Another Big Big Thread of Religious Discussion

[Serenity]

Originally Posted by POS Industries

Not that I put too much stock in biblical texts, but I think you're reading it wrong. The statement is that, should you be persecuted for following Jesus and still remain loyal to him, it'll work out well for you in the the end.

"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Pretty rudimentary, here - you are blessed for being persecuted. If it's unclear what the problem is with that is, here it is: it makes being persecuted a good thing.

Originally Posted by POS Industries

Once again, I believe this is a misinterpretation (and a complete disregard for everything SpacePope said). The verses in question appear to be more about avoiding gluttony and vanity than about worrying about not actually having food, water, or clothes at all. For instance, "Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?" suggests that being content with having what you need is better than desiring more that you don't need.

So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'

I really don't see what's up to interpretation here. Do not worry about what you will eat, drink or wear.

EDIT: By the way, meant to add this to my last post but my internet crapped out for a little while - SpacePope, I notice that you didn't respond to my point about it promoting the idea of thought crimes.