small group last friday!

We finished our discussion on: Is God Poison?

What questions did we ask?

How do we explain to people the actions of "Christians" that are highly controversial or clearly wrong? Eg. Crusades, certain actions by the Bush Administration, Gay Rights, Abortion, etc

We often answer with "Misinterpretation of the Bible" It's our default answer to the question, these people clearly took a verse out of context or something. But we must assess this answer critically. Is it enough to call it a misinterpretation? Does this make it "right"? How do non-believers feel about that answer? How can we offer them more than just that?

Christians often tag to every bad act (eg. Sept. 11) a silver lining. We always say something good comes out of something bad, or that God has a purpose for everything. How do you think non- believers feel about such statements? Is there a way to reassure them this idea? In the end, we cannot put numbers to things, we cannot put a numerical value to life. It is not for us to decide if the death of 3000 people was worth saving the life of five people or if the life of one person is worth the life of 40 people. It is difficult for us to grasp the idea and to truly believe that something good always comes out of something bad.

We looked at "accepted" child abuse, especially in the Catholic Church. How did this affect the world's view on Christianity?

We examined whether or not religion claims a " special divine exemption" Can we really say, because I am a Christian, I don't have to do this, or do that. How is that perceived by non-Christians?

Does religion limit personal choice/freedon on a personal/ national/international basis?

How do you think religion has helped the world?
What are some aspects of the world do you think would have suffered if religion had not exist? I mean, if there was no religion, would people still form organizations to help the poor? Or is it only because of Christians, do we have certain charity organizations? Though the foundation of many constitutions around the world are from Christian values, are humans capable of creating these laws without religion? Where does moral law and ethics come from?

FINAL QUESTION: Is God/Religion poison?

- Derrick