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Do You Believe In God? Yes Or No
Posted by palscience • 11/25/08 • Subscribe to this Discussion [RSS] • Report This Topic
Topics: God, religion
Hello all,,
This is a simple question but the answer might be complex. I want you to tell me if you blieve in God or not. If you said Yes, tell me one reason why. and if you said no, tell me one reason why not? Deal?
User Comments
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sometimes. I'm not sure yet.
most often not. but there have been a few instances in my life when I was sure there was.-
like what instances do you believe that God is real? -
When you spell it "nature." -
When I was in my early twenties I felt feed up with feeling unsure about who God was and what he wanted for me. I prayed for him to show me the truth and what to believe about it all, and he came through in a big way. For me God does exist and has showed me in a number of different ways, but I don't think it's wrong to doubt.
If you want to know for sure and can get past feeling silly I suggest praying that God proves his existence to you. Then it will be up to Him to help you believe or let you know otherwise. -
life's too precious to be filled with such a doubt as the way u think of that matter...step out of the doubt...take ur own decision now cuz tmorrow u might not have ur chance to take it... -
Most assuredly, I do.
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Thank your hatingtherain for your honest answer. Appreciate it.
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you're welcome.
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I was an athiest for most of my life, but a few things have happened to make me think there are other possibilities.
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inspiring hatingtherain !!!!
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@hatingtherain same here, there's just to much going on, too many patterns for there not to be something bigger at work. I'll leave it at that, because I believe no one answer is correct. -
@benspak- I couldn't have said it better myself.
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I believe no one answer is correct.
I think that may be the case too. -
Indeed very inspiring..
My YES is a similar one. I came to have very personal experiences with what I would call "God" and these experiences, along with things I just can't explain, have drawn me from a thinking faith that I was raised in to a feeling faith component that continues to amaze me.
Doubt is natural.. I don't know any of my Christian friends who have never doubted.
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No, embarrassingly improbable...
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a lot of improbable things still occur.
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I doesn't have to be Yes or No - it can be maybe. -
yes there is a god, and i believe-
care to say why?
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Yo (a mix of yes and no) We cannot know anything for sure, I lean more towards yes, or else my answer would have been "Nes", but I'm not sure about the Christian attributes given to God (old bearded man). I'd think the entity or being would be either sexless or else a woman.-
I think you might be onto something... -
What?! "Old bearded man"??? I am a Christian, and that is clearly not the description of God recorded in the scriptures!
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I personally believe in a super natural being "God" who control all the universe
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The ancient Egyptians, you know my friend, used to worship the baboon as their god of wisdom. They did this because at the dawn of every day, when the sun began to rise on the horizon, the baboons would sit and watch the sun coming up. This was seen as a sign of great wisdom. Since the Egyptians used also to worship the sun, they saw this innate knowledge on the part of the baboons as a reflection of the divine Wisdom.
well.. I really don't think worship the sun is smart thing, specially in the year 2008
I would say this is ridicules! People used to pray only for what they can see with their own eyes so they can believe it exist, but they forgetting a very important thing all the time that God has to be above everything, He is more than power itself, He is the fountain of life, Who gives you life when you wake up everyday.
So there must be something more powerful than anything else in this world, more powerful than anything we sow before and meet in this life, I think by logic we can NOT see God that easy.. we can NOT meet Him just like that at any time we want.. Who we think we are to ask God to show himself to us? Why he would listen to us and show Himself?!.. It's more logic that we can NOT see God.. It's lots more logic that we should believe in God with out seeing Him, because this is the trick!
Believe on God Like if you see Him and He is with you everywhere!
Yes I believe in God and I have told you why I believe in him, Thanks for the great discussion I was really surprised when I sow that all those comment in 3 days since you have posted it. Amazing! -
In my limited experience, the worship of logic can really get in the way of meeting or experiencing God/Goddess/Higher Power/etc.
Idolatry and all that.
It all got much easier for me when I begin to let go...
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Gawd.-
What do u mean WilDip?
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He made a lol
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WilDip - that was not very reasoned. Perhaps Yuuuk, or Jesus Christ Almighty? And also not very compassionate, a lot of people think like that - they can't help it, for god's sake.
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I believe in A god, but not the God you refer to. The reason for both; God has to be logical and fair.-
I belive that God have ninety-nine names, one hundred minus one.
Some of the names are:
Al-Wadud — The Loving
Al-Khaliq — The Creator
Al-Ahad — The One
Al-Aziz — The Mighty and Strong
These names are for the God.. Allah.. The one! -
agree with you sebastian, you made the best point "god has to be logical and fair" which he is not. and it proves there is no god -
How do you think that God is not fair?
just because you have some troubles in life you think that God is not fair?
humans forget the good things all the time! -
why does God have to be logical or fair. there is no reason for that. and a lot of things might seem illogical when you only know part of the story. and if there is a God, I can bet you we only know part of the story.
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I think using simple human concepts like "fair" and "logic" to limit a higher power is a bit arrogant...
Logic is useful to a certain degree... Sex education gives young people a somewhat 'logical' understanding of sex and reproduction... but it is never going to be anything like actually having sex or raising children. -
Goodness has to be just. a judge that loved people so much that he acquitted criminals "out of love" and glet they loose doing more evil is on loving. -
According to your logic?
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Yes, because with God all things are possible... I personally have seen death and come back-
Good for you, it means you are so lucky to have another chance!
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Me too DaVincis
see my post its at the bottom...
hb~ -
at Ramaskama
It wasn't my time yet..that would have sucked, if it had.. God is for everyone I don't think God discriminates no matter who you are~
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No. There is no evidence for god to exist.-
Then how come we "human" came about? Bing Bang?
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You're right! Let's just fall back on an unverified superstition instead of finding out the truth </sarcasm>
If you want to know where humans came from, I recommend The Ancestor's Tale by Richard Dawkins. He covers it quite extensively. -
To be honest, also there is no strong evidence that God does not exist. So I'm agnostic (I believe most people are).
P.S. I have some facts from cosmology that can make us to think that the world was created systematically. But it is still not enough to make statement that it is created by God. -
Exactly, just because there isn't proof doesn't make it untrue. And whether you start at creationism or the big bang you still have to ask the question, what happened just before that.
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I'll pass on the Dawkins, thank you.
Dogmatic 'Science' is much more annoying than dogmatic Religion... -
If intelligence and reason have any meaning and significance whatsoever, then logic and reason point to only one reasonable conclusion: if there is physical order and integrity in our universe, and not randomness---then there must be something beyond us that established and created it. The very laws of physics that describe the physical laws and forces governing the universe, identify the fact that all matter defaults to randomness UNLESS "work" maintains its orderliness. This is the "law of entropy".
A brick, for example, is an ordered, structured object because someone took specific material, formed it into a geometric shape, and heated it. Now, if you took a truckload of these bricks and randomly dumped them out, they would not form a cube or a sphere. It takes "work" to so structure that truckload of bricks.
Likewise, suppose you did put the work into the project and formed an orderly cube out of the bricks. If no one ever maintained that ordered structure, eventually it would break down into it's rudimentary components, returning to dust. Look at the ruins of ancient cities to see this obvious fact demonstrated.
If you acknowledge the law of entropy as being an undeniable reality, then logic and reason would demand an explanation as to how ordered, physical laws---and especially the existence of organic life itself---could come into existence unaided and uncreated.
If you find a wrist watch, even if you never knew what a wrist watch was, you would conclude that someone designed it and built it. It is reasonable for you to conclude this. Conversely, if you dismantled that watch completely and put all of its parts in a box, you would now have random parts. If an accident could bring these parts together again to form a watch---or ANY ordered thing---then maybe, just maybe, order can emerge out of chaos and randomness. (And with this example, I even gave you structured, ordered parts to start with.)
Is it "superstition" to reason from effect to a cause?
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Very profound choice. I'm not sure I can comprehend it all ; )
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I believe in many divine beings who reflect, proceed from, and return to the One Who is male and female and at the same time neither. This view has evolved from my own dreaming practice and the priesthood. For most, it wouldn't be a reason at all. For me, there's nothing else that makes sense, and to take away the Divine is to take away Light.-
you are playing with words here, and some one has played with you mind, u are just hopelessly directionless
adayinthelifeofindia.blogspot.com -
Incidentally we're all playing with words, here... whether we are aware of the fact or not...
And it is a safe bet that we have all been led and mislead by a variety of leaders... some known and some unknown
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Can you believe it? This same subject has been posted so many times that there are 60 pages of posts in the forum search box. pages
Question: Do you believe in God? Yes or No
(1) Which god are you referring to?
(2) Do you mean the God as Jews perceive him?
(3) Do you mean the the God of the Jews, which Christians have re-interpretated so as to enable their Christ centered religion?
(4) Or do you mean some other god?
This is a simple question but the answer might be complex. I want you to tell me if you blieve in God or not. If you said Yes, tell me one reason why. and if you said no, tell me one reason why not? Deal?
I do NOT believe in the Christian construct of God. IMO the myth that a non-existent big guy in the sky created all there is including mankind declared them very good, and later condemned all mankind to the hell fires of damnation (original sin), just so he could appear on earth as his own son born of a (cough) virgin (possibly impregnated by another non-existent supernatural being called an angel) to fulfill the role of savior, and rescue a select few who were chosen before the foundations of time, from the same hell fires of damnation at end times, if and only if they believe in him, is beyond ridiculous. IMO it's delusional.
I am an adult who was home schooled. Specifically, I come from a Christian evangelical fundamentalist background on both sides of my family. I was raised in the faith and I am a Bible School graduate who chose not to continue, submit a thesis and achieve a Masters degree. The best decision I ever made in my life was to toss the dogma and doctrine of Christianity into the trashcan, turn my back on the church, and learn how to meditate.
What I experience when I meditate and all the things associated with my "self" like greed, anger, hate, etc. dissolve is that there really is no self; there is no distinct being that is separate from the universal stream of pure consciousness -- quiet joy, peace, love ie. god.
Neither male nor female, neither good nor bad, neither light nor darkness but containing all there is and situate everywhere: the universal stream of pure life giving consciousness flowing through all is god. Hence, god is found in everyone and in everything; god just keeps on is-ing.-
Hey timethief, thanks for your answer. Some good points there.
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@palscience
You know what - the same stuff is in the searchbox we just "play it again Sam" when someone else starts another god thread. -
[timetheif]
Very well put. I concur -
This question asked as it is, is meaningless.The question must be qualified or it ia a mere statement and one has no idea of what God or set of beliefs or what you are negating.
Can we agree on this? Count Sneaky -
Thank you... I got very peaceful just reading this...
Then I nearly fell out of my chair laughing when I saw "is-ing"
That's fun use of language.
One of my teachers has a great metaphor... every system of spiritual learning, growth, religion, etc. has something beneficial to offer (the bait), and it also has some sort of catch (the hook)... as clever seekers (fish), what we should endeavor to do is learn to nibble at the bait and avoid the hook...
keep smiling,
Ben
www.peacefulprosperity.com/blog/ -
We want a God that makes sense to us. There are many things that don't fit, like:
1 - God is Love. 2 - God is all powerful. 3-Terrible things happen.
The best thing i read about the impossibility of us figuring Him out is in the Book of job, from chapter 38 on... -
Wow! You were holding back. You really should post that. I'm with you on most points.
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I must, huh? Who's gonna make me?
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It's not really a "who" that is going to make you believe voodoo, it is perhaps just causality.
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Because I don't have free will, right? I'm the product of my genetics and my environment, right?
Well, my environment has led me to recognize the difference between reality and fiction, so the chance of me becoming religious is practically zero. -
Exactly Voodoo.
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is "comment removed by the community." kind of like "killed by the Guardians?" lol
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you don't have to be religious to believe in God
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wrong spot - see above
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Wait until I meet him and hear him. then , I decide-
You mean after you die? because there is no chance for you to meet God unless you are dead my friend!
Do you have a plan for death?
I wrote something about this with a video, maybe you would like to watch it:
mylifethinking.com/life/have-you-got-a-plan-for-death/
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I believe in cheeseburger god.-
Do you believe in the toothfairy too? It's really important to brush well when you have that much grease going down.
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I don't have any teeth. I believe in the cheesefairy though
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Cheeseburger God... He sounds tasty... I think I might already be a follower
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If you think there probably is a god, than submit your story to - www.thereprobablyis.com/
If you think there probably isn't a god, than submit your story to -
www.thereprobablyisnt.com/
I submitted to both! Read my stories here - www.travisjmorgan.com/blog/2008/11/24/there-probably-isnt/ -
The is no evidence of the existence of god. The fact that science is unable to explain certain aspects of our world does not automatically mean that a god is responsible for it: it just means we don't know yet. (And, believe it or not, it is actually OK for us not to know the answers to some of the questions of the universe, we don't have to stick a god in the hole in our knowledge like a finger in a dike).
Man has created many gods over the millennia. What they all have in common is that they purport to explain natural phenomena. In a time that science was unable to explain much of anything, this was as good an explanation as any. But science has now explained much of our world, so much that it is a virtual certainty that some day it will be able to explain it all. The need for supernatural explanations of the natural world no longer exists.-
Are you an agnostic or an atheist?
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science is just an observer. there is no proof of God's existence, but also no proof of the contrary.Black holes also, are only speculation. I wonder why life happened "by chance" but it has been impossible to make organic matter in labs.
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@SweetViolet
Very nice post! The only one important thing - we can't say that science will discover "all". The more we know, the more we understand that there is even more to learn. That's actually the beauty of science, it never has "all" the answers. Religions claims it, rather pathetically, I think.
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Yes because Allah is the only god. -
I believe in God. Not only is the existence of a Creator a logical necessity, but there is plenty of evidence all around us. The most convincing evidence is in the form of subjective, mystical experience, and as they say, you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink.-
They also say, "horses can't drink from a mirage."
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I've never heard that one:)
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[Not only is the existence of a Creator a logical necessity, but there is plenty of evidence all around us.]
Citation needed. -
Sometimes VK you say the right things and I could just hug you! Good night! -
@voodooKobra is that what is says under "religion" on wikipedia? lol
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@ voodooKobra -
As humans, we need to know about God. And seeing both our intellectual and spiritual capacities, along with our limitations of penetrating the different layers of existence we live under, there is no better way, in fact there is no way altogether, to genuinely know about God except through God.
There is one more thing I would like you to think about it, God’s being has no end or beginning, He created the time only for all kind of creatures and humans, He has no age.. He owns the Time and the Place.. means we are only guests in this life, when you grow up my friend and reach older age you will feel that life is too short, you will feel you are leaving to some other place, and you will have a big doubt to where you are going.. At this time you will know that you are going to meet God, so it's up to you if you belive or not!
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I find great comfort in information/ Science/ Physics. I therefor do not believe in gods/devils or superstitions.-
How is science different from superstition?
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Gee, where to start... Science depends on reason, knowledge, empirical evidence, etc... superstition does not.
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I don't think it's as simple as you seem to believe, morgantj. Why do you trust that your reasoning is correct? What is the basis for knowledge? How do you know that empirical evidence is an accurate reflection of the thing in itself?
To believe science takes as much faith as any religion. There is a reason everything in science from evolution to gravity is just a "theory." -
[To believe science takes as much faith as any religion. There is a reason everything in science from evolution to gravity is just a "theory."]
Troll. -
If Descartes is a troll, so be it.
Edit: Science isn't Truth, it's just a tool. -
You're not Descartes.
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Non-sequitur. Even if reality is only an illusion, our understanding of the illusion is all that matters.
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The argument is not simply that reality may be an illusion but rather since it may very well be illusory there is no way to know it is internally consistent.
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If we notice an inconsistency, we make note of it. If reality isn't real, it doesn't matter. If there is an inconsistency but we have no means of detecting it, what does this change?
Does god exist? Well, there is no evidence, so there's no reason to say yes. Is it a no? Nobody can say for certain, but all the evidence is stacked against the gods of our religions. -
I think we agree more than we disagree.
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He believes in me, so I believe in Him
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That's super answer i like it
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Its not complex. From now on here is my generic answer to every God thread:
You are God. Eventually you will remember yourself as this essence.-
As is my philosophy. -
@spiritualbloggers & dukepro
Great answer. -
W00t!
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Please define what you mean by God in your view... -
Please define what you mean by God in your view...
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I like it a lot...
But with any 'religious' view, you might only be able to really preach to the choir...
Because the choir came prepared to listen...
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Man beget God so God could beget man.
That's my take on it untill someone can provide proof.-
in dubio pro reu... A man is innocent until proof of the contrary.Read this guy, charles Finney...
www.gospeltruth.net/1840skeletons/sk_lecture22.htm
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No!! I see a lot of members of BC who're atheists!
Now, why's that? -
Yes, but not in the religious sense.
More in the spiritual sense. -
No, in any sense -
Oh my god this topic has NEVER been discussed here.-
I know. How revolutionary!
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There is a difference between believing and knowing.
I know.... because I have had real spiritual and tangible experiences that to me prove the existence of God beyond all doubt.
to me argument on this point is useless. I have no need to prove anything further.. I am satisfied.-
ditto
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well done, but sharing your knowledge can help us!
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but you do understand that most experieinced people have and claim to be a godly experience can also be explained in other ways ruling out the existance of god? Maybe your lack of undertanding what really happened has led you to believe it was a godly experience when it probably was a mundane normal experience that could happen to anyone, regardless of god existing, and just because you cant explain it because of lack of knoledge, you atribute this experience to the existence of somthing else you cant provide proof either.
The personal experience is somthing we can rule out as proof, as i myself have a personal experience that is proof to me that there is no god.
So, lets move on.
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Po.
Po is something like yes, no by Edward de Bono. haha. -
Indeed, there is a big difference in between believing and knowing.
And in the case of God, I sure respect the fact that you believe, up to you.
But that you know will require a bit more of convincing... -
@farangrakthai
sure I can tell you why I know, but to you how does that hold any true value to you?
then if you believe, you are only believing me. To "know" you must experience proof yourself.
proof of Gods existence is an individual experience, and each are different, because we each require a different level of proof.
If you seek it you will find it.-
@Jason
Well said. "Which god?" is the question that immediately comes to my mind every time I see one of these threads posted. I have shared, many times over in many threads here at BC, where there are 60 pages of "does God exist threads" posted what I personally experience. I know only what I experience and I do not believe in that which I do not experience. -
Is there no evidence of a god that can be a shared experience amongst many perople at the same time?
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Is there any evidence that you will stop personally attacking me and making up stories about me and Admin? I'm asking because given your trail of derogatory and off base comments I'm not inclined to share anything at all with you at the present time. However, I do have things I could share about shared spiritual group experiences if I did not feel threatened.
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what the heck? You felt attacked by that too! goodness.
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Removed to express respect for the OP as requested by morgantj below. I'm also vacating this thread & will continue to dialog with jason by way of PM.
Best wishes to all -
Stop derailing the thread with these off based comments. It is disrespectful to the OP. If you practice what you preach, that would be great.
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Okay, people. Whatever's going on between you two should be solved in the privacy of your shoutbox.
----cut here-------------cut here--------------cut here---------------cut here--------------cut here-----
So, back to the thread ... -
Yes, back to the thread.
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Great! back to my question! - Is there no evidence of a god that can be a shared experience amongst many perople at the same time?
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Opps wrong placement damn
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Yes there is a shared experience! but the discovery and the ongoing relationship is specifically and purposely one on one. The shared experience is similar to being in the same ballpark when a home run is hit! everybody sees it from a little different angle but the result is the same. a shared thrill at watching an amazing thing happen
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I sure can't stand these types of questions because it forces me to try to use my pea brain and coax out an answer to something I have no solid recollection of or answer to.
The answer to your question may be in the form of a personal GOD or someones own definition of GOD, whatever that is and that can vary from person to person. They may each have a different idea of what GOD means for them.
I believe in different types of energy but cannot label that as a GOD.
One person's definition of GOD can be intricate, confusing and contradictory to facts.
I know there are lots of people out there that want to just have faith
and hope for the best and believe that there is a GOD but this doesn't really do it for me either.
Socrates himself believed his GOD to be his Holy Guardian Angel.
The secret Sun of himself.
I too have seen the Sun of myself in my Third Eye but this Holy Guardian Angel that I saw may only be my own personal attending angel who leaves me after I return to Godhead.
If this is what I believed in and if my Holy Guardian Angel leaves me after I return to full Godhead, he is not a GOD but a personal helper for me to return to Godhead.
If I believed in this then I would have to suspect that their is a hierachy of Angels, Archangels and a GOD.
Now even though I presently may like to believe that I am making progress on the path to finding out if what I saw is true or if there really is a GOD, I wish to simply be a neutral observer and not jump to any solid conclusions.
Could what I have seen be an illusion?
Well not according to Ancient Pyramid Text and Sanskrit.
Both are saying that Third Eye causes illusion to be totally destroyed.
Third Eye opens only for a few minutes and sitting inside it you are in the actual Immortal half of the mind and is a direct address of the SUN
shedding light on my path. It is a Serpent Power that brings man to consciousness but I have seen no GOD with a great white beard yet called the "Ancient of Days", I haven't seen him yet.
Some say that you cannot see GOD and it is written in the Bible that you will die if you were to see GOD.
There may be several Universes out there constantly changing and spilling out life and death
and I will be a neutral observer, see what I see and not really make any sharp decisions about anything until I am 100% sure that what I saw is true valid and fact. That is the best that I can do as a human being.-
Very well spoken. Do you feel that third eye sight is inherent to every human being, or must it be cultivated through meditation?
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Great question diabolicomix...
Yes everyone has a third eye but unfortunately not everyone opts to open it.
Ancient Egyptian Text
Atrophied Eye, O Atrophied Eye, where are you?
O you who are in the front of the immortal half, where are you?
You are in the Immortal Half so that you may be set-in-place in front of the Seer, so that you may cause bliss for him/her who carries you, so that you may cause to be a Spirit him who carries you, so that you may cause him/her to be Serpent Powerful in his/her body
and so that you may cause respect for him to be in the two-eyes of all Spirits, they who shall look at him or anyone who shall even hear his/her name.
This is where the Serpent Power resides and where the Serpent Power sits and acts as one's GOD. The Serpent that you see on the top part of King Tuts Funeral Mask is this same Serpent.
This is the same Serpent that Moses activated to lift up in people in the wilderness to carry the Israelites out of bondage and into a promised new land.
This same Serpent is also known as Kundalini in India and may be the only deciding factor
in determining who continues to live and be regenerated and/or resurrected after dead.
If one cannot reach the immortal half of the mind, I don't see how regeneration and resurrection
could become possible or even a wish in someone's mind/heart. -
And Yes it must be exercised through the proper meditative channels to help keep it open.
Without practice and actual use...the eye closes down and looses it's power.
The Opening of the Eye is simply a separation of the immortal half of the mind from the mortal half and the immortal half is where I plan to stay, especially 1 second before my actual death.
Bye bye punks. -
Good and Evil are not a question of correct perspective...this is true
Only when the Third Eye is open do both become absolute and obsolete.
Only when the Third Eye is open do you have correct perspective.
When the Third Eye is open "Duality" of Good & Evil does not exist.
Illusion of duality is slain. It is slain 1 second before it's resurrection. -
full fiction
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SAYS WHO????
Please speak only about what you know
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Not this question again!-
These threads are like snakes that swallow their own tail. But I think God finds them very pleasing as long as they remain civil.
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Oh yes you mean the Ourobous...hehehe yes.
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yes i believe -
Does God believe in me?-
God created you , and he knows you.. but who are you to ask this question about God?
The thing is .. DO YOU BELIEVE IN YOUR SELF?
if you find the answer to this you will find the answer to your question!
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Could someone believe me that I've come to the conclusion that everyone is God Yes, I mean Everyone! We are Gods walking on earth.-
Maybe you should say everyone is god of himself only!
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Oh and I forgot to add somewhere above
I realize that this may seem very weird for some and some may not even take it seriously what I just took the painstaken time to say above but I would like you to know that Scientist and Archeologist
are now re-studying over these Pyramid text right now and digging into Sanskrit for more clues.
A large percentage of these scientist are taken a personal indepth look at these two text for clues, some of the Scientist are in full agreement and realizing that what is said in the Pyramid text
and sanskrit is true, the main problem is trying to convince the world of this truth.
I personally wished more people would opt to open the Third Eye as they may come to a new perspective of what is really going on with man and the universe.
However one must experience truth for themselves
and try to find some truth for themselves and walk their own path.-
Jeunelle
you speak of third eye, In that you have had this experience.. I have known these in the past in relation to be of God.. When this happened to me.. I was at work, late at might.. talking with a friend.. outside..
I was suddenly seeing thru, yes, 3 eyes, no one will believe it unless it happens to them... I was like what in the world?
all I saw to my recollection, was beauty,serene landscapes, water & Flamingos?
an inner knowing, that everything would be alright.. this is what I heard and saw thru my minds eye..
I don't know why this happened if I was tired or what? .. but I did have the experience and I never understood it's significance or meaning?..I have never had that exeprience since...just sharing~
and I never talked about it until reading your lil bits here -
@harleyblues....yup you are going through a natural evolving process.
I will be blogging about this soon and I will provide you with some links to help you understand what's happening to you.
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Thanks for your comment.
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No I don't believe in God, but I do believe in god. Or at least a universal energy that impacts our lives. I believe that what we put out to the universe comes back to us, positive energy begets positive energy and negative energy begets negative. -
check out my new be you will get the answer saint4all.blogspot.com -
The pastor of our church was also a family friend and always invited to our family picnics. One day when he was there I said to him, "Tell me Rev, is there really a GOD?" His answer was, "How the hell should I know? All we can do is believe and hope there is." For the longest time I had doubts. There were times I would tell myself there is a GOD and other times tell myself that people only believe there is a GOD because they cannot accept the fact that once you are dead, you are dead for eternity.
Since that time I have had things happen in my life that made me believe in Angels and if there are Angels, there also can be a GOD. Below is one of many:
I was dating a woman that loved Angels and had them all over her home. She also told me that if anything were ever to happen to her that she promised to be my Angel watching over me. We took a trip to Las Vegas and in the Mirage Casino we stood at a bronze statue of a Mermaid and said special words to each other dedicating our love to each other. After that she kept insisting that I rub the breast of the Mermaid for good luck and I just outright refused since there were so many people walking by. She also asked that if she were to pass away that I return to that Mermaid and she promised to know I am there. (she was ill but told she may live a month or 10 years) She passed away in June of 1996 and I kept my promise to her and returned to the Mermaid in February of 1997. I stood at the Mermaid with my head bowed and my eyes closed silently talking to her. While doing so, even though crowded and very noisy, I could hear loud laughter in the distance and it kept getting closer. It turned out to be three young ladies that walked directly up to me and insisted that I rub the breast of the Mermaid for good luck and they would not leave until I did. Coincidence? I don't believe so. My Angel was right there with me. -
by the way.... It's still on the discussion! -
no i do not believe it -
Yes -
No I don't believe that God exists. For the same reason I don't believe that Athena or Zeus exist: because it's fake. Being skeptical and agnostic is a waste of time. When chooseing between two things to believe in, pick the one that really makes sense--particularly when the other one makes no sense at all.
Which sounds like a better explanation:
the earth is 6000 years old, one single creature named God made everything up just for fun, if you believe god exists he will reward you no matter how many bad things you do--just ask for forgiveness--if you don't believe in him you will be punished to eternal hell.
Or
evolution is a viable explanation for life. you only live once. God is mythology, just like all of Greek and Roman mythology, and reincarnation and enlightenment, psychic powers, ghosts, and magic.
doesn't seem that hard to me...
www.nyphilosopher.com -
yes
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Absolutely. -
My question is...
Can God exist without religion?-
@dukepro25
most definitely yes! religion is a human construct, we use it to define God. However God does not appreciate religion as a whole.. He consistently insists that he does not want religion but a one on one relationship. -
I think god is a human construct
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@ Dukepro25 -
One important point we need to understand in the first place is that the existence of God cannot be proved in the same way you prove the existence of a physical object. This is simply because God is not a physical object. Any physical object is subject to your five senses. In simple terms, you can see, hear, smell, touch or taste a physical object. This is not possible in the case of God, as He is a Transcendental Being [existing on a level beyond our sensual perception].
There are people who argue that the only form of knowledge available to humans is experiential knowledge or experimental knowledge, gained primarily by the use of outer senses. This led to the belief that human beings are constituted in such a way that the knowledge of reality is always unavailable to them; and so it resulted in a renewal of attention to the everyday world of appearances. The knowledge of here and now became the only object of human knowledge and concern. Thus from this point of view, the project of seeking knowledge of reality behind appearances must be abandoned, because it is beyond the scope of human understanding.
God is the Reality behind all appearances, religion is created by God for us, so how we will realize that God exists with out a religion?
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@ jasonthebaldguy -
I agree with all what you said except this [ religion is a human construct ] I would say religion is a message from God to humans to teach them how to warship Him, it’s also a set of rules works as a communication tool to create the one to one relation, so if we are talking about rules I don’t think that humans are able to set rules on how to warship God, it must be God’s rules. -
perfect question, proving the non existence of god.
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well.. that means you didn't understand anything my friend!
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@rakeshmaya - That wasn't my point.
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Yes, I believe in a higher force that is greater than us created us, you can call it god if you want, do I believe the stories in the Bible not sure, not exactly
BUT EVERYTHING THAT YOU SEE, CAN HEAR, CAN SMELL OR CAN TOUCH CAME FROM SOMETHING INCLUDING US, THE THING THAT CREATED US , I THINK IS OUR GOD -
No, but if believing in God makes people happier, I'm sure all for it.
But well, if history is any indication, believing in God is more harmful than helpful. Results in a lot of mistrust and killing.
If people believe in God, why can't they at least agree on believing in the same one?-
no, but if there is a god (which there might be, but i doubt) then it is surely most likely to be some kind of blue cat similar to the avatar above. 8)
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I believe in something...the mythically-magic God of the Bible? I don't know...but something is responsible for all this, or does plausible deniability run all the way up the chain? And yet I still pray...why, you may ask?
Like the old joke "It couldn't hurt..." -
Yes.
Isa 53:1 Who has believed our report? And to whom is the arm of Jehovah revealed?"
Mat 11:25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank You, O Father, Lord of Heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the sophisticated and cunning, and revealed them to babes."
Act 2:28 You revealed to Me the ways of life. You will fill Me with joy with Your countenance."
2Co 5:11 Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men. But we are revealed to God, and I trust also that we are revealed in your consciences."
I, by that faith, with my mouth (er... type) proclaim those things He has already revealed of Himself! I know now, that even if I die, I live again!
Cool...-
Very cool, creemos:)
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thats certainly right that only non intelligent people will be able to see god, because only they can be fooled to belive in such a hopless fiction as the bible
adayinthelifeofindia.blogspot.com
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"Mat 11:25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank You, O Father, Lord of Heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the sophisticated and cunning, and revealed them to babes."
Ah, I see, to only the non-sophisticated, non-cunning, non-intellectual people will he be revealed. Curious.-
@morgantj...that is fact..just look around to see how much confusion is in this present world today.
Truth is revealed only to select few who are ready to seek and find it.
Correct perception is everything. Without it you are blind. -
Indeed. But I don't really think this passage was meant to have the negative spin you put on it, morangtj. In Greek σοφῶν didn't really mean "sophisticated" in the English sense, it referred more to sophists who would misuse wisdom for the sake of winning an argument, and συνετῶν or intelligence seems to be used to emphasize this. It's not that the writers of the bible has something against smart people, rather that it favors those who do not cloak themselves in wisdom to escape from truth.
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Jeunelle, Isn't the sophisticated, cunning, and intellectual people the few who are ready to seek the truth? Yet, they are the the ones with the "incorrect" perception and are thus blind? I think it is quite the opposite.
diabolicomix, I simply quoted creemos's quote of the bible above. The point is, I find it hard to believe that god would only reveal himself to non-intellectuals, or even as you say those "who do not cloak themselves in wisdom to escape from truth." Why discriminate amongst your children? The layman often seems to have something against intellectuals, and often wrongly claims him of being arrogant or having an elitist attitude. It is more often then not, simply because the layman does not understand the intellectual. Also, If a person were truly wise, then they would not cloak themselves in their wisdom to escape truth. On the contrary, the would seek the truth. -
... the non-sophisticated, non-cunning, non-intellectual people will he be revealed
Hmmmm ... that sounds like all the folks that get sucked in by faith healers. Some faith healers even convince people to go off there medications and ignore their doctor's advice. Yet follow-up of the supposedly "healed" has failed to produce any evidence of them healing anyone.
www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/faith.html
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"Science doesn't have all the answers."
Quacks use this ploy to suggest looking beyond what scientific medicine has to offer; they also imply that since medical care has limitations, they are entitled to have them too. Medical science doesn't claim to have all the answers, but its effectiveness keeps increasing because the scientific method offers ways to find more answers. The idea that people should turn to quack remedies when frustrated by science's inability to control a disease is irrational. Quackery lacks genuine answers and has no method for finding them. -
@morgantj...Oh brother I hope you didn't miss my point
They can seek but I question whether or not they actually find truth
and if by some weird turn in the path they actually stumble upon the right road to it,
misuse of the truth by the unworthy will simply get them cut off is what I am saying.
Besides I've been seeking truth for a while now and I don't consider myself to be cunning, sophisticated or intellectual but I have been told my others that I am very childlike. -
Jeunelle, why would you think that it be "weird" that an intellectual might actually stumble upon the right road to truth? And just as an intellectual could possibly misuse truth, so could a non-intellectual. Who is to say who is worthy or not? Why would a intellectual be any less worthy then a non-intellectual. I think it would be more probable for a non-intellectual to misuse a truth. What seems to be the concern is that the layman knows that the intellectual may be more clever at being able to misuse the truth, if he were to do so, and therefore they laymen uses this to try to discredit him.
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I don't think anyone is implying that an intellectual is inherently less worthy than a non-intellectual, but rather that a clever person who manipulates the truth is capable of fooling a simpler-minded person. I thin what the author of this passage is trying to say is that the way is open to the wise and the foolish alike and there doesn't need to be any reliance on potentially misleading intellectuals. As Socrates said, a truly wise man acknowledges that he really knows nothing.
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When you reach the immortal half of the mind...it does not allow misuse of the application.
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diabolicomix, I use the socratic method of dialog myself to come closer to the truth - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socratic_method
History shows that people became quite impatient with Socrates constant questioning, and that he was able to show their faults and contradictions with his line of questioning. However, due to this method as effective as it was, he became quite an unpopular character in his time. Yet, we recognize his contributions today and respect his efforts. -
Jeunelle, citation please or clarification on this "immortal half of the mind."
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Until you sit upon that seat understanding is very limited.
And I want to make it clear to everyone that I am not "The Spokesmodel" for the Universe. (hehehe) -
Why discriminate amongst your children? asked morjantj
The Eye may discriminate amongst it's children who are still veiled by Illusion/Duality/Evil.
Most may consider the EYE to be Evil since it does this but I don't.
I see it as LOVE that it would take the time to ACT and clear the way to REALITY,
even if it means destruction of those still trapped and veiled in Illusion/Duality/Evil.
This may also be a major reason why I cities like Sodom & Gomorrah were totally destroyed. There is also a natural process of brushfires which burn so that new life can arise. -
Hence the term "why discriminate".
Who knows for sure but it seems to suggest "natural selection".
The strong survive, the weak perish.
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@diabolicomix...Very well put also to turn around and use this new found wisdom in the wrong way against the people. Misuse of this power can be quiet detrimental
and is the sole reason why no one can find Atlantis on the map today, which was completely destroyed from misuse of this terrible power. Only a few can handle this wisdom and steps
were taken by something unseen to make sure that the unworthy don't get their stinky paws on it.-
I like this frame of view-- true wisdom is something that only the virtuous have access to, and any selfish intent will necessarily negate any its power, so just by seeking to misuse wisdom one is placing oneself far away from it.
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@diabolicomix...Exactly thank you
Many have tried to access the Third Eye because in fact you are sitting on a Atomic Bomb literally. Many have tried to toy with the application to get to the "terrible power"
as it's called in Ancient Egypt to use against their enemies.
The funny thing is when you reach that immortal half of the mind, it washes and cleanses
you of the desire to even use it.
Many have TRIED and FAILED and it's a good thing too or we would all go around burning
each other and leveling parts of the planet to it's doom.
Many Tibetan monks tried to access this same power to use it towards their enemies
but once they reach this level they lost the desire to use it.
This application isn't something that you can toy with and fool, it has intelligence.
It already knows what you are up to before you begin. -
Here is a question I have wondered about: Is there a potential still of *unconscious* misuse... the "evil eye" as they say?
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@diabolicomix...This is the same question I am asking too
Lord Kapila was one that I've heard actually got to use it and he used it several times in India.
Once in war where he leveled off and army of elephants, all burned to crisp to win a war.
Another time he used it to rid the people of a bunch of evil brothers who rampaged around burning and looting and stealing from people. He burned them to crisp and even their own father thanked Lord Kapila that he rid the land of his evil sons.
Their own Father had enough of them and wanted then gone.
Moses placed his EYE in the Ark of the Covenant and it was said to kill whoever it wanted killed. So the reasons why this power would choose to kill would probably be it's own.
Do I believe that any of these stories could be fact.
Yes I strongly do. When you have Third Eye the front part of your forehead sometimes feels hot as hell and there is a lot of white light there like a very hot electrical surge of energy.
This is also an area where Telekinesis is possible.
It is also very dangerous because of the potential threat of a overload of nuclear energy.
Since most of us lost the use of the Eye or access to it to use it is very hard to come by. -
The Eye itself (and I am speaking from experience here)
can also open when you go to sit down.
There was at least two instances where I went to sit on a chair and I acccidently hit the lower part of my cocxyx bone area and when it hit upon impact the Eye opened immediately.
When the Eye is open you know it, there is no doubt in your mind that it's not open.
When the Eye is in activation or open that whole frontal area is surging with white light energy which can be seen clearly by me looking at it from about 6 inches before the brow.
When it's in full strength it's usually around the 1st-15th of the month, a full moon.
The frontal area feels like someone took a branding iron and branded the top part of your forehead.
Also the middle area of your skull feels very hot too, sometimes it even goes into a cold mode, which I like usually in the summer when all is hot to keep cool.
This is how you would know if you even have your Third Eye open or not.
There is no question about it, you will know that you have it.
During this time when I received mine I went full into Khechari Mudra.
This makes my tongue turn back towards the inner top part of my mouth to allow me to travel to higher realms.
I didn't know anything about Khechari Mudra or even Third Eye. I never read about it anywhere.
The Khechari Mudra just started to happen for me AUTOMATICALLY a little after the opening
of the Third Eye.
The Khechari Mudra process is Automatic and happens by itself while sleeping at night in bed.
It is an AUTOMATIC PROGRAMMING of the Higher part of the Mind.
Who programmed it? I will not answer this question at this time.
www.siddhasiddhanta.com/khechari.html -
@diabolicomix..."Moses placed his EYE in the Ark of the Covenant and it was said to kill whoever it wanted killed. So the reasons why this power would choose
to kill or destroy something would probably be it's own". says jeunelle
The reason why it would kill or destroy, probably has something to do with the fact that it is looking at something that is illusion/duality.
Once it realizes that it is looking at illusion/duality, it's intelligence may consider it to be evil
and sends out a surge of hot energy to burn and destroy it, illusion/duality/evil is then destroyed, thus ridding it of it's presence.
Do you kind of see what I'm trying to get at here diabolicomix. -
This EYE takes flight, lights and lands in any part of the Universe.
Whenever the image of illusion/duality/evil rears it's head in the Eye's presence,
it is the job of the EYE to search it out, discriminate and destroy it.
It's intelligence will decide whether or not if what it is looking at is worth destroying.
Make no mistake, the EYE is very discriminatory.
It is intelligent enough to know what is not really there and what needs to be destroyed
so that it can see clearly through all the Universe.
The problem of this Illusion/Duality/Evil is appearing mostly here on Earth
and veiling REALITY from us.
I Opt for my EYE so that I can see through this Veil called Duality/Illusion...the great evil.
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God is the perfect being. As He is most perfect, He must have all perfections. If God lacked existence He would not be perfect, as He is perfect he must exist.
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Note that the external signs we see in the universe should necessarily lead a wise person to the Ultimate Reality behind it all. And that is how we arrive at the realization that God Almighty is the Moving Power behind all life and all existence.
I know you are almost there!
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To answer the sub-discussion on my quote:
Mat 11:25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank You, O Father, Lord of Heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the sophisticated and cunning, and revealed them to babes."
God defines His remark even further:
"Because, knowing God, they did not glorify Him as God, neither were thankful. But they became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man, and birds, and four-footed animals, and creeping things. Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves. For they changed the truth of God into a lie, and they worshiped and served the created thing more than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen." Romans 1:21-25
The issue has never been whether one believes in God or not; but rather, why one rejects the idea of submitting to His authority in the first place. Creation shouts His power to create as well as one's conscience demanding that "these things cannot be so!"
Note: The author of this question simply asked for a brief explanation of one's belief in this discussion thread. Why must some deviate and begin attacking another's answer here? I don't believe that was the original intent the author was it?
By the way, God says that you can tell a fool by his/her propensity for arguing about any and everything... -
@creemos
Hmmmm ... I'm wondering if you derive any part of your income from preaching, teaching and quoting scripture. I wondering that because the tenor and tone of your comments in the threads you post to seems to have a "lecturing" quality, and because when you post you always quote scripture. -
Creemos, does that make Socrates and Plato fools? They argued quite a bit.
"The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing."
- Albert Einstein
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1 Timothy 5:18 For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle the ox treading out grain," and, "The laborer is worthy of his reward."
My God has always provided for me and my family... in many various ways (the least being a monetary income)! He's is a wonderful God ya' know!-
@creemos
The Admin of Blog Catalog have previously said no to using the forum for proselytizing and evangelizing and it sure seems like that's what your agenda is in every comment you make. In fact, when other threads here have turned that direction we have reported them and they were locked. Perhaps what you really need is a ministry, a congregation willing to finance you, and a pulpit. -
Religious organizations hire you, right? They pay you in American dollars.
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Believe in The Son, in the meaning of life. The Son is the purpose with the woman. And Jesus Christ is he. -
Strange admonition timethief. I read of your lengthy prose against anything remotely "Christian" in nature posted almost daily in these very discussion forums.
What you are implying dear one, is that all views are acceptable here but one... God's. Apparently, to quote He vs. let's say, Ghandi - should involve a form of censorship! Hmmm.... I am praying for you each time I see your avatar! Cool, huh? -
LOL... here is my "very public" professional profile: www.linkedin.com/in/bateman
Why the anger ma'am? You can visit my website anytime you want and see all that I do! (Accepting that I neglected to post a link to my "CCM Gold Internet Radio Station) Thanks for the reminder though!
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BINGO!
I was correct. The I did research had huge gaps. It didn't reveal your secret "blogroll links", denominalation affiliations and how much you are paid.
And BTW who is angry? Not me. -
By the way, I know you have visited my website and profile on occasion - why have you not added me as a friend yet?
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I find this very sad. God fearing people and testimonies of faith are obviously threatening to some people. But the ones "reporting" testimonies here in the forum, an even more the moderator hindering the word of God by terminating discussions or banning Christians make themselves enemies of God by their actions. I find that very sad. I support 'creemos' by what he writes: Man today is corrupted and there is no integrity left. That is sad.
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@awellingsen
Testimonies - thanks for that admission. There are 11 Christian groups here at BC wherein you can share your "testimonies" and there is no restriction when it comes to proselytizing and evangelizing in them.
Here's the link www.blogcatalog.com/groups/tag/Christian -
@ awellingsen
I am a serious christian and I have had no problems with ANY of my posts on BC - I have removed some of my own posts due to being stupid! but overall I think the moderation is pretty fair.
However on the subject of "testimonies" I have to say brother... we did it to ourselves man! For far too long people calling themselves christians have been beating people up with the bible, telling them they are going to hell, and making up freaky religion stuff that just isn't true!
People are tired of hearing the goody, goody, my life is perfect because I Love Jesus BS; They can see straight through it!
They know that over 90% of "Christians" are riding somebody else's coattails and they have no idea what they really believe. In fact what's worse is they see someone claiming to have a relationship with a supernatural being and that person is often a fickle- faithless- bumbling hypocrite that is the first to pull out the "GOD SAYS" card when they are cornered.
as far as people "banning christians" and becoming enemies of God for doing so, I seriously doubt it.. the "greater than thou" "I'm praying for you" "it's so sad" all of that stuff is crap! Nobody want's to hear it!.. I grew up hearing it -and I don't want to hear it! It's patronizing and irritating!
People are looking for truth - they don't want to read walls of bible verses, even if they are true. besides the bible means nothing to someone that doesn't believe it! you might as well be reading them "Big Brown Bear Blue Bull"
an interesting quote from Brennan Manning, “The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians, who acknowledge Jesus with their lips, then walk out the door, and deny Him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable.”
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Research? I am about to offered an employment opportunity? "smile"
Not sure what you mean by "secret blog rolls" thingy?...
See how off tangent these discussions become? I simply answered the original author's question and you launch into a personal research and destroy reputation mission! Are you sure you weren't hurt by someone in your past and now, are going after anyone who simply says, "Yes. I believe in God because..."?
Timethief... you are loved deeply.-
Indeed I am deeply loved but but not by patronizing people that spout scripture at me, and threaten me with dire consequences if I don't bend to their will. That kind of behavior simply does not project the love and compassion that typifies Christ consciousness. IMO it's an arrogant put down that illustrates an ego that has yet to be surrendered, let alone, extinguished.
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yes i do
i believe humans need something or someone to cling on, something greater than human themselves and than God is the answer
www.everystudent.com/features/isthere.html
www.doesgodexist.org/
but since this is rather personal topic please don't take it to flame war-
What do you mean by "humans need something or someone to cling on"? Are you speaking in general or are you trying to say every last person?
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Yes. Because once I was lost and now I am saved is one reason...but it would take a lot of words to explain that if you haven't experienced that yourself.
The fact that I am not the same person I was prior to accepting Jesus is another reason...and that again, would take a lot of words to explain if you are not familiar with the transformational power of Jesus Christ.-
Amen!
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Yes. I just look outside and I know that the creator made this earth. I have blind faith. Even If you look at it logically I understand the theory of evolution but where does a persons soul come from, where does true conscious life come from... god. For non-believers Id like to say that Charles Darwin himself after studying the human eye said that the human eye is too complicated to have been developed by evolution.-
Good for you!
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[where does a persons soul come from]
Do we even have a soul?
[Charles Darwin himself after studying the human eye said that the human eye is too complicated to have been developed by evolution.]
www.wsu.edu:8080/~wldciv/world_civ_reader/world_civ_reader_2/darwin.html
wiki.cotch.net/index.php/Darwin_on_evolution_of_the_eye
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I'm more for the Demiurge -
TOTALLY!!!
Happy Holidays, JJ -
Absolutely. I would rather believe and find out there is no God, than not believe and find out there is.-
If you don't mind me asking, Why?
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Well, for me (and this is just my opinion-take it for what it's worth) the belief in God gives me hope, and without hope I have nothing.
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some people consider hope to be more important and other like us consider truth to be important
adayinthelifeofindia.blogspot.com
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I'm still not sure, but I think society, human relationships, and cultural development are way too complex for it to be simply science. Life's honestly too weird to be just science. The way we build skyscrapers, fly airplanes, tell stories, feel connected to other people, are philosophical, feel emotion, have faith... I just can't believe that when we die, there's NOTHING. You know?
So I'm not saying I believe in one God, one entity that controls everything or determines your fate before you're born or anything. I just believe that there's something out there besides a bunch of atoms and laws of physics.
Although, I also believe that there are aliens somewhere out there, but I guess that's another story. :-)-
[Life's honestly too weird to be just science.]
S/He who is confused about the universe does not understand it.
Ironically, the converse holds true for quantum physics. -
Quantum physics is SO interesting... I can't wait to find out what happens with the atom smasher in Switzerland.
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Me neither. I'm hoping we learn something new.
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Yes, but not as a personal being floating around in the sky with white robes and a trumpet. -
I don't know the reasonable think why I don't have to believe in God (Alloh)?? You can read the Holy Koran to find out anythings... please be objective..
tipsforyourcar.blogspot.com/
bizniz-bizniz.blogspot.com/
thanks-
have you ever used you mind rather than the koran.
ask questions get a life
http://adayinthelifeofindia,blogspot.com -
Thank you for sharing, it's very important that people don't know anything about Quran but they still arguing about what they don't know!
@ - rakeshmaya - if you really used your mind you will find God, search if you want inside your self and all around you.. if you don't find God then you are blind!
I see that you are behind all people here pushing them not to believe in god.. I see that you put a link to your blog in all posts, I see that this is not good!
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No -
Iam really enjoying reading your comments and thoughts about the subject. I appreciate it a lot.
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No problem! We are here for your amusement.
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Yes I do believe in God..no doubt at all..for God created as his own image and likeness without him we are nothing..
richel-linktrading.blogspot.com -
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Yes,I believe in God..because God create all creatures in the world include me..
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Hmmm I learned in our Philosophy class that it is right to question God's existence. We should not be following dogmas all the time. So for me, I'm at the moment confused. Sometimes I question His existence but everyday I thank Him for all the things. So it's just like I believe in God. So maybe I do but I don't really like the Catholic church's ways.
brylyf.blogspot.com-
If it took a philosophy class to get you to question god, just wait until you take a few science classes.
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I believe there is a God. The problem arises when you deal with religion. The differences and problems arise when there is a judgement based on someone's religion and the dislike of someone else's religion.
Here's to your LifetoSuccess,
John Clark
www.lifetosuccess.com
the-science-of-getting-rich-blog.com/-
Yep, it's not about religion.
Enjoy!
alexanderwrites.blogspot.com/2008/10/its-ok-to-run-opposite-way.html
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I beleive all the way there is a God, all the good and bad in the world doesn't happen by chance. I totaly agree with lifetosucess-
My favorite thing out there now is the slogan: "Be good for goodness sake." Why should we? Just because it's the "right" thing to do? Doesn't that imply there is a "wrong" thing to do? And whose standard is it anyway? Why do we all appeal to the same external standard about right and wrong? If there is a definite right and a definite wrong isn't that the same as "good" and "evil"? Do you know anyone who is wholly good? If God is all good, doesn't it stand to reason that since humans are sinful by nature (show me one who isn't) yet strive to do right that to allow us into his presence (Heaven) something had to give? Doesn't the entire concept of Christianity explain this? Also, if we are sinful by nature and can gratify our nature by giving in why do we feel conflict and remorse when we do? Are you really going to tell me that's environmental conditioning????
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If you want a logical argument concerning the existence of not only God, but more specifically Christianity, read Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. He is without question one of the brightest minds recorded in history. Truly brilliant people (like many of you here) have trouble with the concept and without concrete evidence remain unconvinced. Sadly, it can lead to emptiness inside.
Personally, I have debated this subject internally for years. What I have discovered, however, is that this is not a question of logic. It is a question of the heart and of the soul. When the anger, cynicism, and hostility are removed the answer and the "truth" often becomes clear. But to accept it requires a large leap (called faith) because it will not come with tangible evidence.
One main point about this is that to believe in "some form" of a higher power is awfully convenient. Choosing this paradigm allows the person to continue behaving without consequence. That doesn't work in the spiritual realm anymore than it has worked for our country. There are choices. Then there are consequences. Doesn't make much difference whether you "believe" it or not.
By the way. Another thing I've noticed from internal inspection is a huge problem in the world today. To truly believe in Christ is to accept that we are not the center of the world, and that we can do NOTHING without him. As for me, I didn't want any part of that. My ego was far too big. Maybe there are others out there who might not be listening now but may answer the knock at the door later on. He is always there. But you have to turn the knob and greet him.-
you said it very well and i couldn't add more.
it's a big encouragement to know people who blog about Christ and how He changes one's life.
way to go bro! God bless.
C.S. lewis is the best!
typicalpinoyuppie.blogspot.com/
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@wbasham great posts
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i see myself an atheist
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So did C.S. Lewis.
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yeah, CS Lewis started as an atheist before he came to know God personally.
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He still is an atheist if he doesn't believe in Zeus, Amun, Jupiter, Pluto, Venus, Rama, Krishna, etc... the list is long.
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Those are gods created by man. I'm talking about the God who is the Alpha and Omega. The one who sent His son Jesus Christ to save the lost world.
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Sadly, morgantj you are mistaken. According to the literal definition of on dictionary.com (see below), any person believing in a supreme being (not all of them) is no longer an atheist. But it is really a matter of personal choice anyway. One we are all free to exercise. But there are consequences to our choices.
Dictionary.com
- noun.
- a person who denies or disbelieves the existence of a supreme being or beings.
Are you merely nitpicking by lumping these in with Christianity to try and provoke a response? If so, that's unfortunate. Surely if you believe them to be equal you have something more intelligent to say than that. I left many open ended questions available for rebuttal in the comment above. Internal hurt often manifests itself in anger and eventually into sarcastic, sometimes even mean remarks. I used to be the king of them. I hope this is not the case with you.
Otherwise, if this was a legitimate comment not only are you in error, I believe you are missing the point. -
wbasham,
I think you are mistaken that I am mistaken. Your definition from Dictionary.com actually supports my statement LOL. - a person who denies or disbelieves the existence of a supreme being or beings.
So if you deny the the existence of a supreme being like Zeus, Amun, Jupiter, Pluto, Venus, Rama, Krishna, etc... than you are an atheist in respect to those gods because as the definition you just posted suggests, you deny the existence of a supreme being, thus making you an atheist.
And you throwing out the ol' ad hominem card of you atheists are just a bunch of angry, mean, and hurt people wont get you far debating me. FYI - You may enjoy this group - www.blogcatalog.com/group/religious-debate-and-discussions
mand3rd, can you prove those gods don't exist? Also, It can just as easily be said that Yahweh was created by man. -
[Those are gods created by man. I'm talking about the God who is the Alpha and Omega. The one who sent His son Jesus Christ to save the lost world.]
And how do you really know all this? How do you know they are gods created by man, here you are talking about the god as in the Alpha & Omega, yet that could be a man made God, some would say so. How do you really know he sent this man he calls a son to save the world? Oh were you there, or What because you were told/taught/read it in the "man made bible"?
Christians say Scientist can never really explain where they get their answers, but either can christians.
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I have faith in Him. Faith is when u don't see and yet believe. Faith comes from the heart and the spirit ... not from the eyes and mind.
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This is the right thing to do... because if you believe in something you don't see or meet in life, it means you are a honest believer!
I want to tell every one that say " I don't' believe of God because I don't see him" DO YOU THINK THAT YOU ARE SO IMPORTANT THAT GOD WILL COME TO MEET YOU?
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I believe in GodForce, but not the concept of a bearded man they call God.
I believe in the spirituality of man, but not the spirituality of religion.-
And how would you define this "GodForce"? Is it an intelligent entity? Is is good? Evil? What role does it play in the existence of man?
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@wbasham
Great question wbasham
Godforce is defined as a superluminal wave which travels between elsewhere Universes (branes) via wormholes. It is all around us, it passes over us, and through us. Similar to tachyon energy.
This godforce is simply a waveform (sinusoidal). When we humans interact on a resonant frequency with this waveform, then we feel blessed, we feel touched by a higher dimension (others call it touched by god).
The concept of good and evil are purely human creations, created to keep the people in a society in check. Hence, why religion seems to be such an effective force in controlling peoples lives. They feel the need to be told how to live their lives, rather than having the strength to live their own lives as they see fit.
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God is real and I believe in Him and His Son. Why? Because we are alive. We are unable to exist on our own. Man wants to believe that he can do it on his own accord, but it is God's grace and mercy that enables us to live to see each day, not man alone.
Take care!
Hymns of Faith Ministries
hymnsoffaith.wordpress.com-
is that what was taught at the church, stop the herd behaviour
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C.S. Lewis strengthened my faith in the Invisible Pink Unicorn.
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Yes I do believe in God. My reason is: There's no such thing as nothing bringing forth something with nothing to work with.-
Interesting line of reasoning, thank you for sharing. Can you be so kind as to tell me about that which God was brought forth from than? Couldn't have been nothing right? Since I assume you do believe that god is something. And you say that something cannot come from nothing. So from what was god brought forth from?
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Nomad7: The prerequisite "uncaused cause" holds true for Newtonian physics, but not for Quantum physics.
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That's precisely why quantum mechanics is incomplete.
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Yep. We define things based on probability. Hopefully the LHC will lead to us understanding our universe better.
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It's interesting that you mention that, because what they are looking for at CERN is the Higgs boson which is sometimes called the "God particle", which, it is theorized, makes possible for the universe to have mass. Strange that as much emphasis as atheists seem to put on science it never occurs to them that God might very well be the central component of the natural world. The truth is that nobody knows these things yet.
At least, nobody knows them with scientific precision. Whether it is possible to make the intuitive leap is another question altogether. -
Of course, the use of "god" in "god particle" does not refer to Yahweh or any personal god like that. When science use the term, it is often very much like Einstein did, in a pantheistic way, as a synonym for "nature" or as a metaphor for some other natural resource. Theists like to use these statements as though the scientist were talking about "god" as the theist define it which is of course, now how scientist intended it to be perceived.
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Did you seriously just try to use a nickname coined in a science fiction book about the Higgs boson against me?
Cox R., The God Particle, Random House, 2005, ISBN-13: 9780345462855 -
@morgantj
Of course God particle does not refer to JHVH, I don't think I was trying to say that. I don't really see how it is relevant what Einstein or any other scientist thinks privately. The importance of something like a "God particle" if there is such a thing (and there is no evidence), is that this "energy field" is doing things we would traditionally ascribe to a deity, that is creating something from nothing.
I don't claim to know how any Grand Unifying theory will pan out, but I have my hunch that it has to do with God as I understand Him subjectively. What I think is bewildering about some atheists is that they think their own hunch is so vastly superior to mine or the next guy's. -
@diabolicomix
Read it again very slowly if you have to and you will see that I was referring to Einsteins usage of the word "god" as a reference to making my point on how "god" is often used by science. My point had nothing to do with what Einstein thought privately. Not to mention that wasn't a privately held thought of his anyways. He often made it public.
I do not know an atheist that claims to know it all, but I know many theist that do. So what I find bewildering is that some theists think that just because atheists don't believe in god and question theists as to why they believe there is a god, they assume that atheists must think their hunch is superior to theirs and/or the next guy's. It is of course an ad hominem argument in an attempt to misdirect the topic away from the substance of the real argument at hand. -
A sincere religious belief is a posiitive affirmation of a particular worldview, that is part of the bedrock of faith for many people, so it's only natural for many theists to claim to know it all, though I myself do not.
But an atheist claims affirmatively that there is not a God, and to hold this point of view one must exercise just as much faith as a religious person does. Going under the definition of knowledge as a justified, true belief, nobody can really "know" that there is no God any more than they can "know" that God exists.
Given also that atheists arrive at their particular worldview from an ostensibly "rational" analysis of the universe (as most do), it is inherently contradictory for any atheist to profess to "know" that there isn't a God.
A genuine rational analysis confines one to the proposition that the theory of atheism is not in conflict with the evidence, not that it is "true." -
If an atheist were to say to you, "I do not believe there is a god to believe in or to disbelieve in." do you find something objectionable to that statement?
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Certainly not.
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What I find objectionable is when an atheist claims to have a monopoly on science, as if atheism were the ONLY rational belief instead of one of many possible beliefs a rational person may hold.
When an atheist calls a believer "rationally challenged" as it has been put elsewhere on this site, that is what I find counterproductive and wrong headed. -
I don't know about that, but it can easily be countered by the opposition simply providing rational arguments for their case. If those arguments are successfully being countered, then it is definitely a stance worth questioning. These ad hominem character attacks are becoming old, all they do is avoid and misdirect away the participants from the real question at hand.
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It seems like you are accusing me of making "ad hominem" attacks as a form of ad hominem attack against me.
Regardless, the "question at hand" is an unproductive one. Why would I try to convince an atheist to believe in God? Going under the assumption that the atheist accepts no subjective, mystic experience as "proof" there is really no other means by which to attempt persuade an atheist.
Likewise, why would an atheist attempt to persuade me not to believe in God? The basis for my belief is not grounded in scientific evidence, but rather in a subjective realm that the atheist cannot speak to.
I'm not trying to say a believer has never made an ad hominem attack against and atheist, but you talk as if you do not realize that when you attack the rationality of a person's capacity to hold religious belief you are making an ad hominem attack yourself. -
Atheists questioning the substance of theists claims is not an ad hominem. They notice there is a lack of substance, so that is why they question it.
You find it is acceptable for theists to speak their minds and preach their views, but the atheist aren't allowed to speak or question anything? Any belief that can't take some questioning and some constructive criticism is a belief worth questioning. Any belief where they teach you to believe in things without evidence and that you are not allowed to doubt or look elsewhere, is a belief worth questioning. -
It seems to me that the proposition that there is no God is the one that has the real difficultly standing up to questioning.
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There is no what? As far as we know, there is nothing there to not exist to begin with. Therefore, what is there to question? So yea, that would be quite difficult asking questions when there is no subject matter to question. I agree!
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An atheist can never prove such a proposition, whereas I know that God exists with unassailable certitude proven to me by my own experience. This is where we are perpetually at odds, I suppose.
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"Nothing" in our world is still something. A void is that which holds something that we can assume exists.Even Einstein had problems with Quantum Physics. He delved into the Time/Space thingy as away to rectify a mistake he made. There is no such thing as a void when it comes to Human Perception. Black Holes even have dimensions that leads to "Nothing" as we perceive it, and nothing doesn't stand up by itself because in our world it still becons explanation.Back Holes consumes matter,so how does something that doesn't exist consum,e something that does exist. God Holds that formula...we don't.
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Do any of you have children?
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I have four.
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@wbasham
I want you to tell me if you blieve in God or not. If you said Yes, tell me one reason why. and if you said no, tell me one reason why not? Deal?
I've raised 9. What relevance does your question about children and our answers to it have to the question posed by the OP please. I'm asking because I can't discern any.
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Of course scientists would not be talking about God because they base things on the scientific method.
# Ask a Question
# Do Background Research
# Construct a Hypothesis
# Test Your Hypothesis by Doing an Experiment
# Analyze Your Data and Draw a Conclusion
# Communicate Your Results
This is based entirely on our ability to observe the results of experimentation.
It is simply not possible to "prove" right or wrong. Yet we know it exists. Furthermore, science cannot possibly prove or disprove the existence of God. If He does exist (which I believe) and created this universe we could no better prove that from the inside than we could prove an architect exists from within the building he created. There would be clues, but no proof. -
We are trying to understand something without the correct lens. Our vantage point very well may not allow us to understand our situation accurately. But it's in our nature to try. And to let go and believe something like Christianity is to accept the fact that we are not in control. That can be a very difficult thing to come to terms with. It's not comfortable. It's the reason for such a heated discussion on here.
I have no interest in debating the issue with anyone. I sincerely hope that it is His interest to come into your heart and allow you to know Him. Unless that happens, there is nothing at all I can do to change your mind.-
I don't believe there is a god to believe in or to disbelieve in AND I don't believe we are in control. We are determined by the laws of nature, physics, and causality, and there is no evidence of free-will. So your claim that it is difficult to comes to terms with something like Christianity because it would be difficult to accept the fact that we are not in control, simply does not apply to me. Second, it is taught that god gave man free-will, so how would they not be in control? Also, I didn't notice it was a heated debate.
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Yes, when I consider the complexity of my eye I cannot believe anything but that there was a designer and creator.-
If you are interested in a reasonable alternative to a designer, that has more evidence going for it than a designer, than check out the evolution of the eye - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evolution_of_the_eye
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Absolutely I believe in GOD, have you been thinking about your self, just close your eyes take a deep breath and hold for a minute then thinking for what are you looking in your life? i think you'll the answer why you should believe in GOD totally.... -
The answer to this question is not in the world around us. It is INSIDE us. Period. Whether you have gotten all the baggage piled on us from birth out of the way to see the truth is something between you and your Maker. But understand that just because you don't understand or believe something doesn't make it any less true.
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"But understand that just because you don't understand or believe something doesn't make it any less true."
This sounds an awful lot like an argument from personal incredulity, argument from personal belief, also known as an argument from ignorance - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argument_from_ignorance which is of course a logical fallacy. -
"But understand that just because you don't understand or believe something doesn't make it any less true."
If I am reading this sentence correctly, it seems to be the OPPOSITE of the argument from ignorance fallacy. -
And just because you believe something it doesn't make it true. Can we stop pouncing on the obvious?
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Yes.
Once upon a time, I tried my hardest not to believe He existed, but I failed epically. Whatever people think of me and of Him really can't change the fact that I'm wired to believe, love, and serve Him. Part of that means loving people where they're at, not being judgmental, but reaching out to them and making a positive influence in their lives at cost to myself. I could always do a better job of this, but this is the main paradigm that fuels and colors my life.-
Thank you for your honest comment!
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Yes I believe in a God as our creator, but the christian God as I don't see how a christian god could let little children die from cancer, rape and so on. Yet a christian will tell you, "it's not god, it's satan" that is full of crap, cuz if the so called christian god can do anything, then he would save these poor children and not let them suffer or anyone for that matter.
So do I believe in A god, Yes, but as my creator-
This is indeed difficult to surmount, armywife, sometimes I too wonder how any God could allow such terrible things to persist in this world.
But Jesus did not come to lay blame on anyone, but rather to teach us the proper way to live our lives, in peace and love with one another. But I get the feeling that you knew that already even if you use different words for it. -
i used to think that, but i don't anymore, as i have opened my mind and eyes. we will never know for sure of anything until we die and then we may not know even then if we seize to exist. We just don't know. Jesus was a man, were you there? or are you only going by what you were taught and read in the bible? I do believe in Jesus, I too believe he was a great teacher, to teach us love and a proper way to live, just like the bible is a self help book and also teaches us a way to life, even if it has more than that. I believe people NEED religion because they can't control themselves. The old testament was thrown out because they could not keep those commandments, so they started a new one with new rules. And if the christian god is there, and he talked to people out loud, not just in their minds, back then, then why would that not happen now? Christians will probably make excuses on that too
If a person were born in another part of the world where they never hear of jesus or god, ever, you would have their beliefs not Christian beliefs, so that means you would then go to hell? Cuz that is what christians believe, if you don't believe jesus died for your sins and repent, you will go to hell. and it's chrisitans that are the worse hypocrites. They cus, lie, drink, judge and then they preach to others what to believe in and how to be a "good chrisitan"
I'm not trying to be mean to christians, just stating the obvious and only about 5% of the world are christians and that our fore fathers were not christians, like John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, quite possibly George Washington, Benjamin Franklin.
God wrote the world, Man wrote the bible and every other book out there. -
I don't believe any of those things you seem to think I do.
One thing I think you will find in the teachings of Jesus is that essentially they in agreement with those of Buddha and Krishna and all the worlds religions, and even found in the conscience of every atheist, agnostic or what have you.
Even though the institutions of religion are often misused by men the teachings at their heart are all the same, that it is in our own best interest that we all be good to one another. -
Thanks for your comment, your comment reminds me of another question thaat I am going to ask very soon. Thanks again.
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[But an atheist claims affirmatively that there is not a God, and to hold this point of view one must exercise just as much faith as a religious person does.]
Very few atheists have ever said that. Have you ever met an atheist?
Atheists say, "There is almost certainly no god."-
actually yes i have, i had an ex boyfriend that was one. he was a very kind person. there are so many different beliefs in this world. I don't want to pass judgment on any of them, and I really hate when I get preached to. One of my friends is a Pagan, one is a Christian, one is a 7th day Advantist, one is Catholic, one is Jewish and we all get a long. We don't preach to each other, we love all the same
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What is the different between an atheist and an agnostic then?
Atheists say, "There is almost certainly no god."
Then they don't really say anything do they? -
Atheists use that "almost certainly" so they can change their mind when they realize that there could be a god.
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[actually yes i have, i had an ex boyfriend that was one.]
That question wasn't directed at you. I quote people using brackets.
[What is the different between an atheist and an agnostic then?]
Agnostics see things as 50:50.
To an agnostic, there either is a god or there isn't, and either outcome has a 50% chance. To an atheist, there is a 99.9999999999999999999999999999999% chance that there is no god, and a .00000000000000000000000000000001% chance that there is.
[Atheists use that "almost certainly" so they can change their mind when they realize that there could be a god.]
You make it sound like atheists are in denial about something. Nothing could be further from the truth. If Shiva, Horus, Mithras, or some other loopy mythological figure came down and revealed himself as the creator of the universe, and proved that he did it all, we wouldn't stubbornly cling to disbelief. However, until that happens, we're pretty sure that there is no god. We're just wise enough to avoid objective statements such as "There is no god" because it makes it easier for the theist to say "Prove it!" This leaves the burden of proof indisputably on the theist.
There are few uniting principles among atheists:
1. We don't believe in god.
2. We realize that theists don't like the fact that we exist, so we need to use logical strategy. -
You have really watered down the definition of atheist here, it is now a much weaker position. If you have to be 50/50 to be an agnostic then there are almost none I would imagine. What about 60/40 against god? Is he an atheist yet? Even 99% sure there is no God, what does that mean exactly? That in one in a hundred universes Jesus is divine?
When you only have a personal guess as to the probability of something, from a scientific standpoint you aren't really saying anything.
The theist, one the other hand, has a much lighter burden of proof to meet, being faith which only needs to be proven subjectively. The atheist is limited to the objective standard of science, and cannot speak to things that fall into the subjective realm. The applies to whatever loopy belief you choose, including Mithras and Spaghetti Monsters.
One must therefore take a hard stance against subject proof and deny it all or take an agnostic stance which admits to some degree of possibility. -
diabolicomix, As far as an atheist is concerned, there is nothing there to begin with to have to disprove. The burden of proof lies on the ones making the positive claim, that being, "god exist! And he is the creator of everything!"
As far as possibility, or better yet probability, one cannot prove something doesn't exist, it is not falsifiable. Just as one cannot prove that Zeus, the flying spaghetti monster, fairies, goblins, etc... don't exist. But because we cannot prove they don't exist, doesn't necessitate that they do exist either. Most atheists recognize this and it renders them an agnostic in this sense. But they refer to themselves as atheists still becuase they think the "probability" of such a being existing is extremely low. There are naturalistic explanations out there with evidence to support them. Just because we don't have all the answers, doesn't mean we can just fill in those gaps with "oh, god did it." -
That's perfectly fine. But it is important to respect that religious people do not arrive at their worldview out of thin air, and have reasons that are just a valid and just as human as those reasons which motivate the worldview of the atheist.
Atheism is no better or worse than any other religion. -
Terrorist have reasons to terrorize, murderers have reasons to murder, molesters have reasons to molest. Each person having to them self, justified there actions to perform these actions. There reasons didn't arrive out if thin air either, so are their reasons that motivate them to commit these acts just as valid as the reasons other people choose not to commit them?
Does that mean that terrorist, murderers, molesters, etc... are no better or worse then any other person? -
Those things you mention are terrible crimes. A religious belief does not harm anyone. The Constitution gives everyone a right to their religious beliefs, whether they be theistic or atheistic.
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Well then why do so many atheists become christians? something is happening to the spiritually.
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Why do many Christians become atheists? - richarddawkins.net/convertsCorner
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I think because they starting to realize and understand that God really exist and they actually need him.
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the conversion ratio from chritainity to atheist is far more than its the other way. those you change / convert from atheism have never been atheist they just proclaim to be atheist
adayinthelifeofindia.blogspot.com -
@rakeshmaya
Please provide a citation for that. Here in North America people born into Christian families have left in droves.
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I believe in humans more than God. ^_^ -
Yes, i believe. God is the most scientifist thing in the universe, but we can not understannd this.-
Too right - we can't understand what you say either.
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I believe in God. And I know for sure, God believes in me, all of us.
We have our own joys and sorrows day by day... Those are such proofs on how God believes in us, makes a choice to whom God believe in, according to individual quality of belief.
After that, it's our turn to make one choice (decide) on how we make such questions (like this thread) and how we answer those ones. There are much more choices to be made, for sure.
And the point of our choices is the effect whether the choices we've made create better conditions of anything or worst ones.
Nice thread. I mean it. -
God?
...Yes, No, Maybe so!
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yeah, God is real, I personally believe that there is God., and nothing will be lost if you believe Him.
who knows, maybe God is reading this thread to see if who believes Him or not.., -
I believe in God otherwise why we are in the world? eating ,sleeping,reading etc..? are these things really important as we think?-
so do u mean that we eat, drink and live to belive in god. weird
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That would be a simple and unequivocal "yes" for me.
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That would be a simple and unequivocal "yes" for me.
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My most recent post is about the topic on God.
Your Opinion: Does God Exist?
www.glennong.com/post/62231488/your-opinion-does-god-exist
Post your comments in the site please. Thanks!-
Yes and can ya'll please comment on my blog as well and please feel free to visit my FORUMs while there. Any suggestions on my blog/forums, are acceptable. good or bad....Thanks Sheila-ArmyWife65
sheilaontheweb.com/category/religion-spirituality/
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Always a good subject for a debate, and I, nor anyone can really answer this!-
[joeyblogs] I agree with on that. I believe that we will know when we die, unless we seize to exist, then we would never know for sure. but I always say, "well if I'm wrong and there is a god/jesus, & I'm going to hell" welp ,make me a list of those you want me to say hello to...lol...I'll be the one selling ice-cubes"
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I agree with this also!
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Well, I guess we've seen it all -- spamming for Christ.
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Interesting to note that atheists can only claim they believe with "almost 100% certainty" that there is no God.
Christians believe with 100% certainty that Christ is our Savior.
Our biggest problem appears to be one of ego. We want to determine for ourselves right and wrong and have a strong desire for independence. It is this desire that has both sparked and continues this very debate. In regard to this subject, I believe Albert Einstein (one of the most brilliant scientific minds ever born and the foundation of many of the arguments here) said it best:
"Whoever undertakes to set himself up as a judge of Truth and Knowledge is shipwrecked by the laughter of the gods."
"As a child I received instruction both in the Bible and in the Talmud. I am a Jew, but I am enthralled by the luminous figure of the Nazarene....No one can read the Gospels without feeling the actual presence of Jesus. His personality pulsates in every word. No myth is filled with such life."
--Albert Einstein-
"Interesting to note that atheists can only claim they believe with "almost 100% certainty" that there is no God."
What is so interesting about it? Of course one cannot prove something doesn't exist! It is not falsifiable. Just as you can't prove the toothfairy, goblins, trolls, and flying pink unicorns don't exist.
"Christians believe with 100% certainty that Christ is our Savior." - That is not something to brag about. I need not explain why.
*sigh* People trying get Albert Einstein on their side again, when his views were perfectly clear on the subject -
"It was, of course, a lie what you read about my religious convictions, a lie which is being systematically repeated. I do not believe in a personal God and I have never denied this but have expressed it clearly. If something is in me which can be called religious then it is the unbounded admiration for the structure of the world so far as our science can reveal it."
"The word god is for me nothing more than the expression and product of human weaknesses, the Bible a collection of honourable, but still primitive legends which are nevertheless pretty childish. No interpretation no matter how subtle can (for me) change this."
--Albert Einstein -
True, you can't prove something exists. You absolutely can, however, believe in something 100%. I do. So do many others I know (including other religious beliefs). But not atheists. It seems that deep down they realize there is something bigger than themselves out there. They just don't know what it is. So to avoid that fear (and the insecurity that follows) they claim to believe in nothing. Well almost.
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?. I didn't say one can't prove something exists. I said one can't prove something doesn't exist.
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So you're calling atheists cowards now?
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There is another quote that is probably better suited for this discussion.
"A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still."
This doesn't seem to be a group of people seeking the truth. Rather, it appears to be many people arguing a point of view they are already 99.999999% sure is true.
Good luck Morgan. And to all. I hope you find what it is you are seeking. God Bless.-
LOL. You seem like the one convinced you stance is true. After all, you did say that Christians believe with 100% certainty that Christ is our Savior. Practice what you preach or all is lost of that in which you teach.
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The is a big difference between "belief" and "truth or knowing".
In a religion there always comes the word belief, you believe that there is god, but we atheist know that there is no god.
beliefs change, but the truth doesnt.
adayinthelifeofindia.blogspot.com
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Definitely Yes :o) -
Yes I believe in God. My Reasoning is that he reveals himself in a very personal way. He caters to your life so that it will be easier for you to understand him/her. Within my own life it is undeniable.The only pre-requisite is that you know he's there!!
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Yes i do. He is the Creator. -
Abraham Lincoln said it best, "The will of God prevails. In great contests each party claims to act in accordance with the will of God. Both may be, and one must be, wrong. God cannot be for and against the same thing at the same time."
Here's to Your LifetoSuccess,
John Clark
www.lifetosuccess.com -
Yes - because of my faith in the validity of God's word -
Yes, I believe in god from listening to his word. Sometimes things cannot be explained, He will guide us. I have followed his word since I was born and I still do and I believe in god. -
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Yes...I believe in a loving God. Life isn't about always getting what I want but getting what I need. -
Yes...because we are here. -
was the question asked just so it can be provocative or..?
If someone doesnt believe in anything higher then himself he must be an idiot, so there you have your answer why some people dont beleive, because of their huge Ego and they cant see anything else because they are blind, the only thing they see is themselves.Being in this physical form is a miracle itself, how many proofs for a God or something greater do you need? Look Around...-
[If someone doesnt believe in anything higher then himself he must be an idiot]
What? -
Hehe, a nice reflection of my satrical piece - www.travisjmorgan.com/blog/2008/11/24/there-probably-isnt/#more-740
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Absolutely, no doubt about it! If you really want to to watch something, I recommend the documentary 'Intelligent design.'-
most probablity it might be funded by some religious group, dont build your views on just a single documentary, many more are available with an opposite view point.
adayinthelifeofindia.blogspot.com
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If God doesn't exist then why life exists? I believe there's God behind all of these questions!!!!-
and if you dont exist then neither your god exists, your beliefs are wrong
adayinthelifeofindia.blogspot.com -
You are right 100%
@ rakeshmaya - this is a silly comment my friend, let me tell you that if you don't exist in this life, it doesn't means that God doesn't exist.. it meas he just didn't create you
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if u type with smile that means is not serious answer or serious question should i answer this question -
I do, God has changed my life. Check out how at my blog anthonycolarusso.com-
Nice Blog acolaru
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Yes, there is a God. Not some white dude with a beard throwing thunderbolts. Not anything even remotely human looking...but everything there is, is a part of God and all one.
I used to be an atheist and was highly scientific. I still am. But in attempting to come to terms with the inability for Quantum physics to merge with General Relativity...with a bit of rather unsettling Chaos Theory thrown in...I discovered a solution --> all is one.
That opened a door for seeing God...backed by a scientific belief and open minded curiousity...and I was astounded to find evidence of God everywhere --when previously there was none. So I found God through Science.-
Amazing how the Holy Spirit works!
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Amazing story Generopolis.
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@Generopolis
My experience is in agreement with yours - all is one. I do not believe in the Judeo/Christian construct of god because I do not experience it. As no empirical evidence of the existence of Judeo/Christian construct of god has ever been presented, it's extremely foolish to suggest that anyone is compelled to continue believing in something that they have utterly rejected. However, some Christians persist in doing this to the detriment of all.
IMO they ought to be mindful of this: "The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians, who acknowledge Jesus with their lips, then walk out the door, and deny Him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable.” Brennan Manning
This quote accurately describe why many the world over have turned away from "freedom of religion" and toward "freedom from religion" and why many people who have been raided as Christians have left the churches.
I cannot believe in that which I do not experience. What I experience is that when I meditate and all the things associated with my "self" like greed, anger, hate, etc. dissolve is that there really is no self; there is no distinct being that is separate from the universal stream of pure consciousness -- quiet joy, peace, love ie. god.
Neither male nor female, neither good nor bad, neither light nor darkness but containing all there is and situate everywhere: the universal stream of consciousness flowing through all is god. Hence, god is found in everyone and in everything; god just keeps on is-ing.
The best decision I ever made in my life was to toss the dogma and doctrine of Christianity into the trashcan, turn my back on the church, and learn how to meditate. Because when I did I found the universal stream of consciousness that is god.
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I don't believe in God but i don't say there isn't one , I believe there may or may not be a god , I respect those who believe there is a god . When i was 7 years old i was kicked out of church for asking what is an angel . I have no religion but i believe in the spirituality that can be found in them or in other forms of philosophy. -
yes. my life is super beautiful. (: -
I am glad your life is beatiful. hope it continues that way.
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this thread is going no where, i thought simply by answering the question and give our reason would be enough.
anyway i remember someone told me, for those who can't accept God's existence, someday they will. Even if it's a second before their life ends. (which would be too late).-
how is it going nowhere? Where and how is it supposed to go? I find it rather telling.
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@purelegalcomputing
I agree that this thread is going nowhere. However, there is never a destination involved when it comes to these forum threads. There is no resolution when it comes to the issues nor is there meant to be.
Like you when I first arrived here I assumed that members would post once to any thread and that would be that. But the threaded comments led to questions, and to further dialog, and all too frequently to less than pleasant conversations. This is because there are those who feel they have a vested interest in keeping these threads alive so they can "teach and or preach".
FWIW if you check the forum searchbox you will find no less than 60 pages of posts dedicated to the subject of the existence or non-existence of god. And, most assuredly this won't be the last one posted.
Christians will continue to pound their paper pope and those who experience god in a non Juseo/Christian construct will have their experiences invalidated. Atheists, agnostics and secular humanists will continue to post and Christians will continue to indicate their scorn and contempt towards those who like myself tossed all Christian dogma and doctrine into the garbage can years ago.
You're right this thread is going nowhere and none of these religious threads are ever directed towards seeking common ground and validating one another's experiences, rather than dwelling on differences. It's a pity. -
"for those who can't accept God's existence, someday they will. Even if it's a second before their life ends. (which would be too late).
what differnce would it make to me as a person if start believing in god, it would make none so i wouldnt belive god even at my last breath. -
That's just their way of stubbornly saying "Despite the lack of evidence, I'm still right."
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Well, 95% of Americans consistently say they believe in God. Yes, I believe in God. I think a better question for today's world is "What God do you believe in?" My answer to that question is that Jesus is Lord. Looking forward to conversing with anyone here or at my blog on the subject. Thanks for the question!-
Where did you get that 95% figure please? Can you provide a citation?
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wrong placement - see below
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its what their parents told to believe in and they in turn followed their ancestors. the remaining 5% have got their ability to question intact.
adayinthelifeofindia.blogspot.com
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Nope...not the one that everyone tries to shove down my throat...I believe we are energy and will return to our original form...I believe their is one conscious mind the we make up as a whole...
www.free-green-energy.com
It's where you learn to be earth friendly and tell the electric company to go screw someone else...get your Free Green Energy today!-
@mecanx
Nope...not the one that everyone tries to shove down my throat...I believe we are energy and will return to our original form... I believe there is one conscious mind the we make up as a whole...
You are not alone. Many of us experience this "oneness". Thanks for having what it takes to share your non-conventional point of view. -
I think we are all energy as you say, we are all nature, and in this we share a oneness, but I do not know of any evidence that indicates this oneness is conscious or that there is a universal consciousness. So that part I am skeptical of.
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Same here, Morgan. Personally, (and I can't prove this) I think most so-called "spiritual" events are just the earth's magnetic fields fucking with a person's nervous system.
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@voodookobra and morgantj
The consciousness I refer to is NOT everyday consciousness; it's the consciousness experienced during meditation. Is that the same consciousness you two are referring to?
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my latest blog is titled 'God- what a c**t' if anyone feels compelled to read that =]
long story short- no, but I do believe that something or someone must have created our bizarre planet... whoever he/she/it might be, they're long gone now though -
Yes because, there are still good people in the world who refuse to give up. If there was not a god they would not exist.-
@steveffeo
There are many good people in the world doing good works who are secular humanists. Secular humanism is a humanist philosophy that upholds reason, ethics, and justice, and specifically rejects the supernatural and the spiritual as warrants of moral reflection and decision-making. Like other types of humanism, secular humanism is a life stance focusing on the way human beings can lead good and happy lives. More specifically, secular humanism is a eupraxsophy, a non-religious life stance.
Secular humanists promote rational, human-based viewpoints on important social and ethical issues, most particularly, issues where traditional religion obstructs the right to equality under the law and self-determination, such as, freedom of choice in sexual relationships, reproduction, and voluntary euthanasia.
Tenets
Secular humanism describes a world view with the following elements and principles:
* Need to test beliefs - A conviction that dogmas, ideologies and traditions, whether religious, political or social, must be weighed and tested by each individual and not simply accepted on faith.
* Reason, evidence, scientific method - Commitment to the use of critical reason, factual evidence, and scientific methods of inquiry, rather than faith and mysticism, in seeking solutions to human problems and answers to important human questions.
* Fulfillment, growth, creativity - A primary concern with fulfillment, growth, and creativity for both the individual and humankind in general.
* Search for truth - A constant search for objective truth, with the understanding that new knowledge and experience constantly alter our imperfect perception of it.
* This life - A concern for this life and a commitment to making it meaningful through better understanding of ourselves, our history, our intellectual and artistic achievements, and the outlooks of those who differ from us.
* Ethics - A search for viable individual, social and political principles of ethical conduct, judging them on their ability to enhance human well-being and individual responsibility.
* Building a better world - A conviction that with reason, an open exchange of ideas, good will, and tolerance, progress can be made in building a better world for ourselves and our children.
Many secular humanists have improved my quality of life immensely by simply sharing their points of view with me. Their sharing has assisted me to become more openminded and has improved my capacity for rational thought. I value the friendships of secular humanists very highly because they live in the now moment, and what they do for others they do without expectations of "heavenly rewards". -
Nice theory Steve~
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Yes I believe in GOD...
I asked him to take me out, while in a bad period of my life...I was almost killed by a boyfriend, ( I was crushed by that alone!) lost my job, residence and a kid of the system truly unwanted. For some reason I couldn't make things happen?
I got deathly ill shortly after within 3 days a cold than bronchitis than a double pneumonia. I wasn't expected to make it..well, I did and he spared my life ...
at that time I was homeless for the 4th time, again, and deeply discouraged, I had nowhere to turn, I told GOD I couldn't stand it any longer..I wanted to die and he almost fulfilled that request..I had nothing, no one, not even myself for seriously being violated..
within two weeks I was in the hospital in the ICU.
I had less than 20 chance to make it .. I was on life support for over 2 weeks,, in the hospital for one month.. life has been a struggle for me with the big heart ..why was life so rotten? but I'm still here!!
I truly believe in the power of prayer.Divine intervention is the one thing that saved me from death, actually on more than one occasion..
I believe in the power of prayer and even tho my heart's desire still has not come to pass, I pray to GOD- and I do it alot, not just for myself, but others who are suffering deeply in life...
ta
hb~
ps and this is just for starters....-
So God has shown himself to me in my life ..
1. not being killed by a raving maniac...
2. two curing me from a serious illness...
this happned within a month or two..of each other.. -
@harleyblues
FWIW I have survived events like the ones you describe also (child abuse, spousal abuse, cancer, life changing accident caused by a drunk driver, etc.) However, I don't attribute my survival to intervention by a supernatural being. -
TT
I DO..the reason being I was right in the middle of a grizzly attack (besides almost being stabbed to death).. my life flashed before my eyes. I said calmly to him 'please please please put the knife down'..I prayed hard..I was scared shit less.. and prayed!!! he the dropped the knife but continued the horror,, but, I survived-miracle.
I was so upset and disillusioned with my life and what had happened ever since I can remember.. Being a survivor doesn't make one automatically strong.. when you're in the middle of it. I have been through so much it IS a miracle that I am still here, not over come by addiction, hatred, Prison, etc..
I believe GOD comforts us when we are at OUR weakest moments, we might not believe so than, but it will be revealed to us in the future.. You can believe that....
Modern medicine isn't the only thing that saves us..It's not the only thing that saved me and my attending told me years later,..
I should have been dead-flat..
I have seen visions of God while asleep -those are cool dreams, I did not want them to end..the Holy Spirit actually came to me one time, I was homeless, while at a Church..a Golden light-it was a surreal experience..
(I won't go into details) and I still didn't believe?-I was stubborn....
We seem to question GOD all the time, as to why, show me,give to me.. what are we giving back to God? .. what I hear from people is "In God's Time" perhaps you don't, but I know people do.. question GOD all the time and if he even exist?.
I had always questioned whether there was a GOD since I had been through so much. I was stubborn and never wanted to believe. I still question at times, I guess that is when we are suppose to have Faith.
Than you get these lil signs here and there as Karen had described. I have always been spiritual even as a youngster....
I'm not talkin religion here but the Divine being known as GOD.. I'm stil learning. These are the questions of man if GOD truly exists? Everyone's path is different, their own journey, to spiritual enlightenment. Whether one attempts to seek GOD, is by his or her own free will.
GOD gives us free will-THAT is a hard lesson to learn. We try and make things OUR way. God first, should always be foremost in all human lives.
It doesn't matter what religion you practice there is only one GOD..
It's great to have conversation no matter how many posts their are on God,Religion,Spirituality etc, at least, people are asking these questions?
It's great for the Spirit and great for your heart if your open to it~
hb
I know I have lived it...
When I asked GOD to take me out it almost happened..I don't call that fate. I have also had some -
Strike my last sentence in repsonse to TT above her response to me above, I was unable to finish my sentence.. lmao!:):)
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Yes, I do believe in God.
The older I get the more I come to realize that I'm not doing this without some help. It's when I look back that God's presence is the most noticable. When my kids were small and my husband absent, I always had the strength I needed to take care of them. Especially while I was going through a divorce. I felt like I'd stepped off a cliff, but God caught me gently in his hand and I'm doing fine now.
I once heard of a man that was doubting God's existence. As he was lying under a tree he prayed that God would uproot the trees around him and send thunder and lightning crashing all around him to prove He was there. Instead, what happened was a leaf softly and gently landed on his chest, right over his heart. I believe that's how God talks to us. We have to be paying attention because He doesn't scream and shout. He speaks to our hearts gently.
Be Blessed,
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Karen I LOVE that last sentence I truly believe you are right :):)
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this is getting old-
Obviously Doug you donot need to partiscipate
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this is getting old
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this is getting old
IMO the topic in this thread was "old" ie. equivalent to beating a dead horse in hopes of resurrecting it on the day it was posted. The 60 pages of posts on the same topic in the discussion searchbox are indeed very old. However, from what I have observed I feel confident saying that if there isn't a current does God exist? thread on the forum front page, then someone will simply start a new one or resurrect an old one.
We have Christians who want to share their blind faith beliefs, scriptures, testimonies and even threats and judgments. We have agnostics, atheists and secular humanists who want to promote rational, human-based viewpoints on important social and ethical issues. And we have self made philosophers who want to ask the same questions over and over again. I guessing that this old topic won't be buried anytime soon. -
And than there are those who have the time to monitor all of this stuff, complain about it, while at the same time participating in the fun themselves. LOL
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Yes indeed - I do fit that monitor having fun description. I'm writing an paper on this. I'm particularity interested to see how many non-traditional descriptions of god are posted and what commonality may be found in those descriptions.
Nice avatar switch back - this one's attractive. -
Doug you donot need to partiscipate...
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TT
The poster asked? and I shared as to why believing in GOD. People can believe what they want, Free will :):) -
what free-will?
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Morgan tj?
you just made me laugh so hard.. I;m still laughing -
@harleyblues
I'm not negating your experience. What happened to you happened and you survived. You attribute your survival to the intervention of a supernatural being. I also survived horrific situations but I don't attribute my survival to intervention by a supernatural being. That's all. You're still my friend - nothing has changed. -
Glad you got a kick out of that. You getting a kick was definitely not random, it was not freely willed for no apparent cause. So it was caused, yes. And ultimately determined? there is a good probability. But that topic deserves a thread of its own.
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1 minute ago (new) morgantj
Glad you got a kick out of that. You getting a kick was definitely not random, it was not freely willed for no apparent cause. So it was caused, yes. And ultimately determined? there is a good probability. But that topic deserves a thread of its own.
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wheew I'm almost losing track which name to click~:)
Morgan, will strike that up to... "Cause & Effect!" :):)
hb
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I wonder if anyone, God forbid. was in a violent situation what they would say what would be their first thought?
I need a drink? or "God please Help me!"
just asking?
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at Rakeshemaya=whatever
I really don't appreciate you calling God, outta name like that, by throwin out the F-word like candy! secondly you didn't read my posts carefully. heavy sigh, you are full of hate. I believe God spares lives .. it's not God who kills people but the enemy! I also believe in karma-but you figure that one on ya-self!
I wouldn't expect you to understand, since you are clearly, a narrow-minded God hating man~ Holla
By the way I work in Oncology~
hb
pss what are you so pissy about dude, cuz I didn't say ALLAH? yep that's it..
I only believe in God, all things great and the Beatles-your loss!~ -
For me, it's "I need to kill this asshole before he/she kills me."
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Is not a right thing to ask for God's help and just wait for getting the help, you should do something by your own - not a drink of course - but there is something important to know.. The help comes from people just like you because God send them to help you.
@ rakeshmaya - You are messing with the discussion lots, I think you only want to promote your blog that I will never even click it, stop doing that.. I think lots of people here don't like what you are doing.. you are losing my friend! -
Oh, yes, I have been in horrific situations, three times I already accepted that my death is inevitable. I never even thought about God then.
Other people in similar circumstances did die, so why do you think I was spared and they died?
You are suggesting that I was saved by God (that I don't believe in), so why me, why not these other people?
I've heard people that stayed alive in terrible accidents where many mor died thank God for saving them. Do they also blame God for not saving others? I guess not, but where is the logic?
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pfft. even demons believe in God. the question is do you follow Jesus?
anyway, yes I believe in God. Reason... well there are a lot of reasons. hmm.. what's the best one? yeah, i don't know what the best reason is. it's obvious to me. the variation you see in nature.. the human body and brain.. the origin of morality. there are probably hundreds of reasons why i believe without getting in to theological reasons.-
True, Human body and the brain are fascinating, and they are only a simple prove of the existence of God.
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"pfft. even demons believe in God."
oh ho hahaHA! That's like saying, "even Santa Clause believes in the Tooth Fairy." -
and leprechauns believe in elves ... and fairies believe in unicorns ... lol
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@palscience
True, Human body and the brain are fascinating, and they are only a simple prove of the existence of God.
What proof? Where is your proof? Please provide citations.
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@ Rakesmata
Evidently you are not a Holy man of God..by stating "F-God!" who the heck are you? We are Not talking about Religion, Dumb-ass!- yes that was God inspired to call, you, that! We are speaking about GOD and what people beliefs are?.Not only are you rude but ignorant!
The only person who is stupid, is you, with your stupid angry post. You need to buy a set of brains..ahh..too late!that was left for the Scarecrow....
harleyblues~ -
@rakeshmaya
Use of foul language is a no no on this forum Read before Posting www.blogcatalog.com/discuss/entry/read-before-posting-1
Pornography & Swearing
Foul language or porn will result in your posts being removed
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As a person who has Masters in Mathematics & Religion, I believe in God. Just look at the universe; simplicity of flower; or Human Body. What would be the purpose of life without God? Human nature can sometimes be very evil but that is free will.-
[What would be the purpose of life without God?]
Perhaps life has no purpose unless the living put their own purpose into their individual lives?
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Can you add me your friend list?Please visit my blog. God bless-
Thanks Halimkilic for your comment, sure I'll add u to my list.
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Absolutely. Not just because of the intricacies and aesthetics of the world, but how the people's lives (including my own) have unfolded from seemingly improbable circumstances time after time. Personally, through consistent prayer and reading of the Bible, I feel a true connection with the Creator of the world. As a person of science and reason, I see no conflicts between my faith in God and my scientific study. If nothing else, I hope my studies will help reveal the magnitude of God's creation.
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I agree, science is a way that leads us to the understanding the existence of God.
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lol Palscience The Bible is what leads us to our understanding of God or any other Holy book for that matter..:)
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No ,there is not phisical or scientific evidence of his existence...so,No.
But everybody has the right to have imaginary friends.-
Indeed they do and apparently some have legions comprised of both imaginary friends and imaginary enemies too.
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lol
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Some even set up legions of straw men to set on fire and burn.
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TT
was that a reference to my Scarecrow shot?-
No. It was nothing to do with what you said. It was a reference to one of the fallacies found described in here www.nizkor.org/features/fallacies/
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Oh and the Enemy reference too?
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@harleyblues
That also had nothing to do with anything you said. Another member called atheists enemies of God a couple of days ago in the tone of threatening dire consequences. -
okee fine~on both counts~
while were at it quoting scripture is one thing & copying and pasting it another...if that's been done here (wondering) throughout this thread~ just a thought~
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harleyblues, I said science is a way (one way) not all the ways that leads us to understand that there is a God. Thanks for joining the conversation.
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no problem Palscience but I joined hours ago:)
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Deepak Chopra believes in higher consciousness, meditation and God~
the universe as one...
he is pretty deep~-
Yes he is. He speaks of higher consciousness at the cellular level. But do understand his background and his meditation practice and how they are an interwoven part of what he writes about. When he speaks of "higher consciousness" does he refer to the consciousness of everyday life? No he does not. He speaks of it in terms of the consciousness achieved through meditation. The state of being free of all ego drives and needs - oneness with all there is.
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deepak chopra knows nothing, but to make money from fools who read him
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Gods exists because of Us and its not because of God that we exist.
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Why do god exist for some while he doesnt exist for others?
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Does God have sense organs, can he see, hear, or feel?
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Does god know that he exists, and does he know we exist?
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Does god have a name or is it we give him a name?
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does god have fellow gods for company, is he male of female, does he have sex with fellow goddess
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Who made god and where did he come from?
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if god was always there, why did he take so much time to create us?
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Why did god create us, is it to play with us, or to laugh at our incapabilities, or just make us relaize that there is god?
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If god created God where did the first god who created himself came from?
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Can god die, if he cant die or doesnt want to die, then woudlnt he get bored all these time
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No he won't die, he will be here forever. As it is said he is the alpha and omega. He has always been here.
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If i were god, what should i do, who is gonna tell me that i am god,
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I think you are here to mess with the discussion, plz stop posting like this way!
If you don't believe in God it's your own problem, don't mess with the discussion! -
@hishaman
if you dont have the answers that doesnt mean others should stop questioning, why dont you try and answer any one of them -
Actually I don't need to answer to someone who don't listen & have a close mind!
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I guess i broke the thread. Atheists Wins!!!!!!!
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This thread is a zero-sum game. There is no "one side wins."
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You could have put all your questions into one comment, instead of spamming the thread. You are an embarrassment and bad representation of atheists when you act this way.
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Yes I believe in god.. always have.. -
Yes. All amazing things around us came from a source, and that source maybe Universe, Energy, or God for different people but there is one. We may call it with different names, figure, or form. People may have diff beliefs about it, but there is God. Even the great scientists and philosophers in the world have proved it scientifically, that there is God.-
I agree
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Hey palscience,
Nice question. Well I don't know what others say in this matter, but i say yes, there is god because if you are in sorrow or at difficult time, and if there is no one to help you then, you remember the allmgihty god. YOu believe upon him at that time. Well, god is none other than our subconscious mind which directs or motivates us in case of some unforgetful incidents. -
Yes. -
Absolutely, he is the center of my life and he has helped me get through the most difficult times. -
Theis is not a game you either win or lose rakeshmaya, please keep the discussion healthy. Hishaman and voodooKobra thanks for yor responses.
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You are welcome!
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i believe there is a God and there are gods. God/gods are the object of worship... it could be anything money, fame, power,self. It is anything which we exchange our time and lives for.
But I also do believe in the creator God. -
Jawahar Lal Nehru Expresses The Following Opinion
" Hinduism as a faith is vague, emorphous, many sided, all things to all men. It is harldy possible to define it, or indeed to say definitely whether it is a religion or not, in the usuall sense of the word. In its present form, and even in the past, it embraces many beliefs and practices, form the highest to the lowest, often opposed to or contradicting each other"
Napoleaon Bonaparte Says ( A very well known French Leader )
" I hope the time is not far off when i shall be able to unite all the wise and educated men of all the countries and establish a uniform regime based on the pricipals of the Quran which alone are true and which alone can lead men to happiness. Christianity preaches only servitude and dependence. Society of true christians would not be a society of men"
Al Quran Sura 2: Verse no 136
" Say ye: We believe
In God, and the revelation
Given to us and to Abraham,
Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob,
And the Tribes, and that given
To Moses and Jesus, and that given
To (all) Prophets from their Lord,
We make no difference
Between one and another of them
And we bow to God (in Islam)." -
I think I believe in god. I do believe there is a higher being, but not sure about the shape that it takes in our lives. I guess I am still searching. I used to be a practicing Mormon..a long time ago. Organized religion can be disappointing if you excpet too much. If you excpet people to be unfallible in their beliefs and actions. When it all comes down to it, we are all just unique indivisiuals with our own unique take of god or faith..everyone of us is different. -
voodoo...so right..zero sum!
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I'd like to say no but it seems to wipe out any and all possibilities which seems silly. I don't believe in the god we were taught about in Sunday school. -
I too have had to many things happen in my life that have no explanation except some higher being interceding. I practice one religion but I believe religions are just a tool to the means and therefore we need to find the religion that makes us the best person possible. And sometimes I have meet people with no religion who are awesome people totally in tune with the universe.
So yes I do believe in a higher being. -
ordinarywoman, thanks for your comment. Yea its difficult to choose the religion that you actually believe in and makes you the best person possible.
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Religions confuse at best. God is nothing short of awesome, and fully capable of answering any question you might have. He is The Creator, and Holy. You dont need pastor or priest. In an additude of humility , in the quiet of your own space. humbly ask Him to reveal himself. If you are sincere He Will come to you just as He promised to do.-
@ssnuggy
OOPS! that sure doesn't sound like an answer to the question in the OP. It sure sounds like preaching to me, and Admin have made it clear more than once, that these forum threads cannot be used in that manner.
Here's some unsolicited advice. If you have an answer based on personal experience then share it. Share it in ordinary every day words, rather in jargon like Christian speak, and maybe some of those members, who are not Christians, will be interested in reading what you have to say.
How does your God answer your questions?
What form do these answers come in?
Do you hear a disembodied voice?
Do you have experiences that you perceive to be "answers" coming form your God, that could be attributed to other causes? -
@timethief give me a break already. He didn't do anything negative. We need preaching from time to time. What are you going to burn into flames from hearing it. Let the guy speak. Its a free country.
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there's A god, but noone should try and claim IT/HIM/HER as their own.-
I think people claim (their) god as their own, becuase each believer has their own self created deity. That is why it is called a personal god, because each person makes up their own. If one questions god, they get insulted because their god is an extension of them and their imagination, it IS them, and because of this, they take it personal. That's my take on it.
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Sorry....incorrect! Saying one has a "personal god" is a cop out. Those who say so are just trying to be politically correct or are trying to appease those that don't yet know that there is one God, who you get to know through Jesus Christ.
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LOL, my usage of "personal god," was of course, a play on words to lead to another point.
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Yes I do believe in God and His existence. Without him, we would not exist. -
For all the disbelievers here, please read Matrix Energitics, the latest insights in Quantum theory, interconnectedness, universal or collective consciousness and our own energetic abilites.
Stop following beliefs imposed by foreign constructs, find your own truth through examining your feelings and energies.
As Bruce Lee said, if there's no feeling, there's nothing there.
Daniel
danielpeci.blogspot.com/-
Bruce Lee was an atheist. LOL.
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Quotation fail. I should take a screenshot and send it to the Fail Blog
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Send it! Send it! Send it!
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no, thanks. I believe in me.-
Very sad.
Did you know the Bible is Jesus' love letter to YOU?! -
?! I'm not sad. What are you talking about?!?!?
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Yea, what are you talking about TBR, that is uncalled for. You of all people should know better than to belittle ones beliefs. What is wrong with believing in yourself anyways? Also, if you don't believe in even your "self," than how can you justify believing in anything else since your beliefs are cast from the very "self" you don't believe.
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It's not about you or me!
www.purposedrivenlife.com/en-US/AboutUs/AboutTheBook/FirstSevenChapters.htm
@bsilva...I apologize if you took offense to my "very sad" statement. There are many people who "believe in themselves." However, there may come a point and time when you have come to the end of yourself and realize...that it's not about you! -
If you don't believe in your "self," than you can't believe your "self" when it says, "it's not about you or me!"
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We live in societies where many people suffer from low self esteem, and not surprisingly, many adults with low self esteem were raised in families wherein they are taught that they are not worthy of God's love unless and until they gave up on their "self" and gave their heart to Jesus.
Negative core beliefs develop as a small child tries to work out a “because” to help them cope with something they don’t understand or are troubled by in their daily life. It might be neglect, injustice, dishonest parenting, parents with addictions, abuse or just feelings of vulnerability, fear or shame.
Many have been raised in toxic families wherein they heard destructive messages such as these that can stay with us for life:
it’s your fault - a sinner
you are guilty - a sinner
you are bad - a sinner
you not whole - a sinner
you are imperfect - a sinner
you are flawed - a sinner
you are stupid - a sinner
you are dirty - a sinner
you are shameful - a sinner
you are unclean - a sinner
you are useless - a sinner
you are out of control - a sinner
you are a failure - a sinner
you don't deserve to be loved - you are a sinner, but God loves you anyway so you must give your heart to Jesus in order to be saved. If you do not give Jesus your heart to him and believe on him, then you will be thrown into the hellfires at the end of time, because only true believers have a place in heaven with the Lord.
Learning to live with and constantly find better ways to cope with these fear based and ignorant false beliefs gives a child no opportunity to discover ways to question them or to change them. This is the consequence of brainwashing - your senses are so tied up, bound and distorted by the false belief that you literally cannot see the positive reality in front of you. You do no "know" your "self" and you cannot love your "self" and encourage your "self" to grow and become the best "self" that you can be to yourself or to others.
The good news is that as adults we can uncover these destructive core values and jettison them. We can learn how to love ourselves and develop healthy self esteem based on new core values. We can learn how to become rational and reasonable thinkers. At that juncture we can begin living a conscious and “value-based” life, rather than a life based on sucking up to a mythical big guy in the sky. -
There is nothing wrong with believing in yourself. In my experience with religion my dad, an ordained minister, raped small children. I was a sinner for rebelling and wearing make-up as a kid. I believe in God or the existance of something. I don't believe in fanatics who are holier than thou. -
I hear you Shirley and I admire your strength. I ♥ you.
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Here's a link to a comment I made in another thread on the forum titled called "do you love yourself?" I'm posting it so it's clear that "loving myself" is not to be confused with a description of the self adoration of a narcissist
www.blogcatalog.com/discuss/entry/do-you-love-yourself#comment_695693
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Has anyone ever read the Book of Cheeseburger?
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If there isn't one, you should write it. You could be famous 2000 years from now!
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Heard of it! How can anyone deny it? Anyone who denies it is an acheeseburgerist.
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bruce lee was an atheist strongly influenced by Buddhism and Taoism (kinda contradictory?), regardless of his ideas or beliefs, there is power in his words (and actions as we know).
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There is a lot of philosophy in Buddhism and Taoism. He was strongly influenced by their philosophies.
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Yeah. I even lean towards Buddhism on a philosophical level, even though I don't have a great understanding of it. =\
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Yes , something exists that is called god. Things that do not exist do not have a name. I would say that these three letters could mean anything. I am a Theologist. The study of god does not end on some piece of paper, where it is a simple yes or no question.-
Paul8bee, thanks for your contribution to the thread.
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Arguing the existence of God with someone who believes the opposite of you is akin to two blind men examining an elephant: one swears it is long and wet cylindrical and the other swears it is thin and flat like a pancake.
It always amazes me how when I come to BC a few times each week I always see threads about the existence of God. It seems like such an odd place to find such subject matter.
By the way, I do believe in God but will not argue with atheists. Through battles scars I have learned I have better things to do.-
Exchanging dialogs with only those who agree with you is akin to two blind men that continue to compliment each other on their dashing good looks. Noticing a lack of progress I have learned I have better things to do than to hang out with only those whom I can never be possibly corrected or educated by because they agree with everything I say.
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@rileycentral....I agree it's senseless and as I've stated earlier above,
arguing over topics like these is a bottomless whirlpool of left & right.
It is the middle pillar path that is the prize.
I didn't bother to say anywhere in this thread that I believed or disbelieved in GOD.
I simply described the middle pathway to those who will grasp
what I am trying to say here and I will keep my personal belief in my Heart.
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Its a question of faith not for yes or no.Someone who does not have faith in God may think in the way that system or strenght by which existence of the Universe is managed is known as God.
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Yes I believe in God. I believe because I was created by God. Here are some statements of Pastor Rick Warren.
"I see the fingerprints of God everywhere. I see them in culture. I see them in law. I see them in literature. I see them in nature. I see them in my own life. Trying to understand where God came from is like an ant trying to understand the Internet. Even the most brilliant scientist would agree that we only know a fraction of a percent of the knowledge of the universe." - R.Warren
Here is his closing remarks on God's Debate(richarddawkins.net/article,825,The-God-Debate,Sam-Harris-Rick-Warren-Newswe...)
"I believe in both faith and reason. The more we learn about God, the more we understand how magnificent this universe is. There is no contradiction to it. When I look at history, I would disagree with Sam: Christianity has done far more good than bad. Altruism comes out of knowing there is more than this life, that there is a sovereign God, that I am not God. We're both betting. He's betting his life that he's right. I'm betting my life that Jesus was not a liar. When we die, if he's right, I've lost nothing. If I'm right, he's lost everything. I'm not willing to make that gamble."-
I know this debate well and have to say that Warren's reasoning is pretty circular. The fact that he sees God everywhere doesn't prove that God is there.
"The more we learn about God, the more we understand how magnificent this universe is.' - as if without God we don't understand it?
"Altruism comes out of knowing there is more than this life" - wrong completely, there are hords of altruistic non-believers.
"we only know a fraction of a percent of the knowledge of the universe." - so the things we don't know are God?
It all is wishful thinking in all its glory!
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I don't have faith in faith.
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I don't have faith in faith.
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ah! what the heck, either IE8 beta caused that double post or the BC database or front end did. Sorry.
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Yes. I believe in God. And if we really want to be logical about it, I think you should believe too. U have nothing to lose and everything to gain by doing so. If you dig deeper for the right answer you'll run out of logical answer and when you ran out of answer, you'll realize that there is God. Start your search with the question: where did this thing come from... and keep searching and searching and searching using the same question.... it will all boil down to one super natural being - God.
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Yes. I believe because I have a relationship with Him. -
Yes, God exists.
No matter who or how many believe or do not believe, HE STILL exists.
His power & existence is not based on our limited understanding of Him. YEAH!!!
God is the creator of all that we see and don't see. He truly does love us, even when we don't love Him. AND no matter what we do, we can never change His plans. He made a Way for us to be with Him. We all know the Truth inside us and it is by our own free will to love Him and accept the Truth.-
[YEAH!!!]
Is that really necessary? -
SimplyJill, was that satire?
LOL Voodoo.
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Yes I believe in God. It's the only logical explaination to the origin of this world. A being must have created it even if it's the big band theory.-
[It's the only logical explaination to the origin of this world.]
Well, it's not the ONLY logical explanation. You might not know this, but there are others. The others have yet to be 100% proven, but neither has the existence of gravity.
Also, God has yet to be proven at all. =\ -
Thanks chacham100 for your comment. The only explanation of the big band theory is the existance of God. God caused it to happend and this is the begining of creation.
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If you're going to get all scientific you should get your stuff right
This is the Big Band Theory bigbandtheory.com/
This is the Big Bang Theory www.big-bang-theory.com/
I had no clue what the Big Band Theory was! -
The logic fails when you say everything must be created, and then go and claim that god has no creator.
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Yes, I believe in God...
I am very thankful for my salvation, and I really enjoy the refreshing Love God shares!
When I hear someone claim they don't believe, Have they ever once diligently started seeking him?
Can one see what Love looks like? Does Love have wings? Does one experience true Love, and not believe it's real?
Can one believe the wind, and gravity is real or not? One has free-will, But if they claim not to believe, The wind will still blow, and they shall continue to dance in what they call gravity...
Kind Regards,-
bibleprophecy, I appreciate your contribution in the discussion.
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@palscience
I'm wondering why you seem to have a preference for expressing appreciation for Christian posts, wherein members declare a belief in their unique construct of god based on blind faith. -
Me too. You completely skipped over my post. I feel unappreciated.
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I have seen many members comments posted here, mine among them, whose comments were unappreciated by the OP.
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I noticed that too.
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The appreciation bias is so obvious I'm lol
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Makes a good poem but very weak reasoning.
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YES, i believe in Allah... -
No, I think the whole idea of a god is just too silly. I do, however, believe that there is a universal force out there. Unfortunately, it's out to get me. It's not easy being me. -
of course or I wouldn't of started this blog.
thepreparedchristian.blogspot.com/-
Nice Blog.
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Thank You
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@palscience
Another expression of appreciation for another Christian, eh?
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I wish that i could believe in a god. Unfortuantley, there is just too many unanswered questions out there. Like, what eles is out there. First i would need to know what the deffination of God was. For me, I guess that i percive the idea of god to be a force, that is beyond our comprehension. Every time i think about the topic all i want to do is think about how much else is out there that we dont know about. Like how big of a universe we live in and how old it all is. Take the whole creation of everyhting and the human race for one, and think of it in terms of a book that is 3,000 pages long, with 500 words a page. Our whole solar system would not be in the book until the last 900 pages,30 pages from the end of the book is dinosaur time, 13 pages from the end is when mammals appered, 100 WORDS from the end is when the ice age was, then finaly on the very last word of the book is where recorded human history began. If there is a god then why did God wait so long to create us?-
Good thinking.
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Thanks for your contribution. I appreciate it.
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That's good reasoning, the only thing to ask - why do you wish to believe in God?
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god is every where. you just have true eyes to find them.-
For me, it was when I cleared my eyes that I found that god WASN'T there. It was simply a mental construct that was planted by others in me by my environment and community. I have since tended the garden and pulled these weeds out. Some flowers are blooming quite nicely now. But gardening requires continuous maintenance. We may not be able to find all the truths, but we can at least take out the trash. (Mind the many metaphors, and don't mind that alliteration :))
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@ nirajperipleko - I agree with you.
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I also agree. As we discussed before, there are many ways that leads us to the believe of the existence of God. Thanks for your comment.
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And the true eyes are, of course, yours!. And mine are of course, not true.
As I already said, if you feel that there is God for you, there He is - FOR YOU! I don't believe in God and never had any desire or wish to believe. There are enough mysteries and beauty in the world and I don't see the reason to have God behind all this.
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of course I believe. I will not be alive if there was no GOD. -
Ya Sure I am believe In GOd-
It's great to believe, but the thing my friend is to tell us why you believe in God!
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I believe in one God because everything happens for reasons.
This question is similar if you ask me Where the soul of dead people go after their death? I don't know whether you are thinking the death is the end of life or not.
I also believe in Judgement Day.
once again I do believe in God.
Hope this answer won't make you hurt and upset.-
No your answer doesnt make anyone here upset, people here a free to speak out whatever they want as long as we keep the discussion healthy and not hurting anyone's feelings. Thanks again.
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[I believe in one God because everything happens for reasons.]
I can imagine reasons other that God easily. And it isn't self-evident that everything happens for reasons. There are causes for everything, but this is different from reasons
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No, I don't believe in God.
Thousands of years ago Man created God(s) as a way of explaining the inexplicable. For instance, thunder storms - which we now know are electrical - were God's anger or a bad harvest - which may have been entirely due to inclement weather - was God's punishment. The sheer proliferation of different religions over the ages - both monotheistic and polytheistic - undermines the very concept that a single God exists.-
Thanks for your contribution. I appreciate it.
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Yeah we do believe in God.-
Thanks for your contribution 4Freedoms ,
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I BELIEVE there is no god ! 8), i also believe there are many idiots here on BC.
^
bring it!
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I agree. But I don't agree with the language used. I don't believe a god exist to believe in or to disbelieve in. To say, "I BELIEVE there is no god" you must affirm at least the concept of god just to deny it. I don't think it deserves even that affirmation. That is why I delicately state that, I don't believe a god exist to believe in or to disbelieve in. There is nothing there to even disbelieve in.
And "I appreciate your comment." (some will get it) -
i think a god COULD be possible, but i seriously doubt it.. I am sure of nothing - but i think what is most obvious is clear.
There strongly appears to be no god . (dot).
Would god allow this to happen ? hehe..
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I think that we can say the possibilty exist simply because it is not falsifiable to prove there is no god, just as we cannot prove that fairies, goblins, and the toothfairy exist, so in this sense it is possible they exist too no matter how unprobable.
Funny video. -
Thanks for your contribution. I appreciate it.
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@ morgantj - "I don't think it deserves even that affirmation. That is why I delicately state that, I don't believe a god exist to believe in or to disbelieve in. There is nothing there to even disbelieve in."
Well said.
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No. -
No and Yes. No, because of my exposure to science, logic and rational thinking. Yes, because of the inability to overcome the influence of god during my upbringing and the feeling that we still have a lot to master to understand our own existence in terms of science alone. We are progressing in the right direction. Unfortunately it takes a long time and my life is too short. So, when I get fever and infection I take a pill that works and do not pray for recovery. But when my grandpa gets liver cancer and the effect of the cure is unpredictable, I pray for his recovery in addition to the medicines he takes. Fear of the unknown pulls me towards god. I try to keep it balanced. I know that there is no chance of a GOD being there, yet there is no proof that there is NONE.
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Thanks for your contribution. I appreciate it.
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No. After keeping my thoughts to myself for my entire life, I finally wrote an article a few weeks ago explaining my position.
chrisberryonthe.net/2008/11/15/coming-out-of-the-god-closet/-
Thanks for your contribution. I appreciate it.
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www.godisimaginary.com/
I'll probably get a lot of crap from christians, but I am posting the link anyway.
since were on the subject-
Thanks for your contribution. I appreciate it.
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@armywife
I have stumbled it. It will also be submitted to other social networks. The link is now in circulation. Thanks so much for posting it. -
[timethief]
thanks, i just thought i would just put another 2 cents of mine in...lol
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Danger Will Robinson! Danger!
Meltdown in progress. -
If you stop to think abouit it, it is astounding that the simple, unasuming birth of a peasant baby boy more than two thousand years ago in the Middle East can today cause traffic jams every December in places like New York City, Tokyo, and Rio de Janeiro.
The night Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem, a small group of poor shepherds were quietly tending their flocks of sheep in a nearby field, looking up at the stars. Nothing seemed any different from a thousand other nights. But what was about to happen would transform not only their lives, but billions of other lives as well. The world would never be the same again. - The Purpose of Christmas (back cover)
alexanderwrites.blogspot.com/2008/12/if-you-stop-to-think-about-it.html -
I believe in G-d. However that does not mean I am some super far right winged crazed conservative. It also does not mean that I distrust science and modern medicine.-
What does it mean?
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I believe in me therefore I believe in God. In the days to come, the new Hadron collider will initiate a particle collision that will lead to providing mankind the knowledge to create mass. Following this ,all the current God ideas will fall away leaving the meaning, I believe in me therefore I believe in God. -
I believe in God because I am part of God, and I'm pretty certain I exist. Ofcourse, it all depends on what your definition of the word 'God' entails. When I look inside, or when I look at nature, I see a magnificence that is beyond anything a human could create. So yes, there is something greater than a human that created all of this. Call it God, or call it whatever you want.-
I agree with you nmschorr, It amazes me sometimes when I look at the sky and wonder how did that happen? How is the sky standing above us without any support? Accidentally? I don't think so.
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Palscience, some basic science knowledge can help you with that. It doesn't make sense to ask, "what is holding it up?"
Sky - the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth. -
Yeah. The sky is an optical illusion caused by the Oxygen in the earth's atmosphere when sunlight passes through it. That's why it turns red and fades when the sun sets. There is no solid "sky."
What holds it there? Gravity.
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I always believe. As we pass through this life...how do we not believe that something greater is at hand. And more importantly, as I hand over my loved ones....don't I want to believe? -
anyone can believe in anything, anyone. i believe that i'm writing this post right, i believe that timetheif will write another post too....lol...i believe that it is damn cold outside. and just because some believe in the christian god, doesn't make them right or wrong. I do know also that you can't always believe everything all the time, what? now you say you just have to have faith? yeah, i seen that question coming too...so..... i have faith in my husband, my children, I have faith in a lot of stuff, but that doesn't mean that it is the christian god...no body can ever know the truth until they die and then if we seize to exist, then we would never know.
people only believe what they are taught, what they read in a million yr old book(give or take a few hundred yrs, hell i don't know, i wasn't there.) they were probably on drugs when they wrote the damn thing. it's funny how religion is like biggest hot topic of all., can't wait to see what comments come back on this...oh well, have fun -
There is almost certainly no god.
Watch, everyone, Palscience is going to gloss right over this post and "appreciate" the next theistic post, and the one after that, but none of the atheistic or agnostic posts. -
voodooKobra, don’t get mad my friend. I respect everyone's opinion. You are free think however you want, believe however you want. Until now I didn’t see any convincing argument against the existence of God. But, I am really enjoying reading everyone's opinion no Matter what was it. Lets keep the discussuin constructive. Thankx
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[Until now I didn’t see any convincing argument against the existence of God.]
It's not our job to convince you. -
Not only we don't have to convince you, but considering that you want us to believe in the existence of God (or anything, for that matter), you have to give us the proof, not the other way around.
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"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened." - Romans 1:18-21
Everyone believes in God ... even the atheist.-
Your going to listen to a bunch of Romans? They couldn't even hold their empire together.
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Rather ... I'm listening to Paul under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, not a bunch of Romans. The letter was written TO the Romans, not BY them.
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I was making a feeble attempt at trying to inject humor. But, if you're being serious and telling me that your religion is telling me that I believe in God when I clearly don't then it's even more irrational than I thought it was. That doesn't encourage me to believe.
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You won't believe unless God renews and regenerates your heart to believe in Christ as the only way of salvation. We all naturally don't believe and won't ... I didn't before ... that is until God opened my eyes by His power alone to the reality of His good news that Jesus has made a way for salvation in Himself. As Jesus said, you must be born again to see, let alone enter heaven.
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@JoelKlebanoff
if you're being serious and telling me that your religion is telling me that I believe in God when I clearly don't then it's even more irrational than I thought it was. That doesn't encourage me to believe.
Irrational - No kidding!
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NO
"If there were no God it would have been necessary to invent him "-Voltair..-
That's exactly what happened.
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I am tending to think we are a simulation. The more we get to the point we could simulate a world similar in complexity to ours, the more statistically probable it gets that we are simulated ourselves.
Marcelo
bytethings.blogspot.com -
If you believe in god and believe that your god created everything it also mean that god created people with the ability to believe in what they want . So it means that god is accepting everybody no matter what is their belief.
This meaning that no matter if you believe god or not you are part of it. And believing in god doesn't make more important than someone who doesn't in his opinion. I believe that it is by your good actions that you will make others feel better and yourself . -
voodooKobra, I didn't ask you to convince me.
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Then why complain about a lack of "convincing" arguments? If you're not convinced, this means one of three things: Either you didn't understand the arguments, you didn't try, or no argument was made.
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Non of the above voodooKobra.
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I do and here's why. I personally feel there's a supernatural power that governs us all and I wish to call that power, "God". -
What about those who fall in neither category and neither believe nor disbelieve???-
Ye I believe -
pretty sure that's called being agnostic?
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yes
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Course not, am an atheist all the way.-
But how do you explain the existacne of things, such as humans, universe etc... Big Bang? I would really like to know what you think. Thankx
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I can give my answer for that [palscience]...Simple
Unless we were there at the time of the beginning, We CAN NOT know, therefore, can not explain. -
sisterofmercy, appreciate your comment!
palscience, I would really like to know how you explain the existence of god. -
You say you appreciate Christians, but question atheists? A bit transparent, don't you think?
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I just wanted to take a peek and see how this thread was coming along?
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@harleyblues...Me too... boy you got some nasty comments up above.
Who the heck is that spammer, link dropping guy anyways?
I'm surprised admin didn't have a word with him. -
the only one I had nasty comments were from that Ramma guy...just consider the source
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RFLMAO...they all looked bad to me but then again they are sugar coated
to loose the full effect of what they actually meant. -
I don't know what thread you two are reading.
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Thank God I don't believe in God (s)
Just kidding... but there has to be one Supreme Being...
jjs-decides-to-blog.blogspot.com/ -
I believe in God. Science has no thing for Emotion... People are almost answering the wonders of this world. People are becoming intelligent.. and yet they can never explain why people have feelings..-
[People are becoming intelligent.. and yet they can never explain why people have feelings]
Not true.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emotion#Neurobiological_theories -
The better word might be "conscience" vs. "emotion."
I too, believe that "conscience" is not evolved because it has no physical properties and everyone knows (an evolutionist catch phrase) that nothing comes from nothing.... -
Except on a quantum level, in which particles spontaneously pop into existence and annihilate each other.
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how do you know there are no physical properties. there are still a lot of questions to be answered about our own physiology.
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Free From Religion
There are several religion-related groups in blogcatalog but there were none dedicated to the opposite. This group is for bloggers who believe that the world would be a better place without religion. www.blogcatalog.com/group/free-from-religion -
i believe in god, yes.
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I am an agnostic. -
because it makes sense,
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Yes , i believe in myself! -
No.. and i have many reasons for it. -
The anthropic principle pretty much proves that God exists, like it or not. If we did not exist, I'd say there is no God. But becuase we do exist, then so does God. I think the interesting question is why do people believe one way or another. I guess its our upbringing...we follow what we were taught as children, or we rebel against those beliefs.-
The anthropic principle is just that davedol - a principle - and it therefore proves nothing. Indeed, as Wikipedia states "Those who invoke the anthropic principle often invoke multiple universes or an intelligent designer, both controversial and criticised for being untestable and therefore outside the purview of accepted science."
Also, the anthropic principle does nothing to explain the differences between the hundreds of religions in existence nor the differences between monotheistic religions and polytheistic religions.
Man made God - not the other way around. -
yeah you can't say just because we exist there is a God. I'm guessing you want to say that because you don't have a better explanation for our existence.
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Yes, I belive in God! How anyone could look at the miricles of birth, or the amazing facits and functions of the body, or the complexity of nature, wildlife , or simply just the food chain and even begin to believe that its all come about by chance literally blows my mind. Or to believe that The inteligence of mere man/ or women is able to compare to that of a complex being such as He who has stood the test of time. Re-read the Bio's of those who "Thought " they would "expose this God, and you'll find that most Converted. the truth is, as in most cases. If you "truely " investigate This GOD, The Evidence is overwhelming. Gods Best AL
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So people should believe in a God because they cannot explain amazing facets and functions of the body, or the complexity of nature and wildlife!!! Hmmm
I now have a better understanding of why so many people support the FSM (Flying Spaghetti Monster). It amazes me how people are so easily duped and cajoled into believing the unbelievable.
I do not understand what mass and gravity are. Does that mean I have to believe in a bearded entity to help answer such questions???
I do not believe in God, but I do believe in the spirituality of man.
THE SOONER WE ERADICATE ALL RELIGIONS, THE SOONER THE WORLD WILL BE A BETTER PLACE. -
SSnuffy... i agree. -
God doesnt equal religion.
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With or without it [religion] you would have good people doing good things and evil people doing evil things.
But for good people to do evil things, that takes religion.
– Professor Steven Weinberg, 1999
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always
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yes. the fact that we live is proof enough for me.
I also believe in the possibility of life on other planets.
and I respect other people's disbelief because faith is about personal belief not massive religious control -
I believe in God (God for all) -
If there is a God and he created everything out of nothing - that means that you are a part of that creation and a part of God. That means that even a stone is filled with God. If everything started with a point of light and we are creations of that original Light then we are that light also. That piece of grass is full of the same divine light. We have just forgotten all of that. If we are here on earth and we have free will it means we chose to be here. We were not banished from paradise as described in Genesis. We chose to seek knowledge of good and evil. If we chose to be here what are we here to do ? Learn and create. (continue the story of creation) So as long as you're doing that - you are doing what you are meant to do. Go learn something. Believe in God or not - eventually we all return to where we came from. If nothing is what you seek. Then nothing is what you'll find. We all come into this world crawling on our bellies and eating dirt. Sort of like the serpent in the garden of Eden. I think it's important that we learn the difference between good and evil. Seek the truth in all you do. Is there a God ? Yes - I believe we are all God. What I don't understand is if we know this why we are all still killing each other all the time ? I think we have lost something in the translation. -
Yes, We can....I mean I can
Yes, and because I can. -
Yes of course. But the real question is which God do you believe in?-
God (capitalized) is a proper noun, whereas god is not.
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"who" Cares?
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"Who" is that comment directed towards?
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The Owner of your soul, my soul, the universe and any souls in this world, is my God. Like voodooKobra mean, with capital letter.
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I'm a Nonthiest -
yes...its sure, i'm muslim..i believe in Allah -
I believe in God. I am not a fake. I believe in God because the love that He has shown me comforts me and has changed my life, built my life, so that I am completely fulfilled. This is why I do not need anything else.
There is no other. -
I believe in God because I can't imagine the world being this way just through science! It's simply mind-boggling to imagine the level of precision needed for the creation of this world and us. I can't just leave it up to "chance" for that perfection in the level of atoms to link in that certain way so that the world is as it is.-
Whatcha talkin' bout? Chance? Do you think it really boils down to chance? You must not have had a very succinct science teacher in school.
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As a Christian Minister the short answer is YES. WHY, there would not be enough space to list my reasons. But in keeping with the context here is one reason. If there were no God, yours or mine, our hope, faith and vision would rest on man alone. A look at the history of the world would suggest that that is a risk and a scarey one at that. For the most part, man has a record of being unreliable, tricky, self centered, and full of personal agendas. Not much is present to stock belief in, let alone faith. Our hopes and dreams are always for something better, never more of the same. When one reaches for something better, something more; that reach extends beyond the boundaries of man. Without knowing or admitting it, that places us at the threshold God. We may not agree or define Him (God) in the same way; but the fact that we all have hope admits God's existance. Nobody carries hope for that which they do have, but rather for what they do not have. we have man, but our desire is for more than man... it is for God.
Blessings,
Matt.-
[If there were no God, yours or mine, our hope, faith and vision would rest on man alone.]
I can see how this would seem scary to a person unwilling to take charge and take responsibility for the actions of mankind, but I don't fall into that category.
[For the most part, man has a record of being unreliable, tricky, self centered, and full of personal agendas.]
As does the Bible, which is the primary source of information for the Christian religion. Since you're a minister, you should already know this. If you require me to clarify, though, just ask.
[Our hopes and dreams are always for something better, never more of the same.]
Subjective. My dream could be a world with absolute love, while Hitler's was a world in which the Jewish people were exterminated.
[Without knowing or admitting it, that places us at the threshold God. We may not agree or define Him (God) in the same way; but the fact that we all have hope admits God's existance.]
I'm detecting a fallacy in this region. Bonus points if you can name which one.
[Nobody carries hope for that which they do have, but rather for what they do not have.]
Correct, but not this statement lends no support towards your conclusion or alleviating the above fallacy.
[we have man, but our desire is for more than man... it is for God.]
Your desires, not mine. -
Can your prove it wasn't a fart in the wind?
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I think if we REMOVE ALL RELIGION on earth, there will be NO MORE WAR.-
yeah right
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No there just be more of it.
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@voodoo ohhhh look at the one ready to conquer the world and doesn't need anyone by his side and your going to do it all on your own. Your such a big boy aren't you? Give me a break dude of course God exist, how do you explain you where put on the face of this earth? A fart in the wind was it?
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I definitely do. I don't think it would makes sense to me to not believe in god.
www.diaryofacalifornian.wordpress.com -
Church apologises to Charles Darwin over theory of evolution
www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,24345772-5016574,00.html -
If you Think God is there then yes. If you think God is not there then no. But i Think God is there with good spirits.
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No, I don't believe in any of that religious mumbo jumbo.
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My GOD - yes.
Your GOD - probably not.
Thus the problem when church and state copulate like crazed pitbulls.-
Copulate, eh? I challenge Rule 34! Church and State. Can the internet deliver?
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liek this??
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Yes! Absolutely perfect.
I was going to photoshop two pictures so the steeple was going in the front door to the Capital building as soon as someone asked what Rule 34 is, but you beat me to it.
Now all we have to do is wait for Jesus/George Washington slashfics and the internet has officially defiled everything. -
Heh. I'll be posting the slashfic to my blawg, Yaoi style.
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I believe in God more than I believe in myself. I have written a post on it at my blog: iswhy.info/index/god-is-eternal-and-absolute.
I have read a very interesting discussion between a atheist professor and religious student regarding God, you should see it too and may be it will change your mind: www.abc.se/~m9783/sis_e.html#expl -
yes. I think people make believing in God harder than it is. It's fairly simple to me and I think science and God can in fact work together. I have witnessed so much answer to prayer in my life, there is just no way I couldn't believe. -
No. I just don't. -
Not I'm not believe God but believe myself:
twitter.com/kaposlogisztika -
this question has no answer.
we are materialistic people we believe when we see. But he can be felt some times.
since ages has has passed no body found the answer and will not find.
As a human beings we are least bothered about that we are very much concerned about our life, like taking birth get education, employment, marry give birth babies and that goes on and goes on.
But the question remains same ?
it's an unanswerable question . See the above replies many of them say "may be some times and may not be'.
we live in a doubtful world nothing is clear here. "we are living that's all we are living". -
I'd better since God is what I write about, at least his Christianity. Stop by and read for more info
onemanrevival.blogspot.com -
Yes. With all my mind, heart and spirit. -
Yes I believe in God and I know He exists. All we have to do is look at the complexity of the universe from the farthest star to the smallest molecule to see that a creator exists. Anyone who seeks Him will find Him, if they seek with all their heart.-
[All we have to do is look at the complexity of the universe from the farthest star to the smallest molecule to see that a creator exists.]
A = the complexity of the universe from the farthest star to the smallest molecule
B = a creator exists
A does not make B necessarily true -
It's very hard to believe that all of this came from one big bang. Think about the complexity of the human body for example. Our bodies are more efficient than computers and we are still learning how it works.
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[It's very hard to believe that all of this came from one big bang.]
And this proves what? Nothing.
[Think about the complexity of the human body for example.]
Irreducible complexity has been refuted.
[Our bodies are more efficient than computers and we are still learning how it works.]
where did you get this claim?
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I do not believe in "God", as he is explained today.
You can call me an alienistic agnostic... I don't know how we got here, or what we're doing here, but I'm pretty sure that an alien race is somehow invloved. Not necessarily actively, I'm not saying "they are among us!!!", but I wouldn't be surprised if they had a hand in our development. -
Yes, I do believe in the presence of a supernatural power which we call GOD.
astronomyforeveryone.blogspot.com
refinancingmortgage121.blogspot.com -
Big Yes! Who do you think create the world we live in? Human being.....nahhh...just look up the stars and moon at night and
you will see that their is God looking at us.
Peace!-
[Who do you think create the world we live in?]
Why jump to "who" when you haven't proven there was a "what"?
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Yes. I have faith, and my life has had too many "coincidences" to be random. That's two reasons. -
I did. I was raised to believe. Today, I'm really on the fence. I will give all the information to my kids, but I will never tell anyone (or even myself)what is 'real' in regard to a "god". To be honest, I can see a bored God seeing the humor in a population such as ourselves, on the other hand, I've been taught our God wouldn't play such games...... the jury is out. My honest opinion is that I best give up this stupid notion as soon as possible or face extinction. I've prayed.... therefore I've learned. And yes, I realize the romantic theory of unanswered prayers, however, my reality is that in that scenario, I best find a way to either abandon my kids or make them abandon their father in search of a warmer climate to live on the beach and eat coconut or it's just all over. ..... fine I guess, but not in the name of "GOD" -
of all of the threads to have to see when i come back.
*sigh* -
Yup they are still at it and link dropping too.
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Ah the good old days of link dropping.
Those early days during my noob blogging career I remember fondly :-)
Sol
www.thereisnogod!!!!lol.com
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Yes.
Because I can.
No.
Because I don't have to.
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I certainly do, God's wonderfully outstretched hand is visible, active and alive. Yes, I surely believe in God!-
YOU RUINED IT! This thread had exactly 666 replies. It was perfect.
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VoodooKobra, I'm a little confused....you don't appear to believe in God...yet you are interested in the number 666? 666 is a biblical concept....are you telling me you believe in the bible?
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No, but I know people who fear the number 666 and I like to be spiteful.
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maybe -
Yes I do because I've seen his hand in my life many times -
VoodooKobra, why are you spiteful?
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Because it's fun.
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WHOA!
It's a big deal to discuss ...
It takes more than a hundred page just to provide the evidence where God is exist. And right after it done, the people who don't believe in God will also provide a different things that will show you the other wise.
So .. why wasting times on this subject? -
preaxz that's like saying why bother discussing anything because there are differing points of view. If that is the case then I guess we should just twiddle our thumbs
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... I guess we should just twiddle our thumbs
Or blog. -
Believing in God is all a matter of faith. Faith itself shouldn't have an exact reason or scientific evidence.
In this case, people believe in God would provide any evidence related to their religion. People who don't will always bring up something related to logic and science. And people who searching the truth will get confused because both side seems have a good point.
There will never be a discussion. Both side will stay on their opinion. Religion and science are incomparable, unless people who discussed it keep their mind open realize that there maybe a slight chance to any mistake on their opinion. But AFAIC, when the discussion comes to this kind of matters, there will be no conclusion.
There's a limit for a brain to think about it. There is a question that both side don't have the answer.
So let's just put it this way. Keep the faith, whatever that is.
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VoodooKobra what college do you go to?
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Why do you ask?
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voodookobra I just want to know if I'm right. No sarcasm here at all...I mean it as a compliment.
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Edison College, Ft. Myers, FL
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No I don't believe in the Judeo/Christian construct of God.
God is imaginary - Digg it! digg.com/odd_stuff/Is_The_Bible_Repulsive -
god is a good for people who feel lost in their life.
if your on top of things and have original thought, you realize they're is no way possible for god to exist, that we are all one big joke, and people take things way to seriously.
also, god(religion) is a good safety net if your afraid of death
i personally wouldnt want to spend an eternity with a man who sent down his only son to be tortured to death. -
Here's a quote from post above for just another example:
The is no evidence of the existence of god. The fact that science is unable to explain certain aspects of our world does not automatically mean that a god is responsible for it: it just means we don't know yet.
Well, IMHO .. despite of believing that there's no God. Why don't people trying to prove that God isn't really exist, or better, that God's exist.
Here's the key question that I believe that neither religion nor scientist will have the answer.
If God create the universe, where would God be before God create everything, and who made God? If it's all about evolution, what was the first thing exists in the universe that evolved to be everything we saw today?
Think about that, and you must be going crazy to find the answer. -
Yes. I had some heart problems that ended me at the hospital in the ICU unit. As I was lying in bed with all sorts of monitors hooked to me, my heart rate started to race. I remember the nurses came running in and I could feel myself losing conciseness. The last thing I heard was a nurse yell "Oh my god, she is going through.....?"), I don't know what she said after that. I was in another place. I remember swaying in a hammock between two palm tress, bluest sky I have ever seen. White soft sand below me. Cool breeze blowing and the sound of the ocean waves. I wanted to stay there. I remember looking down on me, in the hammock, experiencing the feel, touch, and very peaceful feeling of that moment. I have always believed in God, and this really confirmed my feelings. There is so much more to life than what we feel here and now. I believe that this is a part of life's journey that we must complete, and only God knows when we have completed it. After my heart operation and I was getting ready to leave the hospital, the nurses there asked me to walk around the their station and they gave me a heartfelt applause. At the time I did not realize how serious my condition was...... I was being taken care of in another way. I was meant to go through this experience so I could share it with you. Is there life after death? Does God have anything to do with it? To me, most defiantly, yes!-
I have had two experiences similar to yours and neither one led me to believe in a supernatural being. I do not experience a supernatural being and I cannot believe in that which I do not experience.
A belief is not an idea held by the mind; it is an idea that holds the mind. We don't see things as they are; we see things as we are.
What I do experience is that when I meditate and all the things associated with my "self" like greed, anger, hate, etc. dissolve is that there is no self; there is no distinct being that is separate from the universal stream of pure consciousness -- quiet joy, peace, love ie. god.
And that's what I experienced on two occasions when I was technically thought to be dead. I experienced unity via the universal stream of pure consciousness with all there is. I also knew that this current life of mine in this body and on this earthly plane was not finished, and that I have lived previous lives and would live many more lives, until I become fully enlightened and one with god (the universal stream of pure consciousness) in all planes of existence.
Neither male nor female, neither good nor bad, neither light nor darkness but containing all there is and situate everywhere: the universal stream of consciousness flowing through all is god. Hence, god is found in everyone and in everything; god just keeps on is-ing.
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Zombers, I disagree. God is not just for the lonely. The bible says that one day every knee will bow and tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. It doesn't say just the lonely. But I do understand where you're coming from.
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Everyone one must bow and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord? Why? Is he on some kind of ego trip?
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Do you believe the air that you use to breath exist? If No, then how do you take a breath everyday? If yes how to explain how it look like? Any one here have seen the air before? I'm not...... -
of course, and HIs my life and all -
Morgantj it's not about ego. He is King...He is God. If it were about ego He wouldn't have humbled Himself by dieing on a cross for your sin and my sin.
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@jflower36
The choice of a belief system or the choice not to have one is a personal choice. What makes me angry is those Christians who attempt to brainwash me with their personal choice. And none are more annoying than those who use online forum threads to evangelize.
(1) In face-to-face everyday life, how many people do you know who would walk into a room of total strangers and spout scripture at them?
(2) In face-to-face everyday life how many people do you know who would walk into a room of total strangers and immediately begin to proselytize and evangelize?
(3) In face-to-face everyday life, how many people do you know who would walk into a room of total strangers and claim to have a relationship with a dead person, and to be experiencing that dead person's intervention into their lives, without someone in that room intervening and suggesting they ought to waste no time seeking professional help?
(4) In face-to-face everyday life, how many people do you know who would walk into a room of total strangers and utter death threats by lecturing that a loving god will send all unbelievers to burn in eternal hell fires?
(5) Why would any mature adult purporting to be joy-filled believer, who under an obligation to witness and become a winsome winner of souls for their god behave like that in online forums?
All over the net people enter online forums ie. rooms full of total strangers and show a lack of restraint by spouting scripture, proselytizing and evangelizing. We all have the right to challenge that behavior. Regardless of which belief system one ascribes to or in the event that they ascribe to no belief system at all, manifesting such behaviors in a room full of total strangers is disrespectful, insulting and inflammatory.
I believe that the minority of bible pounding Christians who have behaved like this are living examples of why many people the world over have turned away from "freedom of religion" and toward "freedom from religion".
"The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians, who acknowledge Jesus with their lips, then walk out the door, and deny Him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable.” Brennan Manning -
You don't think he knew he would be resurrected again? LOL.
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"We all have the right to challenge that behavior."
OR, press the ignore button, which is easier and does not lead to an infinite unnecessary and useless argument where one talks about god being present and another rambling about god being imaginary. -
Timethief, I feel your frustration and you posted your points very eloquently, however I don't agree for these reasons.
1)A christian has the right to share his or her beliefs just as readily as an atheist or agnostic has the right to share hers or his. You (not saying you are atheist or agnostic) had no problem sharing that you think a person who believes "in a dead person" referring to Christ, needs professional help. That could also be seen as offensive. If you look back at the threads most people stated that they do not believe in God, or think it's not an issue. I haven't read any obnoxious statements from Christians...but maybe I missed one.
2)If as a christian I actually believe that the bible is correct and that there is a heaven and hell, how awful is it not to share the way of salvation for someone who is headed to hell? Now if I don't believe it then it would be o.k. to keep my mouth shut. But if I truly believe it and don't bother to help anyone then that is selfish.
3)I agree that no christian should be obnoxious and start spouting comments that have nothing to do with the conversation at hand. But if there is a conversation, then a christian has the right to share his or her opinion just like everyone else. I don't see people with other belief systems holding back. The internet is bombarded with more secular information, sexual content, anti-God content than christian content.
4) If a christian quotes scripture, he or she is doing so because he or she thinks there is something to share, just like you thought the quote by Brennan Manning was worth sharing.
5)Christians are obligated to be respectful and kind just like everyone else. If a christian is nasty or rude, then that person is accountable to God, and God will work on that person's heart.
6) Maybe I misunderstood and you were referring to other conversations besides this one, "Do you believe in God". It makes sense that a christian would reply with scripture or back up his or her belief system when the debate/question is spiritual in nature.
Those are just my thoughts. Timethief I think you are great (and your blog is great too) so hopefully we are having a nice exchange of thoughts -
Question from the OP:
"This is a simple question but the answer might be complex. I want you to tell me if you blieve in God or not. If you said Yes, tell me one reason why. and if you said no, tell me one reason why not? Deal?"
Answer: No I do NOT believe in the Judeo/Christian construct of God. -
no way! I believe magic pixie dust under the magic rainbow created us all-
rowen please, everyone knows this. Do us a favour eh? Who put the MAGIC in the dust?
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Yes, I do believe in the Judeo/Christian God. Thirty years ago when ata low point and crossroads, I asked the Judeo/Christian God - the Father, and Jesus, the son - for help without telling Him what the help should be according to my idea. Within two weeks, my life did a 180 degree turn around; and it has been nothing but up for thirty years. Two years ago I was so overwhelmed by His presence while in prayer, that I'll never forget.
Nothing I write replaces a God experience; only God does that. Ask, seek with an open heart and mind, and you shall find, as He promised us. -
To be honest, i believe in destiny. -
Yes, because I talk to him everyday. Some people believe He exists, others KNOW He exists. I guess I just know. The Bible says if you seek him with all your heart you will find Him. (I think it's in James or something). God bless. -
Just the way I see it. God bless.
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Yes. I totally believe in him because this world/ universe is so huge and amazing that only God could have made it!-
Gosh! An honest reply! God created the big bang from what the scientists ignorantly call a 'singularity' God laid down the laws which allowed stars to force helium and hydrogen into the hundred or so elements which cooled and combined by His laws into the compounds from which organic matter could be created, and support the dazzling evolution of life as we see it now. OK - I too believe.
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Once God came to my house and stood before me in a dazzling light claiming that He is God. When I asked him about his shape and why people are worshipping in different shapes, He replied that these are all you people have kept,in fact I do not have any shape. Now let me know which shape do you want me to show. I expressed my desire to see Vishwaroopa (gigantic shape) which lord krishna had shown to Arjuna. He manifested Himself in to that shape and put 7 curtains in front of Him.
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I find it remarkable the amount of people who actually believe in a 'God'.
Perhaps for these people, it would be a worthwhile exercise to watch the movie Zeitgeist. There is nothing better for the soul than the continual self-challenge of asking yourself 'Who am I'.
Unless of course people are uncomfortable with having their belief systems challenged. After religion has been indoctrinated into their psyche from a very early age. They know no better.
Check out www.zeitgeistmovie.com if you dare look in the rabbit-hole.
"I do not believe in religion, but I do believe in the spirituality of man" -
I believe in three Gods. You can read about them at my wikiversity site.
en.wikiversity.org/wiki/Theology_(AV) -
Yes, with all my heart, mind and soul. It's very hard for me not to believe because every fiber of my being tells me so. God is all around, anywhere and everywhere, and blessed are those who can spot Him.-
I spot Him - in small-pox, river blindness, the black plague, wondrous earthquakes, floods here, droughts there, the joy and peace brought to every victim of dictators throughout the world, you get my gist. And got created man, in his own image and likeness created he him. Well done god.
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Yes -
Yes I believe. I believe because i have a relationship with Him. He has helped me out of hardships, given me a new perspective and saved my life in numerous occasions. I guess the main reason why i believe is because of the many answered prayers.
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"blessed are those who can spot Him"???
And what about the rest of us who don't see him, are we cursed, are we doomed to spend an eternity in hell (wherever or whatever that may mean).
Perhaps heaven is pat J25 on the M6, and hell is somewhere near Birmingham.
RELIGION WAS """""CREATED""""" TO CONTROL THE MASSES. PERIOD. WAKE UP.
Believe in yourself and not some fabricated deity.
If you wish the sympathy of the broad masses, you must tell them the crudest and most stupid things. - Adolf Hitler -
SolReka:
I didn't say anything about being cursed or hell. You are the one saying it. Do you believe you are cursed? Do you believe that you will go to hell? I don't know. Perhaps, that's something you should know. To be able to spot Him everyday of my life is my wish and desire until my last breath.
Sorry I don't patronized Hitler and this is not about wishing the sympathy of the masses. This is about each one of us having our own opinion in the subject matter and how we are entitled to it; and if you respect mine, I will respect yours too.
Peace! -
Yes.
One reason why (I have more than one) -- The discovery of quantum physics and the Zero Point Field (I can recommend a slew of books that link science and spirituality, a major interest of mine) -
There is a big difference between believing in a religion and believing in God. A religion is speculation about the nature of God, and is basically guessing. But does God exist? If He didn’t we’d not be here to question that. The Universe would be a lifeless lump of quarks and atoms. Religion is man’s attempt to understand the mysteries of existence. That huge mystery is undeniable and exists regardless of what anyone believes or doesn’t believe.
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[If He didn’t we’d not be here to question that.]
I smell a fallacy.
If he didn't, how would the universe be any different? Can you form a scientific test for the existence of god? If not, how can you prove this claim? -
Ah! God exists - we're here to prove it. well, we have cocked that little job up sure enough. No No, wait - our being here proves god exists, magic!
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Science has only two choices to explain existence. God, or a infinite Multiverse. Here is an article from Discover magazine, to show this is not just my idea:
discovermagazine.com/2008/dec/10-sciences-alternative-to-an-intelligent-cre...
There is ZERO proof in a Multiverse. So existence requires faith in God or a Multiverse. Pick your choice of what you wish to believe in without proof. There are no other options.-
[Science has only two choices to explain existence.]
This is almost an argument from ignorance. What two choices? Do you mean to say, "Science currently only has two hypotheses to explain existence at this current time?" Even if I grant you a more charitable claim, it still falls short.
www.infidels.org/library/modern/quentin_smith/natural.html
nedwww.ipac.caltech.edu/level5/Guth/Guth_contents.html
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I stand by the anthropic principle as proof God exists. I challenge anyone to prove it otherwise. Nobody can.
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[I stand by the anthropic principle as proof God exists. I challenge anyone to prove it otherwise. Nobody can.]
Prove the anthropic principle.
In case you didn't get the memo, the anthropic principle is philosophical, not scientific. There is no evidence for it.
EDIT: From Wikipedia:
Those who invoke the anthropic principle often invoke multiple universes or an intelligent designer, both controversial and criticised for being untestable and therefore outside the purview of accepted science. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthropic_principle
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If the anthropic principle is bogus, it should be easy to disprove. A challenge to anyone…disprove that there exists a “fine tuning” of the laws of nature. How easy that should be? A piece of cake. Just explain how fine-tuning really does not actually exist. It should be as easy a target as disproving Noah’s Ark.
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[If the anthropic principle is bogus, it should be easy to disprove. ]
It's not falsifiable.
[A challenge to anyone…disprove that there exists a “fine tuning” of the laws of nature.]
I challenge you to disprove the existence of the celestial teapot. (Before anyone cries, "Non sequitur!" I'm only mentioning this to illustrate the ludicrosity of this kind of reasoning.)
[How easy that should be? A piece of cake. Just explain how fine-tuning really does not actually exist. It should be as easy a target as disproving Noah’s Ark.]
You cannot disprove a negative.
Your argument is that, since we cannot disprove Proposition A, we must assume Proposition A to be true. This is called an argument from ignorance and is a major fallacy.
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Note: Before anyone posts any more outrageous claims in this thread, consider this:
I have no problem with anyone believing in the christian god. However, if you feel the need to explain yourself and do so POORLY, I will criticize you.-
VDK, I follow your reasoning, Your logic is unassailable, but there is something in the bible or somewhere about casting pearls before swine. We tie ourselves into knots in these threads - better to talk only to the undecided, and not those past reason.
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Yes i believe in God but i dont believe religion which in a way teaches seperatism. -
Duh...the “fine tuning” of the laws of nature is not a “negative”; they are a fact. I could write a very long list of these facts to illustrate my point. Instead I recommend reading this Discover magazine article to illustrate my point. This is a SCIENCE magazine, not a religious document. The article does NOT argue for the existence of God, quite the opposite. It suggests an alternative to the idea of an intelligent creator. I let the article speak for itself.
discovermagazine.com/2008/dec/10-sciences-alternative-to-an-intelligent-cre...
The problem is that the alternative (a Multiverse) is as unproven as God is unproven. It seems the only way anyone can actually explain existence is through the unproven. Of faith of some sort. Anyone who imagines they know the answer to existence is fooling themself, or should be the next Einstein. If the next Einstein is here on Blogcatalog…I want to check out your blog!-
[Duh...the “fine tuning” of the laws of nature is not a “negative”; they are a fact.]
No, it's an interpretation. Fine-tuning is subjective to humanity and implies there was an intent behind the constants that govern the universe. Unless you can prove this, your argument falls apart.
[This is a SCIENCE magazine, not a religious document.]
That doesn't make it infallible or incapable of injecting baseless speculation.
[It seems the only way anyone can actually explain existence is through the unproven.]
I don't care if it seems like dildos are raining from the sky. If it's not so, it's not worth stating. Seeming is not being.
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I believe in God...
Perhaps one of the reasons why is because if He didn't exist, then the very word wouldn't exist.
Honestly though, I don't think there's no real way to explain it. You can't really prove of disprove that which is beyond our understanding... that's the beauty and frustration of it.-
I am fit here although I am different as compared to nanaoise (I am Muslim). -
Do you think the word 'god' existed before primitive man developed language? No, man invented this and every other word to MEAN something, not necessarily to represent something that exists. Do you agree with this?
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I do not believe in any deitity anymore then I believe in the Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy or Santa Claus.
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I strongly believe in God:) -
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I BelIeve IN God (He NAME IS Everyone Know)and HE is ONly One GOD AND Ture GOD
God made everything
God made HUMANS
HUMANS made FUCking GODS around The World -
As to my three Gods, God1 is The Universe. It is a nonphysical
oneness. By definition, we are all part of this oneness because
there is no where else to be. I do not think that God1 cares about
you or me any more than you care about a freckle on your arm.
When Mary Baker Eddy says, 'God is all', she must be referring
to this oneness.
en.wikiversity.org/wiki/Theology_(AV) -
No.
Thanks,
an Agnostic.-
An agnostic does not deny the existence of God and heaven but holds that one cannot know for certain whether or not they exist. The term agnostic was fittingly coined by the 19th-century British scientist Thomas H. Huxley, who believed that only material phenomena were objects of exact knowledge. He made up the word from the prefix a-, meaning "without, not," as in amoral, and the noun Gnostic. Gnostic is related to the Greek word gnōsis, "knowledge," which was used by early Christian writers to mean "higher, esoteric knowledge of spiritual things"; hence, Gnostic referred to those with such knowledge. In coining the term agnostic, Huxley was considering as "Gnostics" a group of his fellow intellectuals—"ists," as he called them—who had eagerly embraced various doctrines or theories that explained the world to their satisfaction. Because he was a "man without a rag of a label to cover himself with," Huxley coined the term agnostic for himself, its first published use being in 1870. (Dictionary.com) ...just pointing out that your answer really isn't "no" if you're a true agnostic. Do you know what you believe?
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no, I believe in Science -
i believe in God, for a variety of reasons. and i'm talking the Christian God, not a different one.
however, i respect other beliefs/choices/whatever you want to call it, because a belief in anything at all is a good thing. -
Yes.Because He is a living God -
As to my three Gods, God2 is the group of most logical Beings in
The Universe. This group had the problem of what to do with the
most illogical Beings in The Universe. To solve their problem,
they created our physical universe (PU). Our PU is a self contained
set of interacting logical ideas. Our minds process these ideas,
and we think they are real. Our PU is a school and a teacher. Its
purpose is to teach us illogical Beings to reason logically. Our task
is to learn how to reason logically. My guess as to how this creation
was done is at my wikiversity site.
en.wikiversity.org/wiki/Philosophy:Metaphysics_(AV)
metalsandoil, you won't believe what you read.
As for this thread, God2 created a perfect intelligent design. Believing
in this God2 (or God1) is of no consequence. Logical Beings in The
Universe could care less about how many times an illogical Being
recycles in our PU, People's University. Some of us are slow learners. -
As to my three Gods, God3 are the astronauts who changed our
planet and the DNA of our ancestors. Holy books talk about these
male Gods. However, they are long gone. Someday, earthlings may
visit other planets, and the natives will think the earthingls are Gods.
It should be noted that these astronauts are in our physical
universe and are, therefore, illogical beings like ourselves.
en.wikiversity.org/wiki/Theology_(AV)
So for clarification purposes, when one replies 'yes' to this thread,
one should identify the God one believes in, e.g., Baal, Isis, Odin, etc. -
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Why do atheists always seem to be crabby and cranky? Yeah, I am sure I am generalizing, but it seems that way to me. Religious people seem to be happier then atheists. Why is that?
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Because God is LOVE, JOY & PEACE!
Peace to all!
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YES -
Yes.
I believe in God.
I believe that He sent His son Jesus Christ to earth to die for our sins rising from the grave on the third day so that we might be saved.
I believe God is the greatest artist of all and that He is love, and loves everyone and everything. He's got a great sense of humor too.-
Maybe that is why atheists are unhappy. They have nothing to look forward to. God really is an artist. If we human beings can be artists, imagine where that art comes from. Atoms? Nothing? I don't think so!
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@sheaholliman
Holy cow, now I've heard everything.
Rising from the grave so we might be saved??? Saved from what... ourselves. Thank you very much Mr god, or JC, or the holy spirit, or whichever entity you decide to manifest yourself in, but I don't need saving. And if I did, I would rather do it on my own, or with the help of my fellow humans.
God is an artist, he has a sense of humour??? Aren't these human facets.
Hearing comments like this make me chuckle and feel pity at the same time.
So come on... do tell us some great god jokes, I wanna see what his sense of humour is really like. Does he tell you these jokes in person when you prey?
God has a sense of humour is the same as me saying the aliens who live on the moon base station don't like eating marmite on a Sunday. -
[Maybe that is why atheists are unhappy.]
Prove that atheists are unhappy.
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No,
Because God stems from something called Religion, not, Politics nor Physics,
and well religion is created by the .....
oops, better not continue, last time the rest of the sentence was written it was deleted by the 'community'.
I guess it just shows how MUCH the truth HURTS!. -
Everyone believes in god.
At one end there are those who believe that God is purely a concept created by mankind (God does not exist but the concept of God does).
At the other end there are those who believe God is real and is revealed to us in different ways (God exists and we find him/her through experience, scripture, teaching of priests).
And there are a whole range of beliefs about God in between.
The answer to the question 'yes' or 'no' is YES ... but it's not a good question in the first place. It asks us to take a position and to take sides - something we've been doing for thousands of years and it's got us nowhere. It's a question that leads, eventually, to violence between people trying to impose their view on others who believe differently. It doesn't open up an exploration but closes us down.
A much better question is 'What are your experiences and beliefs about the nature of God and how can we reconcile them all?'.-
[Everyone believes in god.]
I don't.
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yeah i believes
because god it great
and share some moree about god with me -
Sort of.
Living on the continent that pushes it's religion on others I find it hard not to think about god. Religion in itself is fake, to me anyways. -
Yes - because there is no better explanation. If we were made out of nothing from random DNA then I can't see how there would be so much order in the universe.-
[Yes - because there is no better explanation.]
Brace for strawman argument...
[If we were made out of nothing from random DNA]
Why is it that people who claim that "there is no better explanation" never understand how evolution works at all? "Random DNA?" Bullshit. Natural selection is the force that counters randomness.
[then I can't see how there would be so much order in the universe.]
Gaussian probability. The more times an instance occurs, the more likely it centers around the median. Take 602,200,000,000,000,000,000,000 instances of probability per gram of any substance, or about 10^80 (that's 1 followed by 80 zeroes) instances in the universe, and you get a seeming order to things.
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No, I do not believe in a God.
The belief in a God by people suggests that there is a higher power.
All that exists is the universe and we exist in that universe. We are part of the greater whole. -
How I enjoy your intelligence and erudition VDK, how it must bemuse the conditioned 'thinkers'. I was going to say that in 'the universe' we see order because we can only measure the the most basic of physical processes, and matter in its simplest states (at high temperatures) At the level of complex organic matter, there is still no randomness at all, just complexity beyond our understanding as ordinary people, if slowly succumbing to rigorous study by scientists prepared to alter their understanding in the light of discovery. The certainties of believers whose preposterous ideas are designed to be neither studied nor 'understood' impinge on the real world so very slightly. Thank god.
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ATTENTI0N: BEWARE
I have just had the pleasure of receiving a smear campaign on behalf of one of the BC members.
The only reason I can think this slanderous campaign has begun is because I have questioned his belief systems on this very thread. It is time to name and shame this fool.
Here is the post in question, you decide for yourself whether this idiot is in the right.
dr-awsom.blogspot.com/2009/02/solrekacom-friend.html
PS CorfuBob - I have now taken you off my friends list. I will not contact you again. You are an idiot. -
How stupid can people be to be believe in a God...of any sort.
We are just star-dust, evolved over a millennium; why is that so hard to comprehend. We came from the primordial soup of bacteria, perhaps even ignited by alien DNA. You are born and you die, it's that simple.
If there is a God, who made God?
p.s. i am a polytheist - we are all a God unto oursleves, so empower yourself with belief that you control your destiny, not some fairy-tale entity to appease the sheeples of this world.
p.p.s. i tried reading the bible when i was young, but my analytical mind couldn't make sense of the very first page. Apparently God said, 'Let there be light', so he created the Earth and heavens before the sun?!! The Earth is 4.5million years old and the sun is 4.8million years old, so light existed before earth was created!
p.p.p.s how can a God love when he condemns you to hell for being naughty and asks for billions of $$ as a charity organisation.
I sincerely hope all religion is culled off the face of this Earth, it's an evil monster to dupe stupid people who believe in wishy-washy BS.-
Hi Rob, Thanks for the click through - is that the term? I also hope people follow this squabble through, and see that my partial misunderstanding, apalling over-reaction, subsequent apology, and our reconciliation was possible because we both believe more in rational thought and verifiable truth than faith in the unknowable. I WAS an idiot to be so offensive, but being RIGHT in the controversy gave me the confidence to apologize!! Ha Ha only joking Rob. Thanks admin for not striking SolReka's comment. I have only just seen it but nothing has been changed. Hope nobody is annoyed by this diversion. Bob
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@corfubob
No worries bud. It's all good. Nothing like a good argument to sort out one's differences.
I tried to leave a comment on your blog, problem with your word verification. This is why I hate visiting blogger/blogspot sites.
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Davedol, i'm afraid you don't speak for other people.
Mentioning 2 & 4% as agnostic and atheist is interesting. So you lack individuality and camouflage any semblance of self by agreeing with all the other nodding dogs in society. So by that very definition you are a sheeple, complicit to any 'majority' opinion; A true prisoner of society.
You're right about the chip on my shoulder and God forbid (pardon the pun) i hope it never wriggles its way into my shoulder, as the banking globalisation grows ever nearer.
Davedol, you can question other peoples opinions all you want by "scratching your head and wondering why", but you must remember that opinions are like assholes, everyone has one.
Imagine if we were all like you, i.e docile by agreeing to popular opinion. Have you even questioned the existence of life and the Multiverse in your tiny mind? Or do you just go to church on a sunday and hope to hear the voices in your head telling you that God is speaking to you?
I think you seriously need to watch some Richard Dawkins vids, he is a genius of our time. Why is evolution so hard to believe, rather than some far-fetched diety who lives in the sky.
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Jesus "Hanger"
lux-n-style.blogspot.com/2009/02/jesus.html -
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What is hell? Are there beds there? Do you ever need to use the toilet?
Hell doesn't sound like too bad a place; here are some perks of hell: -
- It's always nice and warm
- Get to meet a diverse set of people
- Hot chicks, who were bad in a former life. My kinda girl lol
- You can do what you want, when you want
See, it doesn't seem so bad after all. Rather be somewhere with a rich diversity of people than a place full of sheeple who all sing and preach the same message (that is my idea of hell, not heaven).
"You mock me for being different, I laugh at you for being the same"
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I definitely agree with barry1234.
I also believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth. And I also believe in His Son, Jesus Christ, of whom He sent for us to be saved. Because of man's pride and selfishness, he only believes in himself and what his logic tells him. And this is why Satan was thrown to hell, along with his followers. He wanted to be like God, he wanted to be on the same level with God. And, sad to say, most of the people are being deceived by Satan.
At the moment, Satan and his followers are roaming on the face of the Earth to deceive other people, just like what he did to Jesus. He deceives us with beautiful images, attracting looks, indecent photographs or nude pictures, sex, selfish actions, anti-Christ, etc. These are more likely selfish acts resulting to self-satisfaction.
But because God loves us so much, He sent Jesus for us to follow His examples and for Him to be our Savior. He assisted the needy, preached the gospel, healed the lepers, the paralytics, etc., casted out demons, gave generously to the poor and the abandoned, served his disciples by washing their feet, and many other acts. And most of all, He prayed without ceasing.
Jesus actions only show service to others, selfless acts. Just like what Mother Teresa and other saints did when they were still physically alive. Because there is so much rewards in Heaven that our human mind/logic can never explain/comprehend or perceive. -
No, I don't. I'm 100% atheist...
After my twin died a year ago, I've been wishing for something after life, but I never did truly believe it was going to happen... I believe that I will never see him again...
That's what makes me believe that many people believe in God just so they have something good to look forward to about death. -
WHo is God??
haha. -
I tried .
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YES! ... it can get dark and lonely out here if you don't believe in a bigger picture and purpose. -
I had a comment that appears stricken from the community. Hmmm…I don’t think I said anything outrageous. I was merely criticizing people who enjoy belittling and demeaning other people of faith. There has been a lot of that negativity going on in this general discussion. I thought a little return criticism to the “other side” was in order. It seems in this discussion, criticism is a one way street with. So be it, I will try to be more diplomatic in the future. I respect people of faith, regardless of their beliefs. I believe people should follow their muse. And not demean another’s muse.
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@Davedol
Sorry to hear your comment was removed. The only downside to BC is that comments get all too easily removed. It seems that you're not allowed a free reign on this forum. Unfortunately, we live in a cotton wool society, where you're not allowed to say anything bad about anyone or anything.
I wish your comment was approved as I agree with you that the people who are belittling and demeaning other people of faith should be criticized.
Perhaps you could email me or send a message to discuss things further.
PS I am one of those who demean, I am not religious, and I demand the truth. So fire away.
I want to be criticized, only then can I get a better understanding of both sides of the veritable fence.
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SolReka
If you care to visit my wiki site, you will discover there is no Heaven
or Hell.-
@NuPhilosopher
I couldn't find your wiki site. Only your blogspot site.
I don't do blogger / blogspot sites. Writing comments is like too much hard work. Anyways, send me a link, and I'll have a read of your wiki site.
PS If there is no heaven or hell, then what is there after life? Oh no, perish the thought there's nothing, or perhaps we transcend to another dimension, or we are immersed into the superluminal energy of the Universe.
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Since I had my comment deleted (a mild, almost friendly criticism of a worldview that will remain unnamed) and I don’t want to be banned from BC, I will be vaguer and non-specific in my comments so as not to offend anyone. There is a viewpoint that believes our thoughts, our consciousness are only soulless bio-chemical reactions in the brain. All thoughts, emotions, love are all an illusion, just a product of firing neurons and proteins. We are all Pavlov’s dog. I wonder why some people who believe in this viewpoint want to proselytize this viewpoint to others who don’t share it? What possible difference does it make? Why worry what another’s bio-chemical brain reactions are, if they don’t directly affect my own brain’s chemistry? If thought and consciousness are all only illusions, why not just embrace our own inner nihilism, our own illusion of consciousness and be happy with that? I have a possible answer, but I have to bite my tongue. Don’t want to get deleted!
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@Davedol
Please email me, I would like/love to discuss matters further with you. You really have hit the nail on the head.
Don't worry, I won't censor you, you can say what you like to me, even if it does cause offence. I'm a big boy, I can take it. lol
It's a shame you feel that you have to bite your tongue. It seems you can only discuss things to a certain point here on BC. Which is fair enough. It seems some people cannot handle the truth.
I look forward to chatting with you in more detail by email.
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yes i do believe in Him!! -
SplashPlay. An entertaining response. Sometimes it's hard to remember that deeply religious followers (not their leaders) cannot really help their beliefs, and are often most agreeable people when about every-day business. It must drive them crazy to have no means to counter scientific and logical thought on the same terms.
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corfubob: I aim to entertain
You raised an interesting point "that deeply religious followers (not their leaders) cannot really help their beliefs". I completely agree. It is sad that parents brainwash their kids with their belief system, rather than letting them discover the World through their own eyes.
Even more worrying is the education system in America teaching Creationism as opposed to Evolution, so kids are indoctrinated from an early age into a biased belief system, without showing (or even entertaining) the other side of the very same coin.
Again, i really don't understand the need for people to believe in Religion; Why? Does it make people feel better thinking that if they are good they will go to heaven?
I hope this doesn't come across too bad but what if a deeply religious person found out their 2yo kid had terminal cancer; would they still hold their belief knowing that God has decided to take their child from them?
Please take a moment to muse over this page:
www.venganza.org/about/open-letter/ -
@SplashPlay
I totally agree with your viewpoint. Children should be educated on ALL aspects of religion, philosophy, spiritualism, paganism, and secular rituals.
It is then up to the child, when they come of age, to decide for themselves which religion, secular traditions they are most comfortable with.
I feel sorry for children who have no choice, they are conditioned to believe what their parents 'make' them believe from birth.
This is memetic engineering in its purest and most evil form. We, as humans have a duty to try and stop this kind of nefarious activity. Trouble is, it's been going on for a millennia.
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@SolReka
en.wikiversity.org/wiki/Theology_(AV)
In a previous post, God1 is The Universe. We are all part of this
oneness because there is no place else to be. When our bodies
die, our minds become aware of The Universe. If we are still
illogical in our thinking, we return to this physical universe which
is a school to teach us how to reason logically.-
To NuPhilosopher:
"When our bodies die, our minds become aware of The Universe"
I believe this is only happens on a quantum level. Once our body dies, there is a residue of electro-magnetic energy that cannot be housed by the body anymore, so it dissipates back to the ethereal 'quantum foam' that makes up the Multiverse.
So perhaps we give back to the Multiverse, a ghost image of ourselves, kind of like an energy footprint and perhaps you could twist that by saying if God exists, it is this surplus energy that is assessed by God to determine your fate in Heaven or Hell. Without a belief in God, i hope my energy return doesn't create any black holes.
There are many more levels of EM resonance that is the glue that binds all matter/energy together. Cern (Hadron collider) is trying to find the existence of this energetic quantum foam which they term the Higgs-Boson. This is the transmissive force that has a frequency so high, current technology can't measure them and would help to explain that mystical force called Gravity!
Beyond our physical 3-dimensions, there must be other levels of energy that co-exist, namely Membrane theory (www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M-theory).
Humanity currently lives in a dark cave, where each person can shine a candle to see small sections of the wall. It is inevitable that one day, humanity will have the technology to just switch on the lights to see the glory of the cave that has nurtured them in darkness for a millennium
p.s. spinning magnets and high-voltage electricity is the key to unlocking the secrets of the Multiverse !!!
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@SplashPlay
en.wikiversity.org/wiki/Philosophy:Metaphysics_(AV)
Please vist the above wikiversity site.
My reasoning at the above site says our physical universe is a
self contained set of interacting logical ideas. Our minds process
them, and we think they are real.
I just finished Lee Smolin's books, 'The Trouble with Physics' which
was about string theory, and Three Roads to Quantum Gravity.
I think physicists are trying to reach the point upon which I built
my model of our physical universe.
Needless to say, I disagree with your views.-
Oh Really NuPhilosopher ? I think physicists are trying to reach the point upon which I built my model of our physical universe.
Well, there are a few thousand of them with multi-billion$ budgets and sensing equipment. No match for your super-intelligence of course. And I have visited your site Charles.
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I believe in a supreme power referred to and often limited by the human cognizance of 'God.' Something had to start it all, whether for a purpose or not. -
Yes there is a mighty God, and he is and I believe. -
It's interesting to read everyone's philosophical ideas. Whether there is a God or not, each of us makes our own form of spirituality. The Chinese have been doing this type of thing for thousands of years. It is known as The Tao.
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[Whether there is a God or not, each of us makes our own form of spirituality.]
Or in my case, not.
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Sorry Camper. you have to read a little more science. A great deal is known about emotions and feelings, they can be triggered by electrical probes, as well as by chemicals, alcohol for example. They exist firstly because the developed cranial volume of primates allowed the brain to evolve. Secondly the emotions gave primitive man another facet to their existence which became a selection factor. 'Humanity' succeeded, greed and anger failed, It's oversimplified, but the ideas are easily found and explained better than I can do.
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Slashplay?
"I believe this is only happens on a quantum level. Once our body dies, there is a residue of electro-magnetic energy that cannot be housed by the body anymore, so it dissipates back to the ethereal 'quantum foam' that makes up the Multiverse."
Sorry, not at all entertaining. electro-magnetic energy includes 'x'rays, heat, light, radio waves, all the same stuff at different frequencies. It is radiation, that's what it does. It leaves the body, at last, in the form of infra-red ONLY.
If you want to believe in an unknown, invisible life-force or something that dissipates into space, the 'soul' has already been invented, your drivel is much more offensive to intelligence than 'religious' non-sense which actually helps people in extreme circumstances, fear of the unknown, bereavement, etc.-
@corfubob
"Sorry, not at all entertaining"
That's a subjective opinion, i found it entertaining...but i may be biased
"It leaves the body, at last, in the form of infra-red ONLY"
May i kindly ask that you clarify this point please, i'm interested why you feel IR is a common denominator. You mention the EM spectrum but surely you must understand that there are frequencies on that scale we can't measure, purely because it's beyond our current technology.
"your drivel is much more offensive to intelligence than 'religious' non-sense"
Surely debate is full of conjecture and opposed opinion. The one common fact we both share is that we both don't know anything without solid empirical evidence. Using the word 'drivel' i find quite defamatory and offensive, but 'aint too bothered as i respect your opinion.
"'soul' has already been invented"
Exactly; this is why Religion exists to appease those desperate enough to need an answer from an entity other than their own physical form to explain away all the heartache and torment of bereavement et al.
p.s. do you know anything about the Pauli Exclusion principle?
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@corfubob
It does not take super-intelligence to look at the equation for a
conical pendulum and see the cosine becoming greater than one
and know something is wrong. I show where Newton was wrong
about gravity. It is a compressiveforce and not an attractive force.
I show where Michelson and Morley are wrong about space. I show
where Einstein is wrong about gravity bending light and more.
The purpose of our physical universe is to teach us to reason
logically. Yes, there are few thousand of them with multi-billion$ budgets,
but money is not the measure of logical thinking.
Physicists are just as religious about what they believe as those who
believe in God. It is difficult to change one's mind.-
Physicists subject their beliefs to stringent testing in order to refine them, and change them when it becomes EVIDENTLY necessary to do so
Logical thinking is one thing, MEASURING radiation levels, particle behaviour in the accelerators, degree of red-shift in light from distant objects etc. etc. accurately, costs billions. I am interested in knowing about your logical thought, have you produced papers?
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Yes. -
Sure I am believe In God, and I am believe in fate from the God.
why? because the God create everyone in all of world you can see for the Scientists how they tired to make one cell,While the body of us contain millions of cells!
if you see to the movie when make Insect for example how take time to made one by electric and remote control but in act the insect not have that things and it's can fly.
if you see the baby inside womb..it's soooo complex and never can the baby live outside it..!how because the God how's create him.-
Then who created God?
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timethief..
your question is devilish insinuation..don't listening for him and don't think by this way..you can open your mind and think how the sky above without column and you must think by doomsday ,that sky falling down.
Go to pray and feel comfortable.-
There is no insinuation in my question. IMO god is imaginary and so is the devil.
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Believe in God? Yes -
timethief..
thanks for that link and I don't want to read what that proofs.
because I AM BELIEVE IN GOD.
I hope you click here www.allah.org/ -
Which god? -
In a way I have to agree with vmaster: Which one?
Then again, is it possible that all gods are part of a Universal One? -
Reading the “opposite side’s” viewpoint here, it sounds an awful lot like people want proof that there exists more to physical existence then what we can see. You’ll never find this proof. Because to find proof of a spiritual existence, you have to seek it out yourself and not expect it to fall in your lap. The proof is all around us, and easy to find if you look for it. Seek and ye shall find, and that applies to any spiritual tradition. Now, the really interesting question is why A-word types don’t want to “seek”? Why are they afraid of? I suggest A-worders are rebelling against their parent’s beliefs, or some nun wacked their knuckles as a child, or they have some deep seated personal issue that turned them off to spirituality. A-word types have issues. Nobody cares if anyone wants to embrace A-wordism. But the louder the voice someone feels they need to proclaim their belief (or disbelief), the less confidence they have in their convictions.
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[You’ll never find this proof.]
Gee, I wonder why. -
bla bla bla.. answering around in circles and not addressing the issue..
"You’ll never find this proof. Because to find proof of a spiritual existence, you have to seek it out yourself and not expect it to fall in your lap. The proof is all around us, and easy to find if you look for it."
So mighty convenient, eh? Putting it in a spiritual context removes the onus of actually proving anything with logic and empirical evidence.
"But the louder the voice someone feels they need to proclaim their belief (or disbelief), the less confidence they have in their convictions."
It is not the loudness of speech but the logic in it that counts. You are being loud.. but not logical.
"I suggest A-worders are rebelling against their parent’s beliefs, or some nun wacked their knuckles as a child, or they have some deep seated personal issue that turned them off to spirituality."
I suggest you are the one with issues to speak this way. -
davedol:
ABSOLUTELY! God dwells in the hearts of His people, and if you seek Him, you'll find Him. And if you find Him in your heart... in your life... it's the best thing that can ever happen to you. -
Davedol - are you afraid to say 'atheist', if that's what 'a-word means. I realize it must be difficult to understand words like 'proof', and 'evidence' Evidence points the way to a certain belief - it does not prove that the belief is correct. This is true whether it's scientific or religious belief.
Proof, if mathematical, is absolute evidence of a belief (or theorem. If scientific, it will never have been found to be wrong. You can prove that pure water will turn into vapour at 100 degrees C, at a certain atmospheric pressure. There was evidence of the existence of the planet Pluto before it was discovered. Evidence can also exist without anyone knowing what it is of!
Your, and my personal beliefs are neither evidence nor proof of anything at all BUT THEY ARE REAL to us, and only us. Let us each enjoy our personal beliefs. Believers scorn evidence and proof because they are not applicable to to their beliefs.
And yet in their everyday lives even believers respect that evidence and proof are applicable to living and working with other people. They don't believe everything they hear, and they prefer courts of law to seek evidence before passing judgment, do they not?
Personally i believe religious beliefs to be an aberration of the human mind; the mental institutions are full of people who 'believe' strange things. I am a spiritual person - moved to tears by great performances of great music - in awe of some art and some poetry. I do not go around saying my feelings are proof of anything at all. The 'cavetina' movement from Beethoven's string quartet Op. 130 leaves me almost breathless and craving an understanding of how it does this. I don't know, I don't NEED to know, and as sure as hell it won't do anything for you 'davedol'. Unless you tell me otherwise. I don't need a god to see the beauty of nature and man's creations (selected!) I love and am loved, and know myself to be 90% ignorant of nature and truth. This respect for knowledge has kept me happy for 70 years.
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Yes, I do -
Yes - Why? I've been dead. Caveat: not the god of any mainstream religion. God is not knowable or explainable to the human intelligence.
Secondarily, existence exists - the origin of existence itself must be god - the unknowable. -
Proof of God is not something you can just look out your window and say, "Gee, I see God in that grass!." No, God is a matter of faith, and faith is a matter of whom you believe at any one time. The organized Christian concept as "the all-powerful being who runs every aspect of your day-to-day life" is not God as He should be seen. If you look historically, God as the Christians should believe and as almost all the religions try to present him came from the exact same source.
Man has set their rules and made the claim that these rules were given by God. Over the millennia, these rules have morphed and twisted to the point that all we know today are peoples' interpretations of God's word.
So Yes, I believe in God. But do I believe in the same God you do? -
@corfubob
I am interested in knowing about your logical thought, have you
produced papers?
No. I've emailed physicists at several university, and they are not
interested. I've sent articles to magazines, but they want articles
that make money for them. I read articles that talk about multiple
universes, and creating our physical universe out of nothing, and
I want to scream.
I tried to write my articles for wikipedia, but they said no, so I posted
them at my wikiversity site.
en.wikiversity.org/wiki/Philosophy:Metaphysics_(AV) -
I think the question about God is not about religion. It is about spirituality. There is too much baggage with theology. Many have lost belief in a spiritual existence because of theology. But the Spirit...it exists.
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[But the Spirit...it exists.]
How do you know? Do you have evidence?
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Evidence? Personal experience. It means little unless we have personal experience. The cool thing is, if we want to experience this, we can. In my younger days I was something an existentialist. I have great respect for the existentialist philosophy. But I grew into something else. The truth? Heck. It is around the corner.
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Well said!
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what said?
Can you share your personal experience which was evidence that spirit exists.. and also what exactly you mean by this spirit? and how the existence of leads to the conclusion that God exists. Thanks
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Davedol - are you afraid to say 'atheist', if that's what 'a-word means. I realize it must be difficult to understand words like 'proof', and 'evidence' Evidence points the way to a certain belief - it does not prove that the belief is correct. This is true whether it's scientific or religious belief.
Proof, if mathematical, is absolute evidence of a belief (or theorem). If scientific, it will never have been found to be wrong. You can prove that pure water will turn into vapour at 100 degrees C, at a certain atmospheric pressure. There was evidence of the existence of the planet Pluto before it was discovered. Evidence can also exist without anyone knowing what it is of!
Your and my personal beliefs are neither evidence nor proof of anything at all BUT THEY ARE REAL to us, and only us. Let us each enjoy our personal beliefs. Believers scorn evidence and proof because they are not applicable to to their beliefs.
And yet in their everyday lives even believers respect that evidence and proof are applicable to living and working with other people. They don't believe everything they hear, and they prefer courts of law to seek evidence before passing judgment, do they not?
Personally I believe religious beliefs to be an aberration of the human mind; the mental institutions are full of people who 'believe' strange things. I am a spiritual person - moved to tears by great performances of great music - in awe of some art and some poetry. I do not go around saying my feelings are proof of anything at all. The 'cavetina' movement from Beethoven's string quartet Op. 130 leaves me almost breathless and craving an understanding of how it does this. I don't know, I don't NEED to know, and as sure as hell it won't do anything for you 'davedol'. Unless you tell me otherwise. I don't need a god to see the beauty of nature and man's creations (selected!) I love and am loved, and know myself to be 90% ignorant of nature and truth. This respect for knowledge has kept me happy for 70 years.-
[Your and my personal beliefs are neither evidence nor proof of anything at all BUT THEY ARE REAL to us, and only us.]
Quoted for emphasis.
I don't concern myself with spirituality or anything of that nature, because what is most important to me is discovering the truth, not confirming my own biases.
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I wish it was easy to define 'spirituality', but I use it to refer to a type of mental experience that is entirely internal while it can be triggered by something external, like art, music, or sadly by the lies of 'charismatics' The discomfort that exists between believers and non-believers has to do with the enmity between truth and faith, reason and sermon, logic and dogma, I believe.
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Yeah, but I'm aspiritual. (A being the Latin prefix for "not.")
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and the discussion goes on...
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Very interesting and, I think, supports the idea that we actually don't live in a real world, better to say that we live in a model constructed in our heads. In the end, nobody personally can proof that we are not just a computer programs, living in a virtual universe created by some higher being just for fun or study.
Some have God in their model, some don't, some aren't sure. I (personally) prefer to assume that I live in a decent model of a real universe, that the absence of got is the most logical of conclusion that can't be proved with absolute certainty. I am an agnostic of the sort that sees the probability of nonexistence of God as 99.99999....%, which is to say that for all practical purposes I'm an atheist. And I think that I am a "spiritual" person without religion or a need of belief in God. -
Very interesting and, I think, supports the idea that we actually don't live in a real world, better to say that we live in a model constructed in our heads. In the end, nobody personally can proof that we are not just a computer programs, living in a virtual universe created by some higher being just for fun or study.
Some have God in their model, some don't, some aren't sure. I (personally) prefer to assume that I live in a decent model of a real universe, that the absence of God is the most logical of conclusions that can't be proved with absolute certainty. I am an agnostic of the sort that sees the probability of nonexistence of God as 99.99999....%, which is to say that for all practical purposes I'm an atheist. And I think that I am a "spiritual" person without religion or a need of belief in God.
Here is another thing: I respect and would fight for your (or anybody's) right to believe in whatever you wish to believe in (to the extent it doesn't harm anybody). But... it doesn't mean I have to respect the belief itself. In fact I disrespect most blind beliefs. -
Alexeiz, I was so pleased to read your comment on this depressing theme. I can only think that the idea of 'prayer' was invented for small children because parents cannot explain things to them. That adults continue to believe this ridiculous nonsense in the full knowledge of the horrors of this world is, for me, one of the saddest aspects of the human mind.
Centuries ago simple people did not know much beyond their personal experience, but now? I have total contempt for adults now who will lie to their children for lack of the character it takes to explain the difficulties and dangers of modern living. Even 'grace' before a meal used to get to me. "Thank you god for letting OTHER people starve, not us." -
Blind belief is soooo easy.-
No kidding. Blind faith belief systems are the opium of the masses. The truth is that we can all live moral lives without believing in the existence of supernatural beings and ascribing to the dictates of any religious dogma or doctrine. Now try and tell that to the addicts.
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no, because it wouldn't make me a better person -
Spirituality is not some illusion. I feel sorry for people who think the soul is a joke. I had a good friend who had a near death our of body experience...what he experienced was not an illusion, but the real thing. I see no reason for an athesist wanting to promote zero belief, outside of some argument with formal religion. What is the purpose if you are right? If you are right...why deny our illusions, if that makes our life easier? Consider it a mercy kill. Let the herd be happy before the slaugther. We are all cattle. I don't believe that, but if others want to believe that...then be honest about it.
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Every so-called "spiritual" experience probably has a naturalistic explanation to it. I make it my goal to figure out what the naturalistic explanation is so I can try to find a way to use that knowledge to improve everyones' brief lives.
That's miles more important than "feeling spiritual," IMO. -
You don't need a naturalistic explanation in order for feeling spiritual to improve your brief life. But by all means seek it out if you feel you ought to!
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How are you aware of the distinction between what constitutes your soul and what is your brain? If they are separate entities, both in the human body, then it must be possible for everyone to distinguish between them?
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Just to give you a personal example. I studied self-hypnosis, I do meditate and I had "out of body experience", but it doesn't make me believe that my "spirit" or "soul" is something that exists apart from my brain and doesn't make me a believer in God or anything else that rules my life "from above".
God (as a concept) truly exists for those who believe in Him. He doesn't exist for me for a simple reason that I see no need for Him, either in the creation of the universe or human beings or in continued ruling of such.
It may seem contradictory, but I think that prayer could be effective if one asks only for self-improvement. Otherwise I agree with Ambrose Bierce:
"Pray: To ask that the laws of the universe be annulled in behalf of a single petitioner confessedly unworthy".
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I've never gone to church or picked up a bible but I believe in God. I'm very spiritual.
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Spirituality is not about theology. Theology is where a lot of turmoil comes from. Anybody can argue against theology...theology is another word for speculation. The REAL challenge is arguing with spirituality. We all may not know the answer, but I think most of us suspect...there is more to things then we imagine.
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YES i believe in myself ! hahaha !
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Necropost: Do not want.
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no -
I don't believe, the reasons are at least a few. The most vital one results from the fact, that I can't feel that the Supernatural Force called God takes care of this world, our human existence. I feel we are lonely and mortal beings. -
Perhaps there is some value in introducing these discussions to Christian groups and other religious groups at BC. Just in case that is the case here's the main link to all the religious discussion groups www.blogcatalog.com/groups/tag/religion
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“There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio,
Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.”
Shakespeare, Hamlet Act 1, scene 5.
I lay down the gauntlet...and prove we are smarter then Shakespeare! When will science have the answer to everything… the final “Theory of Everything”? So far science has nailed down matter and energy. Physicality. However science is lacking in a few minor trivial details. Like…what is gravity, space and time? What exists at the singularly of a Black Hole? Or easy stuff like dark matter and dark energy, 95% of the universe. What existed before the Big Bang? Where exactly did the laws of nature come from? Is string theory really the answer…or is string theory yesterday’s unproven snake oil?
I want answers damnit! Ten years from now? In my lifetime? A thousand years from now when we have Star Trek technology? Where is the beef. -
I'm agnostic by choice - but I know there is something out there that is much more than what I, a mere human, can conceive.
I believe that there is something out there - but I haven't found it yet.
I would say I'm more spiritual - because I just can't find a church that I haven't found to be hypocritical - and I am so sure that there is something - but no one or no thing has hit that spot for me yet...
No TRUTH has been found for me yet.
But I am thankful - and I do say internal prayers for my gratefulness.
I don't know if that makes any kind of sense - but that's how I feel.
What an interesting topic.
With so many replies. -
Ohhhh, I dunno.... Seems to me like there's a lot of folks using a tremendous amount of time, energy and words to explain-defend their stance about something they supposedly "don't believe in"...
I mean, if ya' don't believe it, then why bother to discuss it? LOL! -
Because EVERYONE likes to tell their side... Their opinion...
Some believe that their own opinion MUST supersede others and therefore is correct - and everyone else is wrong.
When there are those who believe everyone else is wrong - they must spend their time to announce the choices they believe in - in order to negate others.
However, there are quite an honest few that enjoy sharing their own opinions - and enjoy reading others...
Me - I like sharing and seeing what other folks have to say... Not that they will sway me - nor do I expect what I have to say to sway them... But it is interesting to see the depths of belief and conviction in such an interesting topic.-
@ Wagerwitch: Okey dokey, if you say so. Rock on, dudette, et.al!
I'm not one to stand in the way of one's road to enlightenment.
Anywho, I really wasn't looking for an answer to my question.
Probably should've made it clear that my asking was more a
rhetorical question than one I actually needed an answer to.
Well, have fun! Onward, upward, or not, whatever suits your fancy.
C'ya!
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There are some points worth mentioning.
1. Science is a process and is not supposed to come up with the explanation of everything. Quite the opposite - the more we know, the more things we don't know are revealed. This isn't a weakness of science, it is actually its strength.
2. It follows from here that it's natural to feel that there is something "out there" we can't understand and imagine, and there is no reason to call it "supernatural". What is unknown today will be known tomorrow and it doesn't mean that we'll ever know everything. I find real beauty in this thought.
3. There is a big logical and philosophical difference between "believing there is no God" and "not believing there is God". I think the former is irrational, the latter rational.
Quite apart from belief or non-belief in God, there are many semantical and definition disagreements and misunderstanding, like: what is science, what is religion, what is spirituality, etc. In these comments there are a lot of cases when the participants use the same words but the concepts are different.-
[1. Science is a process and is not supposed to come up with the explanation of everything. Quite the opposite - the more we know, the more things we don't know are revealed. This isn't a weakness of science, it is actually its strength.]
Quoted for emphasis.
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@davedol
If you want answers, then instead of throwing down the gauntlet, try
reading my article on metaphysics. It explains Space, Gravity, Time,
Dark Light, Black Holes and more. It also explains why and how many
physicists including Newton and Einstein missed the mark.
en.wikiversity.org/wiki/Philosophy:Metaphysics_(AV)
@wagerwitch
You might want to read my metaphysics article also and continue with
my theology article. I would be glad to read where you think I am
wrong.
en.wikiversity.org/wiki/Theology_(AV)-
Your first link is wrong, please check it.
I'm very interested, mostly because the statement "It explains Space, Gravity, Time,
Dark Light, Black Holes and more. It also explains why and how many
physicists including Newton and Einstein missed the mark." sound very suspicious to me. I've seen similar statements before, never discovered any merit in them.
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nope. -
@alexeiz
Try copy and paste.
I don't know what happen to the http:// at the beginning of these addresses.
en.wikiversity.org/wiki/Philosophy:Metaphysics_(AV)
en.wikiversity.org/wiki/Theology_(AV) -
As a Follower of Christ I most certainly do. The idea of sel-creation is just to silly to buy in to.-
Calling some idea silly isn't the way to argue. You have to point exactly what you find silly. And then we will see, is the idea you are against silly, or your argument against it is silly.
I could as easily say, that idea of God creating Universe is silly - but it actually isn't, it was pretty well working idea for the times and people that didn't know any better.
I would say that I myself am a follower of Christ - or at least of some of his teachings (there are some self-contradictory statements he made that I don't agree with). It doesn't make me believe in God, Son of God, Holy Spirit, immaculate conception and other religious staff that require a complete discard of any reasoning.
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Indeed! He's the author, finisher, creator, the Most High and Holy God! And He knows all about us!
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Thank God I'm an atheist!
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Maybe the reason we believe in what we believe (or not) is because of our childhood. We were all raised in a faith (or not), and as children we blindly accepted it. Until we grew into a mind or our own. Perhaps we rebelled against the faith our parents, or embraced it without question. I know some atheists who rejected spiritually because of the authorian gray-bearded father figure of God forced on them as a child. And I know the other side, people who embraced God in ways that don’t make sense to me.
My opinion won’t win me friends with believers or disbeliveers. But I think we need to respect the beliefs of our parents, but at the same time grow into our own belief system. If we had crappy spiritual guidance as a child, don’t hold it against spirituality in general. At the same time, don't drink the Koolaid either. -
"I would rather live my life as if there is a God and die to find out there isn't, than live my life as if there isn't and die to find out there is. "
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@vlsites:
"...live my life as if there isn't and die to find out there is. "
I think that pretty much sums up the difference between religious people and atheists. Do you think God would punish you if you spent a lifetime not believing to then find yourself at the Pearly gates, thinking 'shit, why didn't i pray just once'. Would you be cast into hell?
Why do you have to live life with any belief for any Deity, can't you just have self belief and live within the moral code of conduct, namely don't kill, don't steal, etc...? -
No. Seems very implausible. There are more reasons to not believe than there are to believe. Read The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins... interesting stuff.
However, just because I don't believe doesn't mean others shouldn't. Religion seems to do a lot of good for a lot of people, so good for them? Of course, that opens up a whole different discussion (can it really be good to be delusional?) -
These "God" discussions are not only revealing but very entertaining. Just the mere lenght and life of this sibject strongly suggests its deep seated in the mind of man. To even consider that you are on a level of intelligence sufficient to "figure out" a supreme Being is laughable. To turn a blind eye to the wonderous design of the complex world you have been givin to enjoy in itself is a sin. The very breath you have been given, with which you argue these points will one day be taken away. And on that day, many of these "opinions" will change very rapidly. A "book" with 2000 proficies, of which 1000 have been fullfilled "exactly" as stated has been givin to you freely. Yet your arrogance still leads you to argue His existance. In His Word it states, "it's a fool who says there is no God"
There is Much evedence to support His position, much also to confirm that Hell is a very real place, One that you wont come back from. Your opinion is welcome, but with a decision such as this I urge you to check your source material very carefully.
There is a God. An awesome KING OF KINGS so powerful that to look upon his face unshielded will kill a mere man. I suggest to you that buried among those "religeons" is the Creator of everything you touch. A true gift that gives reason for everything man experiences, and if your not carefull you will miss the most important gift that life provides. search again those materials you think you know, because many who write here will miss a very awesome experience.-
Exactly!
... and our very own existence is enough proof that there is God for He created us all. If people would only pause for a moment and think and look at the existence of the whole world or the entire universe, it's so hard not to believe that there is God. -
All praise Shiva
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There are 13 Christian groups at BC wherein such topics can be discussed at length.
Here's the link www.blogcatalog.com/groups/tag/Christian
In addition there are 22 religion groups that these discussions can be conducted in as well.
Here's the link www.blogcatalog.com/groups/tag/religion-
I don't think people are listening to you. Which is a shame...
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@ SSnuffy & Visites
Can you please point out the EXACT evidence that God created 'this complex world' and Universe? Are you trying to say that just because we exists, there must be a God? That seems like a lame statement, so would kindly ask for further clarification.
Why is evolution such a difficult concept to grasp, there is NO design just an iteration of existing functionality.
Many centuries ago, young children were trained to become elite archers and so began their education and physical training from an early age. It has been noticed that these kids had more calcification in their clavicle (collar bone) as their bodies had to cope with the huge resistive forces of the bow 'n arrow. (reference: www.nature.com/nature/journal/v377/n6545/abs/377144a0.html).
This is an example of noticeable evolution; ordinarily, evolution isn't noticed at any particular time-frame as it can only be seen by comparing stages over a millennium. The appendix and wisdom teeth are other examples of 'dead' design; an echo of past evolutionary processes.
If there is a God, why does he let kids die of Leukaemia; what have they ever done to warrant an early exit?
If there is a God, who created God? Religion is just nonsense speculation that leads the less inquisitive to a path of blind trust. Free your mind and question your existence and hopefully you will realise that you don't need to pray to an imaginary 'camp-fire' creation called God, but instead will be empowered to understand that creation is an ongoing concern that sorts the wheat from the chaff!-
"For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible." I therefore suggest that you talk to the Holy Spirit in prayer and He will lead you to everything that you need to know about God. Please know that I will keep you in my prayers and may God reveal himself to you and give you the kind of peace and joy that only Him can give.
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@vlsites
"For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible." I therefore suggest that you talk to the Holy Spirit in prayer and He will lead you to everything that you need to know about God.
IMO your response following the quote is utterly asinine. Obviously those who do not believe in a singular god let alone a triune god are going to consult with an imaginary spirit being. Unless you are dull of wit, you know that and so do we. Obviously those who do not believe in supernatural beings can place no value on your promise to dialog with an imaginary being on their behalf. In fact your "I'll pray for you" response does little more than give rise to contempt in those whose intellect you have insulted with your patronizing words.
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No. Many reasons. The religious, human nature. War, hate, all stem from religion.-
Sorry for repeating this quote, just seems very proper here:
With or without it [religion] you would have good people doing good things and evil people doing evil things.
But for good people to do evil things, that takes religion.
– Professor Steven Weinberg, 1999
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Yes, who else could lock us in a box we can't get out of called "Logic."-
What a sick trick, but remember, god loves you.
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There are 13 Christian groups at BC wherein such topics can be discussed at length.
Here's the link www.blogcatalog.com/groups/tag/Christian
In addition there are 22 religion groups that these discussions can be conducted in as well.
Here's the link www.blogcatalog.com/groups/tag/religion-
As Voodoo said somewhere above in the same thread,
"I dont think anyone is listening to you, which is a shame"
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Yes.
I don't believe in the "big guy on a throne" God. However, I do believe there is more than physics to the universe around us. There is a place for beauty, for love, for ethics, and all the other things that cannot be perceived or measured using the scientific method.-
Pantheist?
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Gesundheit.
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There are 13 Christian groups at BC wherein such topics can be discussed at length.
Here's the link www.blogcatalog.com/groups/tag/Christian
In addition there are 22 religion groups that these discussions can be conducted in as well.
Here's the link www.blogcatalog.com/groups/tag/religion -
totally, absolutely, 100 %. Was so strung out on drugs. Nothing worked except God. Do I believe? You bet I do.-
I'm clean and sober for 24 years after driving myself to almost total destruction by booze and drugs.
So, why is it that I got clean without God and you were helped by God? My humble opinion that God that helped you was entirely in your head.
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timethief:
There are many gods but there's only one God, so, not sure about "a singular god let alone a triune god" that you have mentioned, but I, without any trace of doubt, do believe that the all-powerful and all-knowing God (and not god) do exist and is real, and it is in Him that I live, and move and have my being. To say I will pray for you is not meant as an insult, it's just that we have different ways of interpreting things that are related to God. It's a joy for me to pray for people and I do pray for people even those I don't personally know.-
@visites
Rather than announcing your intentions to pray for others, lest you be mistaken for being a self righteous person taking a patronizing tone you could follow these instructions:
"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him" (Matthew 6:5-8). -
timethief:
I'm not saying how or where I pray, I'm merely saying I'd like to pray for others as I like others to pray for me as well. Since when did a person who offers prayers become self-righteous? Praying is a sacrifice, but it's time well spent and all worth it because it's a way to communicate with God and be in His loving presence. There's so much feeling of love in the air and around you when you are praying because God is present.
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and such discussions will be really appreciated over there..
much better than browsing through a 900 replies thread -
Are you doing that thing where you cover your ears, and go "nah nah nah nah nah...I can't here you!" ...as you cut and past that comment?
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Yes, I do. -
If you does not believe in God then I think you are not living thing or not human.
Think about the whole nature the Galaxies etc you will notice that no thing can be made so nicelly without God.
What is the Meaninig of God that can do any thing...
Also the whole nature is made microscoplically and macroscopically and every thing is very accurate no one with out One God can Make it so complete.-
[If you does not believe in God then I think you are not living thing or not human.]
So fetuses are not human. You must be pro-choice.
[Think about the whole nature the Galaxies etc you will notice that no thing can be made so nicelly without God.]
There's no logic leading up to this conclusion! It's only: God exists. The universe is beautiful. Therefore, God exists. That is NOT a valid argument!
[What is the Meaninig of God that can do any thing...
Also the whole nature is made microscoplically and macroscopically and every thing is very accurate no one with out One God can Make it so complete.]
English is clearly not your first language. If it is, you might qualify for worst grammar of the month.
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Yes I believe. I think it is very clearly that the system of universe can't be imagine without a proper mastermind. There is a pretty beautiful balance in universe that is created by our Lord.There is no slightly disturbance among basic components of universe. I think precise observation, deep understanding help us in this regard.
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[I think it is very clearly that the system of universe can't be imagine without a proper mastermind.]
This statement means only that you can't imagine the system of universe without a proper mastermind.
I can and many participants of this discussion can - just means that we have better imagination!
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A hurting person came to me one day in tears, asking , Why would a God who loves us let the little children overseas die of disease and starvation. And I had no answer. In my Prayers that night I asked that question of God. And in a very quiet voice, that Holy Spirit that so many chose to ignore simply said. "what greater love can I show but to bring them home with me"
You and I chose to look at our lifespan as Our lives, Yet Gods word says we are only here for a Short time.
My wife sits in a chair eaten up by cancer, in so much pain it drives me to tears. I'm her protector, yet I can do nothing. My Prayers are that God will allow her to go home and be once again a cwhole person. I become angry at God asking his mercy, but still she suffers. When I ask why He tells me to look at all the people Jenny has influenced. Look at those who are amazed at her faith. And look at all those who would have never taken the time to look into their own salvation if he had taken her sooner.
We live in a fallen world. Things went haywire when Adam n Eve screwed up. God designed a perfect place for us in His Garden, But They were cast out to fend for themselves And Like it or not they are part of your family. Each Genration takes us a bit farther from the laws and morals Laid down by God. Sickness and disease are a part of this fallen world and will continue to increase as scripture states until you see Jesus come, and yes You will see Him, And you will bow your knee to him. At that point all arrogance will cease and He promises there will be no qiestion who He is.
We who know Him urge you to think this through. It will be to late if you hear that Trumpet and See the White horse and He upon it.
We approach you in love, and share with you a much better way, yet you thumb your nose as if this were another game.
IF your going to wave the flag of Evelution be correct and research your findings. if you carry the text far enough you'll find that even those who spewed that garbage resinded their views as death approached.
The Laws of God Govern this world. It matters not that you disagree. they function perfect every time.
Each of you is givin a number of days and a duty to perform here. The why is simply Because He loves you . And He loves you enough to let you go your own way if you so decide. A. L. R.-
Dear God, thank you for making me an atheist and please save me from this preacher!
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I want to keep this discussion on BC going and to become the all time lasting discussion here. When it slows down, I will put my two cents in. What better topic then God to get our debating juices flowing. Yet…I often leave this discussion feeling dirty. Why? Because some people feel the need to make their point by being nasty. The argument we make says more about our self then the point we are trying to make. An ugly voice doesn’t enhance your argument. Thoughtful, reasoned responses are the best way to provoke thought in someone who does not agree with you. Which is the point of this discussion...not to preach to the choir...but PERSUASION. A clever approach would be to persuade the fundamentalist atheist that they should not have certitude in their denial in the mysterious. And try to persuade the fundamentalist religious that blind certitude in dogma might not be exactly right either.
Ok. You all won’t listen. So I offer better advice. The point of these discussions is not a pissing contest. It is to promote our blogs. A thoughtful blog will make people interested in visiting us and seeing what is so delightful behind our remarks. If we are ugly, nasty and personal…who wants to visit your blog? If we show our self as limited creatures that can’t write a convincing argument…. why bother to blog? Bloggers should be the best writers on this planet. I go through many discussions looking for blogs to follow, regardless of viewpoint. The cream rises to the top…the shit falls to the bottom…pardon the profanity.-
@davedol
I want to keep this discussion on BC going and to become the all time lasting discussion here.
Thank you so very much for clarifying your personal agenda. It's so very good to know that you aren't suffering from the delusional belief that the Holy Spirit is compelling you to post here and win some kind of earthly competition.
As a devout Christian you must be mindful that it's the Holy Spirit alone, who convicts men and women of their sins, and that it's He alone who also and commits them to belief. And, in light of that I'm sure you will be able to see that any continued attempt to assume that role and have your own earthly agenda trump His divine work is unseemly in the extreme.
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There are 13 Christian groups at BC wherein such topics can be discussed at length.
Here's the link www.blogcatalog.com/groups/tag/Christian
In addition there are 22 religion groups that these discussions can be conducted in as well.
Here's the link www.blogcatalog.com/groups/tag/religion-
I'd hope to keep this BC discussion open for longer then anybody can imagine. selection. There is merit in open discussion.
But timethief...are you real or a robot? I think BC has a timethief robocop. I hope I am mistaken.
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There are 13 Christian groups at BC wherein such topics can be discussed at length.
Here's the link www.blogcatalog.com/groups/tag/Christian
In addition there are 22 religion groups that these discussions can be conducted in as well.
Here's the link www.blogcatalog.com/groups/tag/religion -
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@VK...who's rules?
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Non sequitur.
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"Non sequitur."
Sue me! -
@voodookobra
She doesn't have a disdain for Christians, only the ignorant ones who don't know when to leave this discussion alone.
Exactly, you understand me very clearly. I have the deepest respect for Christians who are capable of demonstrating on forums in diverse online communities:
Quiet confidence ie. unshakable faith in their faith or belief system and no urgent desire or need to share it.
Discernment ie. knowing when, where and how to share what you believe with others and when, where and how not to.
Restraint ie. the ability to choose not to indulge oneself by entering a room full of strangers and posting topics that are likely to create ill will. -
["only the ignorant ones"
Reported! ]
So, what? You perceive the truth as a personal attack? I never indicated that "ignorant ones" applied to you, so any association between the two stems from your own conscience. -
[Give me a break! My conscience is fine. You have an incredible denial thing going. You bash and spit at Christianity, Christians, and Jesus, and then say it has nothing to do with the individuals who believe in Him.]
Right, because I single out all Christians and don't criticize anyone other than Christians because I hate Christians. Man, you really never have read Kobra's Corner before.
The only people I can't stand are people who make ridiculous claims and use shaky logic to support them.
www.smbc-comics.com/index.php?db=comics&id=1406#comic
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My idea about being nice was (maybe) not a good idea. Who wants nice on this discussion? BORING! Disregard that..GIVE ME THE BACON! SATAN! Is Satan real?! Does everyone who is NOT a Christian go to HELL?! Pitchforks and brimstone! However, my idea of attracting attention to our blogs still remains...ugly is still ugly regardless of our religious belief, or lack of. I am nobody's parent here, and I don't really care. You all want to promote your blog? Yeah? No way! Just read your commentS before you post and think...what would mamma say.
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Yes. Because I want to.-
yea, that seems to be the primary motivation.
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Is Satin real?? , VERY, and yu betcha , are non-Christians goin to hell?? absolutely. Why else would we try and share with you guys n gals??
with all the Stuff n garbage in the world its very exciting to find a truth. if you'll ask most Christians, They had to sift and search through all those "Religions" out there before finding that there really was a God. And even More excited when they found they could actually achieve a personal relationship if they humbled themselves.
And the answers are not made up. the answers to Satin, salvation and a 100 more questions are clearly stated. So dissin us for what God Said is pretty silly. You are who you are , because you chose to be. Own it!! Life is not that long. try as yu might a day lies ahead when it will be time to pay the piper. We will both answer for our decisions.
At some point all this becomes funny.
You thumb your nose at the creator of your life. a God who at his choosing can call your days ended any ole time He chooses. A God who already destroyed the world once because of arrogance and corruption. And Brags of many feats way beyond the mind of mere man.
Out of His Compassion I urge each of you to check your facts. The game you play is serious, and the end, very critical.
A great Forum, thanx for the opportunity to share Al-
And the sad thing is - you aren't joking, SNNUFFY! You really believe it, I really think you have a first hand knowledge of truth.
You say: [At some point all this becomes funny. ] - true, it is, but also very sad.
As I posted before, I respect your right to believe in whatever you want to believe, but I don't have to respect what you believe in or the way you promote your beliefs. And I don't.
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Yes, I believe in God, but I don't believe in religion. I believe the laws that govern religion are man-made and while some may be beneficial, others are not. The relationship a person shares with God is a personal one. I believe everything happens for a reason and there is no such thing as coincidence. No one was put on this earth to suffer so even when bad things happen to good people, there will be a benefit from it. I believe what people refer to as "coincidence" is really God's plan. I believe this because so much "coincidence" has happened in my life, that it's too unusual to be mere chance.
I don't knock anybody's beliefs because nobody's belief is absolute anyway. If you don't believe in God, that's your choice. I do, however, think its wrong to try to force someone to believe what you believe like your belief is written in stone. Christians seem to do the most criticizing in that regard.
At the end of the day you have to believe whatever helps you sleep at night and whatever helps you make it through tough times. If someone criticizes you because of that, then that's on them. No need to get upset.-
But religion means relationship which relates and stems from God. It means having a relationship with God. That's how the word religion was coined.
Yes, I agree, people should have a choice. Even God gave us the free- will to choose our own path but He did not leave us orphaned so that - because He knows our stubborness - He left us with instructions (the Bible) and sent His only begotten son (Jesus) to help us in our journey with the hope of choosing His path. If Christians can be forceful sometimes, perhaps because they learned about Salvation and cares about your own Salvation too.
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All things have a creation and a beginning...absolutely yes!!God created us all.. -
Yes... I do. Cause there's no reason to don't. Those are foolish who don't believe in God. This Universe.. all this creation... they were just there...? Or there might be a super power Who created all these things...? Which explanation is more acceptable...? Judge yourself. -
Yes I believe in God. I find it difficult to explain the origin of the universe without God. I am interested in dialogue between theists and atheists. Too often these kind of discussions become debates that lead to insults from both sides. That is not helpful.
We need more dialogue and less debate. That means more listening and less shouting. For Christians like myself, it means more prayer and less preaching, more trusting the Holy Spirit and less cliche arguments.
Two (of many other) fields of science relevant to this discussion are astronomy and neuroscience. Some very interesting research has recently been published by Andrew Newberg & Mark Robert Waldman and others. In December I read Newberg & Robert's book, Why we believe what we believe (2006). It is subtitled Uncovering our biological need for meaning, spirituality and truth. It makes for some fascinating reading. -
what is god was one of us ???-
That's not impossible because anyone can be god but there will always be just One God in three Divine Persons: Father, Son and the Spirit.
God is anywhere and everywhere. He is omnipotent and omnipresent. He knows what's in our hearts and minds, He knows the number of our hair. God's power and love is beyond words because words are not enought to describe who God really. But God knows His sheep, He knows who are on His side and who are not. There is nothing is this world that God doesn't know of. Good or bad, God allows things to happen and always for a reason.
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yes, I have a very strong reason. Actually our mind are very narrow to understand God. However technology these days developed by us afcourse with our mind although our mind is narrow.
Why? I tell u For example One Child who is studying in 2nd class can't understand 10th Class subject science's topic, if we try to understand him any topic of science of 10th class then in return he will say that u r mad how it is possible, but gradually he will understand when enter in 10th class.
Same in our life. our mind are very narrow to understand GOD. We can't understand only by giving reasons. If we want to know about God then first we should step forward to his path for knowing GOD.-
Great explanation! God must have inspired you with these words. I agree 101%.
A relationship with God doesn't really happen overnight. Sometimes, it does, but usually, it grows as it is nourished. Like myself, I'm still a work in progress because I know God is not finish with me yet. What is important for me is that I continue to grow in my faith.
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ALEXEIZ:: I have great respect for you. If I've givin a false impression , I apolagize. You show great strength in your life and I take nothing away from that. I Share a story of life and the strength that has allowed me to bridge my own struggles. I share also an excitemwnt in finding not only a better way, but a clear explanation to all the "Junk" I've met on this Journey. Why would I not want you to find the same?. As Ive stated before , theres no magic path to find God in all these Religons. Simply bow your head and ask Him to reveal Himself. He would not be much of a God if He couldn't meet you where you are. You need no Church, no fancy Pews,just you and He right where yu stand. But check your additude before you ask. As this is a Holy God. Come to him in an additude of humility as you would the King of kings. If you do this, You have HIS Promise, not mine. That He will come to you, and show you, Great and mighty things. If, by choice. You decide this is above you. You will miss the greatest experience that this life has to offer. With the greatest respect for your views and your comments I urge you to meet with Him. So that you to may know Him as I do. Gods very best Al
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Likewise, I have great respect for you and your right to believe in whatever. I understand that you want to share your "knowledge", you want to bring me salvation and personal link to GOD.
I'm sorry if it offends you, but this is not much different from a junkie and a drug dealer convincing a person who never tried drugs, telling him that he misses a great experience and promising him that all new areas on universe will be open to him.
I don't have all answers, I don't have explanations of a lot of things and I humbly admit the I won't have all the answers and the humanity will never have all answers and explanations either.
On the other hand, it looks that life without explanation of everything seems pretty scary. It looks that this desire to have explanations and anxiety caused by living in an unexplained universe led to invention of gods and then one GOD.
I regularly encounter believers who, like yourself, are trying to "open my eyes" and make me "come to HIM". What happens usually is, that I end up knowing Bible much better than they do, knowing theological works and history of the biblical times better.
I don't see much difference in believing in Jewish God, Allah, Christian God, Scientology, Roman Pantheon of gods, woodoo, pagan outlook, etc. For me all these are attempts to fill the hole in the human spirit that is very uncomfortable without God or equivalent. Unfortunately it's usually filling the round hole with a square plug.
And I love what old atheist Isaak Azimov said - there is no need to be afraid of death and nothing coming after it. I didn' exist for billions of years before my birth and never felt any discomfort about it. -
Excellent points alexeiz.
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How can people believe in a God or any religion for that matter? It's all just made up crap to instil morality on those who need external influence on their everyday lives, i.e. Sheeple!
Can you religious people please explain the following:
1. Immaculate conception - wtf is that about. How can Mary give birth without a seed of sperm?
2. God said "Let their be light". - The sun is older than the Earth, so how can this be?
3. If God created the Universe, do you believe in life outside of Earth? There's an awful lot of planets out there and statistically, there must be alien life; Did God create other lifeforms in His own image?
Please don't answer with simple comments like "God is just great, He does what He knows best". Wishy-washy statements like that just won't cut it i'm afraid. I need hardcore empirical facts please.
Let this debate escalate to defcon2, as i feel there are way too many people who believe in this nonsense called God/Religion.
A final point; i strongly urge you to watch this awesome film called Zeitgeist (video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-594683847743189197). If you can't be bothered, just watch it for 90secs from 11mins 43secs - it's very enlightening (pardon the pun).-
I think "let there be light" was a metaphor for the Big Bang. We can't judge religion based on their most extreme viewpoints out there. The real challenge for people who dismiss religion is to argue against the BEST part of religion, not its worst. Today’s racial justice was part of a religious movement in the 60’ for justice. Today we have Obama as president as a result of that deeply religious impulse. Yeah, religion was also used as an excuse to oppress minorities. If we want to disregard religion, then attack its best, not its worst.
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@daveol
I think "let there be light" was a metaphor for the Big Bang. We can't judge religion based on their most extreme viewpoints out there. The real challenge for people who dismiss religion is to argue against the BEST part of religion, not its worst.
I agree with you. In fact as I have said over and over again I am not in disagreement with any of the teachings attributed to Jesus. -
@SplashPlay
I can't answer all your questions but let me have a shot at your sun / light question, i.e. how could God have created light on the first day and the sun only on the fourth day?
Most scholars agree that Genesis 1 dates from about the 6th century BC, i.e. during or after the Babylonian captivity. It is written for a Hebrew monotheistic faith community who find themselves in a major crisis. Idol worshipping soldiers have raided and burnt Jerusalem where the temple was, the symbol of Jahwe's presence in their midst. They have been forcibly removed and taken to Babylon where they are now a monotheistic island in a sea of people who worship the sun, moon, stars and other objects.
Psalm 137 renders a vivid description of their emotional state at the time. Here are the first 4 verses:
1 By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept
when we remembered Zion.
2 There on the poplars
we hung our harps,
3 for there our captors asked us for songs,
our tormentors demanded songs of joy;
they said, "Sing us one of the songs of Zion!"
4 How can we sing the songs of the LORD
while in a foreign land?
Read the whole Psalm (only 9 verses) here: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=23&chapter=137&version=31&context=cha...
(Bony M made a hit song out of it.)
The Babylonians have their own creation myth, the Enuma Elish which is basically a complicated drama involving different gods fighting & killing each other.
At this point the Hebrews probably have an ancient oral tradition that Jahwe is the only God and that He created the heavens & the earth, which would roughly be the ancient Hebrew equivalent for the universe.
How do they keep their faith in God alive? One of the ways is to commit these oral traditions about Jahwe to writing. Genesis 1:1-2:3 is a beautiful piece of ancient faith literature with a strong poetic flavour.
It is highly structured, unlike Gen 2:4-25 which is written in a more narrative style and uses a different order of events. This is the first clue that it simply doesn't make sense to read Gen 1 as a historical (or scientific) account of creation. It wasn't meant to be that. That would be like reading a piece of political satire as if it were a news report.
The structure of Gen 1 is as follows:
Day 1: Separate light from darkness (Space for heavenly bodies)
Day 2: Separate water above from water below the expanse (Space for fish & birds)
Day 3: Separate water & dry ground (Space for plants, animals & humans)
Day 4: Sun, moon & sky (Agents of light)
Day 5: Fish & birds (Inhabitants of air & sea)
Day 6: Plants, animals, humans (Inhabitants of water & dry ground)
There is an obvious link between Days 1-4, 2-5 and 3-6. See the comments in brackets.
If God creates light 3 days before He creates the sun, moon & stars, what does it tell us about God and the heavenly bodies? The message is simple yet powerful: The sun is not a god. Jahwe alone is God. He is the creator of everything, including the sun, moon and stars. In fact He doesn't even need the sun to make light. He is also the creator of light. The sun, moon & stars are just created objects that are in God's service to give light on the earth and to govern the seasons.
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@ nextchurch
Comment: I am interested in dialogue between theists and
atheists. Too often these kind of discussions become debates that lead to insults from both sides. That is not helpful.
I agree with nextchurch. Let us not start fighting. Perhaps this will help.
Why did God create our physical universe?
Why are you in this physical universe?
My answers are at the following sites.
URL = en.wikiversity.org/wiki/Philosophy:Metaphysics_(AV)
URL = en.wikiversity.org/wiki/Theology_(AV) -
Yes, i do believe there is a God. The God from the Bible. How i know? One look at creation proofs there must be a Creator
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[Davedol] Everything has bad sides and good sides. Your suggestion is like an advise to judge Stalin (whom I lived under) not on the atrocities he committed, but some good things he've done - like making a strong country out of old weak Russia, providing free education and health services, etc.
It doesn't help, he is still a monster, some good things in his legacy don't change anything.
