Zeus

Who believes in mythological religions? Worshiping the bible which talks about talking snakes, Giants, burning bushes, and 7 headed beasts is the equivalent of believing in centaurs, hydras, nymphs, and Minotaurs. Prove me wrong.

Acts 14:8-20

8 And in Lystra a certain man without strength in his feet was sitting, a cripple from his mother’s womb, who had never walked. 9 This man heard Paul speaking. Paul, observing him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed, 10 said with a loud voice, “Stand up straight on your feet!” And he leaped and walked. 11 Now when the people saw what Paul had done, they raised their voices, saying in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!” 12 And Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. 13 Then the priest of Zeus, whose temple was in front of their city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, intending to sacrifice with the multitudes.
14 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard this, they tore their clothes and ran in among the multitude, crying out 15 and saying, “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them, 16 who in bygone generations allowed all nations to walk in their own ways. 17 Nevertheless He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.” 18 And with these sayings they could scarcely restrain the multitudes from sacrificing to them.
19 Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead. 20 However, when the disciples gathered around him, he rose up and went into the city. And the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

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I could be wrong.

I knew people in college that actively worshiped Zeus as part of their pantheon.

They were pretty nice people.

-Lyn

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Why is believing in the Bible equivalent to believing in the existence of the Olympic pantheon, or the varieties of monsters and creatures in Greek mythology?

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Probably because both mythologies contain equally fantastic creatures, events, and motifs.

There certainly is a certain double standard at work when literalist Christians sneer at the "primitive superstitions" of others, yet embrace concepts and ideas that are equally fanciful

I've always liked Prometheus, but no I don't believe in any gods (or Titans).


eudaimonia,

Mark

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There is a certain hypocrisy at work when a Buddhist thinks that other religions are incorrect because they posit the existence of fantastical beings, when Buddhism is very much at home with all sorts of supernatural creatures, demons and saviours.

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*shrugs*

The "tu quoque"-aspect doesn't really change anything, of course.
But yeah, provided that the OP does belong to a Buddhist sect that does embrace such "supernatural" beliefs, that would qualify as hypocrisy, too.

I used to believe in the Loch Ness Monster. That's a sort of mythological faith isn't it? I read a book which argued that though there were indeed fake reports of the creature, an actual creature did exist. It convinced me at the time, and like many people I liked the idea of a mysterious, seldom seen "monster" existing. It was exciting. And I love the Scottish highland landscape.

I had a wee boat weekend on the Loch a few years ago, during which I visited the quieter of the visitor centres. The reason it was quieter, it turns out, was that while it gave a fascinating over view of the Loch from a scientific point of view, it was also very persuasive about the absence of any large, unknown creature inhabiting the loch. It clearly wasn't the better money spinner though!

You could say science and reason put a real dampner on my beliefs, and in truth a part of me was quite disappointed. In the long term though it has helped me to start to truly appreciate the wonders and majesty and mysteries of reality.

I still like to think that the Yeti exists though.

No it doesn't. But it was such a glaring hole in Prajna's argument that I thought it should be brought up.

Even if Prajna is a Buddhist who doesn't believe in supernatural stuff, the long tradition of his religion does. Materialists did exist, even in the Buddha's time, but I don't think Buddha was one of them. And I guess, it would depend on what you mean by supernatural. If gods really do exist, then are they supernatural or just natural?

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