Does Scipture exclude the rich from Heaven?

[Mandalore]

I think the "educated ones" that don't worship, don't worship because of their lifestyle. Hectic schedules and daily "drama" keeps them away. I don't believe they all stop believing because they're "educated". There are many professionals and men of science that are religious.

I agree with this. Many people with an atheist belief like to believe that all religious beliefs come from ignorant people people who blindly follow family traditions. This can be said about anyone with any beliefs including people who don't believe in God. But many people actually do put thought into their own beliefs.

I think that from the responses in this thread it shows proof that we do base our beliefs on educated study.

Statistical correlations are the most quantitative method that social sciences really have available to them. And it's not about blindly following but more along the lines of indoctrination. Religiosity is far less among those who were not taken to Church or subjected to non-objective religious studies.

As for the statements about educated people simply living lives that don't have time for God in them is patently false. Religiosity is far less among just about every social class than it was a century. And as far as not having time, the average person worked 10-20 hours more than we do in our current 40 hour system where most jobs also grant at least a week's worth of vacation.

And Bryant, just a question on your fanaticism. But if you received an image from Vishnu proclaiming he was the true God and that Hinduism the true religion and that everyone else you knew received this same vision would you switch faith? Or are you so used to fitting evidence to suit your needs that you would just say that it was the Devil trying to shake your faith?

[Duel of Fates]

Mandy, just because someone believes in a religion, does not make them a fanatic. Your lumping everyone into stereotypical groups is not an intelligent discussion. You have been doing this for weeks over multiple threads. Instead of opening up discussions to exchange ideas, you seem to want to label and pigeonhole people who have a different belief than you. Why?

[CommanderOtto]

Mandy, no offense man, but calling Bryant a fanatic is disrespectful and doesn't get anyone anywhere.

[Col. Hstar]

Mandy, no offense man, but calling Bryant a fanatic is disrespectful and doesn't get anyone anywhere.

Mandy, just because someone believes in a religion, does not make them a fanatic. Your lumping everyone into stereotypical groups is not an intelligent discussion. You have been doing this for weeks over multiple threads. Instead of opening up discussions to exchange ideas, you seem to want to label and pigeonhole people who have a different belief than you. Why?

I have to +1 both of these and request an answer to DoF's question. Most of your comments are of the rude and mocking nature. If you don't like religion, or that people have different faiths from your own, then why do you participate or even start threads about them in the first place.

[11_Panama_]

Respectfully Mandy, I must add, you want to paint us all as idiots for believing in something that to you believe doesn't exist. That's worse than someone trying to convert me to a different religion. To me anyway.

I don't understand what you're trying to accomplish, you're not asking for knowledge.. you're asking to belittle us. You're closed minded when it comes to God. Would you like me to pray for you?

[Mandalore]

I was using fanatic in a strict manner with no connotation.

Secondly, this is just a good bit of fun on my end. Don't take your religious discussion on a swbf2 board so seriously. And Panama, that gets done already quite a bit by the church I go to. And don't get me started on prayer ;)

As for being close minded, I'd bet that I'd be the quickest in thisthread to change my beliefs if I received good evidence.

[Duel of Fates]

See. You are assuming that I want to change your beliefs, or for that er, everyone that uses religion for their lives wants to change your beliefs. Believe what you will, I have no intention of giving you "evidence" to make you a true believer. Hell, I am long way from that myself. But when you call someone who has faith, fanatical, well, it does seem a bit pretentious and condescending. And whether you wish it or not, that connotation is there. And you have been doing this for many of your latest posts on various threads. I just would like to know why?

[WD-40]

He's fat and doesn't stand a chance squeezing thru the eye of a needle either, so may as well keep the dough AND the girl.

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[Mandalore]

See. You are assuming that I want to change your beliefs, or for that er, everyone that uses religion for their lives wants to change your beliefs. Believe what you will, I have no intention of giving you "evidence" to make you a true believer. Hell, I am long way from that myself. But when you call someone who has faith, fanatical, well, it does seem a bit pretentious and condescending. And whether you wish it or not, that connotation is there. And you have been doing this for many of your latest posts on various threads. I just would like to know why?

This is where you're wrong. I just like arguing up until I get bored with it. Don't get so butt hurt, this is the internet. And that made me giggle WD, even if you are a bit of a right wing loony. :)

[Duel of Fates]

See. You are assuming that I want to change your beliefs, or for that er, everyone that uses religion for their lives wants to change your beliefs. Believe what you will, I have no intention of giving you "evidence" to make you a true believer. Hell, I am long way from that myself. But when you call someone who has faith, fanatical, well, it does seem a bit pretentious and condescending. And whether you wish it or not, that connotation is there. And you have been doing this for many of your latest posts on various threads. I just would like to know why?

This is where you're wrong. I just like arguing up until I get bored with it. Don't get so butt hurt, this is the internet. And that made me giggle WD, even if you are a bit of a right wing loony. :)

Congratz. You have shown yourself to be exactly what I thought you were. Stay in school. Peace out.