To Foxy.

It was a good conversation while it lasted. Honestly I'm surprised it lasted that long before someone tried to run it through the anti-religion brigade. I agree that faith is a very personal thing. So I understand your stance to not want to preach. However, I don't like how I've seen that feeling to not preach become a pressure to not share at all. At least that's the impression I get when entering a conversation about religion. Almost seems like when talking to someone in real life you need to apologize for wanting to share your beliefs before your allowed to share them. Otherwise it's preaching down their throats. There is something wrong with that in my opinion. Sorry if I pushed you past your comfort zone. I was just giving it the way I understand the matter. That impression, is that without Jesus there is no salvation. We're on our own to reach God and earn our way to a good afterlife (depending on the religion, not always heaven). For several people I know and I love I hope I'm wrong for their sake. Either way sorry if I became too preachy for ya.

To Yuyutsu.

Hinduism has a salvation part of it's faith? That's news to me. I was under the impression that Hinduism had the concept of reincarnation multiple lives until a person gets it right. It's not a heaven or hell concept, but it also didn't seem like a salvation concept either. Each person has to earn their way or fulfill their understanding (on their own) before leaving that cycle of reincarnations. If I'm wrong, please explain further.

As for following Jesus I see what you're saying about the difficulty in doing it. However, earning our way to heaven isn't part of that equation. The way I understand it is that with God's help we can become more and more like Him. Or at least become better people then we were before. I think the theological term I hear referencing this is being sanctified (apparently a different term then being saved). However when Jesus was on the cross, one of the criminals facing the same punishment seemed to have turned to Jesus. With that Jesus reassured the man that he would be in paradise. That's where I get the impression that all it takes is recognition of Jesus in order for Him to save you. Following Jesus after that is partly on you, but is a lot more on God's mercy to hold onto you and keep you on your journey. It's kind of like saying Christians aren't perfect, but those that are focusing on Jesus, and focusing on God continue their growth in their walk with Jesus. At least that's the impression I get.

...just saw your answer to Mr Opinion. It's a good answer. I also feel like I got it right (or at least very close) earlier when I described your view of religion as an example of there being different definitions of religion depending on who you ask.

To Paul.

Here are a few thoughts to consider. Look at our anatomy. How our body works. From a baby in the womb to the age of 105. You do this for humans and it's fascinating. Do the same for any other creature and their body throughout their life and it's just as inspiring. The way life is engineered is amazing. More then that look at ecosystems. How we've come to an understanding that animals and plants fit a harmony in their environment, where they all fit together. Specialization for hunting, for running, for hiding. For living around only that environment and not being suited well for different ecosystems. Life itself is engineered in a way that fits together.

The diversity and complexity of life is amazing, but for the last thought, look at the Earth and at outer space. Why life has become so abundant and diverse on earth while in a desert of life in space should shake anyone who's observant on the reality we live in. The question isn't just how did life begin on earth, and become so diverse. The question is also why is life still here, and not a desert lifeless rock like everywhere else we've been able to see in space. (So far the hunt for other life is still ongoing. Haven't found anything, and expecially haven't found abundant life like we have on earth.)

If you have a better explanation for life then that we were created and protected, this tiny speck called Earth, then I'd like to hear the hypothesis. So far everything I've heard falls short.

NNS

I would be happy to oblige, but not on this topic, I don't want to facilitate an already over blown ego, for fear of feeding her superiority complex.
Start a new topic accordingly and you never know where it will lead.

Foxy by posting a thread we clearly have found interesting has got the attention of ALTAV
Maybe being targeted by such a poster is a win, evidence you got it right
Not-now-soon seems to target those like me not a believer in any God
I claim in my defense that is my religion, therefore a right
With all the passion I had as a true Christian born again, I truly believe humanity must become one
As reason to stop killing each other,to stop hate
And that only without our comfort blanket God, every one of them , can webe one humanity

Dear Not_Now.Soon,

«Hinduism has a salvation part of it's faith?»

At the centre of its faith.

«That's news to me. I was under the impression that Hinduism had the concept of reincarnation multiple lives until a person gets it right.»

When one gets it right, one gets the best chances of salvation, but grace is also needed.
The best analogy I can think of is the sailing boat: it has no power of its own to reach its destination, but if it constantly turns its sails in the right direction, then the wind will eventually carry it there.

Salvation is by realising one's true identity, God, as one is liberated from the bondage of the illusion of supposedly being only a limited being/creature.
One effect of salvation is the cessation of reincarnation, this is because once recognising one's identity with God, the attraction of the world fades away: when one knows themselves as infinite, why would they want to play again in this puddle? It is still possible for selected liberated souls to reincarnate for serving the good of the world, but not for the fulfilment of selfish desires (which are no more).

«It's not a heaven or hell concept»

Hinduism acknowledges the existence of heaven and hell: heaven is very pleasurable, hell is very painful, but both are only temporary and eventually one has to reincarnate. Liberation/salvation can only practically occur in this world between. Therefore one should never seek heaven, but be good for the sake of goodness, not waste their merits on pleasure but use them to find God instead.