Christians dominant religious group worldwide

If religion was abolished, the world would experience much more illumination.
(Nikolle, 18 December 2012 12:31)

The first religion to abolish is Albanism, the second one is Islam.
We can live happily with the rest one way or other.

If religion was abolished, the world would experience much more illumination.
(Nikolle, 18 December 2012 12:31)

Really? Hoxha's Albania and Kim Il Sung's North Korea were far from being peaceful and enlightened paradises anyone wanted to live in.

Oh great, more people who believe in sky daddy still, how nice. If religion was abolished, the world would experience much more illumination.

"Oh great, more people who believe in sky daddy still, how nice. If religion was abolished, the world would experience much more illumination."

Nikolle

What an ignorant thing to say. Blame something good for the evils of humanity. We humans don't need religion to hate eachother. We have other things to fight about. Sports, nationality, politics etc etc. The only religion that should be critisized is islam. In fact I wouldn't even call it a religioun.

"Christians make up the world's largest religious group, numbering some 2.2 billion people"

2.2 billion fools then.
(Ian, UK, 18 December 2012 15:59)

Not sure as much of that teaching is pure symbolics.

But what I am sure about.

If there is a religion called "Albanism" than they firmly believe, the programmer, system admin, hacker, end-user, hardware engineer and database manager here

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/whoa-physicists-testing-see-universe-computer-simulation-224525825.html

are all Albanians.

It's not what you believe that makes you a better person, its your behavior

@ Nikolle

Well said, totally agree.

(Ataman, 18 December 2012 13:20)

It would call to exterminate stupidity in the world the number one demand, since it knows no religion or nationality. It simply has no relevance.

What is your religion/nationality? Oh wait, like I said, not relevant..

"Christians make up the world's largest religious group, numbering some 2.2 billion people"

2.2 billion fools then.

Oh look. Atheists using the internet to voice their displeasure about something they don't agree with. Again :)

Maybe you're not proselytizing enough? Or maybe people find something more meaningful in a religion that focuses on something other than self glorification and ego boosting?

"Hey you know what? I think I can find solace, peace, and the meaning of life and humanity in atheism." -- said no one ever.

Now go back to your impotent trolling.

You have to ask why are there so many religions?

All the big cheeses from each religion should book into a hotel and decide between them what's the one "true" religion to end this confusion.

Alternatively, we could stop all this nonsense.

B92, why are you not reporting that the survey found 16% of the world population reported no religion? That's the third largest group, after Muslims, and you don't report that? Why?

MikeC

im muslim and proud... and i have christian GF. spread love not hate... but then you are the one who hates 23% of the worlds population...

grov up man

love not hate

You have seen the light have you Saved Christian? You know why Christianity isn't engaged in an active war today? 'Cause secularists have disciplined them. For all that, we see Christians today setting out to discriminate against homosexuals, we see the most powerful Church in the world teach that condoms are bad (we can see the consequences of that in Africa) and a very powerful Chrisitan lobby in the US actively engaged in the Middle East, telling its Jewish counterparts not to give an inch of a supposed holy land, look what that is doing to that part of the world. Oh and by the way, hospitals were known to have existed in the Roman Empire, long before Christianity

No, people of all religions are all equally fools; whether that be Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism ect or even people who claim to be Jedis and other crazy things.

I am an Athiest/ Anti-Thiest and that I dislike all religions equally.
(Ian, UK, 19 December 2012 11:13)

Oh good. More people Ian dislikes and denigrates. You must be a hit at all the social gatherings you invite yourself to.

@ nikolle no but being a false prophet is....

Is it only the Christians who are fools or are you saying all who have religion are fools?
It sounds like you are only saying that if you are a Christian you are a fool.
Please explain.
(Peggy, 19 December 2012 09:07)

No, people of all religions are all equally fools; whether that be Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism ect or even people who claim to be Jedis and other crazy things.

The reason my comment was directed towards the followers of Christianity is becuase the article primarily focuses on the followers of Chirstianity, you know this but it didn't stop you from taking the opportunity to imply that I'm only critical of Christianity; despite the fact I have told you on several occasions that I am an Athiest/ Anti-Thiest and that I dislike all religions equally.

So why do you want to have the same conversation AGAIN?

Critchard Ditchkinsod said, Oh good. More people Ian dislikes and denigrates. You must be a hit at all the social gatherings you invite yourself to.

I agree with you. This Ian chap reminds me of the quote, "Arrogance and self-awareness seldom go hand in hand."

Waging war in the name of religion is like saying my imaginary friend is better than yours

Atheists usually pull the "religion and war" card out while ignoring that most wars today are fought in underdeveloped and fanatical Islamic countries. I see no independent Christian churches anywhere in the world advocating violence today, but I do see their benevolent acts of charity: food banks, missions, out reach programs. In fact, even the concept of a hospital has Christian origins.

Jesus himself taught that his kingdom is not of this world and he encouraged his followers to live peaceful lives while we are pilgrims on this earth. Sadly, there have been governments in the past which used Christianity for political purposes such as the crusades, and various inquisitions, but fortunately those satanic institutions are relics of the past and reminders that the devil can indeed make himself appear as an "angel of light," and provide ammunition for Christ's enemies. In fact, every evil deed, whether it is abuse by a pedophile posing as a priest, or violent crusade, is caused by the devil (or just men) and not God.

The more we heed Jesus Christ's teachings, the more the world will be transformed. This will be fully realized when He returns a second time and claims his throne as King of King and Lord of Lords. As the prophet says, He will be our God, and we will be his children. Peace, love, and immortality will become an eternal reality. Can't wait! What about you?

Peace.

"Christians make up the world's largest religious group, numbering some 2.2 billion people"

2.2 billion fools then.
(Ian, UK, 18 December 2012 15:59)
==============================

Is it only the Christians who are fools or are you saying all who have religion are fools?
It sounds like you are only saying that if you are a Christian you are a fool.
Please explain.

B92, why are you not reporting that the survey found 16% of the world population reported no religion? That's the third largest group, after Muslims, and you don't report that? Why?
(BalkanUpdate, 18 December 2012 13:59)
==========================
Because they are interested in the percentage of people who are religious and state that.
No religion means they don't fit into any of those categories.

Oh good. More people Ian dislikes and denigrates. You must be a hit at all the social gatherings you invite yourself to.
(Critchard Ditchkins, 19 December 2012 16:14)

I never said I dislike the followers of religion, just that I dislike religion and I don't dislike one religion more than another; all I said was that people are fools for following a religion.

People are people, you can believe in what you want; I won't dislike you for believing in something. Just make sure it is your choice to believe in something and make sure it isn't forced upon you. And if you choose to believe in a relgion, then you do that; I won't dilsike you for it. I'll just think you're a fool for it. But I will respect your right to believe in a relgion, even though it is a load of rubbish.

So why do you want to have the same conversation AGAIN?
(Ian, UK, 19 December 2012 11:13)
==========================
Actually I have never had this conversation with you.

You really think that you are so smart and everyone else who holds a religious belief is an idiot. Are you the arbitrator of who is smart and who is stupid? What makes you think that you are smarter than me because even though I haven't been to church in years I do hold religious beliefs.
Never think of yourself as superior to anyone because you have different opinions or beliefs. If you do, then you are the one who is a fool.

Only people who use their religion to act in an anti social or dangerous manner are not acceptable but having beliefs of a spiritual kind is not a mark of an idiot. What you just said says a lot about you and none of it is good.

It's not what you believe that makes you a better person, its your behavior
(Andy UK, 19 December 2012 07:19)
===============================
Exactly right, but tell that to people like Ian and Nikolle. Nikolle especially has a bad opinion of Christianity and Ian thinks that anyone who has religion is a fool.

Right Peggy, my parents are Catholic. I however am not. Like Ian, I to have a dislike for the faith based morality and religious dogma. However, unlike those two groups, I don't want to discriminate agaisnt homosexuals, I don't believe in holy lands nor do I expect tax breaks for my atheism. so yes, all religious people, Muslim or Christian are as bad as each other

"Oh and by the way, hospitals were known to have existed in the Roman Empire, long before Christianity....Nikolle"

The early Roman versions of hospitals were limited to helping specific employees of Roman society only, mostly political and military. The state had a vested interest in looking after it's assets.

Under Christianity it became universal and was not conditional on your nationality, religion, or political persuasion. In other words it was motivated primarily by "charity," or Christian love for ALL.

Here is an abridged explanation:

"The word hospital comes from the Latin word hospitalia, which means an apartment for strangers and guests. In the early Christian times, hospitalia was a place where strangers and pilgrims were received and cared for. At that time, it was more a place of hospitality than of medical treatment…As time went by, medical treatment gradually played a bigger and bigger role in hospitals. From the 16th century onwards, hospitals began to take on its modern meaning as we know it today."

This clearly shows who the open minded folk are, as oppose to the narrow minded ones (i.e. Peggy, Saved Christian, Roger7, Critchard Ditchkins, Ataman, that Skopje dude and that Greek angry one).

I’m not sure what Ian’s and Nikolle’s religious identities are, but I like the fact that they do realize that religions as a whole are brain washing machines and will eventually bring this world to an end.

When we talk about values, I think of rationality in solving problems. That’s something I value; fairness, kindness, generosity, tolerance.

When they (the former crowd) talk about values, they’re talking about things like going to church, voting for Milosevic, Nikolic, Seselj, being loyal to Jesus, praying; these are not values.

Religion to me is a bureaucracy between man and God that I/we don't need. Let's face it; “God” has a big ego problem. Why do we always have to worship him?

The plain fact is, religion must die for mankind to live. The hour is getting very late to be able to indulge in having key decisions made by religious people by those who would steer the ship, not by a compass, but by the equivalent of reading the entrails of a chicken. BM

Yes, I did say it so!!!

@ say it ain't so

Ian's childish name-calling certainly doesn't fit in your value system.

It is not kind and tolerant to call another human a fool because they practice a religion.

Calling someone a fool, as Ian did, is not kind and tolerant.

yes MikeC, because believing in people who walk on water is a good thing isn't it?

There's a word for those enteties Albo Troll, they're called state religions, you know, you sing how much you love the dear leader, kinda like Christians and Muslims do today, forever asking for merci from a dictator they can never depose

Actually I have never had this conversation with you.

You really think that you are so smart and everyone else who holds a religious belief is an idiot. Are you the arbitrator of who is smart and who is stupid? What makes you think that you are smarter than me because even though I haven't been to church in years I do hold religious beliefs.
Never think of yourself as superior to anyone because you have different opinions or beliefs. If you do, then you are the one who is a fool.

Only people who use their religion to act in an anti social or dangerous manner are not acceptable but having beliefs of a spiritual kind is not a mark of an idiot. What you just said says a lot about you and none of it is good.
(Peggy, 19 December 2012 20:54)

Yes we have, you keep telling me that I'm a Muslim, when I'm an Atheist.

I'm not disagreeing with you. You're trying to argue with me about things which I don't even believe in.

I've not even said any them things which you're arguing about.

I don't think I'm superior for having different beliefs & opinions, people are so diverse; we're bound to have different beliefs & opinions.

But actually believing in the weird superstitions and dreams of fear-mongering magical crazymen who spent too much time in the desert over 2000 years ago is pretty mental.

"Ian thinks that anyone who has religion is a fool".

I think people are foolish for having a religion, yes. You can be an academic genius, yet be a fool for having a religion.

@Nikolle,
No one can claim that Christ's followers on earth are perfect. However, I would argue that as a whole, many benevolent acts of love are done in Christ's name every day. The Apostle Paul recognized that in this current dispensation (after Christ's return to heaven after his resurrection--in his absence), we cannot be perfect, but that perfection remains a future reality for every Christian when He returns and we become like him.

It may seem like an unfortunate contradiction for a Christian sect to run orphanages, feed children in Africa, feed the poor, and yet misapply scriptural teachings, or deviate outside of God's will. God never said anything about condoms, ever, so I actually agree with you. Fortunately, Christ's love and forgiveness is enough for us imperfect Christians, as well as imperfect you. The gospel is about forgiveness and patience, much unlike the doctrine of capital punishment practised in many Islamic countries. To me, those societies are more about power, tyranny, and absolute social control, instead of love and patience.

Christianity exploded after Jesus' resurrection for a good reason. He achieved what no one else has ever done: cheat death. He was a friend of tax collectors and sinners, and we should try to be the same way. Hopefully you will see the light as well. Bog ti pomogao! Pomaže bog!

@(Ian, UK, 19 December 2012 11:13)

I would not include Buddhism in your list.
Buddhists do not worship a god, it uses a empirical approach to life.
They tend not to lean towards extremism. They practice the "middle way"
All religions claim to be peaceful, however no war has been fought in the name of Buddhism.

Christians, Muslims,Jews and Hindus have fought in the name of their respective religions.

@ Rogeer7

Fair enough, I do agree with you on this one, but I’ll let Ian chime in on his own comment.

My take on Ian's statement is a result of this ongoing nonsense and irrational talk that most folk (including yourself) are/will spew on this site, trying to put down the ‘opposing side’, in this case Albanians and others, and trying to make your kind sound as the chosen one.

We are all human and love who/what we are and respect our own and others’ identities (well, with some exceptions). I like that fact that Ian and Nikolle are very open minded and they do not hesitate to express their thoughts and feelings, whether religious or political; and to be honest with you, based on what I’ve read so far, they are smarter and much more rational, tolerant, and open minded then most/all of you that post here.

One thing though, all of you have to realize that these are not the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s or the 90s, where Albanians were not allowed to say or write about their feelings and beliefs, as we were always shut down by Serbian authorities and folk like you.

As you can tell, things have changed quiet a lot; and I’m sure that you are realizing that there’s a very large number of smart, intelligent and honest Albanians, that finally have means, ways and weapons to express their thought, and for some reason you guys just don’t like it.

I just hope that one day we will all agree to agree; I have no anger, nor hatred for anyone, even though I have many reasons to be.

@Critchard Ditchkins

Truth hurts doesn't it?!

@ say it ain't so

Ian's childish name-calling certainly doesn't fit in your value system.

It is not kind and tolerant to call another human a fool because they practice a religion.

Calling someone a fool, as Ian did, is not kind and tolerant.
(Roger7, 20 December 2012 14:23)

Religions are an ancient backwards way of explaining things which people struggled to understand before society advanced.

Here is a dictionary definition of the word fool: "A person with poor judgement or little intelligence."

The word "fool" is very appropriate when referring to someone with religious beliefs.

And I am tolerant of people with religions, if you want to have a religion then I do not have a problem with that; I was just sharing with you lot my beliefs of religion on this forum.

Oh my God, Gods, Goddesses, and Self-Delusional Champions of Secular Human Reasoning, are we still talking about this? Of course we are since atheists must be "right". Folks, don't argue with atheists.
(Critchard Ditchkins, 20 December 2012 16:12)

But you too are an Atheist, I just believe in one less God than you. When you realise why you disregard all the other millions of Gods which people have believed in throughout time, you will understand why I disregard your so-called God.

"...with a sincere attitude."

yes, its that attitude that keeps me from believing that dead people can come back, or believing in virgin births

"He achieved what no one else has ever done: cheat death. "

so he didn't die for us then did he? my definition of death is not someone who comes back from it. by the way, your first argument is also used by so called moderate Muslims, they're not really Muslims, they're just abusing Islam. same people

Oh my God, Gods, Goddesses, and Self-Delusional Champions of Secular Human Reasoning, are we still talking about this? Of course we are since atheists must be "right". Folks, don't argue with atheists.

"so he didn't die for us then did he? my definition of death is not someone who comes back from it."

@Nikolle,

He was crucified, died a horrible death, was buried in a tomb, and rose on the 3rd day. Perhaps we need to clarify what death means in this special case.

Keep inquiring, and keep and open mind! Some great books you might want to read on Christian apologetics are: "More than a Carpenter," and "The Case for Jesus." They've helped many people on their spiritual journeys navigate the road from agnosticism to belief. There is help for atheists as well, but only if they approach the debate with a sincere attitude.

True atheists and other agnostic people of good morals live their life in peace with others (in line with the "golden rule"). They don't pick on peoples of other believes and leave them alone.
But a few bunch of fanatical extremists have a strongly Satanic need to constantly attack all believers of other faiths. They appear to be conceiled "Satanists" (in the meaning of promoters of evil aggression), instead of true agnostic or atheists.

Oh great, more people who believe in sky daddy still, how nice. If religion was abolished, the world would experience much more illumination.

"Christians make up the world's largest religious group, numbering some 2.2 billion people"

2.2 billion fools then.

If religion was abolished, the world would experience much more illumination.
(Nikolle, 18 December 2012 12:31)

The first religion to abolish is Albanism, the second one is Islam.
We can live happily with the rest one way or other.

@ Nikolle

Well said, totally agree.

B92, why are you not reporting that the survey found 16% of the world population reported no religion? That's the third largest group, after Muslims, and you don't report that? Why?

yes MikeC, because believing in people who walk on water is a good thing isn't it?

"Christians make up the world's largest religious group, numbering some 2.2 billion people"

2.2 billion fools then.
(Ian, UK, 18 December 2012 15:59)

Not sure as much of that teaching is pure symbolics.

But what I am sure about.

If there is a religion called "Albanism" than they firmly believe, the programmer, system admin, hacker, end-user, hardware engineer and database manager here

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/whoa-physicists-testing-see-universe-computer-simulation-224525825.html

are all Albanians.

"Oh great, more people who believe in sky daddy still, how nice. If religion was abolished, the world would experience much more illumination."

Nikolle

What an ignorant thing to say. Blame something good for the evils of humanity. We humans don't need religion to hate eachother. We have other things to fight about. Sports, nationality, politics etc etc. The only religion that should be critisized is islam. In fact I wouldn't even call it a religioun.

MikeC

im muslim and proud... and i have christian GF. spread love not hate... but then you are the one who hates 23% of the worlds population...

grov up man

love not hate

Waging war in the name of religion is like saying my imaginary friend is better than yours

You have to ask why are there so many religions?

All the big cheeses from each religion should book into a hotel and decide between them what's the one "true" religion to end this confusion.

Alternatively, we could stop all this nonsense.

Atheists usually pull the "religion and war" card out while ignoring that most wars today are fought in underdeveloped and fanatical Islamic countries. I see no independent Christian churches anywhere in the world advocating violence today, but I do see their benevolent acts of charity: food banks, missions, out reach programs. In fact, even the concept of a hospital has Christian origins.

Jesus himself taught that his kingdom is not of this world and he encouraged his followers to live peaceful lives while we are pilgrims on this earth. Sadly, there have been governments in the past which used Christianity for political purposes such as the crusades, and various inquisitions, but fortunately those satanic institutions are relics of the past and reminders that the devil can indeed make himself appear as an "angel of light," and provide ammunition for Christ's enemies. In fact, every evil deed, whether it is abuse by a pedophile posing as a priest, or violent crusade, is caused by the devil (or just men) and not God.

The more we heed Jesus Christ's teachings, the more the world will be transformed. This will be fully realized when He returns a second time and claims his throne as King of King and Lord of Lords. As the prophet says, He will be our God, and we will be his children. Peace, love, and immortality will become an eternal reality. Can't wait! What about you?

Peace.

You have seen the light have you Saved Christian? You know why Christianity isn't engaged in an active war today? 'Cause secularists have disciplined them. For all that, we see Christians today setting out to discriminate against homosexuals, we see the most powerful Church in the world teach that condoms are bad (we can see the consequences of that in Africa) and a very powerful Chrisitan lobby in the US actively engaged in the Middle East, telling its Jewish counterparts not to give an inch of a supposed holy land, look what that is doing to that part of the world. Oh and by the way, hospitals were known to have existed in the Roman Empire, long before Christianity

Oh good. More people Ian dislikes and denigrates. You must be a hit at all the social gatherings you invite yourself to.
(Critchard Ditchkins, 19 December 2012 16:14)

I never said I dislike the followers of religion, just that I dislike religion and I don't dislike one religion more than another; all I said was that people are fools for following a religion.

People are people, you can believe in what you want; I won't dislike you for believing in something. Just make sure it is your choice to believe in something and make sure it isn't forced upon you. And if you choose to believe in a relgion, then you do that; I won't dilsike you for it. I'll just think you're a fool for it. But I will respect your right to believe in a relgion, even though it is a load of rubbish.

Oh look. Atheists using the internet to voice their displeasure about something they don't agree with. Again :)

Maybe you're not proselytizing enough? Or maybe people find something more meaningful in a religion that focuses on something other than self glorification and ego boosting?

"Hey you know what? I think I can find solace, peace, and the meaning of life and humanity in atheism." -- said no one ever.

Now go back to your impotent trolling.

"Christians make up the world's largest religious group, numbering some 2.2 billion people"

2.2 billion fools then.
(Ian, UK, 18 December 2012 15:59)
==============================

Is it only the Christians who are fools or are you saying all who have religion are fools?
It sounds like you are only saying that if you are a Christian you are a fool.
Please explain.

B92, why are you not reporting that the survey found 16% of the world population reported no religion? That's the third largest group, after Muslims, and you don't report that? Why?
(BalkanUpdate, 18 December 2012 13:59)
==========================
Because they are interested in the percentage of people who are religious and state that.
No religion means they don't fit into any of those categories.

Is it only the Christians who are fools or are you saying all who have religion are fools?
It sounds like you are only saying that if you are a Christian you are a fool.
Please explain.
(Peggy, 19 December 2012 09:07)

No, people of all religions are all equally fools; whether that be Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism ect or even people who claim to be Jedis and other crazy things.

The reason my comment was directed towards the followers of Christianity is becuase the article primarily focuses on the followers of Chirstianity, you know this but it didn't stop you from taking the opportunity to imply that I'm only critical of Christianity; despite the fact I have told you on several occasions that I am an Athiest/ Anti-Thiest and that I dislike all religions equally.

So why do you want to have the same conversation AGAIN?

No, people of all religions are all equally fools; whether that be Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism ect or even people who claim to be Jedis and other crazy things.

I am an Athiest/ Anti-Thiest and that I dislike all religions equally.
(Ian, UK, 19 December 2012 11:13)

Oh good. More people Ian dislikes and denigrates. You must be a hit at all the social gatherings you invite yourself to.

(Ataman, 18 December 2012 13:20)

It would call to exterminate stupidity in the world the number one demand, since it knows no religion or nationality. It simply has no relevance.

What is your religion/nationality? Oh wait, like I said, not relevant..

There's a word for those enteties Albo Troll, they're called state religions, you know, you sing how much you love the dear leader, kinda like Christians and Muslims do today, forever asking for merci from a dictator they can never depose

It's not what you believe that makes you a better person, its your behavior
(Andy UK, 19 December 2012 07:19)
===============================
Exactly right, but tell that to people like Ian and Nikolle. Nikolle especially has a bad opinion of Christianity and Ian thinks that anyone who has religion is a fool.

Actually I have never had this conversation with you.

You really think that you are so smart and everyone else who holds a religious belief is an idiot. Are you the arbitrator of who is smart and who is stupid? What makes you think that you are smarter than me because even though I haven't been to church in years I do hold religious beliefs.
Never think of yourself as superior to anyone because you have different opinions or beliefs. If you do, then you are the one who is a fool.

Only people who use their religion to act in an anti social or dangerous manner are not acceptable but having beliefs of a spiritual kind is not a mark of an idiot. What you just said says a lot about you and none of it is good.
(Peggy, 19 December 2012 20:54)

Yes we have, you keep telling me that I'm a Muslim, when I'm an Atheist.

I'm not disagreeing with you. You're trying to argue with me about things which I don't even believe in.

I've not even said any them things which you're arguing about.

I don't think I'm superior for having different beliefs & opinions, people are so diverse; we're bound to have different beliefs & opinions.

But actually believing in the weird superstitions and dreams of fear-mongering magical crazymen who spent too much time in the desert over 2000 years ago is pretty mental.

"Ian thinks that anyone who has religion is a fool".

I think people are foolish for having a religion, yes. You can be an academic genius, yet be a fool for having a religion.

This clearly shows who the open minded folk are, as oppose to the narrow minded ones (i.e. Peggy, Saved Christian, Roger7, Critchard Ditchkins, Ataman, that Skopje dude and that Greek angry one).

I’m not sure what Ian’s and Nikolle’s religious identities are, but I like the fact that they do realize that religions as a whole are brain washing machines and will eventually bring this world to an end.

When we talk about values, I think of rationality in solving problems. That’s something I value; fairness, kindness, generosity, tolerance.

When they (the former crowd) talk about values, they’re talking about things like going to church, voting for Milosevic, Nikolic, Seselj, being loyal to Jesus, praying; these are not values.

Religion to me is a bureaucracy between man and God that I/we don't need. Let's face it; “God” has a big ego problem. Why do we always have to worship him?

The plain fact is, religion must die for mankind to live. The hour is getting very late to be able to indulge in having key decisions made by religious people by those who would steer the ship, not by a compass, but by the equivalent of reading the entrails of a chicken. BM

Yes, I did say it so!!!

@ Rogeer7

Fair enough, I do agree with you on this one, but I’ll let Ian chime in on his own comment.

My take on Ian's statement is a result of this ongoing nonsense and irrational talk that most folk (including yourself) are/will spew on this site, trying to put down the ‘opposing side’, in this case Albanians and others, and trying to make your kind sound as the chosen one.

We are all human and love who/what we are and respect our own and others’ identities (well, with some exceptions). I like that fact that Ian and Nikolle are very open minded and they do not hesitate to express their thoughts and feelings, whether religious or political; and to be honest with you, based on what I’ve read so far, they are smarter and much more rational, tolerant, and open minded then most/all of you that post here.

One thing though, all of you have to realize that these are not the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s or the 90s, where Albanians were not allowed to say or write about their feelings and beliefs, as we were always shut down by Serbian authorities and folk like you.

As you can tell, things have changed quiet a lot; and I’m sure that you are realizing that there’s a very large number of smart, intelligent and honest Albanians, that finally have means, ways and weapons to express their thought, and for some reason you guys just don’t like it.

I just hope that one day we will all agree to agree; I have no anger, nor hatred for anyone, even though I have many reasons to be.

Oh my God, Gods, Goddesses, and Self-Delusional Champions of Secular Human Reasoning, are we still talking about this? Of course we are since atheists must be "right". Folks, don't argue with atheists.

@Critchard Ditchkins

Truth hurts doesn't it?!

"so he didn't die for us then did he? my definition of death is not someone who comes back from it."

@Nikolle,

He was crucified, died a horrible death, was buried in a tomb, and rose on the 3rd day. Perhaps we need to clarify what death means in this special case.

Keep inquiring, and keep and open mind! Some great books you might want to read on Christian apologetics are: "More than a Carpenter," and "The Case for Jesus." They've helped many people on their spiritual journeys navigate the road from agnosticism to belief. There is help for atheists as well, but only if they approach the debate with a sincere attitude.

If religion was abolished, the world would experience much more illumination.
(Nikolle, 18 December 2012 12:31)

Really? Hoxha's Albania and Kim Il Sung's North Korea were far from being peaceful and enlightened paradises anyone wanted to live in.

@ nikolle no but being a false prophet is....

Critchard Ditchkinsod said, Oh good. More people Ian dislikes and denigrates. You must be a hit at all the social gatherings you invite yourself to.

I agree with you. This Ian chap reminds me of the quote, "Arrogance and self-awareness seldom go hand in hand."

So why do you want to have the same conversation AGAIN?
(Ian, UK, 19 December 2012 11:13)
==========================
Actually I have never had this conversation with you.

You really think that you are so smart and everyone else who holds a religious belief is an idiot. Are you the arbitrator of who is smart and who is stupid? What makes you think that you are smarter than me because even though I haven't been to church in years I do hold religious beliefs.
Never think of yourself as superior to anyone because you have different opinions or beliefs. If you do, then you are the one who is a fool.

Only people who use their religion to act in an anti social or dangerous manner are not acceptable but having beliefs of a spiritual kind is not a mark of an idiot. What you just said says a lot about you and none of it is good.

@Nikolle,
No one can claim that Christ's followers on earth are perfect. However, I would argue that as a whole, many benevolent acts of love are done in Christ's name every day. The Apostle Paul recognized that in this current dispensation (after Christ's return to heaven after his resurrection--in his absence), we cannot be perfect, but that perfection remains a future reality for every Christian when He returns and we become like him.

It may seem like an unfortunate contradiction for a Christian sect to run orphanages, feed children in Africa, feed the poor, and yet misapply scriptural teachings, or deviate outside of God's will. God never said anything about condoms, ever, so I actually agree with you. Fortunately, Christ's love and forgiveness is enough for us imperfect Christians, as well as imperfect you. The gospel is about forgiveness and patience, much unlike the doctrine of capital punishment practised in many Islamic countries. To me, those societies are more about power, tyranny, and absolute social control, instead of love and patience.

Christianity exploded after Jesus' resurrection for a good reason. He achieved what no one else has ever done: cheat death. He was a friend of tax collectors and sinners, and we should try to be the same way. Hopefully you will see the light as well. Bog ti pomogao! Pomaže bog!

"Oh and by the way, hospitals were known to have existed in the Roman Empire, long before Christianity....Nikolle"

The early Roman versions of hospitals were limited to helping specific employees of Roman society only, mostly political and military. The state had a vested interest in looking after it's assets.

Under Christianity it became universal and was not conditional on your nationality, religion, or political persuasion. In other words it was motivated primarily by "charity," or Christian love for ALL.

Here is an abridged explanation:

"The word hospital comes from the Latin word hospitalia, which means an apartment for strangers and guests. In the early Christian times, hospitalia was a place where strangers and pilgrims were received and cared for. At that time, it was more a place of hospitality than of medical treatment…As time went by, medical treatment gradually played a bigger and bigger role in hospitals. From the 16th century onwards, hospitals began to take on its modern meaning as we know it today."

@(Ian, UK, 19 December 2012 11:13)

I would not include Buddhism in your list.
Buddhists do not worship a god, it uses a empirical approach to life.
They tend not to lean towards extremism. They practice the "middle way"
All religions claim to be peaceful, however no war has been fought in the name of Buddhism.

Christians, Muslims,Jews and Hindus have fought in the name of their respective religions.

"He achieved what no one else has ever done: cheat death. "

so he didn't die for us then did he? my definition of death is not someone who comes back from it. by the way, your first argument is also used by so called moderate Muslims, they're not really Muslims, they're just abusing Islam. same people

@ say it ain't so

Ian's childish name-calling certainly doesn't fit in your value system.

It is not kind and tolerant to call another human a fool because they practice a religion.

Calling someone a fool, as Ian did, is not kind and tolerant.

It's not what you believe that makes you a better person, its your behavior

Right Peggy, my parents are Catholic. I however am not. Like Ian, I to have a dislike for the faith based morality and religious dogma. However, unlike those two groups, I don't want to discriminate agaisnt homosexuals, I don't believe in holy lands nor do I expect tax breaks for my atheism. so yes, all religious people, Muslim or Christian are as bad as each other

@ say it ain't so

Ian's childish name-calling certainly doesn't fit in your value system.

It is not kind and tolerant to call another human a fool because they practice a religion.

Calling someone a fool, as Ian did, is not kind and tolerant.
(Roger7, 20 December 2012 14:23)

Religions are an ancient backwards way of explaining things which people struggled to understand before society advanced.

Here is a dictionary definition of the word fool: "A person with poor judgement or little intelligence."

The word "fool" is very appropriate when referring to someone with religious beliefs.

And I am tolerant of people with religions, if you want to have a religion then I do not have a problem with that; I was just sharing with you lot my beliefs of religion on this forum.

Oh my God, Gods, Goddesses, and Self-Delusional Champions of Secular Human Reasoning, are we still talking about this? Of course we are since atheists must be "right". Folks, don't argue with atheists.
(Critchard Ditchkins, 20 December 2012 16:12)

But you too are an Atheist, I just believe in one less God than you. When you realise why you disregard all the other millions of Gods which people have believed in throughout time, you will understand why I disregard your so-called God.

"...with a sincere attitude."

yes, its that attitude that keeps me from believing that dead people can come back, or believing in virgin births

True atheists and other agnostic people of good morals live their life in peace with others (in line with the "golden rule"). They don't pick on peoples of other believes and leave them alone.
But a few bunch of fanatical extremists have a strongly Satanic need to constantly attack all believers of other faiths. They appear to be conceiled "Satanists" (in the meaning of promoters of evil aggression), instead of true agnostic or atheists.