There is definitely no loving God. Fact.

Surely you're not saying that practices such as FGM should not be condemned because it would be 'interfering with another culture', Luckygirl?

Annie - I do not think we should interfere with other cultures whether in a patriarchal religious way or any other. There are many cultures whose practices I do not like, but interfering and trying to impose our values is a dangerous path.

We're not missionaries now!! I think the last ones went out nearly a hundred years ago (and not to Africa or China!)
I think they were trying to persuade the Mormons that monogamy was a good idea .....

Yet Luckygirl we want to stop some practices carried out in the middle East and China , is this not inferring with beliefs and cultures ?

I do NOT like missionaries. How dare they interfere with others' beliefs and cultures!? Disgraceful.

Better that they should get out there and help in practical ways with medicines and water projects - as indeed many christian groups do. Better to be out there with respectful humility towards others' beliefs.

I always refuse to fill the Christmas shoe boxes that go to the third world because they contain a bible. "Aid with strings attached" does not sit well with me. I make a contribution via another charity.

jingl - you can ask for the title thread to be changed I should think, if that will help at all. Other than that, once a thread is started, it goes where it does.

I am going to link to the fundamentalism thread, as that subject keeps being brought up.
www.gransnet.com/forums/religion_spirituality/1216875-What-do-people-mean-by-christian-fundamentalist

God is a God of love, true. But he is also
God of truth, he doesnt lie.
God of mercy, if we repent, he forgives what we have done wrong.
God of power, I dont think that needs explanation.

Wilma I think I'm rapidly turning into my old granny!

And I was just trying to answer Wilma
going out to play in the gentle rain from heaven

Typical, Atheists can lost their opinions and I respect their opinions even though I msy not agree . I post an opinion abd am rebuked - that's not Christian

jing you sound like my old granny! Elegran said what I was thinking about the reasons why some people become missionaries, so I will try to stay quiet now - going out to play!

might

In fact I make you all go out and play in the garden. Rain or no rain.

anniebach just likes to argue. About anything. (long may she continue)

I am now getting my besom broom and will sweep you all out from this thread.

AnnieBach is it me you think is verbally abusing posters on here? I am really shocked if it is. I didn't question why some people become missionaries at all. I said quite clearly I admired them. In fact, I don't think I have abused anyone, just stated my personal beliefs and that I accept and respect those held by others. And your sarcastic reply to my post is not very Christian is it?

I said I would let this rest because jing as the OP asked, but I will not accept being accused of abusing anybody for expressing my opinion in what I considered to be a reasonable manner.

I admire people who become missionaries. I would question though the true reason for some doing the good things they do

I think I mentioned missionaries first of all; I have always presumed those in our family had a fervent belief in their brand of religion and thought that any other way of worshipping was wrong. Some of them died during their attempts to convert other people to their way of thinking - they were not killed, they just endured horrendous conditions overseas. I would think their reasoning was that they were trying to save souls from eternal damnation. This was one or more centuries ago.

And religion can cause breakups in families too if one member of the family becomes so adamant that what they believe is right and other family members do not agree.

Wilma said "some" I admire people who become missionaries. I would question though the true reason for some doing the good things they do.

There is a power to be felt in converting "the heathen" from their own beliefs to the one the missionary believes in. There are indeed some people whose unconscious motive is to exercise that power, as there are some people who go into any occupation where they can influence others and control them while they are helping them. To say so is not to abuse those who died for their faith, or to condemn those who enter the caring professions.

I have seen no abuse on this thread - just an interesting debate on a serious topic.

Really Elegran? Wilma has questioned the reasons why some have become missionaries

No, it is not abuse of those who died for their faith to say that their faith should not have required that of them. To think that the individuals are being abused is to misunderstand the views expressed in the posts and it verges on "victimology" on their behalf.

Jingle, I have said I understand why you said what you did but I will not walk away from this thread which has turned from a genuine cry of pain to verbal abuse of many decent,honest people throughout the world and many decent, honest people of faith who have been killed because of their faith

You can transfer it all in a moment. 'ang on......

How kind of you Wilma to say my faith isn't a bad thing , I feel so much at ease now , I can pray in the knowledge you think so well of me

Sorry jing we cross posted. I will let it drop.

AnnieBach yes, all of the things are the work of man in the name of God. So Judgement Day is more than likely to come because of the self destruction of mankind and God will decide how well we have lived our lives. Will part of that accountability be what we did to help those who are suffering?

Iam64 I have read that too. I certainly know my Mum and many others find strength and support from their faith. I am sure the findings of research is true. I also believe having a faith means lots of good works happen. There's a kindness in many of the people who attend my Mum's church that I find reassuring. All I would say is that for me doesn't prove that God exists.

I respect the rights of those who have a faith, but not to the extent of accepting the religious freedom of others. For example, the treatment of Yazidi by ISIS. The war between Jews and Palestinians. I most definitely acknowledge though that a lot of good is done in the name of God and I admire people who become missionaries. I would question though the true reason for some doing the good things they do. I am not saying believing in God or having a faith is a bad thing, just that it is not for me. I don't mind admitting one bit that religious fundamentalism scares me.

Can't any of you manage to understand that I posted the OP at a time when I was feeling very shocked and very low. If you had any decency between the lot of you, you would leave this thread alone now, and let it drop off the bottom of 'Actives'.

But you would all rather use it to put forward your own pet theories. As usual.