Talking to God boosts self-control and emotional stability, claims study

[ThomPaine]

And that is nothing but the antithesis of The Great Commission to share The Gospel of [Jesus (the) Christ].
At least as far as I understand it according to The Bible and truthful, living, representatives of Faith.
Christianity is something that can never be forced on anyone. It is a choice. Beyond that, it is an irresistible force if presented correctly and in harmony with The Will of God. (and that has nothing, whatsoever to do with money-grubbing weasels.

Well . . . Ain't it?

Again. No issue. Explain to me your belief, if I am receptive, then leave me the hell alone to decide.

Ask the American Indian of a couple hundred years ago whether they freely chose to believe in Jesus.

[Prunepicker]

... Ask the American Indian of a couple hundred years ago whether they
freely chose to believe in Jesus.

If you're meaning forced conversion, what was Christian about it?

[hoya]

When discussing whether or not there is a "loving god" I have never really cared about death. The "going to a better place" is very easy and comforting to believe. My problem is why a "loving God" who is all knowing and all seeing, allows so much brutality to be thrust upon innocents without taking them to their great reward.

Child molestation, rape, torture, slavery, etc., etc. That is not the primary reason for my non-belief, but it is a reason for me to disagree with the "loving God" construct.

That whole "free will" thing is a bitch sometimes.

[ThomPaine]

That whole "free will" thing is a bitch sometimes.

Yea, especially for the victims of those who exert their free will, while a "God" who can part the seas, raise the dead, walk on water, and anything else, sits by and watches. Of course you're taught to accept it, because, "everything happens for a reason" and "sometimes, God's answers to your prayers is 'no'." Of course, if you're a child praying to God in the hopes that your priest will stop raping you, or that your step mom will stop burning your hands on the stove, that "no" is pretty difficult to swallow.

So, yea. Free will is a bitch.