runner,

I know what you think is evidence, but I disagree that it’s evidence.

It’s not possible for one to feel sorry for oneself with regards to a punishment or reward they don’t believe exists either, by the way.

Your god knows what it would take to convince me of its existence, and yet it refuses to show me. Furthermore, it’s not our job to go looking for any evidence. We dodn’t choose to come into this world, and it is your god that supposedly wants a relationship with its creations and has an important message for them.

The ball is in your god’s court.

--

Is Mise,

Feel free to explain how uplifting words constitute, or negate the need for, evidence. But until you can, I think my point stands.

<<... I am still convinced that [what I said] is perfectly logical.>>

Of course you are. Religions wouldn't exist if we weren't capable of convincing ourselves of such things in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

AJ,

For convenience, I post again

"Having just returned from the Easter Vigil at my local Christian church and having listened to some very uplifting words, I am convinced, more than ever, that those of us who believe in life after death will never be disappointed."

That statement is not only true but absolutely logical, you, having an analytical mind, should see that.

*Sigh*

I’ve done it again, haven’t I Is Mise? I’ve missed your quirky sense of humour, and even agreed with it when I said, “Yes, because you'll all be dead.”

I thought that comment was a little out of character for you.

Carry on.

AJ Philips,

I am not a practising member of any organised religion. I am happy for all to have their own thinking and more importantly deeper bodily sensing that brings some life meaning to the individual. As long as no-one is being hurt or harm being done. For me, harm is caused for instance where my liberty and freedom of speech are impacted negatively. Suffering caused to another, for example, by Islam's treatment of girls and women also affects me personally. We are all in the one small life capsule.

No belief system can proof against the angst and suffering from what life bowls up for everyone and often when you least expect it and reckon you have life under control (no chance of that).

I also know you to have rejected Catholicism and you have your reasons for that. Fair enough.

What is most often lost in the easy, ritualist, mud-slinging against 'theists' and 'religion' is that everyone believes. That is reality. Everyone has a unique life experience, world view and a belief system, a theory, to explain and attempt to cope with (always unsuccessful, that is life) the mystery of existence and when fate smacks us down.

The difference where runner and others are concerned is that their understanding and the way they seek personal transcendence are 'billboarded', made largely obvious by their declared preference for a set of beliefs. Their critics usually do not volunteer their own, but even where they don't, or perhaps would hotly (and irrationally) dispute that they too have their own beliefs and theory, those and their world view are nonetheless regularly on show, or may be guessed at.

contd.

Sharia Law can be easily dismissed as any practical life and culture enriching experience and option for Australia. It is oil and vinegar. As well, many have fled here to escape its, or similar, totalitarianism, lack of humanity and brutality.

What is a better issue for criticism and argument is the cynical, short-sighted, self-serving (there are marginal seats to be won!) politics being played by the major political parties that always stops short of stating and affirming as immutable, those important values, traditions and institutions that make Australia what it is, and for that matter, such a highly desirable destination for people running away from tyrants and from Third World socio-political systems and economies.

AJ,

Congratulations!!