(SNIP)
"..you have no understanding of how the physical and spiritual world relate.
Of course I don't, silly. Does anyone? The honest position is agnosticism: I don't know anything verifiable about "how the physical and spiritual world relate" and, um, neither do you.
"My son is a mathematican. does this make him in covenant with the devil? Wait until i tell him. Put this in its historical context. Who was he talking about and why? So much of your .... is like this.
First, congratulations to your son. And second, the quote is from one of your revered leaders, and it's straight forward and clear. Does it really need contextual support? I've cited the source. But for the benefit of doubt, let's just say the Saint had a bad day when he wrote those words. He really didn't think mathematicians are evil, he just said that. Want me to cite more outrageous Christian leaders? It's really embarrassing for y'all -- but I will!
Actually. This is all off topic and to get into a pissing contest with a self proclaimed, trained bigot who professes to listen to no theist. It would be useless. Rave on, I choose not to relate to the foolish errors of this diatribe and the others.
Tisk, tisk, you're both off topic and fallacious.
Christians have the largest private medical establishments in the world. They started the modern hospital system historically.
The "largest private medical establishments in the world" is kinda subjective and vague. But some of the "largest" health providers in the US are the NIH, Johns Hopkins, Mayo, Mass Gen, Cleveland Clinic... And while some of these institutions have had Christian philanthropists and kindly benefactors, they're still institutions of science and medicine. When you get sick, you'll go see a doctor trained in medicine. When you get sick, you won't go see a priest untrained in medicine. Clerical emotional support is a wonderful service, and I support it 100%. But these are typically set up for people of ALL faiths and NO faith, not just for Christians.
[Christians] have the largest charitable organizations in the world.
If you mean charitable *foundations*, then the "largest" (if you mean "wealthiest" or most charitable?) is the IKEA guy, who's a billionaire. Is he Christian? Is IKEA a place to buy crucifixes and bibles? And I think the second is the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and he's not all Jesus-ey, izzie? The Wellcome Trust, Howard Hughs Medical Trust, Ford Foundation, J. Paul Getty Trust, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation -- are any of these Christian? Li Ka Shing Foundation?
They have the largest private educational system in the world. They started most of our top universities and have schools everywhere.
Even if true (it isn't) private schools, are not legally bound to provide equality in admitting or retaining students. Nor are there legal remedies for the wide financial disparity that distinguishes high- and low-spending private schools from each other. Not only do PUBLIC schools enroll all students, but they are more likely than their private counterparts to provide services designed to meet the special needs of particular students. Indeed, it is only the public schools that have the legal obligation to accept many students with special needs. Under federal civil rights laws, public schools must provide educational and related services to meet the needs of children with disabilities. Likewise, they must meet the educational needs of students who do not speak English or whose proficiency in English is limited.
See, eg:
http://www.centerfor...blic-education-What public education in America means: a tuition-free education for all students; the promise of equal educational opportunities no matter race, religion or ability; a commitment to high standards and high expectations for all students;
a system of governance that ensures public accountability; a benefit to society by teaching democratic principles and common values.
Christians have had massive orphanages all over the world.
They should have "massive orphanages all over the world" since they'd like to outlaw a woman's right to choose abortion and contraceptive access everywhere. If women are forced to have children, who assumes responsibility for the unwanted? I think we'll agree that the government is the leader here. DFCS (Department of Family and Children's Services) is the more relevant, reliable player despite the neo-con's tiring attempt to kill it.
Christians have produced much of the worlds great art and literature and philosophy.
And so have many other people from non-Christian backgrounds. Are you arguing (seriously) that Christianity is a leader in the world of art, literature, and philosophy? Wowsa! You should spend some time here in ... Oh never mind, have you thought about going back to school and filling in some knowledge gaps? Education is great for longevity!
And, yes many of the worlds greatest scientists have been theists.
Sure, in like olden days when they were threatened with death if they weren't Jesus frothing. Are there many Christian scientists today who cogently reconcile science with bible verses? Incidentally, there’s just no plausible way anyone can take "The Bible" seriously after spending an hour or so on this site:
http://bibviz.com/. Go check it out, it's great. It cross references 63,779 bible inconsistencies and makes a colorful, fun graph!
I haven’t even started. I could easily document all this but why, you would not listen. OK, it happens.
Ah Excellent, please do start! And I will listen -- you should practice the grace, kindness and love that your religion espouses and stop saying rude, ugly things at people who are DIFFERENT than you. It'll be good for your blood pressure, too!