New Atheist Billboards in California:"I Believe in Humanity, Not god"

[Fleetwood Mac]

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

2 Chronicles 7:14

See, the thing with me is that this is all just too intense. It appears to me to be very hard work to follow God's instructions.

There's a lot to be said for an easy life, rather than looking over your shoulder at every turn wondering whether or not you're doing the right thing.

As said, I think there is a lot to be said for strong personal ethics, and most of these derive from Christian teaching, but for me I appreciate the odd vice and providing it's consensual and safe then where's the harm? And, in the event it means I'm going to hell then I'll accept this consequence.

I would love there to be a God and a happy ending, on the other hand. I really would. When push comes to shove, I think harmony and peace is more important than knowledge and understanding. But, in my life there is room for vice within the over-riding objective and there's no way on God's planet that I'm going to feel guilty over enjoying the pleasures of being a human being.

[Limehouse]

See, the thing with me is that this is all just too intense. It appears to me to be very hard work to follow God's instructions.

There's a lot to be said for an easy life, rather than looking over your shoulder at every turn wondering whether or not you're doing the right thing.

As said, I think there is a lot to be said for strong personal ethics, and most of these derive from Christian teaching, but for me I appreciate the odd vice and providing it's consensual and safe then where's the harm? And, in the event it means I'm going to hell then I'll accept this consequence.

I would love there to be a God and a happy ending, on the other hand. I really would. When push comes to shove, I think harmony and peace is more important than knowledge and understanding. But, in my life there is room for vice within the over-riding objective and there's no way on God's planet that I'm going to feel guilty over enjoying the pleasures of being a human being.

Well, I think what you have said is a good philosophy and I would not disagree with it. I think what is meant by 'turn from their wicked ways' is doing harm to others.

I don't have any problem with a few legal vices that are, as you say, consensual.

[Robert]

You can't forgive someone for something they've done to other people.

[Limehouse]

You can't forgive someone for something they've done to other people.

Well, Robert - God can!

[Robert]

It isn't possible, Limehouse. Nor can you take the sins of someone else on your own shoulders. If a court fines Mr A £100, then Mr B can pay Mr A's fine. But if a court sentences Mr A to 20 years in prison, Mr B cannot serve Mr A's sentence. The idea is preposterous.

[Tom_Wescott]

It isn't possible, Limehouse. Nor can you take the sins of someone else on your own shoulders. If a court fines Mr A £100, then Mr B can pay Mr A's fine. But if a court sentences Mr A to 20 years in prison, Mr B cannot serve Mr A's sentence. The idea is preposterous.

So I take it you don't subscribe to the theory that Dr. Cream paid a doppleganger to serve his sentence while the good doctor headed down to Whitechapel to engage in a bit of mayhem?

Yours truly,

Tom Wescott

[Robert]

Ah, no, Tom. I prefer single Cream - double Cream is too rich.

[Fleetwood Mac]

It isn't possible, Limehouse. Nor can you take the sins of someone else on your own shoulders. If a court fines Mr A £100, then Mr B can pay Mr A's fine. But if a court sentences Mr A to 20 years in prison, Mr B cannot serve Mr A's sentence. The idea is preposterous.

Hello Robert,

Surely without justice there is no mercy?

Clearly anyone can be forgiven for their sins, but they must bow to justice. The two are not mutually exclusive as far as I can tell.

[Robert]

Hi FM

Suppose you were attacked by a thug, who put you in a wheelchair for the rest of your life. Suppose I then said to the thug, "I forgive you for what you did to FM." You'd think me crazy - and you'd be right!