The DaVinci Code

[Janice]

I do believe you do not need a religion to be a good person or have a fulfilling life. I know many people who do not believe in God at all and they are wonderful people. They are humble, honest and good.

[feederband]

I do believe you do not need a religion to be a good person or have a fulfilling life. I know many people who do not believe in God at all and they are wonderful people. They are humble, honest and good.

If everyone thought that way my life would be so much easier....

[Janice]

Of course, they are scientists and chemists who only believe in evolution.

[Miss Mary]

I meant to add that Janice. I have two brothers, as different as night and day. One my mom hoped would go into the Priesthood - he didn't but he did convert to another religion and eventually become a deacon in his new church. The other you may ask? A little rough around the edges, lived in a houseboat for 20 odd years on the Ohio River (a brave thing!), parties a lot, owns a motorcycle, goes on cycle trips across the country with his Harley buddies. BUT he'd give you his last dollar, the shirt off his back, he's very generous that way. A true friend to all. My mom constantly prays for the brother that strayed and I just sigh......telling her I believe he's going to Heaven. God is everywhere, not just inside churches. I prefer to find Him in nature. Man built churches.

Wow, I hope we can keep this thread civil......let's sincerely try!

Mary

[feederband]

Of course, they are scientists and chemists who only believe in evolution.

Well evolution is real and is still happening...Now did something create what we have evolved too...I surely don't know...

[Audrey2Katrina]

No use to talk about this with a non believer...A true non believer will no its fake...A true non believer knows the bible better than most believers.....It takes alot to become a true non believer...You might be able to convert a Agnostic but never a true Atheist...Just remember your truths that you speak of do not represent the whole planet...There are many religions some as big or bigger than the christian one...

Well I was originally going to cast my opinion on the movie; but feel this begs a response of "some sort." First: The use of phrases like "TRUE non-believer" is a technique known as victory by definition--should one convert a non-believer, well you can always claim "well they weren't a TRUE non-believer!"..Doesn't wash, also the claim that atheists can't be converted is absurd--too many atheists who've become "true" believers. I am acutely aware that the reverse is equally true.

Secondly: I have yet to meet a "non-believer" (true or otherwise) who knows the Bible better than me, whether or not they know it better than "most believers" I don't know, and can't prove, and doubt you could either. This is a generalization, and perhaps true--perhaps not. It matters not to me, because I am convinced that the adversary knows the bible far better than the victim. (If you know your bible, you know this is NOT an attack on any person in here!)

Thirdly: Just to clarify the facts, there is NO religion bigger than the Christian religion--NONE. This means nothing at all, and is just being stated to clarify the facts. An awful lot of "Christians" are such in name only, but let that be between them and the Almighty IMO.

Finally: Hey, this is the U.S. of A. and everyone is entitled to believe (or disbelieve) whatever they wish. I see no reason to take every opportunity afforded one to take a little swipe at someone who wishes to simply express their belief in God--in whatever manner they deem appropriate. You are entitled to your opinion that the Bible is just a "collection of man-made stories to give a purpose to life" is one to which you are entitled; but turnabout is fair play--remember not everyone on the planet (a VAST plurality) do not hold this opinion. For whatever it's worth I am of the "opinion" that it is God's inspired Word...nothing less. Rather than going on into a big religious diatribe, I'll leave it there.

As to the Da Vinci Code... more power to those who saw it and/or enjoyed it, I have no intention of lining the wallets of those who IMO plant seeds of doubt--seeds which I've seen the book plant in many. I agree, it IS fiction... in the extreme. Even specials on secular channels like Discovery and History have debunked a LOT of the so-called "based on fact" myths the book purports to present. There is much to what another posted in here that it's good to know what the "other side" is thinking; but like yet another, I'll wait till it's on TV so I can watch it free and not contribute to a movie the premise of which I find offensive.

To those who feel otherwise... hey... I'm sure it's a good piece of fiction, and beyond a doubt Hanks is an exceptional actor. Good viewing to those who opt to see it....as for me and my family..... well I'm sure you atheists know the rest

A2K

[Audrey2Katrina]

Are people so insecure in their faiths that a mere movie can make them question the foundation of their beliefs? i hope not.

but then again, there are people who think the Bible is fiction. You dont hear them complain about movies based on Bible stories.

Actually you do.... quite a lot nowadays.

A2K

[feederband]

No use to talk about this with a non believer...A true non believer will no its fake...A true non believer knows the bible better than most believers.....It takes alot to become a true non believer...You might be able to convert a Agnostic but never a true Atheist...Just remember your truths that you speak of do not represent the whole planet...There are many religions some as big or bigger than the christian one...

Well I was originally going to cast my opinion on the movie; but feel this begs a response of "some sort." First: The use of phrases like "TRUE non-believer" is a technique known as victory by definition--should one convert a non-believer, well you can always claim "well they weren't a TRUE non-believer!"..Doesn't wash, also the claim that atheists can't be converted is absurd--too many atheists who've become "true" believers. I am acutely aware that the reverse is equally true.

Secondly: I have yet to meet a "non-believer" (true or otherwise) who knows the Bible better than me, whether or not they know it better than "most believers" I don't know, and can't prove, and doubt you could either. This is a generalization, and perhaps true--perhaps not. It matters not to me, because I am convinced that the adversary knows the bible far better than the victim. (If you know your bible, you know this is NOT an attack on any person in here!)

Thirdly: Just to clarify the facts, there is NO religion bigger than the Christian religion--NONE. This means nothing at all, and is just being stated to clarify the facts. An awful lot of "Christians" are such in name only, but let that be between them and the Almighty IMO.

Finally: Hey, this is the U.S. of A. and everyone is entitled to believe (or disbelieve) whatever they wish. I see no reason to take every opportunity afforded one to take a little swipe at someone who wishes to simply express their belief in God--in whatever manner they deem appropriate. You are entitled to your opinion that the Bible is just a "collection of man-made stories to give a purpose to life" is one to which you are entitled; but turnabout is fair play--remember not everyone on the planet (a VAST plurality) do not hold this opinion. For whatever it's worth I am of the "opinion" that it is God's inspired Word...nothing less. Rather than going on into a big religious diatribe, I'll leave it there.

As to the Da Vinci Code... more power to those who saw it and/or enjoyed it, I have no intention of lining the wallets of those who IMO plant seeds of doubt--seeds which I've seen the book plant in many. I agree, it IS fiction... in the extreme. Even specials on secular channels like Discovery and History have debunked a LOT of the so-called "based on fact" myths the book purports to present. There is much to what another posted in here that it's good to know what the "other side" is thinking; but like yet another, I'll wait till it's on TV so I can watch it free and not contribute to a movie the premise of which I find offensive.

To those who feel otherwise... hey... I'm sure it's a good piece of fiction, and beyond a doubt Hanks is an exceptional actor. Good viewing to those who opt to see it....as for me and my family..... well I'm sure you atheists know the rest

A2K

Your right about the biggest but way out numbered by the rest..

http://www.adherents.com/Religions_By_Adherents.html

Christianity: 2.1 billion

Islam: 1.3 billion

Secular/Nonreligious/Agnostic/Atheist: 1.1 billion

Hinduism: 900 million

Chinese traditional religion: 394 million

Buddhism: 376 million

primal-indigenous: 300 million

African Traditional & Diasporic: 100 million

Sikhism: 23 million

Juche: 19 million

Spiritism: 15 million

Judaism: 14 million

Baha'i: 7 million

Jainism: 4.2 million

Shinto: 4 million

Cao Dai: 4 million

Zoroastrianism: 2.6 million

Tenrikyo: 2 million

Neo-Paganism: 1 million

Unitarian-Universalism: 800 thousand

Rastafarianism: 600 thousand

Scientology: 500 thousand

[Audrey2Katrina]

I doubt we will ever know.....

Oh one day we will.... of that I have no doubt!

A2K

[CentralFlGal]

the chosen, the lost, sounds like lots of labels to me....

your faith teaches you to believe one thing, mine another. and never the twain shall meet. sad in a way. there are so many religions in the world, each believing they're right, but what if we're all wrong?

Gosh, I hope I'm not considered one of the lost needing to be found. That sounds so derogatory and completely belittles and attempts to invalidate the belief system in which I conduct myself and raise my children. I teach them tolerance and respect of others, and that they can do whatever they want as long as they do not harm themselves or others in the process. It's like the ultimate golden rule upon which other mainstream belief systems base their codes of conduct and commandments on. Unfortunately, others have tried to "save" me in the past. While I thanked them for their input, they curiously never wanted to learn more about my beliefs - I have never had a successful two-way dialog ensue during those situations. Perhaps this movie is a turning point for some?

I agree with Alicia in that we're all on different paths ultimately working toward the same goal. What is it? Not a single one of us knows for sure - and this I can say with utmost certainty.

But I do admit I love these type of fiction adventure movies, and also the History Channel documentaries of how the Nazis looked for biblical relics based on Himmler's perspective that if they possessed certain artifacts, the Nazis would rule the world. A good thing came out of that; for while on the search for the holy grail and spear of destiny, it did keep some German soldiers focused on something other than the field of battle.

Anyhow, the bible has been around for 2 thousand years. I seriously doubt that anyone is being introduced to a certain belief system for the first time by Dan Brown's Davinci Code.

[Audrey2Katrina]

Your right about the biggest but way out numbered by the rest..

Non Sequitur... I didn't claim it constituted more than half the globe... I was merely refuting your statement that there were "many" as big or bigger... which was not accurate.

Already knew about the list... but thanks for sharing it with others!

A2K

[feederband]

Well I was originally going to cast my opinion on the movie; but feel this begs a response of "some sort." First: The use of phrases like "TRUE non-believer" is a technique known as victory by definition--should one convert a non-believer, well you can always claim "well they weren't a TRUE non-believer!"..Doesn't wash, also the claim that atheists can't be converted is absurd--too many atheists who've become "true" believers. I am acutely aware that the reverse is equally true.

A2K

There is no way A person that knows he is a Atheist can be converted...That person that says they were was no Atheist...We can not begin to concieve of a god or gods..Athough I do not share many of the mainsteam Atheist thinkings I am one do to the lack of a belief ( key word there)belief in a god...

[feederband]

Your right about the biggest but way out numbered by the rest..

Non Sequitur... I didn't claim it constituted more than half the globe... I was merely refuting your statement that there were "many" as big or bigger... which was not accurate.

Already knew about the list... but thanks for sharing it with others!

A2K

Correct but I was correcting my inaccuracy.

[Audrey2Katrina]

Gosh, I hope I'm not considered one of the lost needing to be found. That sounds so derogatory and completely belittles and attempts to invalidate the belief system in which I conduct myself and raise my children. I teach them tolerance and respect of others, and that they can do whatever they want as long as they do not harm themselves or others in the process.

I think some folks in here (I'm only using this quote as an "example" and it is NOT intended to besmirch your very articulate post.)...are wearing their hearts on their shirtsleeves and being oversensitive. Personally I think a LOT of this is consequent to a pervasive mentality that to merely express one's belief mores is somehow or other "wrong" because it may potentially "offend" this one or that one. I am NOT offended by what anyone believes or cares to express as their belief... if they want to call me "lost" because of what I hold dear... so be it.

I cannot speak for Southerngale (and will not presume to ) the only mention made of "lost and confused" came in his post... and since then more than a few folks have jumped on it like a duck on a Junebug. Not necessary. The way >I< read it, it was said by a pastor... and Jesus was the Ultimate "pastor" or shepherd, whose job it is to tend to the needs of the flock.. those whom he has within the fold, and those who might have wandered astray. I do NOT see it as intended as a pejorative toward anyone...JMHO.

A2K

[CentralFlGal]

There is no way A person that knows he is a Atheist can be converted...That person that says they were was no Atheist...We can not begin to concieve of a god or gods..Athough I do not share many of the mainsteam Atheist thinkings I am one do to the lack of a belief ( key word there)belief in a god...

Thanks feederband, I had always assumed that atheists proved there was a god by their stance against a god (sort of a Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Q.E.D. - a poor observation on my part, I'll admit).

But I knew one once who had Eastern Indian god and goddess statues all over her house - completely threw me for a loop!

[feederband]

Your right about the biggest but way out numbered by the rest..

Non Sequitur... I didn't claim it constituted more than half the globe... I was merely refuting your statement that there were "many" as big or bigger... which was not accurate.

Already knew about the list... but thanks for sharing it with others!

A2K

Also if you look at it if your right 2.1 billion are right and over 5.5 billion are wrong...Well I think we are all wrong...So I guess it is 1 against 7.6 billion or so...

[Skywatch_NC]

Don't care about The Davinci Code book or movie period.

Eric

[feederband]

There is no way A person that knows he is a Atheist can be converted...That person that says they were was no Atheist...We can not begin to concieve of a god or gods..Athough I do not share many of the mainsteam Atheist thinkings I am one do to the lack of a belief ( key word there)belief in a god...

Thanks feederband, I had always assumed that atheists proved there was a god by their stance against a god (sort of a Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Q.E.D. - a poor observation on my part, I'll admit).

But I knew one once who had Eastern Indian god and goddess statues all over her house - completely threw me for a loop!

Wiccan?

[Audrey2Katrina]

There is no way A person that knows he is a Atheist can be converted...That person that says they were was no Atheist...

There you go! You've just shown what I had already alluded to: "Victory by Definition"... the simple fact is, whether you care to acknowledge them or not, is that many bona-fide former atheists, are, in-fact, believers. They've written books, and many have been on TV specials.... as is the case for the reverse... I can acknowledge many believers have become either agnostic or atheistic... I can equally assert with confidence that former atheists HAVE become believers. I KNOW of such cases.

A2K

[Audrey2Katrina]

Also if you look at it if your right 2.1 billion are right and over 5.5 billion are wrong...Well I think we are all wrong...So I guess it is 1 against 7.6 billion or so..

Where do you get that I'm claiming ANYONE is "right" or "wrong"?? I'll leave that in Another's hands.

As far as those numbers; I don't profess to have the latest stats; but I doubt the population is that close to 8 billion....but I'll do some research on it.

A2K