a Christian because I am a sinner. And you’re right, religion will not free you of that evil…but accepting Christ WILL!Why, and how?We ARE all sinners – Romans 3:10, 23The wages of sin is (eternal) death – Romans 6:23Jesus paid for our debt of sin on the cross – Romans 5:8Salvation comes by faith by confessing with our mouths and believing – Romans 10:9-10Do this and you WILL be saved – Romans:10:13.There will be mockers…but SO what? – 2 Peter 3:3-4.I do not let those people get the best of me – Matthew 10:28
BluePumpkin almost 11 years ago
These comments reaffirm one of my core beliefs: that there should be a separation of church and state a mile wide. On a side note, it’s a little futile to speak for an entire religion as to what it’s beliefs are, etc. How christians interpret the Bible or say what it means to be a christian varies from church to church – there is no such thing as “The Church”.
hdcanterbelle Premium Member almost 11 years ago
Big smile, and a save to my philosophical collection.
Don Winchester Premium Member almost 11 years ago
Well, there’s where we’re going to have to agree to disagree. I believe it IS a choice. And when people make their lifestyle choices then demand others to approve of what they’re doing, that’s wrong. What they want to do behind closed doors is their business. But when it’s out in the open and include God by saying He approves and using the Bible out of context to make it work for them. Well, I have a problem with that. I have a right to a gun to protect myself and my family under the Constitution of the United States. Yet, there are many who are trying to take AWAY that right. We can go round and round on this till you see I’m not going to agree with you and you shout “AHA!”. You believe what you want, I believe the same for me. What’s it matter to you what I believe? I’ve stated what I believe. I’ve given reasons as to why I believe. I’m not going to wring my hands because I’m worried that someone criticizes me for it.
fritzoid Premium Member almost 11 years ago
Which is more important, orthodoxy (correct belief), or orthopraxy (correct action)?
“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’
“They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’
“He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’"Matthew 25:31-45
Faith without works is dead.
lakita_lover almost 11 years ago
“I don’t want to start any blasphemous rumoursBut I think that God’s got a sick sense of humorAnd when I die I expect to find Him laughing” -Depeche Mode
Hawthorne almost 11 years ago
““As a man believes, so is he.””
And there I think you’ve hit on a fundamental truth.
Don Winchester Premium Member almost 11 years ago
@DavidI did answer you. You just don’t like the answer, or unable to comprehend it.
Hawthorne almost 11 years ago
“3) Yes, I do get it. I don’t acceot religion as an excuse for bad behaviour and no proselytizing religion is free of that evil.”
I knew there was a clear way to say that. Thank you.
3pibgorn9 almost 11 years ago
Depends on the interpretation. What does Jesus mean by “me?” Is it his person or his example and showing of God’s universal and unconditional love?
Don Winchester Premium Member almost 11 years ago
Ok, then, plainly put: NoYou may now wring your hands with your “AHA!”.Watch me not lose any sleep worrying what you think of me.
R0Randy almost 11 years ago
146 comments, this one must have touched a nerve.
Look, it’s hilarious, I suppose, that everyone thinks they are in the right religion, but stop and think a minute. It’s not even the least bit plausible that someone would be in a religion that they thought was the wrong one. So even the most rational of rational thinkers ought to agree that it’s really inevitable that everyone thinks theirs is the right religion.
Geeze.
R0Randy almost 11 years ago
And sorry if that point has already been made. I didn’t have time to real all the comments.
Asharah almost 11 years ago
As a child, I wondered what it felt like to die in a religious war and then find out the other guy was right. Or that neither of you were right.
fixer1967 almost 11 years ago
The joke is that there is no right religion.
hedgehog182 almost 11 years ago
Remember – someone SAID Jesus said this, God said that. What if the Bible is NOT infallible? Take a big ego to think you speak for GOD. Even if you use the Bible as an excuse….
Caddy57 almost 11 years ago
Everyone belongs to ….what they believe to be, the “right” religion. Doesn’t matter what “group” it is to them it is the right one so everyone enters on the right….doesn’t matter because the same thing exists beyond both doors. but noone wants to admit anything but being right!
Don Winchester Premium Member almost 11 years ago
@DavidAnd see, there ya go, exactly the reason why I didn’t do it to begin with. I didn’t say it like you wanted to hear it. Well, ya know what, David? I won’t be subject to being pegged into a hole that you want to fit people into JUST how you want them to be. It’s a slippery slope and it’s quite frankly a reason to give you a power trip over people. You’ll never be satisfied. C’ya.
mkb449 almost 11 years ago
Religion is the politics of spirituality. Churches misuse the spiritual teachings of theirs founders to enforce dogma that is used to control people.
Gokie5 almost 11 years ago
When my aunt was on her deathbed, she said, “Oh, God is so merciful!” She had seen relatives in a vision that she had no idea would be going to heaven, but there they were!
wrwallaceii almost 11 years ago
Me? I’m taking the road less traveled…
wrwallaceii almost 11 years ago
Okay… how about ‘Correct entrance’ and ’Incorrect entrance"
MutTru almost 11 years ago
@PianoGuy24 No one knows who wrote the Gospel of John, yet you accept it without question. Pretty interesting.
EDinWAState almost 11 years ago
You religious types really don’t get the message here… if there is an individual god (speculation at best) then why would he/she/it allow faithful worshipers of a manifestation of him/he/its self to suffer for following the wrong representation of him/her/it ? If your god is Omnipresent, then it follows that your god is all representations of him/her/it. The trouble, as I see it, is a literal interpretation of Ancient texts that tried to reveal the one, simple truth… There is no such thing as a personal god as a personality… for me, god is the sum total of everything known and those things that will be known. Omnipresent includes you and everyone and thing in the Universe… in fact, the Universe itself, its the massive power and he live force emanating from it is the creative force… which we, in our blindness, have ignorantly have named god. GREAT WILEY… please write a book !
Michelle Davis Premium Member almost 11 years ago
About John 14:6…
Jesus was responding to questions about how to ‘get to heaven’ which is also translated ‘live with G-d’…
He is reported to have said something like “follow me, my way is the way”… (remember, everything was written after a few generations or so of telling the stories verbally)
It can be easily interpreted to mean that his example of caring for the sick, the poor, and the unfortunate is the way to live with G-d…
It can be easily interpreted that a path of humble compassion is the holiest path Jesus could think of and he knew that that was the path he had accepted for himself…
Personally, I think its a bit of a stretch to believe that Jesus, (the man who preached ‘judge not’, ‘love thy neighbor’, and ‘we are all neighbors in G-d’s creation’)… I think it is a stretch to believe this Jesus would mean that one must go ‘through’ him to get to heaven…
If someone answers ‘you get there by following my example’, it doesn’t sound to me like it should mean ‘you get there by worshipping only me’.
Don Winchester Premium Member almost 11 years ago
@DavidThe funny thing about you is that you don’t even seem aware of how arrogant you sound. You don’t know me, but you think you’ve got me pegged just because I don’t answer you word for word EXACTLY how you’d want answered. You try to paint people into a corner just so you can feel mighty and superior with your “AHA!”, and then even you’re still as far from the truth as ever before. You’re just AS intolerant to other views and beliefs. You’re just as guilty by not only trying “to get me to open my eyes to my prejudiced position”, but then saying how intolerant you are to people that don’t agree with you on climate change. This whole discussion between you and I have been nothing but me stating what I believe, and you trying to get me to admit something to fit into your OWN beliefs, and if I don’t then I’m a bigot.Again, what does it matter to you to what I believe? Does it keep you up at night? Do you pace back and forth in your room trying to scheme other people into admitting they’re bigots in your world frame of mind? Well, it’s backfired on you. While I’ve been doing my best to be decent about my beliefs, YOU’RE the one whose personality has been screaming that you’re the intolerant bigot!
Fuzzy Thinker Premium Member almost 11 years ago
Gravity is the way things are. It has nothing to do about tolerance of religions… I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me….All shall be resurrected- just and unjust…There are different Glories- Celestial, Terrestrial, Tellestial, etc…You do not have to conform to Jesus’ teachings…A just person will go to heaven- he will only miss out on being with Jesus and Heavenly Father…Which is what he wanted anyway. 1 Corr. 15:40
Nietzsche almost 11 years ago
Wiley, this is wonderful. Thank you!
Don Winchester Premium Member almost 11 years ago
Project much? Seems ok for you to be intolerant of my beliefs. But not ok for people to be intolerant of yours. That’s what you call hypocrisy. Again, all I ever said was what I believed in. You’re the one that reads into everything, and finds a way to paint someone into the corner with a projected outcome for you to then attack them when you already KNEW ahead of time what the outcome was going to be. Do whatever you want behind closed doors. I don’t care. Go at it! But then act surprised when you want to push it into everybody’s faces and EXPECT them to be ok with it when you already know ahead of time that they won’t be? That’s what they USED to call looking to pick a fight! That is NOT what they call a “good guy”.Also, know what makes you hypocritical? You judge ME by trying to force me to admit to something in a certain way about gays and civil rights, try to force me to OPEN my eyes etc etc. But then you take MY beliefs and call them a mythical being. Not everyone agrees to what I and millions more believe in. That’s just the way it is. Jesus said it would happen, and well, you fulfill it to a “T” (Matthew 5:11, Luke 6:22). But in the end it helps me to grow (James 1:2-3)But when people don’t agree with you, well, you just CAN’T deal with that, and you get all crazy.Look in the mirror before you start accusing them of being something that you yourself are. I’m good where I’m at.
McSpook almost 11 years ago
@PianoGuy24You claim that being gay is a choice.Which makes one wonder how old you were when you made the conscious decision to become straight.You did make that choice, didn’t you?Or were you BORN that way?And if you were, then why would you disbelieve that others could be born gay?It’s not that difficult a concept, unless you just don’t WANT to believe it.
mplaffey almost 11 years ago
Here is the deal. all religions contradict each other. They can not all be correct. If they are all true then none are true. only one can be right. Simple logic.
Don Winchester Premium Member almost 11 years ago
@Gary McSpook
My answer to you is the same I told David. You already know my answer before you even had to ask. People like you and David are proving Titus 3:9 right. All you’re doing is looking for a fight, not seeking answers.
Don Winchester Premium Member almost 11 years ago
@Gary McSpook
My answer to you is the same I told David. You already know my answer before you even had to ask. People like you and David are proving Titus 3:9 right. All you’re doing is looking for a fight, not seeking answers.
Don Winchester Premium Member almost 11 years ago
@DavidYou say you don’t expect me to think like you but get pissy when I don’t put in word for word how you want to hear a response:“By the way, I notice you are unable to say the whole sentence. “No, I (Pianoguy24) do(es) not believe gay are entitled to the same civil rights as straights”This conversation pretty much went south from there when I didn’t fit into your wishes of what I should’ve said. It was also pretty evident that you wouldn’t join me. That’s just as closed minded to my beliefs. And you don’t see that you seem fine with that because in your mind its mythological. Yet you’re intolerant to people that won’t believe in AGW, which I believe is mythological that Man is responsible. I’m fine what you think of me. I don’t lose sleep over it. However, you get your underwear in a bunch when people refuse what you believe. Again, I’m good where I’m at without worrying what others think of meSeems you need to find that same frame of mind.
Don Winchester Premium Member almost 11 years ago
It’s sad, unfortunate, amazing, AND offensive that I even allowed this conversation to go on this long. And still just as ridiculous that you allow yourself to slam another’s beliefs while you pretty much say don’t say anything against yours or else you’re a mythological, prejudiced, uneducated bigot. Yeah…that’ll bring people to your side…BTW, I referenced everything on what I believe in, and why. All you ever did was insult if I didn’t believe in what you do. No references. Just believe it ‘cause YOU said it. You’ve proven nothing to support your arguments.
Don Winchester Premium Member almost 11 years ago
Just as I reject and resist your ignorant beliefs of AGW. It is based on flawed science and total nonsense! And your beliefs are trying to besiege on my rights and beliefs when you try to push the faulty global warming agenda on the whole world! So where do we go from here? Our own ways, if you please. Are you able to do that? Something tells me that no, you can’t!
Don Winchester Premium Member almost 11 years ago
Yep, just as I figured. You can’t leave well enough alone. Once again, seems ok that you can attack my core beliefs and call me a believer of mythology. And that’s to be expected. The world has enemies towards Christianity. I’m used to it. It doesn’t sway me. But wow, when the same is done towards YOURS, you then start attacking character, assume what they do or don’t know. Assume they haven’t done their own research. Call them names. And question their patriotism. You’re unstable, and become unhinged when someone disagrees with you. You’re predictable. I pity you.
Don Winchester Premium Member almost 11 years ago
@David
“Since I’m not unalterably committed to any particular belief system”.You yourself who claims to not have a belief in anything or any system have no place to try and talk down to people that do. Your posts to both me and MagicFan prove that you don’t know what you’re talking about. You take a few general items (from things you obviously have no in-depth knowledge of) in the Bible, and try to school US on it? .Fail..
Don Winchester Premium Member almost 11 years ago
Fail, again..Go back and re-read my posts on what I wrote about Jesus and the Mosaic Law. You either just are ignorant about it, or closed-minded, or just really don’t WANT to know. The answer is there if you REALLY wanted to open your eyes..And people like you, people that believe in anything that comes along down the pike end up believing in nothing. It’s wishy-washy. You go along with the latest and greatest fabrication. .Again, I pity you.
Don Winchester Premium Member almost 11 years ago
@David
Anything more would be fruitless and pointless. You cannot reason with a person who already thinks they know it all. You’re a futile attempt. I’ve better things to expend my energy on. Sayonara, my friend. I wish you well.
janice.k.graham over 6 years ago
The biggest joke is that all religion is hogwash. People are so gullible. Wake up and dump the industry of organized religion. The planet will be better for it. :)