What is Loonyligion?

By Bernie Dehler                  9-12-07

  Loonyligion is a term I made up.  It is what one gets when one ignores science and instead relies on religion or superstition that is generally known to contradict science.  Loonyligion also happens when one is opposed to indisputable science because of religious reasons. 

  However, not all science is "indisputable."  Sometimes theories are accepted, and then later modified or proven wrong.  However, there are principles that are generally received, such as the law of gravity or a round earth.

  Perhaps a good illustration is the "Flat Earth Society."  Apparently, they have been in operation even as late as the year 2001.  Click here to read about it.  While anyone with a basic understanding of science doesn't question that the earth is round, some thought it was still flat; apparently because of their interpretation of biblical texts.  To believe in a flat earth today would truly be loonyligic.

  For more on sciligion and related topics, click here.

Comments

[Bernie of www.sciligion.com]

Hi Will-

You said:
"There is an interesting vision of Sadhu Sundar singh..."

I've also heard many stories. I've seen first hand how they get twisted (one person tells it, and someone repeats it later, only much more embellished). I take these stories with a grain of salt. The same with Urban Legends (those emails that get passed around... and can be checked for truthfulness at www.snopes.com).

...Bernie

[Will]

Its interesting that you caught that. I am in India for 20 months so far and have looked into many spiritual paths when I lost my faith in Jesus. I do have my doubts that one can be saved through any of them. They did not satisfy my soul I know that much and many people following them appear to be in one kind of bondage or another to motivated Gurus taking all their money, or lifeless idols and rituals ruling their lives. This is what the holy spirit is showing me now.
I do believe that in the after life they probably get another chance to accept the wonderful gift of God that came through Jesus death, and resurection, even though the bible may say somthing different. ( heres where I may make a few enemies myself) It is written that Jesus did preach to the dead. I have read many near death experiences where athiests had their lives changed radically by Christ through their visit to the here after. There is an interesting vision of Sadhu Sundar singh, a turn of the century Christian preacher here in India. In one vision he saw a idoltor who died and crossed over to the other side. He began looking for his idol that he worshiped all his life. The angeles appeared to him and said their is no God like this here other than the great Holy father and His Son Jesus. The Idolotor was very humble and asked to be instructed properly. The angels rejoiced that he was able to accept the truth.
Will

[Bernie of www.sciligion.org]

Hi Will,

Sounds like we have a lot in common. I agree strongly and 100% with your comment, except this line perplexed me:
"I believe God has given different people faith in different doctrines and ways of worship."

That sounds like you believe in other ways to be saved, but it didn't appear that way by the other text in your message... so I'm confused.

Anyway, yes, faith should be in God and the message of salvation. The dogma and doctrine can easily get out of bound and get to a point where it is easily going "beyond what is written":

1 Corinthians 4:6 Now, brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, "Do not go beyond what is written." Then you will not take pride in one man over against another.

...Bernie

[Will]

Hi Bernie,

I used to fall prey to a large degree to this trap. Recently I had a revival of my faith in Jesus. About a year ago I began to have doubts because I could not anymore force my critical facilty of mind to adhear that every thing that happened and every word in the bible was perfect true and divinely inspired. I have concluded after a year break from being a stauch bible thumper believer and searching for truth in other religions( that were empty of life for me) that faith in the essential message of Christ, his followers and previous prophets is where to repose my faith; not in too ridgidly holding to doctrine as the achor for my faith. This was a big lesson for me! Now I Judge others less give others honor even though their beliefs are different and against the bible based doctrines. The result has been is that I am applying in words and deeds the essential message of the bible not to judge and love ones brothers. I am in India for a long time now. If I hate idol worshipers as revelations and the old testement advocate then I will reap hatred and conflict with my brothers in the world here. I believe God has given different people faith in different doctrines and ways of worship. Respect is the best way to win souls over if they are meant to change and become belivers in this unique and great plan of God to save mankind.

...Will