A confession to make ...

[basilrathbone]

Fair enough. I've read his (St A) writings on the denial of free will, but haven't delved deep enough into any discourse of the contrarian view.

I don’t know what you mean by this. Who’s contrarian view-Augustine’s or his adversaries? Contrarian to what—denial of free will? Which are Augustine’s writings on the denial of free will? Are you talking a complete work on the denial of free will or an excerpt? A letter he wrote or the full series of letters about a topic?

I’m glad it seems we came to some sort of agreement about Calvin. I have only read about Calvin, though, I haven’t read any of his stuff so I may be giving him a bum rap. It seems to me that you’re refuting a branch of Calvinism pertaining to predestination (which may not even be true to his actual writings or beliefs, we may both be wrong about that) and are using that to argue against Christianity in particular and the existence of God as a whole. If your premise is that you can prove beyond a shadow of a doubt, logically and specifically (your words) that free will and God cannot coexist then do that. That’s a worthy and interesting debate (and beats “what are my chances” threads hands down) You shouldn’t need to misrepresent Augustine to do it. The weird thing is that by quoting excerpts or verses from Christian writers and the Bible without looking at the whole, you mirror the style of most fundamentalist “Calvinists” I know.

But don’t leave! You still haven’t told me who the other three founders of Western Christianity are.

 

[Whistle Pig]

What do you suppose Coach Ken was doing as the Navy-Air Force "war" went down to the OT finish line? Kneeling down, hat off, head bowed? If I didn't know that USNA was a public institution, I'da sworn he was praying in a public display for all the football viewing world to see.

Cool, Coach Ken!

Do we wonder if he got called on the secular carpet back @ the Yard?

 

[Stealth_81]

What do you suppose Coach Ken was doing as the Navy-Air Force "war" went down to the OT finish line? Kneeling down, hat off, head bowed? If I didn't know that USNA was a public institution, I'da sworn he was praying in a public display for all the football viewing world to see.

Cool, Coach Ken!

Do we wonder if he got called on the secular carpet back @ the Yard?

Yes, he could have been praying to whatever god he fancies. Or he could have been concentrating on what plays he had available if things went one way or the other. Or he could have been trying to figure out what percentage of his taxable income he was going to contribute to charity next year.

I guess it really doesn't matter to anyone but him what he was doing or thinking. Does it?

Stealth_81

 

[df123]

Why is it certain folks can't respect and accept others religious beliefs. Why do they feel the overwhelming need to tell me I'm wrong and they're right - then try to convert me. I'm entirely comfortable with my beliefs - leave me alone - please! It's particularly ironic that this discussion is on the SAF since all of the SA's emphasize RESPECT for others as a key element of their programs.

I wonder if you've missed the mark in suggesting that "all faiths" are ok and we need not judge. While that's a thread for Luigi, maybe, all major "religions" claim exclusivity. Mormonism, humanism, Catholicism, Christianity, Islam, etc. They all proclaim to be "true." In order for something to be true, it must be true for you, for me, for all. Or else it isn't true. Merely an opinion to which we are all entitled. But all opinions do not merit equal respect or consideration. And all cannot be true, can they.

As far as the "one true religion" discussion - I have no idea (and I'd respectfully submit that you don't either) whether there is one true religion. I do know that if "heaven"/the afterlife is so intolerant as to only accept only your so-called "true believers" - I'll pass, thank you very much! I'd personally rather find some other place to spend my eternity.

For the record - I fully respect your right to believe whatever you'd like. Pray - don't pray - offer a burnt sacrifice - I don't really care how/whether you choose to worship. Just keep it to yourself and knock off the "holier than thou" routine. It's tiresome and a bit arrogant.

Christians are expected to, even to an extent by law, to respect non-christian's beliefs. Even in their speech. However; it seems that non-christians are allowed to be more disrespectful of christians. Then again; I've always said that political correctness is the downfall of our society. Any minority subset of society, whether it's race, religion, ethnicity, etc... is given more latitude and consideration than the majority. I know it's certain people's belief that they are simply making up for inequalities from the past; but two wrongs don't make a right.

Regarding the so-called "anti-Christian discrimination" whining - it really sucks, doesn't it? I just can't imagine how the "lesser" religions dealt with it all those millenia? I am sure that the non-Christians will be thrilled to hear that, finally, all the hateful and intolerant actions are now being deflected from them and that they are no longer a target of discrimination. Make sure you remind them of that the next time some "Good Christian" makes an anti-Muslim/anti-Jewish/anti- Morman/anti-"fill in the blank" statement to them - I'm sure it'll make them feel much better.

 

[scoutpilot]

No, he was definitely praying, because God cares about football. A lot. Just ask Notre Dame.

Prayer solves problems all those big problems in life.

 

[bruno]

You know folks- this is a thread that crys out to go to sleep. The purposes of our forum will not be advanced when we have Christians postulating about the ultimate truth of Christianity vis a vis other faiths, nor will anything good come out of posts mocking the fundamental faith of believers. There are plenty of forums in which you can spout your particular brand of belief or disbelief- but the US Service Academy Forums is not the appropriate site for this discussion.
With that - the thread is closed