Why Jesus?

I would love to see a followup on those "Jesus Camp" kids. Or better yet, I'd like to see one of them in real life, back at the time the film was made. I have a bit of experience with putting kids in front of cameras -- the camera changes things.

But, if it's JUST anthropomorphism, a trick of the mind, then it is not the truth.
That's saying it would be a nice idea to have the figure of a man invented, so it would be easier to worship.

I don't see anthropomorphism as a "trick of the mind." I think it's a valid way we relate to things. Much in the same way that artists have always portrayed historical figures in the dress and settings of their (artists') times in order to make them relevant to their audience. It doesn't lessen the basic truth...it makes it more understandable. So it's a good thing.

If the interpretation of God changes as one becomes an adult, then is Jesus just something that should be used with children, like Santa Claus? Santa is real to many children, but as they become adults, it's realized Santa is just representative of an idea of...I dunno, I never believed in Santa myself, but something like generousity, celebration, etc?

Should believers outgrow their belief in Jesus? I would say no. In terms of faith development, a believer's understanding of Jesus changes and matures in the same way their concept of God (a Supreme Being) changes.

djjd came to different conclusions while star gazing, but we don't argue with other over it. I don't claim that he will be damned to eternal punishment by this energy, for not conceiving of it as I do.

What you are really asking is "Why do people argue?" We argue over E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G. Damned if I know why. We can't agree on whether round or flat toothpicks are better...why do you think religion should be exempt?!

I don't see why any religion tries to convince someone from another to believe as they do, or else.....Well, yes I do see, it's about the power....but, in the sense of finding your own spiritual way, or not, what does it really matter.

You might as well ask why people of one political party try to convince those from another to believe as they do. Or why Americans think democracy should be everyone's system of government. Or a hundred other examples. Once people believe they have found "the truth," they naturally voice it and try to get others to come on board. That's how humanity works (or doesn't.)

Whether what an individual believes (or not) is correct/incorrect/partly correct or incorrect, etc. does not change what the reality is.

Agreed!

There is only one reality, although all of us carry our own version of it around in our head. Why try to convince another that your version of it is more valid than anyone elses?

Actually, there are an infinite number of realities so why try to convince another that the one you believe you live in is more valid than the others?

So, which is it? I think you've hit upon the central question.

After watching Jesus Camp, I googed Becky Fisher, that kid preacher.

The camp was closed down shortly after the doc was made...

i was also very enamoured of the alien abduction story, i'd lay in bed and try my best to contact any beings that might be out there, i was more than open to the idea being "Taken" (maybe that was the problem, maybe they don't want you if you wanted to go)

in the end i had the same disappointment and disillusion i felt with religion

damn you aliens

There is only one reality, although all of us carry our own version of it around in our head. Why try to convince another that your version of it is more valid than anyone elses?

Actually, there are an infinite number of realities so why try to convince another that the one you believe you live in is more valid than the others?

So, which is it? I think you've hit upon the central question.

When I say infinite number of realities, I mean there are an infinite number of universes that phsically exist.

Agreed.

I don't mean there are an infinite number of realities because each individual preceives things differently.

Okay, got it. We agree again.

Anthropomorfism is not reality. It's projecting our fantasties, morals, fears, joys etc onto a real object.

Because I call my cat Mr. kitty and claim he likes to watch scary movies does not make it so. It proclaims my like, or dislike, of scary movies.

Anthro...is a blanket, a comforter, batting that keeps us from what really is, for various and sundry reasons.

The dictionary definition of anthropomorphism is "attributing human characteristics to a god, animal or thing." Projection is "unconscious transfer of feelings, etc., to external objects or persons." They are two different things. I think you're trying to combine the two. It's quite possible to anthropomorphize something without projecting, just as it is possible to project without anthropomorphizing. For example, if I give my God human characteristics, it in no way suggests that I have given that God my own morals, joys, fears, etc.

I live in the reality of this universe, where my consciousness is, my energy. If you believed that Jesus is merely a projection of certain attributes onto a person that did not exist, or, if he did exist, was mortal, why would one devote so much of their energy to him?

I wouldn't! That is not what I believe.

The difference between arguing over flat toothpicks over round (I have no preference) and whether on belongs to the group with the correct beliefs, can literally be a matter of life and death. Or the difference between happiness and feelings of unremitting guilt.

Religion has certainly been misused, you'll get no argument from me on that. Much religious argument is no more important to me than flat vs. round toothpicks. As much as possible, I choose not to let it affect me. I have no use for guilt, either. It's against my religion.

A lot of horrendous things have happened in the names of various religions (usually contrary to their basic principles, I might add.) But an untold number of wonderful things have happened, too. I think some people would rather dwell on the negatives as a means of justifying their own disbelief. And I can certainly understand that.

Why do people do something awful... in the name of something else?

Why?

Justification, that's why.