god or no god

[nice]

Do you believe in god. If not explain and please don't give me that if there is a good why he let's people suffer line.

I personally do and am Christian and believe that if we follow his teachings and try to be good people and repent for bad things than you can have an ok life

[Mirage]

This thread was placed in the wrong section.

TWPR :arrow: ROTW

[Jupiter]

I actually just recently decided i don't particularly believe in a specific god, but I think there's one out there.

[nice]

So you believe you just don't follow a specific religion

[Jupiter]

So you believe you just don't follow a specific religion

i would say i dont really follow one.

[nice]

Ahhh. I have a feeling some one is about to type up a very long reply that I will probably only glance through or maybe read if its not to long

[Gigablue]

I don't. There is no evidence for a god. While it isn't impossible that there is a god, it is incredibly unlikely.

[TheBigUnit]

There's like 10 other religon topics in this thread jeez ppl be more creative

Btw my answer is tht we will never know until we die and that would be a bit late, right?

[nice]

There's like 10 other religon topics in this thread jeez ppl be more creative

Btw my answer is tht we will never know until we die and that would be a bit late, right?

Naww I don't wanna be creative but what about those people who have near death experiences and say they have seen god?

[PerpetualImperfexion]

I believe that there is no way to prove whether there is or isn't a god. I do not really worship a god, but to completely dismiss the existence of such a thing is wrong. If there is a god he is unusually cruel and therefore I would rather not spend an eternity with him and I do not feel that he deserves my time. Most religious books do have some logical thoughts on how to live though. For instance the bible says not to have sex before marriage. I don't know about marriage, but its basically saying that if you are unable to take on the responsibility of a child you shouldn't take the risk. And then some parts of religious books are complete poppy-cock. So there you go :).

[emanual]

godisimaginary.com

[Gigablue]

Naww I don't wanna be creative but what about those people who have near death experiences and say they have seen god?

When people have near death experiences, the brain is usually deprived of oxygen. As a result, it stops functioning normally. This can produce all kinds of hallucinations, such as religious experiences. Also, the types of NDEs experienced are consistent with the cultural and religious values of the person. If there was one god responsible for them, all NDEs would be the same.

[TheBigUnit]

When people have near death experiences, the brain is usually deprived of oxygen. As a result, it stops functioning normally. This can produce all kinds of hallucinations, such as religious experiences. Also, the types of NDEs experienced are consistent with the cultural and religious values of the person. If there was one god responsible for them, all NDEs would be the same.

We usually don't agree but ur right, thts y they say in health class not to huff aerosol cans cuz it deprives O2 from ur brain, same thing here

Ur also rite about NDE,

But there is no definite proof to rule out God, just theories and postulates

[Thepolice5291]

Yes I do, And I LOVE life with him

[nice]

I think some people believe that there is no good because of their life. God had a perfect plan for everyon. But some people stray from the path by sinning a lot or god just throws you a curve ball to see how you will handle it if you will still have faith or just leave him. Have you guys who don't believe in god and ask why he does things ever thought of it like that.

[Sugaree]

I think some people believe that there is no good because of their life. God had a perfect plan for everyon. But some people stray from the path by sinning a lot or god just throws you a curve ball to see how you will handle it if you will still have faith or just leave him. Have you guys who don't believe and ask why he does things ever thought of it like that.

I don't have faith in faith
I don't believe in belief
You can call me faithless
I still cling to hope
And I believe in love
And that's faith enough for me

- Neil Peart

Believe what you want. This thread will be a major shit storm.

[nice]

I don't have faith in faith
I don't believe in belief
You can call me faithless
I still cling to hope
And I believe in love
And that's faith enough for me

- Neil Peart

Believe what you want. This thread will be a major shit storm.

If you mean by shit storm a big argument then it will be what it is and people will express there views

[Dimitri]

If you mean by shit storm a big argument then it will be what it is and people will express there views

I agree but this isn't a place that I will place mine because I do not feel like having a Bible-Stompin', Sin-hating King James version Christian bashing me for my opinions...just because they are not similar to his...seems more like a troll to me.

BTW, I am what you would call a Theoretical Christian...

[Sugaree]

BTW, I am what you would call a Theoretical Christian...

So, like, it works in THEORY, but in practice it doesn't?

[Dimitri]

So, like, it works in THEORY, but in practice it doesn't?

Amen brother...this is where the cliché "I can walk the walk and talk the talk" comes into play...I just chose to prance instead of walk...PRIDE

[nice]

I can't say I'm a good person 24/7 and I know I might not be goin to heaven because I'm not perfect but I have faith that I can do good and god so that's all that matters

[ImCoolBeans]

I do not believe in a God or a "higher being". I do not practice a religion. I never went to church when I was younger; but mostly everybody in my family has faith. The lack of evidence supporting argument that there is a God is too much for me to believe.

[Gigablue]

We usually don't agree but ur right, thts y they say in health class not to huff aerosol cans cuz it deprives O2 from ur brain, same thing here

Ur also rite about NDE,

But there is no definite proof to rule or rule out God, just theories and postulates

I agree that there is no evidence to rule out a god, but since there no evidence for one, and since you can't really prove a negative, the most logical conclusion in my opinion is that there is no god.

[nice]

Do you guys all like to think logically and like just what can be proved no offense but how I've been told I'm closed minded that can also be closed minded too

[FreeFall]

Born and raised Christian, became atheist about 6 or 7 years ago now. I'm fine, loving life, striving, doing well, respecting others with different beliefs and going about my daily life. All that jazz.

[Jess]

Don't believe in a god. Even though I was a "Christian" during the years I went to church, I was not a dedicated one. I had lots of doubts. My family wasn't really one either. We never prayed before dinner. Glad I became an atheist like 6 years ago, because I don't believe there's any evidence for a god. I don't need to look up to a "higher being".

[Sugaree]

Do you guys all like to think logically and like just what can be proved no offense but how I've been told I'm closed minded that can also be closed minded too

We like to be able to touch what is in front of us, not grab at the air and pretend it's there.

[Gigablue]

Do you guys all like to think logically and like just what can be proved no offense but how I've been told I'm closed minded that can also be closed minded too

I think that logic thought is a good thing and will generally lead to the right conclusions, so yes, I do always try to think logically. I don't think it's closed minded though. I will change my beliefs based on the evidence. Closed minded would be having a foregone conclusion and ignoring all evidence.

[Loreley]

I believe in myself. I don't know if there is god, and until someone prove that there is, I am not interested about religion topics.

And if there is god, I think that he doesn't exist with the way which the religions show this fact.

[SmexiLexie510]

I'd like to think that there is someone or something out there that represents the God that people preach about being so good and almighty... but I've been through so much shit that I just think- if there is one, maannn he must hate me! Like, was I some axe wheeling maniac in my last life and this is the revenge, like jeeezz stop being evil man!!

[Syvelocin]

To believe in something for the sake of believing in it, without no evidence, because my mummy said so, is lunacy. I'm sorry. Both sides can be close-minded, sure. But I find atheism to be the by-far better approach (though agnosticism is probably ideal). "I don't know if this fantasy story is real so I'll deny it" versus "I don't know if this fantasy story is real but unicorns are pretty." Why don't you believe in The Invisible Pink Unicorn? He is invisible, but I know he's pink. Why don't you believe in him? Because unicorns don't exist? But he created this world out of the prettiest glitter he shat! Why would you deny him after all he's done for you?

"Because there's no evidence against it" is not a viable reason for believing in it. Until there's a reason to believe it, the notion should be thrown out. I really don't understand. I mean, beyond brainwashing children before they're developed enough to make any logical connections in their head.

I've met one person who I thought had a sad yet almost acceptable reason for believing. She needed hope that life gets better and there was a being like God in existence. And she admitted she wasn't sure, but she couldn't lose that hope. I guess it's easier for us who figured it out at age eight.

[Mob Boss]

To make a long story short, no. No one has 100% proof either way. All I can say is in the natural world there is plenty of evidence that a deity is not required for our world to exist. And religion began in a time of which we had no idea how the world works. So why we insist on following archaic documents and looking to outdated holy texts, beats me. Whatever makes you happy, though, you should do, and others' opinion's shouldn't sway what you believe. So to each his own.

[Human]

Do you believe in god. If not explain and please don't give me that if there is a good why he let's people suffer line.

I personally do and am Christian and believe that if we follow his teachings and try to be good people and repent for bad things than you can have an ok life

Never will, never have.
You don't need to believe in god to be good, I've never killed anyone and in fact most murderers are religious. Saying that you can repent is basically useless, what's the point of sin if you could just go "oh sorry about that god" and you have a clean slate.

[Wayne92]

I'd like to think that there is someone or something out there that represents the God that people preach about being so good and almighty... but I've been through so much shit that I just think- if there is one, maannn he must hate me! Like, was I some axe wheeling maniac in my last life and this is the revenge, like jeeezz stop being evil man!!
I went through the same thing/ thought process, some times I still do. As of recently, a very good friend taught me that hardship isn't God screwing with you but Satan attempting to destroy you by turning you from God. You blame God, Devil wins in a sense. I can go on about what I think it is based on my biblical knowledge but that's completely up to you.
To make a long story short, no. No one has 100% proof either way. All I can say is in the natural world there is plenty of evidence that a deity is not required for our world to exist. And religion began in a time of which we had no idea how the world works. So why we insist on following archaic documents and looking to outdated holy texts, beats me. Whatever makes you happy, though, you should do, and others' opinion's shouldn't sway what you believe. So to each his own.
Depending on which text you speak of(let's use the bible just as an example), what it states is still relevant in a lot of ways. Grant it, its no Researchers journal but it doesn't need to be. It states why things are the way they are but that's all is needed. If it started going into things like molecular structures, physics and advance scientific principals, i bet you there would have been a lot of confused people back then.:D

But to answer the question, I believe there in God but I also believe in good old fashion common sense.:cool:
If anyone wants to know my take on God or anything else for that matter, let me know. It will be a nice friendly conversation, I assure you.;)

[Manjusri]

Naww I don't wanna be creative but what about those people who have near death experiences and say they have seen god?

Do you know what happens when you die? The same thing that happens when you dream.

Doses of dimenthyltriptamine (DMT) are released into your neurosensors, causing hallucinations. So anyone who has had a near death experience that "saw god" in reality just had a dream.

I don't believe in any religion. There is no god.

[Gigablue]

I went through the same thing/ thought process, some times I still do. As of recently, a very good friend taught me that hardship isn't God screwing with you but Satan attempting to destroy you by turning you from God. You blame God, Devil wins in a sense. I can go on about what I think it is based on my biblical knowledge but that's completely up to you.

I never really understood this. If god is all powerful, why would he allow satan to exist and lead people astray? Couldn't he just kill satan or take away all his power, or at least reveal his power to everyone so people would all follow him?

Depending on which text you speak of(let's use the bible just as an example), what it states is still relevant in a lot of ways. Grant it, its no Researchers journal but it doesn't need to be. It states why things are the way they are but that's all is needed. If it started going into things like molecular structures, physics and advance scientific principals, i bet you there would have been a lot of confused people back then.:D

A lot of the bible isn't relevant today, especially the laws of the Old Testament. Some of the main ideas are good, such as treating people with love, but people use it to justify hate.

The bible doesn't really explain why things are the way they are. It asserts that god did everything, but the explanations range from nonexistent to flawed. Some of the stories are simply impossible. I don't think the bible really explains anything.

[Spook]

This is a question I believe pretty much everyone wonders at one point in their life. Nobody will ever know if there is a god or not, but that's the excitement; right? Mystery.
I am an atheist. I don't believe, right now, that there is a higher being.
I in a way consider myself a naturalist- because I can sense the energies in life- plants, animals, earth. It's sort of like a blue electricity. But it is not whatsoever a higher being, it is all around us- with us. Maybe I'm crazy. But it makes me happy.
The earth is it's own- churning and changing and living and dying and everyone gets to see it for a time, but then they have to leave it too to make room for new life.
What I love about this 'religion' I have acquired is that it can't be challenged.
What's a higher force if it can be challenged?
It's just nature, life itself.
I can't stand religions, though. They are polluted with human laws- and everybody still calls them pure.
People worship an idol, just one thing, when really what we should be seeing is all around us.
People ask a higher being for help, while people like me, we help ourselves.
People praise something they've never seen, never met, and don't know; and they call it 'faith.'
I'll never understand it, because there is nothing that holds me, personally, to it.
I am free.

[Vexste]

Gosh darn it. My computer glitched and didn't send the whole spiel I had written. And I have no intention of doing it again. So, long story short... I am a pastors son. I believe in God. If there is a God, then He/She/It is smarter than me. I can't comprehend what God has planned. Not questioning ones religion is bad. I think God used science and evolution as tools to create everything. I do not wish to force my religion upon anyone. God wants spiritual fruits not religious nuts. It's everyone's right to believe whatever they want. Religion doesn't make you a good person, doing the right thing and being kind to people does, regardless of what you or they believe. It doesn't have the same impact as what I HAD wrote but it gets the basic point across. If you wish to discuss it, feel free to add me.

[Jess]

I never really understood this. If god is all powerful, why would he allow satan to exist and lead people astray? Couldn't he just kill satan or take away all his power, or at least reveal his power to everyone so people would all follow him?

I totally agree with this. Seriously, I thought he'd be powerful enough to get rid of Satan. And if he doesn't like the fact that there are people that don't believe in him, why can't he reveal himself? Didn't he reveal himself to people in the Bible? Why not now? I'm trying not to be offensive asking these questions, I just want to know why he can't just show himself to nonbelievers >_>

[Vexste]

Oh. And God shouldn't have to do everything for us. We should think for ourselves. Whether there is proof or not, I believe. And that's why it's called FAITH. Asking why God used to show himself to people but doesn't anymore seems kind of childish. He did it before, why should he keep having to do it? Were the first several times not good enough for you? Never the less I believe he still reveals himself to people today. However, because people are so cynical and narrow-minded now-a-days, it tends to go under the radar, and doesn't have the same effect it used to. Anywho, that's my opinion.

[Gigablue]

Oh. And God shouldn't have to do everything for us. We should think for ourselves. Whether there is proof or not, I believe. And that's why it's called FAITH. Asking why God used to show himself to people but doesn't anymore seems kind of childish. He did it before, why should he keep having to do it? Were the first several times not good enough for you? Never the less I believe he still reveals himself to people today. However, because people are so cynical and narrow-minded now-a-days, it tends to go under the radar, and doesn't have the same effect it used to. Anywho, that's my opinion.

Here is my take on it. If god is all powerful, he could reveal himself to everyone in such a way that everyone would believe in him. Since he wants everyone to believe in him so that they can go to heaven, he would. Otherwise, some people would never believe in him and would end up in hell. The fact that he hasn't revealed himself says that he either doesn't care about us, isn't powerful enough to reveal himself, want some people to go to hell, or doesn't exist. I find the last option to be the most compelling.

[Manjusri]

Here is my take on it. If god is all powerful, he could reveal himself to everyone in such a way that everyone would believe in him. Since he wants everyone to believe in him so that they can go to heaven, he would. Otherwise, some people would never believe in him and would end up in hell. The fact that he hasn't revealed himself says that he either doesn't care about us, isn't powerful enough to reveal himself, want some people to go to hell, or doesn't exist. I find the last option to be the most compelling.

Now i don't believe in god, but i've had to go to my fair share of religious education classes when i was younger. And what you just said isn't true at all.

"God" doesn't want everyone to follow him. The bible states the differences between light and dark, and you cannot have one to completely over come the other. There has to be balance somewhere. God won't just waltz down the street throwing up peace signs to make people believe in him, that's not how it works.

Religion is based off of faith, not facts. You either have faith or you don't. God's role is not to instill that faith in you, that's your job.

[Gaybaby94]

Not only do I not believe in agod, but I know for a fact gods do not exist.

[Manjusri]

Not only do I not believe in agod, but I know for a fact gods do not exist.

Oh yeah? Please link me all of your sources, thanks.

There's no factual evidence as to whether or not he exists, or doesn't. Saying that you know for a fact is just being biased.

[Gigablue]

"God" doesn't want everyone to follow him. The bible states the differences between light and dark, and you cannot have one to completely over come the other. There has to be balance somewhere. God won't just waltz down the street throwing up peace signs to make people believe in him, that's not how it works.

Religion is based off of faith, not facts. You either have faith or you don't. God's role is not to instill that faith in you, that's your job.

Doesn't god love everyone? Shouldn't he want everyone to go to heaven? What kind of a loving god would force people to spend eternity in hell if he could easily prevent it? If he revealed himself to everyone, everyone would believe in him and follow him. Nearly everyone would go to heaven.

Not only do I not believe in agod, but I know for a fact gods do not exist.

I don't believe in a god, but I know you can't prove one doesn't exist. I can say that it's highly unlikely that a god exists and that there is no good evidence for one. You can't really prove that one doesn't exist, though.

If you do have conclusive evidence that disproves a god, I'd like to see it.

[Wayne92]

Gigablue, I would like to start with saying, if you are asking a legitimate question to gain a understanding and knowledge and not being blatantly rude or disrespectful, you will not insult me.
Anyway, God does love everyone and at one point all of mankind would be in union with him but sin separated us from him. God doesn't force us to hell, but who would deny him when the bible states that all who stand before him will fall to their knees and that happened exactly. Faith/trust is the ultimate test of love, it's like someone hiding the fact that they are super rich from people to find out who really loves them instead of just wanting the money. I have to look this up to verify but there is a passage that states that even during the thousand year reign people will still sin and turn from God and that's a period that is suppose to be just short of God reigning on earth for all eternity. It may be in the book of Revelations but I will have to look.

[Vexste]

Doesn't god love everyone? Shouldn't he want everyone to go to heaven? What kind of a loving god would force people to spend eternity in hell if he could easily prevent it? If he revealed himself to everyone, everyone would believe in him and follow him. Nearly everyone would go to heaven.


All I can say to this is, "Clearly you've never been a parent" I'll admit I haven't either but I've had enough conversations with my own to think I have a general understanding of the idea. You want you're children to find their own way in life, and eventually there will come a day when you have to let them make their own decisions and simply hope for the best. I guess you could say that's the thing about faith... it's a two way street.

[Sephtyan]

"Is god willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then his is not omnipotent.
Is he able, but nor willing? Then the is malevolent.
Is he both able and willing? Then Whence cometh evil?
Is he neither able nor willing?
Then why call him God?"
— Epicurus

"Only sheep need a shepherd!"
— Voltaire

"Two hands working can do more than a thousand clasped in prayer."
— Unknown

"History teaches us that no other cause has brought more death than the word of god."
— Giulian Buzila

My last quote in my sig:

[Vexste]

I don't believe in a god, but I know you can't prove one doesn't exist. I can say that it's highly unlikely that a god exists and that there is no good evidence for one. You can't really prove that one doesn't exist, though.

If you do have conclusive evidence that disproves a god, I'd like to see it.

As for this quote, I can tell you're a good person. You have an open mind and aren't afraid of thinking you could possibly be wrong. Not saying you are or aren't but I just think it shows real wisdom. Thanks

"Is god willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then his is not omnipotent.
Is he able, but nor willing? Then the is malevolent.
Is he both able and willing? Then Whence cometh evil?
Is he neither able nor willing?
Then why call him God?"
— Epicurus

"Only sheep need a shepherd!"
— Voltaire

"Two hands working can do more than a thousand clasped in prayer."
— Unknown

"History teaches us that no other cause has brought more death than the word of god."
— Giulian Buzila

My last quote in my sig:
"I contend that we are both atheists, I just believe in one fewer god than you. When you understand why you dismiss all other possible gods, you will understand why I dismiss yours." — Stephen F. Roberts

These are some very nice quotes... but I'd like to hear your opinion. Not those of many dead men. And as for the last quote, that's assuming that I dismiss all other possible Gods. I don't. Actually, I believe all religious people believe in the same God. However some people think he says po-tay-to and others think he says po-tah-to.

Please don't double post. Use the edit button instead. -Gigablue

[that-god-chick]

i am christan and believe that god is real.. but i dont believe that god loves us all like 90% of us yeah sure he loves but i dont see how he could love me... also im torn with the whole thing that if god does love us how could my life be so shit everyone says he has a plain for our life but i dont see it... i believe that his ways are the best ways... i know in being christan i should believe all this and dont get me wrong i use to believe it with all my heart but now i just dont know...

[Gigablue]

Gigablue, I would like to start with saying, if you are asking a legitimate question to gain a understanding and knowledge and not being blatantly rude or disrespectful, you will not insult me.
Anyway, God does love everyone and at one point all of mankind would be in union with him but sin separated us from him. God doesn't force us to hell, but who would deny him when the bible states that all who stand before him will fall to their knees and that happened exactly. Faith/trust is the ultimate test of love, it's like someone hiding the fact that they are super rich from people to find out who really loves them instead of just wanting the money. I have to look this up to verify but there is a passage that states that even during the thousand year reign people will still sin and turn from God and that's a period that is suppose to be just short of God reigning on earth for all eternity. It may be in the book of Revelations but I will have to look.

I never really understood the whole "sin separated us from god". If he created us, couldn't he make us more moral so we wouldn't sin. If he can do anything, he should be able to prevent sin, or at least forgive it.

I don't see why people believe based just on the bible. I have read parts of it, and it is confusing and contradictory. It also just makes statements without providing any evidence. It's not really proof, in my opinion.

I also don't understand why a god would say that we have to believe in him to be saved, but then do nothing to show his existence other than write a confusing book. He's not doing a good job in getting people to believe.

All I can say to this is, "Clearly you've never been a parent" I'll admit I haven't either but I've had enough conversations with my own to think I have a general understanding of the idea. You want you're children to find their own way in life, and eventually there will come a day when you have to let them make their own decisions and simply hope for the best. I guess you could say that's the thing about faith... it's a two way street.

Parents have to guide their children and give them the best chances of success. If there is a god who wants people to be saved, he's not giving people good chances.

As for this quote, I can tell you're a good person. You have an open mind and aren't afraid of thinking you could possibly be wrong. Not saying you are or aren't but I just think it shows real wisdom. Thanks

I want to find the truth. I will consider different possibilities and would change my stance if shown good evidence, but so far no one has shown any.

[Vexste]

I never really understood the whole "sin separated us from god". If he created us, couldn't he make us more moral so we wouldn't sin. If he can do anything, he should be able to prevent sin, or at least forgive it.

I don't see why people believe based just on the bible. I have read parts of it, and it is confusing and contradictory. It also just makes statements without providing any evidence. It's not really proof, in my opinion.

I also don't understand why a god would say that we have to believe in him to be saved, but then do nothing to show his existence other than write a confusing book. He's not doing a good job in getting people to believe.

I agree. You see, my branch of Christianity believes that everyone goes to heaven despite their religion, or what they do in life. That Christ died to save us ALL. I don't understand the ones that say only their religion get's to go to heaven.

i am christan and believe that god is real.. but i dont believe that god loves us all like 90% of us yeah sure he loves but i dont see how he could love me... also im torn with the whole thing that if god does love us how could my life be so shit everyone says he has a plain for our life but i dont see it... i believe that his ways are the best ways... i know in being christan i should believe all this and dont get me wrong i use to believe it with all my heart but now i just dont know...

I personally think it's a good thing you're questioning your religion. All authority should be questioned, otherwise people may come along and do terrible things in the name of said authority. Anywho, I hope that things will get better for you, and you have my prayers.

Please use multi-quote instead of double posting. ~Bath

[Dietchy_Peach]

Religion originated as an explanation for explainable events, such as storms, floods, droughts, etc. most religions centered around a pantheon of gods, with a select few having 1 god. at one point in history religion pretty much dictated everyone's lives. it also crippled scientific research in select fields. from around 300 bce to around 1600 ad no theories/studies whatsoever were made towards the atom/composition of everything around us. instead the church had alchemists to try and turn Lead into gold and what not. instead of looking into the trashy shit in the streets as a potential for plague, they instead thought it was their god exacting wraith on them. I'm not going to bring up the religious wars, because religion or not, people will find a way to start a war. these reasons and various other reasons, are why i choose not to affiliate myself with any religion. this brings me to the difference between religion and spirituality. spirituality is the relationship with that god, while religion is associating yourself with a group that thinks they are better then everyone else. religions debates are next to pointless, because you can't win.

[Gigablue]

Religion originated as an explanation for explainable events, such as storms, floods, droughts, etc. most religions centered around a pantheon of gods, with a select few having 1 god. at one point in history religion pretty much dictated everyone's lives. it also crippled scientific research in select fields. from around 300 bce to around 1600 ad no theories/studies whatsoever were made towards the atom/composition of everything around us. instead the church had alchemists to try and turn Lead into gold and what not. instead of looking into the trashy shit in the streets as a potential for plague, they instead thought it was their god exacting wraith on them. I'm not going to bring up the religious wars, because religion or not, people will find a way to start a war. these reasons and various other reasons, are why i choose not to affiliate myself with any religion. this brings me to the difference between religion and spirituality. spirituality is the relationship with that god, while religion is associating yourself with a group that thinks they are better then everyone else. religions debates are next to pointless, because you can't win.

I agree that religion doesn't bring much good to society, but that isn't why I'm an atheist. I try to find the truth and I think religion makes unsubstantiated claims. I would overlook all the bad things if what they said was true, but so far it doesn't seem to be.

I don't see the point in what you call spirituality. There is still no evidence for a god, and thus no reason to believe in one, whether you are affiliated with a group or not.

[Brice]

I've always believed in God. I was raised a Christian but I started to pay attention very closely to wording in the bible. It says that God is a very jealous god and that he must be worshiped above everything else. Basically that's saying, that he might not be the only god but he's the most powerful and the first one. Which is why I'm a Trinitarian Wiccan. It's basically a mixture of Polytheism (more than 1 god) and Monotheism (only 1 god). What it says is that basically, all gods are different aspects of the same god, which would be God. That is my belief. But then, you can never really be sure. For all we know, there could only be one God and earth is the actual Hell and we are forced to reincarnate through life in on Earth (or in this particular thought, Hell) until we live an acceptable life. No one really knows for sure.

[randomnessqueen]

there actually is some proof for gods existence
you should check out Anselm's ontological argument
its pretty cool actually

[Vexste]

there actually is some proof for gods existence
you should check out Anselm's ontological argument
its pretty cool actually

@[email protected] you're awesome. You've single-handedly benefited this thread the most, with just one post. @[email protected]

[Professional Russian]

there actually is some proof for gods existence
you should check out Anselm's ontological argument
its pretty cool actually

Link Please

[Spook]

http://www.princeton.edu/~grosen/puc/phi203/ontological.html

I found this to be a very good explanation of Anselm's Ontological Argument.
Though there are some very interesting points to ponder over, in logic; there is still no solid edvidence that god exists.
It basically is saying that God exists in our understanding. But, if for some God exists in both understanding and reality, and God is a being from which no higher being can be conceived; then for the people in which God exists in both understanding & reality; the being is greater than that of what exists in the athiest's understanding. From this he concludes that because this is true, God exists in reality.
I don't see how one man's belief being in 2 places, reality and understanding; makes his belief stronger than another man's understanding, without reality.
Think of it this way- Santa Claus exists in a child's understanding & reality, but Santa Claus exists in an adult's understanding; but not reality. So- does this mean that Santa Claus must exist in real life? No.
So how is this man's argument validated at all?