Finalized Question For Priest

[Teh Wiccan]

Excellent Skeptical science!

Would it be alright with you if I print off some of those questions to ask the local priest?

 

[SkepticalScience]

Hey Teh Wiccan


OFCOURSE!!!!

Yes, Yes, Yes! Bring it up to as many priests as you know. . . lets spark some discussion here!

If you give me your email, i can give you the new updated version. . .has more stuff.

Lemme Know!

 

[SkepticalScience]

Hey all. . .

So I had my meeting with the priest and wife last night.

It went over pretty well! The priest was a super nice guy, and we didn't even get passed question 1; basically; with all the religions out there, how do you know yours is right.

Basically, his point was, of all the major religions; Catholic/Christian was the only one whose major figure; Jesus; claimed he was the son of God. . . .most other religions have prophets.

I told him I was certain there had to be other religions out there as well; but I didn't know of any right off the bat. I told him I would show him some that do.

I eventually showed him why that point was kind of shaky; and he admitted that he simply did not know; and he would get back to me.

So we have another meeting set up. . .

How did it affect my wife? Well, I think it was really important that she realized that priests don't have all the answers. She used to believe they were different that normal people in some substancial way; while I would argue, they are just people who happen to place a lot more importance on the bible than other people.

I think she is SLOWLY starting to realize that priests may not be all that different from rabbi's, or any other religious teacher.

The priest had some other points; which i will post here shortly.

 

[elliotfc]

Hey all. . .

So I had my meeting with the priest and wife last night.

It went over pretty well! The priest was a super nice guy, and we didn't even get passed question 1; basically; with all the religions out there, how do you know yours is right.

Basically, his point was, of all the major religions; Catholic/Christian was the only one whose major figure; Jesus; claimed he was the son of God. . . .most other religions have prophets.

I told him I was certain there had to be other religions out there as well; but I didn't know of any right off the bat. I told him I would show him some that do.

I eventually showed him why that point was kind of shaky; and he admitted that he simply did not know; and he would get back to me.

So we have another meeting set up. . .

How did it affect my wife? Well, I think it was really important that she realized that priests don't have all the answers. She used to believe they were different that normal people in some substancial way; while I would argue, they are just people who happen to place a lot more importance on the bible than other people.

I think she is SLOWLY starting to realize that priests may not be all that different from rabbi's, or any other religious teacher.

The priest had some other points; which i will post here shortly.

SkepticalScience this is fascinating stuff, please share all that you possibly can.

I'm very intrigued that your wife believed/believes that priests are substantially different from normal people. Does she believe that they may have a sort of "link" or "connection" with God that enables them to possess superior knowledge?

Your sincerity and curiosity impress the hell out of me.

-Elliot

 

[Kevin_Lowe]

Basically, his point was, of all the major religions; Catholic/Christian was the only one whose major figure; Jesus; claimed he was the son of God. . . .most other religions have prophets.

"Ours go up to eleven!".

 

[elliotfc]

Basically, his point was, of all the major religions; Catholic/Christian was the only one whose major figure; Jesus; claimed he was the son of God. . . .most other religions have prophets.

Of course this could very well be a *shrug* point. If it is true, or if it isn't true, what does it matter?

The Lord/Liar/Lunatic argument may be trotted out (so be on guard).

But before you get to that point, ask yourself if...
-the priest's contention about Jesus' claim to be God is in fact true
-and if it is true, what does that matter?

It seems like a terrific place to start.

Honestly SkepticalScience, it seems to me that some fundamentals will have to be established before a priest would attack your questions head on. You may have to, at some point, insist that the questions be answered, because I *suspect* that the priest may try to deal with you in a general way, not for condescending reasons, but he may just be curious about your mission in general and try to *figure you out* before he engages in the question/answer deal.

Just a suspicion on my part.

-Elliot

 

[Marc]

How did it affect my wife? Well, I think it was really important that she realized that priests don't have all the answers. She used to believe they were different that normal people in some substancial way; while I would argue, they are just people who happen to place a lot more importance on the bible than other people.

Yes, there is a strong inclination in society to place priests as something special. They are given a precieved higher level of morality or wisdom by many people, and are given a lot of trust. That is why it can be so easy for some to get away with things that might not be tolerated in other people. The Catholic church's long time ability to cover up it's problem priests for example.

Originally posted by elliotfc

The Lord/Liar/Lunatic argument may be trotted out (so be on guard).

of course the reality is a bit more complex than this false dichotomy (trichotomy?)

Lord, liar, lunatic are the simple possibilities. Never existed is another. Real guy who had some good ideas, but his followers went overboard. Composite of many teachers/prophets/myths.

 

[triadboy]

Does she believe that they may have a sort of "link" or "connection" with God that enables them to possess superior knowledge?

There are a whole lot of 80 year old widows watching TV on Sunday morning who believe that.

 

[triadboy]

"Ours go up to eleven!".

Spinal Tap!

 

[Silicon]

This is interesting. Let me know how goes the struggle for the soul of your wife!


Didn't get past the first question, eh?

After thousands of years, are the big questions in theology still unanswerable?

They all first have to posit that God exists.


But even if you do take that huge leap of faith, that first question, still, is a doozy.

It ACTUALLY might be a worse doozy than believing in A God. Believe in the wrong God, and you go to H-E-DoubleToothpicks. Maybe by not making a choice, God will have mercy on you! Especially if God is the vengeful sort we read of in the Bible.

So you better be DAMNED sure (literally) you got the right one!



Believe in Allah, and GOD is real = infinite torture in hell!

Believe in God, and ALLAH is real = infinite torture in hell!

I want out of this gladiator arena of horrors! The Lady or the Tiger?!!?

I never agreed to this!



I can't say I'm too impressed with the "Jesus said he was the son of God" reasoning for Catholocism being the one true religion.

After all Buddha is the divine, infinite being Himself, not a son, or a prophet. Does that make Buddhism the "real" religion?

 

[Teh Wiccan]

Thank you SS, I'll be meeting up with the priest either today or tommorrow if all goes to plan