Taken at the University of Texas

[Jack]

Check out these videos taken at the University of Texas. Wanted to get some impressions from this board. These are interviews taken from students of varying perspective regarding the "Character" of God and "Evangelism":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTNurUNny7Q

and

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfbLP8OquiQ

They were filmed by a Christian student named Scott Edwards.

[Twey]

Aesthetically or on the content?

Aesthetically, I'd say the background music is nice and the fades have been done well; the idea of matching what the people were saying to Bible passages like that is clever, although it's been stretched rather to its limits with "always there for you," whose Bible passage actually retains no remnant of the phrase, and the passage for "friendly" is quite obviously not talking about a friendly "God" at all (although this could be implied by its mention that it's a form of love).

As for the content... I have a feeling you're going to react violently to this and I'll have started a religious argument. I'll bite, but please, keep it logical and friendly.

Almost everything in that first video has been contradicted time and again. I'll take just one example here, but there are others. The tale of Noah's Ark says that God wiped out all life on Earth (and in a particularly nasty and painful way, as well) save a few that were saved so that it could be started again. This is not kind; nor is it merciful, loving, friendly, or any of the other things mentioned in the first video (except possibly "right," which, alas, we can't know for sure without being omniscient).

Have you ever thought that God or Jesus must be real as a result of the way another person has lived their life?

The video would appear to be implying that people are intrinsically so hideously evil that the only thing that could possibly bring them to lead a good life is some kind of divine influence. I'm not that cynical. I certainly believe that a belief in some kind of deity or deities can change people's lives, for both the better and the worse. I've seen it happen with my own eyes. However, that's no evidence that these gods actually exist; belief itself is a powerful force for change.

[Jack]

Nah, I’m not going to argue with you my friend. I actually wish more people would take the time to think about what they claim to believe. I’m a member of a few “Christian” forums and man I gotta tell you that a lot of people who claim to have faith clearly haven’t examined themselves. It’s as if they simply believe whatever their pastors tell them. Sad that men would allow others to do their thinking for them! Especially when were dealing with matters of faith.

I'm glad to see that your not one of them!

[Twey]

I quite agree.

Please note that I wasn't warning you against arguing with me: there's little I enjoy more than a good argument, especially if it ends with me being proven wrong

[Jack]

I quite agree.

Please note that I wasn't warning you against arguing with me: there's little I enjoy more than a good argument, especially if it ends with me being proven wrong

Hehe… I simply think that it’s good that you look into these things for yourself. So many “Christians” Twey talk out of both sides of their faces these days that I have to admire someone who thinks for himself.

I like a good debate as much as the next guy and who knows, maybe we’ll have one someday, but right now isn’t a good time for me.

I’ll tell yea, it’s refreshing to meet people who think for themselves.

[BLiZZaRD]

I think for myself... at least that what my wife tells me to say