On being ashamed of one's belief, biblically:

[MineralMan]

"For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory, and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels." Luke 9: 26

This often quoted verse is at the core of Christianity. I remember it from time to time, when someone can't quite state belief without waffling. I've met almost no Christians who do not eagerly declare their belief. Almost.

Note: I have no religious beliefs at all.

[guillaumeb]

1. I eagerly awaited your latest Epistle.

It was exactly as I expected it to be.

[MineralMan]

2. No doubt...

[Cartoonist]

3. when He comes in His glory

When is that now?

[MineralMan]

4. Never, I think, but I'm not a Christian.

I think it's all just a story. I'm in the minority, though, in this country.

[AZ8theist]

5. Every time I read a bible verse..

It strikes me as COMPLETE, UTTER NONSENSE...

If "gawd" and "jeebus" were actually real, there would no need for "interpreting" biblical verses. They would be obviously apparent to every human on earth.

However, they ARE NOT.

Complete BULLSHIT.

That's why Homo Sapiens have 137,000,000 DIFFERENT religions......or some such shit....

[Major Nikon]

7. Religion appeals to the weak minded by design

Alcoholics and drug addicts who have hit rock bottom, children, the destitute, old people, ill people, and others who are in unfortunate situations. Religion will have the answer when there's no other apparent solution, all conveniently unverifiable.

Some religious hucksters will get extremely rich and others will make do fleecing the flock. Others will get gratification by other means, like raping children.

[MineralMan]

8. And that's why so many con men go into the ministry.

First you gain their trust and confidence, then you shear the fleece. It works for tent show revivalists and even better for the Vatican, which has grown to be the largest denomination of Christianity.

Heck, you can even tell the gullible that they will profit by giving you their money. What a terrific long con it all is!

[Croney]

6. If a person is ashamed of Me and My Words, it means

that person believes in the existence of whoever Me is, and that very belief is what it takes to get into heaven, so how could Me be ashamed of that person? I think the definition of "shame" as used here might be something archaic. (Of course.)

I don't believe in Me and My Words so I don't feel shamed, shaming, or shameful.