†‡†Christ is Risen, Alleluia†‡†

[DigitaLVampirE]

Polwarth, i am not restricting the Atheists/Agnostics right to comment on religious beliefs. If you and the others have to take turns to use the carrot and stick method to question religious beliefs, go ahead by all means. I just don't expect self-proclaimed adults to come in here with the sole purpose of bashing and discouraging believers from participating in decent discussions.

Kathyv's added comments also protects the rights of the Atheist or the Agnostic. Just don't go around dictating 'this belief' or 'that belief' is 'ridiculous' simply because we are not wearing the same white jackets as the Allegiance of the Agnostics and Atheists do. Respect works both ways.

For starters, the A.A.A can be a little sensitive towards the religious belief and proclamation of this thread *and hopefully in other threads*. Ya, know, us believers 'ave feelings too.

[bell-the-cat]

Christ may have risen - but after skimming through the postings, for the benefit of this thread I wish He had stayed in His bed.

[Polwarth]

Digital V
As a 'lapsed' Catholic - I consider my views as valid as yours.

[aNonnyMoose]

Bring back the Easter Bunny!

At least the kids are happy, not made to feel guilty for sins they're not capable of having performed...

[kathyv]

That's one of my problems with some Christian religions Nonny, such as Catholicism. (Not to bash any Catholics, I just can't live by those man made 'laws', that's just an example.)

Jesus did not say "go ye and live in shame and guilt for committing those human acts which ye WILL do". He said, "Go and sin no more". We are people, we will sin but He also gave us Grace to save us from those sins and all we have to do is repent.

I don't need a priest to tell me what I should do to repent, I know who to go to. I don't need a priest to tell me I have sinned, I know what sin is.

I also don't need a militantly zealous evangelical Christian to point out and condemn me for those sins I will commit.

What I do need is Grace. And I can be happy with that Grace and not anguish over the sinful deed.

We taught our children that the Easter Bunny and Santa Clause represented the spirit of the seasons they represent, we also taught them the Christian reasons for those celebrations. The bunny and the jolly man are the fun parts of the celebrations and children need to know that even religious celebrations can be fun and joyful. I hate what a lot of American evangelical Christian parents are doing to these symbols, making them out to be evil and pagan to the point of raising up somber and un-joyous people. It's so sad.

[aNonnyMoose]

I don't need any of those problems you have outlined, Kathy, so we can agree there. Where we differ is that I don't subscribe to the old mannie in the sky bit. I've never seen any proof of his/her existence, and I doubt I ever will. I live my life on the premise that I only get one go at it, and there's no jam tomorrow when I'm dead. "Do unto others" is a fairly good premise for a just life, and without passing the buck to some imaginary higher being...

I've met an awful lot of "Christians" (including a number of ministers, priests and the like) whose sole purpose in life appears to be causing misery and knifing people in the back. I've never met another atheist who carries on like that...

[kathyv]

I know Nonny and it's unfortunate and wrong that people act that way in the name of Christ.

True Christians, living their lives in a relationship with their savior are not doing that. We are also supposed to confront those who are and calling themselves Christian.

And I don't buy into the 'old mannie in the sky' bit either! I have the Great Man in my heart!