Religion

[kenoloor]

I kind of wish "wicca" was "pagan". It's a more catch-all term (and I believe covers satanists)

Checked other.
I recognize the Gods rights to exists, and to an extent their power in the universe. An extent.
Not fond of the Christian/Jewish/Islamic God. Just. Yeah. There's a lot wrong with how he's handling the world (or not handling it, rather). But I'll acknowledge he exists [-]begrudgingly[/-].

I don't worship them, exactly. Give respect where respect is due, not pray to. Not expect them to do something for me for the hell of it.

I also believe in most mythological creatures. Angels, fairies, elves, dragons, ghosts ect.
No I don't have a logical reason behind this. Since when is faith logical again?

I do not believe Paganism includes Satanism.

The first section explains it, and the rest of the article is interesting. (http://theisticsatanism.com/pagan/Is-Satanism-Pagan.html)

[Magus]

I kind of wish "wicca" was "pagan". It's a more catch-all term (and I believe covers satanists)

Checked other.
I recognize the Gods rights to exists, and to an extent their power in the universe. An extent.
Not fond of the Christian/Jewish/Islamic God. Just. Yeah. There's a lot wrong with how he's handling the world (or not handling it, rather). But I'll acknowledge he exists [-]begrudgingly[/-].

I don't worship them, exactly. Give respect where respect is due, not pray to. Not expect them to do something for me for the hell of it.

I also believe in most mythological creatures. Angels, fairies, elves, dragons, ghosts ect.
No I don't have a logical reason behind this. Since when is faith logical again?

Ha! I am a Naturalists. The complete opposite of what you are.

I don't believe in anything. And don't take 'anything' to its fullest meaning like some guy did one time before.

[Invisible Ninja]

My religion is Chrisrianity, more specifically I go to a Baptist Church.

[Turtle007]

chrisrianity too

[momo....]

Christian=born again....
and christian church is not only for christian everybody is welcome!!
and its fun inside a church singing praising with gospel and rock music ass well so its fun praising God :)

[Magus]

Christian=born again....
and christian church is not only for christian everybody is welcome!!
and its fun inside a church singing praising with gospel and rock music ass well so its fun praising God :)

God is going to send 100 billion people to hell for the simple fact that they did not acknowledge him. So, he is not that praise worthy, you see.

[shatter..]

I hate those who label religions as what they see portrayed in media. That really pi**es me off.

[PerpetualImperfexion]

I personally was raised in a christian household but lost my faith a couple years ago. It started out as "it doesn't make logical sense" then it evolved to "It doesn't make sense, but even if I'm wrong why would I want to spend an eternity with a being that allows such suffering" and now I have no doubts that their is NO god. It has been proven wrong by science on multiple occasions. For instance, according the bible the universe is only 6000 years old. I don't look at earth to prove this wrong, because there's always the argument "Oh, God made it this way." That's possible, but it is not possible for a star that is 15 billion light years away to project it's light on the earth over 6000 years, it would take 15 billion years. Christianity says evolution is wrong. Did you know there's a bug that eats nothing but nylon? Why would God put a bug on the planet 6000 years ago that eats a man made material that has only been around for a relatively small amount of time?

[Recreated]

I am a Christian Baptist

[shatter..]

Well, when I first posted in this thread I had been Wiccan for maybe.. three years. (math in head xP). But just recently I came across Spiritual Satanism. Everything seemed to "click" in place for me and my happiness level has reached its peak. I enjoy life more fully with Satan at my side. :)

[PerpetualImperfexion]

Hmmm my understanding was that satanism wasn't exactly the worship of satan, but was actually the philosophy that you there are no rules, you can do whatever you want, and no one is more important than yourself. Am I wrong? I'm just curious, if you believe in the devil it means you believe in God. So yes, God might be a douche bag because he lets all this happen, but satan is the douche bag who creates all the trouble in the world, at least that's the story in the historical fiction book called the bible.

[Chadrick.rox]

I was raised Baptist but converted to Buddhism. I believe in the mystic law. Sort of like cause and effect. Do good, good happens. Do bad, bad happens. But by saying Nam myoho renege Kyo we can rid ourselves of our bad karma and start anew. And by chanting gongyo and the sutras, through the gonhonzon (our item of devotion) we can attain buddhahood in this lifetime.

[jumpthedog]

Christianity, basically, a relationship with Christ. Following in his steps, trying not to sin and repenting straight to God if you sin (not RIGHT after you sin though) I have been personally cutting down on Lust (porn)

[deadpie]

a relationship with Christ.

DtrE5RBB2gk

Following in his steps, trying not to sin and repenting straight to God if you sin (not RIGHT after you sin though) I have been personally cutting down on Lust (porn)

4VBPM67ddY0


Too lazy to talk, so I'll let the professionals do it for me.

[Syvelocin]

Hmmm my understanding was that satanism wasn't exactly the worship of satan, but was actually the philosophy that you there are no rules, you can do whatever you want, and no one is more important than yourself. Am I wrong? I'm just curious, if you believe in the devil it means you believe in God. So yes, God might be a douche bag because he lets all this happen, but satan is the douche bag who creates all the trouble in the world, at least that's the story in the historical fiction book called the bible.

You've got theistic Satanism, versions of this, and one very common form of atheistic Satanism that was started by Anton LaVey.

It really depends who you ask. I've met Satanists that take The Satanic Bible very, very metaphorically. Which would make your summary pretty accurate. I've met LaVeyan Satanists who take the "scripture" half literally but don't believe in the ritual side, and then I've met Satanists who are full witchcraft-using (if witches don't mind me calling it that) Satanists who follow the Statements, Sins, and Rules of the Earth to a T.

Your summary there, to me, suggests that Satanism is pure philosophy. Which, in it's original form, it generally isn't. It's very close to a philosophy, with the absense of worship, but it isn't pure philosophy, especially because of the magic and rituals talked about in Anton LaVey's books that some Satanists do practice. Which is why I defined a couple types of LaVeyan Satanists I've known. Some take the philosophy and then think, I guess, that the magic was either just part of the scheme to keep away close-minded people or that it's just not literal magic.

Anton LaVey's Satanism is pretty much the opposite of Christianity. The Satanic Bible pretty much shoots down every-single Christian sin and tells why the sins are actually beneficial, or otherwise perfectly fine human nature. Talking about why the "golden" rule actually puts you at other people's mercy because if they don't want to change how they treat you, you are just letting them push you around. It's about celebrating yourself as you are the most important thing to your life and certainly if you don't take care of yourself no one else can possibly be benefited. And about being proactive about changing yourself, your circumstances, gaining things in life and becoming a better person.

It's a great read, but if you're a Christian who is close-minded it'll probably infuriate the fuck out of you as it's pretty much talking about the flaws in Christian beliefs for half the book. He happens to be extremely correct in most of the analysis however.

[Erasmus]

I'm Christian. 'Nuff said.

[DanielD210]

Its Human nature to criticise others. I know what you mean though! However, Christians are supposedly not to criticise but look at others sins as a means of examples of what not to do and try to help that person not do it. With that said though comes people who do that for other people but continue to do it themeselves otherwise known as a hypocrisy! (Im a southern Baptist (Christian) )

[Noirtier]

I'm a Christian--Assembly of God. I believe in God because, frankly, He has gotten me through some hard times in life, He has literally saved my life several times. I look at the world around me and I can't help but be in awe at the detail in creation.

[KewlKat]

Jehovah's Witness.... I highly dout theres more on VT...

[Ravenous1]

I picked other, i believe In "god" just not in the one who represents it. I believe in the do good and good will come, i follow my own path of right and wrong and as my mom said once " i have a heart of gold" so i must be doing well i guess.

[Weber_Swagg]

I feel that no matter which religion you are you should get along. Truthfully I guess I believe in agnosticism because I have no reason to believe in anything else. It might be because my parents don't really talk aboout religion. I'm not going to base my life or time on a religion that some people that I will never see wrote down a long time ago. I don't think people that believe in anything else is dumb or wrong I just don't find any logic in it. I don't feel that atheism is any more probable than any other religion. People are spending all this time and effort when they should be focused on now and there life. I do agree with the pricipals of most religions. I feel there is a higher being but I don't think that people hundreds of years ago had visions about it.

[Sephtyan]

I've seen argument after argument between Creationist and Evolutionist, and have started a few myself. Time and time again, I've seen "You can't prove evolution any more than you can prove God" put as a last resort argument. Personally, I believe that you can easily prove evolution much more fully than you can God. We can almost prove for certain that science, math and pure coincidence are what created humans, the earth, the sun, and the rest of the damn cosmos. The only thing we don't have an answer for is: "What is keeping God from existing?"

Personally, I'm agnostic for that exact reason. It seems to me that there must be SOME reason why so many people believe in God, or a god, at least. I'm not completely shoving the possibility of God's existence off the canvas, I'm just biding my time to paint with that specific colour. If someone comes along saying "I have something I think is valid proof that God exists" then I will listen. I try not to be ignorant to the possibility.

Now, I'm sure some of you who are reading this have seen me elsewhere, completely bashing those who put their faith in religion. The reason I do this is that It doesn't seem to me that they have a good reason for believing in what they do. If someone can give me a good reason why they believe in God, some solid or spiritual form of proof, then mayhap I'll change. In the meantime, I'll leave that shade of paint on the palette.

[EvanescenceFan]

Both God and Jesus exist God just wants u 2 seek him

Isaiah 42:16
16 I will lead the blind by ways they have not known,
along unfamiliar paths I will guide them;
I will turn the darkness into light before them
and make the rough places smooth.
These are the things I will do;
I will not forsake them.

[deadpie]

Both God and Jesus exist God just wants u 2 seek him

Awesome proof and evidence there. I could get the same amount of answers from staring at a pile of wet dirt for ten hours.

[FojeJC]

Awesome proof and evidence there. I could get the same amount of answers from staring at a pile of wet dirt for ten hours.

Hehe
Well I believe in myself instead of some god who probably is an ass for creating us in the first place, oh and the stupid idea of 7-day creation of the universe (seriously wtf)...

[StoppingTime]

Hehe
Well I believe in myself instead of some god who probably is an ass for creating us in the first place, oh and the stupid idea of 7-day creation of the universe (seriously wtf)...

7 days doesn't literally mean 7, 24 hour days.

[Thunduhbuhlt]

7 days doesn't literally mean 7, 24 hour days.
And it is 6 days, resting on the 7th. Just saying.

[FojeJC]

7 days doesn't literally mean 7, 24 hour days.

Yes but doesn't change my idea of god.
I still think that if a god existed, he would be an asshole for creating us, very chaotic imperfect beings.

[LuciferSam]

My belief is cheifly Philosophical Taoism. There is no real God or Creator, but a natural "way" that things follow. There is no predicting this "way", and it does not deliberately act for or against any individuals. We must learn to simply accept that there is a natural flow to things, and said flow must be worked with. Do not add anything to it, do not disrupt it. BTW, this does not simply mean accepting everything for what it is such as injustices and suffering. People who cause suffering are disturbing the flow by interfering unnecessarily with the lives of others, and must be stopped.

In order to get a much better idea of what I am trying to say here, I suggest you look into "The Tao of Pooh". It sounds goofy, but it actually helps alot.

[khila]

other im 1/3 christan 1/3 scientologist 1/3 atheist
this is because i just take the ideas that seem remotly realistic (I.E. i believe aliens brought the first life form to earth (sciencetology) however some strong outwards force must of created the first life no matter why planet its from (christianity) but then evolution took over (athiest))

[HDDH]

I was raised in a muslim family in a largely christian country with (thankfully) secular secondary schools that allowed me to think about and question religion. I'm an atheist and materialist. I don't believe in the soul, I don't believe in any greater power, I don't believe in anything other than what can be proved to me.

I'm of a persuasion where I think that religion does much more harm and has done more harm than good. To me (I know to anyone reading it may be different) it's like having your purpose and your life designated for you. Any God that exists and needs to be worshiped continually seems so egotistical and, when you think of the massive imbalance of suffering, downright morally wrong that it would be better that they didn't exist. In that case i guess I'm an anti-theist.

I'm sorry if I offended you, but to go from "there has to be a beginning to the universe" to "an omnibenevolent, omnipotent, omniscient creator did it" is a step too far. Sometimes, the universe is just "brute fact" and the best and only answer we'll ever get is "I don't know."

Of course these are my opinions and there's no reason you should share them. (Which is another reason I don't like religion, the right religion - which is all of them apparently - always has to be shared by everybody).

Thanks for slugging through that if you did.

[Bougainvillea]

other im 1/3 christan 1/3 scientologist 1/3 atheist
this is because i just take the ideas that seem remotly realistic (I.E. i believe aliens brought the first life form to earth (sciencetology) however some strong outwards force must of created the first life no matter why planet its from (christianity) but then evolution took over (athiest))

Evolution has nothing to do with Atheism. If you're going to post your beliefs, at least have the decency to know what you're talking about.

[Omnipotent_Cow]

I believe in A God, who is kind and looks out for us. Whether or not it is the Biblical God I'm not sure. Keepin' the Faith!

[Weeping_Angel]

I'm an atheist, and when I argue about religion with somebody. I don't try to tell them their thing is wrong and that they should change, because I don't know for sure that there is no god. But if someone brings it up, I will give them my point of view and supporting facts, and then challenge them to do the same.

If someone can give even one reason and one supporting fact about why god exists, that I Can't prove wrong, just shows that I haven't looked into my choices long enough, and that I can't decide for sure if god exists or not. But so far that has never happened.

And one thing that does bother me about a lot of religious people is that they haven't looked into any other religion besides their own. They argue that their god is real, when they don't even know a shit about another religion. I have looked into lots of religions of the world and I can prove everything wrong using logical sense and a mind. And you can't even argue with a stubborn religious person, because you can't argue with a stubborn person period. They won't die other sides of the story, and opt to look at only their point of view when the opposing person might be saying something that just brings their whole arrogant tower crumbling down.

[GoofyGal13]

I respect other people's religions, as long as they don't try to force it on me, or shove it in my face.

(I'm agnostic, by the way)

[therunaway]

Christian but questioning; baptist until i figure out otherwise. (:

[Sudds3]

Catholic....but I like the dabble into the occult!

[Samh]

I cannot understand the religous freedom thing in the catholic faith. Yes, we do not wan. To use birth control, but there are some cases where it is nessisary fore ones health, for example. It is a misnomer to put this name on it.

[Thunderstorm]

People need to move on and realize that if it's not their religion, why is it a big deal? It doesn't effect you directly. I'm Jewish. we believe we are the chosen people and that we will know when our messiah comes. Jesus is not the messiah. Anyone want to argue? Well think... is it worth it? Does it really affect me? Freedom of speech...

[Rayquaza]

Hindu please.

[Bougainvillea]

People need to move on and realize that if it's not their religion, why is it a big deal? It doesn't effect you directly. I'm Jewish. we believe we are the chosen people and that we will know when our messiah comes. Jesus is not the messiah. Anyone want to argue? Well think... is it worth it? Does it really affect me? Freedom of speech...
Well, when those groups vote towards policies that directly affect my lifestyle, then yes, we can debate it. Or even because of most human conflicts, past or present, break down to one simple concept: a difference between religions/religious views/policies/practices.

People die all the time because of religious differences, and they get hurt, right here in this country. So yes, I do think you're wrong, and agree with keeping it open to debate.

[TheGuyNextDoor]

I'm atheist, secularist and I dislike religions as a whole, but unless people try and force it on me I'll leave them be. I basically think religions are mind control (if you do this, you'll go to hell, etc.) and inject their ideas into science to form a kind of pseudoscience (i.e. intelligent design).

[shatter..]

OKay, when I voted on this poll I was Wiccan but now I'm dabbling into Theistic Satanism. But, I am also unsure of my beliefs so I may just let it sit for a while.

[Diverperry]

i"m a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (mormon). If you have any questions, feel free to ask. just don't make any assumptions about my religion

[Neverender]

i"m a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (mormon). If you have any questions, feel free to ask. just don't make any assumptions about my religion

>If you have any questions, feel free to ask
>feel free to ask

I have a question! Why do you believe that Joseph Smith, a known charlatan, "discovered" two Golden Tablets, the 19th Century man then translated them into 16th Century English, and conveniently "lost" them afterwards. Telling that Jesus was from Missouri, and that the Native Americans were the 10 lost tribes of Israel.

WHO COULD BELIEVE SUCH TRIPE?

[cierasuzzanne]

I am Christian and I believe Jesus died on the cross for mine and other believer's sins.

[Neverender]

I am Christian and I believe Jesus died on the cross for mine and other believer's sins.

Well what exactly constitutes a "sin"? The Commandment says "Thou shalt not take the Lord's Name in vain" so is it taking said name in vain when someone shouts "God is Great" while blowing themselves up in a crowded marketplace? Or how about when I say "God Knows" I really mean "Nobody knows". You know, when writing out the ultimate commandments of the Universe it's best to be clear on what you're writing.

[Jupiter]

I'm a christian, but I am very open on my christian beliefs.

[Kingbodz]

Whats Wicca?

[Jupiter]

Whats Wicca?

what's google?

[Neverender]

Whats Wicca?

It's a "Religion" based on casting spells and being one with nature, so on, et cetera. Made by some guy in the 1920s or so.



My actual views on the Pseudo-Religion can be found here (http://damnrants.blogspot.ca/2012/03/fucking-wiccans-other-fringe-groups.html)

[vitorioso]

I am not exactly agnostic but I believe in very much all major monotheistic and polytheistic religions. Not because I always believe their scripture, but because we can't prove their basic philosophy wrong. I don't exactly worship all, but I don't deny them.

[kenoloor]

I am not exactly agnostic but I believe in very much all major monotheistic and polytheistic religions. Not because I always believe their scripture, but because we can't prove their basic philosophy wrong. I don't exactly worship all, but I don't deny them.

Sooooo you don't have an opinion?

[WednesdaytheIII]

I'm a Satanist. And I would just like to say: I do NOT participate in any type of ritual... Or at least not the unnecessary ones :P

[Smeagol]

I am a pagan :3

[blaaaahblah]

Buddhist.

[vitorioso]

Sooooo you don't have an opinion?

I guess, though not really in the category of being agnostic. I value the morals and basic fundamentals which religions are based upon (such as the charity of Catholic Church) but not much more than that. I guess we all see our stance on religion differently, and not exactly in one certain category.


Though if I had to say my religion to a humorous effect I would say Pastafarian :D.

EDIT: TL;DR is that I favour all morally-sound religions but don't believe exactly into their philosophy.

[Neverender]

I guess, though not really in the category of being agnostic. I value the morals and basic fundamentals which religions are based upon (such as the charity of Catholic Church) but not much more than that. I guess we all see our stance on religion differently, and not exactly in one certain category.

Are you telling me that you need religion for your moral support? Do you seriously believe that without religious morals we'd all instantly start raping, looting, robbing, killing, lying, cheating, and theiving in the streets?

You're almost an Athiest, make the jump :3

[OrKing]

I believe in God but honestly can't stand the majority of religion. God is very personal to me, whereas religion tends to try and make it a community thing. I was raised in Catholic schools but wasn't religious at all, didn't even pray until my brother joined the army, got sent off and my other brother got sent to Juvee. I've never felt more helpless and praying kind of gave me a sense of comfort, I've come to realize I look for four things in God.

Comfort
Strength
Forgiveness
Love

I found these by simply putting by hands together and saying "Please God, protect my brothers." as a helpless twelve year old and my love of the personal relationship has grown since. I can honestly say praying relieves me at times when I feel I can't physically help a situation. I sleep better at night if I pray for whatever/whoever's on my mind beforehand.

On the other hand I feel that the fact that 'they' expect you to pour your heart out to some bloke for God's forgiveness is kinda utter bullshit. If I wanted forgiveness I'd pray for it, and if I can forgive myself I'll take it that God can forgive me too.

I'm not sure what faith I fit into, I see most religions as different peoples/cultures ways of connecting to God. Who knows what my specific faith/view is called or even if it has a name. I don't really give a fuck to be honest. To each his own.

[vitorioso]

Are you telling me that you need religion for your moral support? Do you seriously believe that without religious morals we'd all instantly start raping, looting, robbing, killing, lying, cheating, and theiving in the streets?

You're almost an Athiest, make the jump :3

Naw, I still like religion too much to be athiest :D. It is not absolutely neccessary for humankind to survive, but it is a nice addition if used properly and for thosecwho want to believe.

[Dobesta]

I'm a Christian, and I really don't like the whole discrimination between denominations and that.
Someone is a Christian (Christ-follower), if they follow Christ. Simple as that :)

[VeryWell]

I believe in God, and that he sent his only son to earth to die on the cross for our sins.

[RCT109]

I am Catholic and I have no problem with any other denomination.

My view is that we all have the same God but call him a different name
and the bible says "For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Mathew 7:2

[Mad_Dog]

I'm Christian, Methodist.

[Abyssal Echo]

:)

Why do we need churches? why do we need buildings to show our faith? Can't I just be faithfull and done? NO! I have to go to church, loose one hour a week of my life, then confess all the shit I do to someone I don't even know, to take some bread, and wine.. I have tons of it at home!

Idk lol ! why do we need buildings ??? Jesus preached from a boat, a high spot in a field, and pretty much where ever he could. It didn't matter where he was people would gather to listen to him.

I am a non practicing Protestant/Christian

[HackerExecute]

No religion. :thumbsup:

[usernames1]

Hello

[Shark98]

I am an Agnostic now

[Diverperry]

I have a question! Why do you believe that Joseph Smith, a known charlatan, "discovered" two Golden Tablets, the 19th Century man then translated them into 16th Century English, and conveniently "lost" them afterwards. Telling that Jesus was from Missouri, and that the Native Americans were the 10 lost tribes of Israel.

WHO COULD BELIEVE SUCH TRIPE?[/QUOTE]

wow looks like someone got incorrect information off of Google. Better luck trying to understand my religion next time buddy

[Jim Ekon]

I am Christian Orthodox

[Johnny B. Fnord]

No love for us Discordians on that poll of yours?

[Johnny B. Fnord]

I have a question! Why do you believe that Joseph Smith, a known charlatan, "discovered" two Golden Tablets, the 19th Century man then translated them into 16th Century English, and conveniently "lost" them afterwards. Telling that Jesus was from Missouri, and that the Native Americans were the 10 lost tribes of Israel.

WHO COULD BELIEVE SUCH TRIPE?

wow looks like someone got incorrect information off of Google. Better luck trying to understand my religion next time buddy[/QUOTE]

Too bad that's true about Mormonism though. Joseph Smith made it all up and convinced his neighbors to join in on his little "religion". The man he hired to write down what God had spoken to him was told not to look at Smith or he'd die.

[Christheman]

i'm christian but not open about it.

[nzer]

I believe in god but I'm not a member of any set religion, I think they are all wrong (no offence).

To go into deeper detail about my beliefs, I don't believe in hell and I think there is a slim chance of heaven existing. I think god made us not to worship him/her but to live our lives and to be free, therefor also that god doesn't want us to know about him/her, and that's why I believe in reincarnation also.
Sorry if that didn't make sense to you, lol.

[War-Is-Real]

Religion was created to explain the unexplain. Well all of it has been explained, so, in theory, religion should fall.

[War-Is-Real]

i'm christian but not open about it.
Dafuq?
Why would you be closeted at a religion?

[Neverender]

i'm christian but not open about it.

So you're a Pseudo-christian?

[Thiqdare]

I´m christian - Roman Catholic.

[irishguy123]

I too am Christian. Im Roman Catholic

[patrickh]

Yousifism, I made it up with my friend Yousif.
:)

[XxAssasiNxX]

it just sounds made up to me. it sounds like any other religion in the past. like hell and satin. apparently hes the one who does all the bad things. wrong its just a way to.explqin a way how bad things happen. and the story of how he suposebly became sating is so made up. adam and eve anothernstory to explain how we got here. seven days the earth was created. scientificly proven it took around 4 billion years to become the earth we know today. it was writen in a book and abraham "discoverd" god when he dropped a stone statue. wtf?

and the bible says we decended from adam and eve. how come theres scientific evidence of evoulition among the human race. and christianity also says were the only life in the whole entire universe or intellegent life. an ininite distance in the universe and its huge. and your telling me where the only intellegent life? no just no. and earth is the only plannet that can support life like it does. then how come we have found plannets light years away that can 100% support human life?

Maybe one day well meet an alien race like the covenant in halo. but everything will be revealed ince we work out inertelstear travel.

[Twilly F. Sniper]

Atheist.

[Antagonist]

Okay, so I didn't wanna read through all the pages up here, so here goes my little rant on Christianity, and why I chose to be an Eclectic Wiccan.

Christianity is way too confusing for me. I was raised on it for twelve years or so, and I was bisexual the entire time. I wasn't taught that "god hates gays" shit that is being said now. I was taught to be good, really.

When I was around three fourths the way 13, I discovered Wicca. Really, I watched the Scooby Doo movie called "Scooby Doo and the Witches Ghost." Remember Thorn? She was a Wiccan. So I searched it on wikipedia and read about it, and it fit me way more than Christianity ever did. It allows the freedom of sexuality, speech, and everything else, as long as you harm no one.

The fact that I can be in touch with my spiritual side is great, too.

[Brice]

I'm I Trinitarian Wicca because Wicca mixes my personal beliefs with my Christian beliefs. Trinitarian Wicca is basically a Christian Wiccan, for those who are confused by my post.

[LoveMe_HateMe]

Officially I suppose that I am a Christian but I don't believe in all the "God created everything". I'm more of a science girl when it comes to that...

[Stephan]

I don't believe in any religion therefore I am an atheist

[Carlsen]

My morfar he is christian and I am raised in Suomi ev lut. My dad he hate religion.

[LimeJuice]

I'm Christian on my own terms. I don't believe most of the Bible, but I believe in God.
Although I keep it to myself. The trolls can be exhausting.

[Levy]

I'm quite the open minded Agnostic. I don't think it's right to put someone down for what they believe in. If you force your beliefs on me, however, then by all means I will debate until you kill over from my blind-rage and fury.

[Thepolice5291]

Christian, Some people don't support my view thats ok, But If i place a poster dont winge place another next to mine

[Sleepy Raisin]

Uhmm well technically im nondenominational but its closer to christianity.

[Cognizant]

Agnostic Theist.
(I believe in a god, but I believe in the theory of evolution, and that there isn't any evidence of one.)

[The Mockingjay]

I'm agnostic. I see no reason to believe in God, but I can't see anything to disprove His existence, so I'm on the fence. I like to think I can be moral and good without having to fear some deity in the sky.

[Zarakly]

I believe I'm a Christian, but I don't mock or dis other religions. Some of them bring a very good point. Some are just interesting and intrigue me. You see what I believe is a mix of Hinduism and Christianity I guess. Hinduism says that there is a god, Brahman which is the ultimate. He is in everything. That is what I believe about God. I don't believe the reincarnation thing. But I believe that when the Bible says that God created the heavens and the Earth that it means He created Earth and the Milky Way Galaxy. I also sort of believe that there are multiple "Gods" But not God. God is the creator of the Milky way and the milky way only. I believe that there are other beings that created the other galaxies and thats why extraterrestrials are not mentioned in the bible. If you can understand that....

[Magical]

I'm an Agnostic Atheist.

Why isn't that an option?

(I chose atheist, as I assumed that a negative atheist was implied.)

[Gandalf]

I would say I'm an open minded multi faith person. While being agnostic I like some of the teachings from many religions, with Christianity there seems to be a reocurring theme of helping others e.g the good samaritan. And I love christmas.

Yet I also like the principles and morals of Islam which includes specifically giving a certain percentage of spare wealth to charity and the spirtitual discipline.

These are just two examples, otherwise I just follow my moral compass which is basically:
"Don't do anything to hurt others" yet understand my failings and learn from my mistakes.

[Edawg]

Southern Baptist

[Guillermo]

And I love christmas.

Yes, I will not deny that there are many teachings and Christian gatherings that deal with Christmas Day and the birth of Jesus Christ. But the idea of Christmas dates back before Jesus Christ was born. The "Christmas tree" was actually regarded as a worshiped object thus making Pagans the ones who made Christmas first. And you know how when someone stands under mistletoe and they have to kiss? Yup, that's from Pagans also.

The idea of Christmas then got embedded into the Roman empire - which was made up of Christians. They just changed some things that Pagans only believed in and made it more Christian-like. And then that's how it pretty much made it to modern times, as well. Though, all throughout history, several different Christian religions have outlawed Christmas - claiming that it's either of a witchcraft or pagan nature. One example that still remains today are the adherents of the Jehovah's Witness faith.

[Tempoarces]

Hey i'm absolutely fine with religion. MY pet peeve is how people try to make people believe in other things. I mean you see how hard it is to change yourself or your mind, so why would you think its any easier changing others.

Presbyterian.

[Danny_boi 16]

I'm Roman Catholic

[elishakate15]

I am Christian--Baptist

I don't know why people go bashing others because they have a different faith. It's not right. I especially can't stand it when Christians do that. I mean, yeah, I believe in the Bible, that its all true, and I have faith that my relationship with God is the way to heaven and everything. But I'm not gonna go forcing that down everyone's throat. That's not what I've learned a relationship with God to be about. It's about loving others, not judging them.

[West Coast Sheriff]

I'm very catholic. :D

[kyle001]

I believe in god and don't but religion to me is what starts wars.

Most teens today will see a Indian or some other race and not like them just be cuz they are what they are I see it all the time u see white or black whatever paying together but most of the time the Indians or other r left out and in there own group

[Daracon]

Atheist and proud! :)

[Joko]

I am a Christian, a Roman Catholic. I have respect for all faiths though.

[CuriousDestruction]

I am a very proud thief.

I steal aspects of paganism, UUism, judaism, islam, christianity, buddhism, taoism, bahai, wicca, hinduism, a few african tribal religions along with some native american tribal religious beliefs and incorporate them into my own personal; i guess you could call it spirituality?

[Eliza Snark]

I consider myself agnostic. I don't believe in any religions or spiritual/supernatural sort of things. I think most of those things are pretty bunk, but I wouldn't consider myself an atheist. I may be one on purely technical terms, but I feel like atheism as a movement these days has a lot of obnoxious connotations attached to it.

[therunaway]

I'm pretty much agnostic, but don't tell anyone, my family would kill me.

[Castle of Glass]

christian-evangelical lutheran (protestant)

even though i am religious i am not super religious. i believe that there is evolution and stuff like that. but when certain things happen i refer to religion

[Peace God]

my only belief is in my pain ending one day. if atheism is too rational for that, i'll gladly leave it...

[BrainDamage]

I'm a christain, believe in God and Jesus heaven and hell, But I also believe in evolution nd faeries and I don't go to church (the church are a bunch of brainwashing mongrels who say things like: to go against the church is to go against God) apparently I'm not "allowed to be a christian but fuck that shit I can be what I wanna be...!

[Skezra]

Very much Atheist.

[Skyline]

I am an Atheist because I am a person that must see hard evidence that there is a god. Sure you can take the Bible, Torah, or the Quran as an example, but by going by those means I could worship The Hunger Games. Then there's the fact of peoples accounts of Jesus, Moses, Muhammad ect., We look back to them and say they are profits, but in a similar manner when a person reports seeing an alien they become a pariah. In the end, I just see no reason to believe.

[thatguywhosaysEH]

I am agnostic, but leaning towards atheist. I do not see a point in believing in a God and find it hard to believe that there is one. Anything somebody says to try to prove the existence of God can also be used to try to disprove the existence of God. If somebody says, " We cannot just be here, but we must have been created by a higher being," I can easily say back, why can we not just exist, because if there is a God, where did it come from. If this god can just exist, then there is no reason that we cannot just exist

[MrDaniel2K13]

I'm an Atheist, I believe that Science can prove that there is no God

[Professional Russian]

I'm an Atheist, I believe that Science can prove that there is no God

I concur

[Lost in the Echo]

Probably Agnostic, i'd like to think god exists, but i'm not sure.

[Avenida105]

Religion I think it's one of the world's greatest mystery, what I think is that our mind are too underdeveloped to understand religion or to understand science. As humans I picture us and a little kitten trying to look as a old wise tiger.

[Infidelitas]

I don't have a religion per say...

But I like what Buddhism stands for. I am starting to believe in Buddhism more.

[AuthorX303720]

Catholic. I would like to give kudos to who ever has a religon :D

[Majin Vegeta]

I'm atheist but I see nothing violent or evil about judaism or buddhism
my friends are all either atheist or jewish (not on purpose just coincidence)

[Iris]

I'm atheist but I see nothing violent or evil about judaism or buddhism
my friends are all either atheist or jewish (not on purpose just coincidence)

I cannot speak for the Buddhist, but from my experience growing up in an Ultra-Orthodox Jewish home, I can say that you have not see anything violent or evil, but it is very much there.

[Majin Vegeta]

I cannot speak for the Buddhist, but from my experience growing up in an Ultra-Orthodox Jewish home, I can say that you have not see anything violent or evil, but it is very much there.

I know many jews are "secular jews" and I assume that most of my friends were too.

either that or they were just way less invasive. I couldn't tell you anything about jewish religion from being around them except all the bar mitzvahs in 7th and 8th grade

[StoppingTime]

I cannot speak for the Buddhist, but from my experience growing up in an Ultra-Orthodox Jewish home, I can say that you have not see anything violent or evil, but it is very much there.

I'm assuming you're only referring to the Ultra-Orthodox Jews, in which you'd be correct. The other sects of Judaism (for the most part), are less "traditional" and have moved away from those practices.

[Iris]

I know many jews are "secular jews" and I assume that most of my friends were too.

either that or they were just way less invasive. I couldn't tell you anything about jewish religion from being around them except all the bar mitzvahs in 7th and 8th grade

I'm assuming you're only referring to the Ultra-Orthodox Jews, in which you'd be correct. The other sects of Judaism (for the most part), are less "traditional" and have moved away from those practices.

The idea is that these "traditionalist" continue to follow Jewish law and adhere to Jewish values to the letter. It is them that reflect what the religion is about, because they make literally every effort to follow it, and have not changed for hundreds of years. They continue to study every word in every Jewish text, they bend to every law physically possible to carry out what's necessary as prescribed by the Written and Oral Torah of the last few thousand years. The religion of Judaism is most strongly represented in them, their beliefs and their actions, and as those beliefs and actions are violent, hateful, egocentric, and destructive, it speaks volumes about the religion itself.

[Irishperson15]

I am a Catholic, therefore i follow Catholicism, part of Christianity

[Dunce]

I'm surprised there are more Christians on here than atheists.
I'm agnostic. If I was given some sort of proof or if something happened in my life that made me think there's something more then I would be open to it. But for now it's just not something I think about. I think religion is interesting, but I just haven't found a belief of my own because it doesn't really come into my life.

[Jean Poutine]

The idea is that these "traditionalist" continue to follow Jewish law and adhere to Jewish values to the letter. It is them that reflect what the religion is about, because they make literally every effort to follow it, and have not changed for hundreds of years. They continue to study every word in every Jewish text, they bend to every law physically possible to carry out what's necessary as prescribed by the Written and Oral Torah of the last few thousand years. The religion of Judaism is most strongly represented in them, their beliefs and their actions, and as those beliefs and actions are violent, hateful, egocentric, and destructive, it speaks volumes about the religion itself.

And yet people's whole lives are concentrated on finding ways to bend halacha using timers and machines that turn on shit but not really so it stays shabbos-friendly. It seems that being an orthodox Jew is about twisting the rules as much as possible.

Judaism would be so funny if it didn't ruin the lives of so many.

[NudistKid]

i dont really believe in any religion

[xAlfredo]

My parents are Roman Catholics, but my sisters and I are still Christians, because we were never baptized

[Twilly F. Sniper]

I'm an atheist, and I believe a god isn't needed for the multiverse to exist. Just the Big Bang theory, Terraformation, and A LOT of time.

[Jaller]

Don't believe in god however i do believe in heven and hell and that if you do good things good things will happen to you and the same for bad

[isaiah1038]

My support for Atheism:

1. How can you have faith in something you cannot prove, see, hear, smell, touch, or at least smell?
2. If I did believe in a god, I would be a deist(someone who believes in a non-intervening god). What does God do for people in 3rd world countries, who are dying of starvation?
3. Okay, some guy in Africa has NO way of knowing who the hell God is... apparently, he goes to hell. Also, as soon as a child knows right from wrong, they are eligible to go to hell. Obviously, this is wrong in SO MANY ways.
4. There are HUNDREDS of translations of the bible... Which one is the right one? How do you know some delusional guy didn't make all of the bible up?
5. A guy commits NO sin for most of his life, and he tells ONE lie and doesn't repent... He goes to hell. This may be theoretical... BUT IT'S TRUE.

However, I am not going to tell people not to have a religion, because we all need something to believe in (my thing is that rush hour traffic will always screw you over LOL).

[Kriss41]

I am one of Jehovah's Witnesses. I believe in Heaven, Jesus, a God as a creator, a Devil that roams on earth, and that there is no hell. Well, actually, the 'hell' I reffer to is the common grave, where all dead people lay. I don't believe every good person goes to a Heaven, there is no Purgatory. Death is just that- death. No afterlife. No 'soul' that lives on afterwards. No way of being haunted.
People believe that we're fanatics, or that we can't have fun. People believe we only think what our Governing Body, the people that run the making of our literature, make us think. That's not true at all. We all believe our own way.
We're not trying to convert anyone, either. When we're going door-to-door, we're curious on what people believe. We're not saying "You moron, stop going to your Trinitarian churt and come worship the only true God!" (I used Trinitarian because it was the first thing that poped into my head) We're not here to convert you. We're more along the lines of saying "We're interested in what you have to say, and we hope you're interested in what we have to say."
We believe that the Bible was written by men inspired by God, and that God's name is Jehovah, of which means 'causes to be come, whatever He desires shall prove to be' (quote taken from the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures) We're not some form of Judism, or Hinduism, or Christianity. We believe this 'religion' is more of a way of life.
If you have any questions, feel free to let me know. :3

[BrainDamage]

People told me if I believe in Evolution I'm not allowed to be a Christian, well I think that's bull!!!!! So when ever people say that to me I say to them:
Adam and Eve whent out of heaven and got 2 children... Both boys and one killed the other and was banished forever the end... Great thax man you just killed the human race!!!

[Caspar]

When it comes to the Islam world's anger at the Pope's statements, here's what I have to say:

1) The Pope quoted the writing that stated the Islam is violent and evil.
2) The Islam responds how? By violence!



Please elucidate this.

[Jonathan1998]

I'm kinda Christian coz I celebrate Christmas, Easter, Go to St George's Day parades, I'm an Explorer Scout and Young Leader, so I mostly have to, and I believe in God and I have read bits of the Bible but other than that I'm not sure what I am.

[RunnerRunner]

to me religion is crap, i dont beleive in anything, i dont beleive god is real. i beleive after death, it is just the end. But something i always think and question to my self. If a god or a superbeing exist then why didnt he help the Jewish people of the holocaust. And there is alot of hate around this world cause of religion.

[LikeAJay]

I beleive but not the bible nonsence or church. Religion is a waste

[Guillermo]

People told me if I believe in Evolution I'm not allowed to be a Christian, well I think that's bull!!!!!

There are people that identify as Christian but also accept evolution as well - and it's not as uncommon as one would think.

It makes more sense, too, because evolution is a fact - a proven theory - that I don't see how anyone could deny when the evidence is smacking them right in the face.

[BrainDamage]

There are people that identify as Christian but also accept evolution as well - and it's not as uncommon as one would think.

It makes more sense, too, because evolution is a fact - a proven theory - that I don't see how anyone could deny when the evidence is smacking them right in the face.

Finally someone with sense!!!

[leave1999]

God loves us all, and part of that love is allowing us to make our own decisions, if anyone wants to talk to me please, please do

[Celtic.]

My parents are Jehovah witnesses and i absolutely cant stand the religion. I do beleive in a god and that Jesus was not born on December 25th but thats it. Also there are so many restrictions! Masturbation is wrong games like call of duty is wrong porn is wrong DATING BEFORE YOUR READY TO GET MARRIED is wrong FLIRTING is wrong. How is dating before your ready to get married wrong?

[irishguy123]

Deleted!

[Nellerin]

My parents are Jehovah witnesses and i absolutely cant stand the religion. I do beleive in a god and that Jesus was not born on December 25th but thats it. Also there are so many restrictions! Masturbation is wrong games like call of duty is wrong porn is wrong DATING BEFORE YOUR READY TO GET MARRIED is wrong FLIRTING is wrong. How is dating before your ready to get married wrong?

That is the issue with most religions, I don't get why people can follow these things that were created mainly by people hundreds of years after Jesus, therefore various Kings had a large influence on the Bible than any "original Christians" did.

Also, these restrictions are really something to laugh at! The Bible is anti-women, and promotes killing your kids (Christians are pro-life but the Bible is not pro-life at all lol) but yet jacking off is the big issue?

"God teaches the use of a bizarre ritual using cursed “bitter water” to abort a fetus who was conceived through infidelity. "(Numbers 5:11-21)

"The people of Samaria must bear their guilt, because they have rebelled against their God. They will fall by the sword; their little ones will be dashed to the ground, their pregnant women ripped open. "(Hosea 13:16)

Seriously, people that truly believe in the Bible are screwed up.

[Celtic.]

true but that thing with your grandma and gay people that is most likely her. Ive never heard a Jehovah witness say gay people were EVIL.

[Bethany]

I'm an atheist because I just don't believe. I don't have a reason except I don't believe in God like I believe the earth is round and trees exist.

HOWEVER, if I did believe in God, I would be a Muslim.

[Taurus]

There is no proof of a god. If a god was proven to exist, then I would accept that. But since that isn't going to happen, I am content to remain an atheist. Also, religion is responsible for so much death and destruction, that I wouldn't want anything to do with religion even if there was a god.

If I had to choose a religion, I would choose Pastafarianism (the belief in the Flying Spaghetti Monster)

[Jess]

If I had to choose a religion, I would choose Pastafarianism (the belief in the Flying Spaghetti Monster)

I would too :yes:

[IAMWILL]

I think one of the biggest reasons there are a lot of atheists and agnostics (especially among teenagers) is because they do not understand religion and religious teachings/where they originate from. People who say "Christians base everything off the Bible" or "Religious people don't believe in science and hate gays" and such are utterly lost and very ignorant. I used to be atheist, but once I took the time to actually learn about religion and religious teachings, I came to understand it. So many people are quick to dismiss anyone who identifies as religious and hold themselves in a higher view because they believe they have it all figured out. Sadly, its often the exact opposite.

[Vilnius]

I'm not really a religious person. I've been raised a Christian but don't really follow it anymore. There are a lot of things in the bible that I do not agree with. I don't dislike religion, just a lot of things associated with it (i.e. Religious wars, bombing abortion clinics, terrorizing gays, etc.) I think the world would be a much better place if people could be accepting of other beliefs. Now, I'm not saying that all religious people are like that of course.

I don't follow any certain religion, but I often do wonder if there is some kind of powerful force out there. Or what happens after death. Stuff like that.

[roadwarrior]

I am a Christian, I am a Roman Catholic, I'm raised as a Catholic, and I am Catholic forever...

[Taurus]

I think one of the biggest reasons there are a lot of atheists and agnostics (especially among teenagers) is because they do not understand religion and religious teachings/where they originate from. People who say "Christians base everything off the Bible" or "Religious people don't believe in science and hate gays" and such are utterly lost and very ignorant. I used to be atheist, but once I took the time to actually learn about religion and religious teachings, I came to understand it. So many people are quick to dismiss anyone who identifies as religious and hold themselves in a higher view because they believe they have it all figured out. Sadly, its often the exact opposite.
Says the guy who believes in a talking snake.

[IAMWILL]

Says the guy who believes in a talking snake.

So you think I believe in creationism? If that is what you're referencing.

If so, you just proved my point perfectly, so thank you.

[tovaris]

its good that tey critisize ech other its like political opinions you try to get the othe guy to your side

[Bethany]

I think one of the biggest reasons there are a lot of atheists and agnostics (especially among teenagers) is because they do not understand religion and religious teachings/where they originate from. People who say "Christians base everything off the Bible" or "Religious people don't believe in science and hate gays" and such are utterly lost and very ignorant. I used to be atheist, but once I took the time to actually learn about religion and religious teachings, I came to understand it. So many people are quick to dismiss anyone who identifies as religious and hold themselves in a higher view because they believe they have it all figured out. Sadly, its often the exact opposite.

I agree with this to an extent. I feel like there are (especially when speaking of teenagers), two categories of non-religious people: the people who simply don't believe in god/deities and those whose non-religion is primarily motivated by a dislike of a religion (thinking it's close-minded, the people are close-minded, it's old-fashioned,etc). The people who simply don't believe there is a deity (speaking from my individual experience - I'm an atheist who loves researching religion) could learn about religion all day and still not believe it. But those whose nonreligious affiliation is primarily motivated by dislike for a religion may become religious after learning firsthand about the religion.

So, yeah, I agree with this to an extent in the teenage population, because I find that a lot of teenagers are nonreligious because they think of religions as closed-minded or old-fashioned. But if 100% of people read the entirety of the Koran, for example, the population wouldn't be 100% Muslim, because there are also people who simply don't believe in a deity (like me! haha).

[Taurus]

So you think I believe in creationism? If that is what you're referencing.

If so, you just proved my point perfectly, so thank you.

And yet again you assume something. I would have replied with something more, but your sense of smug satisfaction was too sickening.

[IAMWILL]

And yet again you assume something. I would have replied with something more, but your sense of smug satisfaction was too sickening.

Well then, so no further assumptions are made, please answer my question: what are you referencing when you say "talking snake."
And may I note that you made an assumption, an incorrect one at that, in believing I accompanied a "sickening sense of smug satisfaction" with that post.

[Taurus]

Well then, so no further assumptions are made, please answer my question: what are you referencing when you say "talking snake."
And may I note that you made an assumption, an incorrect one at that, in believing I accompanied a "sickening sense of smug satisfaction" with that post.

Whether or not you felt you were smug is irrelevant. Your post carried with it an air of smug superiority.

Let's get back to your original post. You make it seem as though you bask in this overwhelming glow of knowledge because you have "studied" religion. You belittle atheists and claim that atheists "do not understand religion" and therefore are all "utterly lost and very ignorant". I also love how you edited your original post to show yourself in a better light.

[IAMWILL]

Whether or not you felt you were smug is irrelevant. Your post carried with it an air of smug superiority.

Let's get back to your original post. You make it seem as though you bask in this overwhelming glow of knowledge because you have "studied" religion. You belittle atheists and claim that atheists "do not understand religion" and therefore are all "utterly lost and very ignorant". I also love how you edited your original post to show yourself in a better light.

Are you ever going to answer my question? Please stop avoiding it, this is the third time I asked you.

Your view of my post carrying a "smug superiority" is completely subjective, I don't think many people would agree with you that it carries an air to it as you describes. I believe you created that out of your apparent dislike of religion and seemingly myself.

But I'll play along. Firstly, I didnt edit my first post, so I'm not sure what you are looking at. It would say "Last edited by IAMWILL at ...." If I did. Secondly, my post was talking mainly about teenage atheists, not all atheists. Its is a fact that a higher percentage of teenagers consider themselves atheist/agnostic, and I was explaining why I find that to be so. Thirdly, you misinterpreted my post. I said the reason many people are atheist is because they do not understand religion. I did not say that all atheists do not understand religion. Bethany, in her response to my original post, agreed with me, but also made the point that some people completely understand religion and still don't believe in it, which I agree with. I also did not say all atheists are "utterly lost and ignorant." I said people who believe Christians base everything off the Bible and such are utterly lost and ignorant, because for one to hold that belief they would have to reject what the Church itself will tell you, and in doing so are being ignorant. I hold myself in no higher regard than someone who has not studied religion, but I will say that I am better educated in the field. That is a fact.

[Jess]

I think one of the biggest reasons there are a lot of atheists and agnostics (especially among teenagers) is because they do not understand religion and religious teachings/where they originate from. People who say "Christians base everything off the Bible" or "Religious people don't believe in science and hate gays" and such are utterly lost and very ignorant. I used to be atheist, but once I took the time to actually learn about religion and religious teachings, I came to understand it. So many people are quick to dismiss anyone who identifies as religious and hold themselves in a higher view because they believe they have it all figured out. Sadly, its often the exact opposite.

Sorry but I disagree with this. I feel like most atheists are atheists because they do understand religion.

[Hunter_Steel]

Many Atheists attack religious people about their religions. I having suffered some mental, physical and emotional attacks about being Christian by MANY Atheists agree with IAMWILL. They do not understand religion. If they did, they would not attack me. So why do they attack me if they understand me?

Secondly: Talking Snakes, yeah, in god's eyes, anything is possible. The impossible is possible, and with god, there is no such thing as impossible. Just different degrees of possibility.

Also, being closed-minded? It takes an open mind to believe in something that cannot be seen or heard by the average person. Just because I may not like gay people, doesn't make me closed minded. I can be open minded about space travel, and be closed minded that the shark ever existed. Being open minded to one thing, means being closed minded to another. Unless you believe both are possible in which case you can be open minded to ALL.

Atheists think themselves as open minded, but the ones that hate religion, are the ones that are closed minded and ignorant. And they don't base their facts upon real facts, they just base it on feelings. I've seen this myself. Usually fun to see how people react when I tell them I am a reformed christian. Many Atheists have reacted just the same, others thought that if its my decision, then so be it. It doesn't effect them in any way and I respect their decision to be atheist.

I dismiss the big bang, but I don't dismiss the possibility of something similar to it. I dismiss evolution completely as a bunch of crap.

In this world, religious people are having a hard time, the ones that pray to God and Alah completely. But the ones that pray to Budda or to cows are not rediculed. Because they are very peaceful.

The one thing I have noticed that comes from many atheists, teenage and adult is:
Religion controls people and causes war and doesn't cause peace.

On the contrary, Religion doesn't start war, or control people, or causes chaos. Its the people that uses religion to do so. Religion is the most powerful weapon on the planet, but also the most powerful tool for bringing people together and making peace.

That is what I have to say to this.

~Hunter

[naglfari]

If you don't believe in evolution there is something wrong with you.that's just a fact. If your religious views mean you're ignoring reality then you have a real problem

[Taurus]

I dismiss the idea of a god. That which can be inserted without evidence can be dismissed without evidence.

Oh yes, the long war on Christianity. I hope that one day we may live in an America where Christians can worship freely, in broad daylight! Openly wearing symbols of their religion... perhaps around their necks. And maybe - dare I dream it? - there can be an openly Christian president. Or perhaps, 44 of them... consecutively.


-merged double post. -Emerald Dream

[Hunter_Steel]

If you don't believe in evolution there is something wrong with you.that's just a fact. If your religious views mean you're ignoring reality then you have a real problem

I don't believe in evolution. Nothing wrong with me, but to me, the evidence shown is not enough for evolution to take place.

Simple point of view. I have my religion, there's more than enough evidence to support God's existance. Again, its not a closed minded point of view. It takes an open mind to believe in something that cannot be seen or heard, and that to some doesn't have enough evidence to exist. Well, I believe in that being, and I can't see why anyone else should say I am closed minded.

~Hunter

[kenoloor]

I don't believe in evolution. Nothing wrong with me, but to me, the evidence shown is not enough for evolution to take place.

And the evidence for creation is more present than the evidence for evolution? Please do share your evidence for creation. I'm waiting with baited breath.

[Taurus]

I don't believe in evolution. Nothing wrong with me, but to me, the evidence shown is not enough for evolution to take place.

Simple point of view. I have my religion, there's more than enough evidence to support God's existance. Again, its not a closed minded point of view. It takes an open mind to believe in something that cannot be seen or heard, and that to some doesn't have enough evidence to exist. Well, I believe in that being, and I can't see why anyone else should say I am closed minded.

~Hunter

Would you mind presenting your evidence for your god's existence? This means multiple pieces of heavily researched material. The evidence must include, but is not limited to: multiple conformations by scientists in a wide range of fields, physical evidence, documented observations over the course of many years, multiple heavily detailed experiments which have reproducible results, and a list of reputable scientific sources who are highly recognized in their fields of study.

[Hunter_Steel]

Science cannot suggest God's Existance, because Science cannot prove the supernatural or above exist because there is no "hardcore" evidance to support it. SCIENCE CANNOT PROVE EVERYTHING. Faith is all I need to prove his existance. Experiments cannot prove it because why?

God WILL NOT show himself to those that profane him, nor to those that believe he can be shown through science. Find a way to open a gate to heaven through science, or prove the existance of souls in science, and we can talk again. Souls exist, otherwise our bodies would be brain dead. What happens after death? 1 of 3 things. We walk the earth for eternity in ghostly form, or we go to heaven or we go to hell. Simple as that.

Your science, cannot prove the existance of demons, dragons or anything like that. Simply because science requires evidence and experiments to get anything right. Which is very limited. IMO, its retarded how limited science is. And how closed minded it makes people.

My only reply to that is: Faith, overrides Science. And Creation does exist. Look at the oldest parts of the Earth, the Universe, and also Mars and Venus. If you find evidence to support that humans and apes are the same, then your welcome to show it. But I still say, evolution = bunch of crap
big bang = crap

Once your science becomes less limited, it can become viable. But since its so limited and closed minded, I can see why most religious people dismiss many things from Science.

~Hunter

[CharlieHorse]

Science cannot suggest God's Existance, because Science cannot prove the supernatural or above exist because there is no "hardcore" evidance to support it. SCIENCE CANNOT PROVE EVERYTHING. Faith is all I need to prove his existance. Experiments cannot prove it because why?

God WILL NOT show himself to those that profane him, nor to those that believe he can be shown through science. Find a way to open a gate to heaven through science, or prove the existance of souls in science, and we can talk again. Souls exist, otherwise our bodies would be brain dead. What happens after death? 1 of 3 things. We walk the earth for eternity in ghostly form, or we go to heaven or we go to hell. Simple as that.

Your science, cannot prove the existance of demons, dragons or anything like that. Simply because science requires evidence and experiments to get anything right. Which is very limited. IMO, its retarded how limited science is. And how closed minded it makes people.

My only reply to that is: Faith, overrides Science. And Creation does exist. Look at the oldest parts of the Earth, the Universe, and also Mars and Venus. If you find evidence to support that humans and apes are the same, then your welcome to show it. But I still say, evolution = bunch of crap
big bang = crap

Once your science becomes less limited, it can become viable. But since its so limited and closed minded, I can see why most religious people dismiss many things from Science.

~Hunter

I think exactly the opposite of this.

Souls exist because of your faith? How do you know what happens after death? How are you so sure?

It seems to me that faith is the one that causes closed minded thought.

Also, we have found proof for evolution and the big bang.
I don't think you know much about either... :/

[Hunter_Steel]

How exactly, when those with faith believe in the very things that science claims impossible, one says something is impossible and the other is possible, while the other says its possible but that is impossible. The world is full of this, and there will never actually be any agreement or peace between the two.

~Hunter

[CharlieHorse]

How exactly, when those with faith believe in the very things that science claims impossible, one says something is impossible and the other is possible, while the other says its possible but that is impossible. The world is full of this, and there will never actually be any agreement or peace between the two.

~Hunter

It is more complicated that that...

[Taurus]

Science cannot suggest God's Existance, because Science cannot prove the supernatural or above exist because there is no "hardcore" evidance to support it. SCIENCE CANNOT PROVE EVERYTHING. Faith is all I need to prove his existance. Experiments cannot prove it because why?

God WILL NOT show himself to those that profane him, nor to those that believe he can be shown through science. Find a way to open a gate to heaven through science, or prove the existance of souls in science, and we can talk again. Souls exist, otherwise our bodies would be brain dead. What happens after death? 1 of 3 things. We walk the earth for eternity in ghostly form, or we go to heaven or we go to hell. Simple as that.

Your science, cannot prove the existance of demons, dragons or anything like that. Simply because science requires evidence and experiments to get anything right. Which is very limited. IMO, its retarded how limited science is. And how closed minded it makes people.

My only reply to that is: Faith, overrides Science. And Creation does exist. Look at the oldest parts of the Earth, the Universe, and also Mars and Venus. If you find evidence to support that humans and apes are the same, then your welcome to show it. But I still say, evolution = bunch of crap
big bang = crap

Once your science becomes less limited, it can become viable. But since its so limited and closed minded, I can see why most religious people dismiss many things from Science.

~Hunter

By definition, faith is belief without evidence. Science is all about evidence. Religious people are like sheep. Saying that "faith overrides science" is saying "no evidence overrides evidence". Hopefully you can see how ridiculous your statements are. Go read a book.

[naglfari]

I don't believe in evolution. Nothing wrong with me, but to me, the evidence shown is not enough for evolution to take place.

Simple point of view. I have my religion, there's more than enough evidence to support God's existance. Again, its not a closed minded point of view. It takes an open mind to believe in something that cannot be seen or heard, and that to some doesn't have enough evidence to exist. Well, I believe in that being, and I can't see why anyone else should say I am closed minded.

~Hunter

That's like not believing the earth orbits the sun. And there's no evidence of God at all, in fact there's a lot of evidence that suggests the Christian God is justas fake as the Greek gods

[Jess]

My only reply to that is: Faith, overrides Science. And Creation does exist. Look at the oldest parts of the Earth, the Universe, and also Mars and Venus. If you find evidence to support that humans and apes are the same, then your welcome to show it. But I still say, evolution = bunch of crap
big bang = crap

Once your science becomes less limited, it can become viable. But since its so limited and closed minded, I can see why most religious people dismiss many things from Science.

~Hunter

How is evolution a bunch of crap, when we have a lot of evidence for it?

[IAMWILL]

Sorry but I disagree with this. I feel like most atheists are atheists because they do understand religion.

Oh don't be sorry, I wasn't expecting you to agree. But to address your view, consider this: out of the probably 150-200 atheists/agnostics I have met, I can only think of 3 or 4 who had a good understanding of God and religion and yet still retained their views. Now of course, there is a possibility that the low percentage I've observed was due to chance, but it is a very, very small chance. The amount of people who simply do not understand God and think of Him as some guy floating in the sky who crafted all females out of a rib bone and other stuff like that is huge. People think that if you believe in God, you have to believe in creationism and disregard science. They couldn't be more wrong. I'm not saying here that if everyone understood God, a much less amount of people would not be atheist/agnostic, but I am certain that more people would be open minded about it. There is simply a huge amount of people who are completely close minded to God, who never give it a chance, but I believe if they did, it would chance many views.

[Taurus]

Oh don't be sorry, I wasn't expecting you to agree. But to address your view, consider this: out of the probably 150-200 atheists/agnostics I have met, I can only think of 3 or 4 who had a good understanding of God and religion and yet still retained their views. Now of course, there is a possibility that the low percentage I've observed was due to chance, but it is a very, very small chance. The amount of people who simply do not understand God and think of Him as some guy floating in the sky who crafted all females out of a rib bone and other stuff like that is huge. People think that if you believe in God, you have to believe in creationism and disregard science. They couldn't be more wrong. I'm not saying here that if everyone understood God, a much less amount of people would not be atheist/agnostic, but I am certain that more people would be open minded about it. There is simply a huge amount of people who are completely close minded to God, who never give it a chance, but I believe if they did, it would chance many views.

Atheism is in the top 5 demographics in the world. Do you realize how small a percentage you have met?

I personally have a very high understanding of many different theologies, but I still view the Christian god as a soggy, old, sad, childish fart who almost certainly doesn't exist.

[naglfari]

Oh don't be sorry, I wasn't expecting you to agree. But to address your view, consider this: out of the probably 150-200 atheists/agnostics I have met, I can only think of 3 or 4 who had a good understanding of God and religion and yet still retained their views. Now of course, there is a possibility that the low percentage I've observed was due to chance, but it is a very, very small chance. The amount of people who simply do not understand God and think of Him as some guy floating in the sky who crafted all females out of a rib bone and other stuff like that is huge. People think that if you believe in God, you have to believe in creationism and disregard science. They couldn't be more wrong. I'm not saying here that if everyone understood God, a much less amount of people would not be atheist/agnostic, but I am certain that more people would be open minded about it. There is simply a huge amount of people who are completely close minded to God, who never give it a chance, but I believe if they did, it would chance many views.

did you know abraham and moses never existed and jesus's entire story is ripped off from horus.

[Taurus]

did you know abraham and moses never existed and jesus's entire story is ripped off from horus.

And the Persian god Mithras

[IAMWILL]

Atheism is in the top 5 demographics in the world. Do you realize how small a percentage you have met? Source? Of course I understand I have only met a small percentage, but are you familiar with statistical hypothesis testing/confidence intervals? I will do and explain an experiment for you if you'd like. Let me remind you again though that throughout this entire discussion I have been mainly talking about teenagers who consider themselves atheist.

I personally have a very high understanding of many different theologies, but I still view the Christian god as a soggy, old, sad, childish fart who almost certainly doesn't exist.
By that description you don't seem to have a good understanding of God, but at this point you clearly don't want to hear about it anymore.

did you know abraham and moses never existed and jesus's entire story is ripped off from horus.
Even if true, that has zero effect on my religious views. You do not need the Bible to understand God, or to live a completely ethical and moral life - all of that can be done through reason alone. The Bible is mostly a history book, and most of the events that take place in the New Testament have been historically verified as accurate by secular scholars and different sources from the time of Jesus. As for the Old Testament, I really do not pay attention to it.

[Taurus]

Source? Of course I understand I have only met a small percentage, but are you familiar with statistical hypothesis testing/confidence intervals? I will do and explain an experiment for you if you'd like. Let me remind you again though that throughout this entire discussion I have been mainly talking about teenagers who consider themselves atheist.


By that description you don't seem to have a good understanding of God, but at this point you clearly don't want to hear about it anymore.


Even if true, that has zero effect on my religious views. You do not need the Bible to understand God, or to live a completely ethical and moral life - all of that can be done through reason alone. The Bible is mostly a history book, and most of the events that take place in the New Testament have been historically verified as accurate by secular scholars and different sources from the time of Jesus. As for the Old Testament, I really do not pay attention to it.

How do you know? I might be spot on about your god and you could be completely off.

[IAMWILL]

How do you know? I might be spot on about your god and you could be completely off.

I don't, and neither do you. That is the idea behind faith. A teacher of mine a few years ago defined faith as "belief in the yet unseen." God can obviously be never physically proven to exist, as He does not exist in the physical world, or in our understanding of space and time for that matter. Some people argue the existence of God can be proven by logic (ie Thomas Aquina's five proofs for the existence of God) but for every argument like that there is a counter argument. So in this case, I, along with the 80-90% of the worlds population who believe in God or some sort of higher power, simply believe we are right, and no one group will ever be able to prove the other group wrong.

[Taurus]

I don't, and neither do you. That is the idea behind faith. A teacher of mine a few years ago defined faith as "belief in the yet unseen." God can obviously be never physically proven to exist, as He does not exist in the physical world, or in our understanding of space and time for that matter. Some people argue the existence of God can be proven by logic (ie Thomas Aquina's five proofs for the existence of God) but for every argument like that there is a counter argument. So in this case, I, along with the 80-90% of the worlds population who believe in God or some sort of higher power, simply believe we are right, and no one group will ever be able to prove the other group wrong.

Well there you have it. You won't ever be proven right or wrong. That is where faith comes in. However, believing without evidence or proof is just not going to cut it. Skeptics will always want evidence and proof of something in order to believe it to be true/factual. Evidence and proof are two things that theists won't ever be able to provide.

I also think that, please correct me if i misinterpreted, you have basically said (throughout multiple posts) that you have an understanding of the unknown. Stating that you know/understand the unknown is a bit silly.

80-90 percent of the world doesn't believe in the same god or gods.
Another thing to consider is: Out of the thousands of gods created throughout history, why is any one particular god any more legitimate?
It's all about where and how you grew up. If you were born in a Muslim country and raised by Muslims, odds are you wouldn't be Christian, you would be Muslim If you were born and raised in a Hindu family, odds are you wouldn't be Christian, you would be Hindu.

[CharlieHorse]

Well there you have it. You won't ever be proven right or wrong. That is where faith comes in. However, believing without evidence or proof is just not going to cut it. Skeptics will always want evidence and proof of something in order to believe it to be true/factual. Evidence and proof are two things that theists won't ever be able to provide.

I also think that, please correct me if i misinterpreted, you have basically said (throughout multiple posts) that you have an understanding of the unknown. Stating that you know/understand the unknown is a bit silly.

80-90 percent of the world doesn't believe in the same god or gods.
Another thing to consider is: Out of the thousands of gods created throughout history, why is any one particular god any more legitimate?
It's all about where and how you grew up. If you were born in a Muslim country and raised by Muslims, odds are you wouldn't be Christian, you would be Muslim If you were born and raised in a Hindu family, odds are you wouldn't be Christian, you would be Hindu.

What you learn as a child will define your character and beliefs. Because the brain is growing and making tons of connections, ideas and values can be hardwired into their brains when young.
It think teaching religion to kids is not acceptable. It's basically forcing ideas upon them and forcing them to believe in something they might not want to believe in. It's basically brainwashing.
I'm glad that my parents didn't force their beliefs on me as a baby/kid. That would basically be denying my right to free beliefs.
And then the religious kids would have to live in a world where some people hate them because of it. Or live in a place where it's discriminated against.
So many wars and fighting have been brought about by religion, and I want no part of it.

__
I also agree with Taurus.

[IAMWILL]

Well there you have it. You won't ever be proven right or wrong. That is where faith comes in. However, believing without evidence or proof is just not going to cut it. Skeptics will always want evidence and proof of something in order to believe it to be true/factual. Evidence and proof are two things that theists won't ever be able to provide.
Yes, I just said that. No one can prove God exists or that He doesn't exist, neither side has an advantage here.

I also think that, please correct me if i misinterpreted, you have basically said (throughout multiple posts) that you have an understanding of the unknown. Stating that you know/understand the unknown is a bit silly.
"Understand" wasn't the best word to use, "discover" fits the bill better.

80-90 percent of the world doesn't believe in the same god or gods.I didn't bother to do much research, but according to this (http://www.gallup.com/poll/147887/americans-continue-believe-god.aspx) 2011 Gallup poll, 92% of Americans believe in God or some sort of higher power.

Another thing to consider is: Out of the thousands of gods created throughout history, why is any one particular god any more legitimate?
It's all about where and how you grew up. If you were born in a Muslim country and raised by Muslims, odds are you wouldn't be Christian, you would be Muslim If you were born and raised in a Hindu family, odds are you wouldn't be Christian, you would be Hindu.
You bring up a good point here. It is important to recognize that religion didn't create God, God created religion. All legitimate monotheistic churches will say the God they believe in is the same God all other monotheistic churches believe in. Religion is for interpreting what people believe God teaches, not what He is. There are not many polytheistic religions anymore, but generally all of their gods combined represent the exact same God monotheistic religions believe in. Other religions don't exactly believe in a God, but rather some sort of higher power. You don't need to be brought up in a religious family or experience religious teaching in order to discover and believe in God. I sure wasn't, my mom is atheist, and my dad, although Catholic, never had us go to Church or practice any religion at all.

On a side note, I also don't think children should be forced to believe in a certain religion. I think a lot of children, and this is huge among teenagers, become atheist/agnostic because they want to rebel from what they have been told was right for their entire lives. Its better that people are raised sans forced beliefs and allowed to discover their own beliefs, and maybe after that find a belief system that fits them.

[Taurus]

Yes, I just said that. No one can prove God exists or that He doesn't exist, neither side has an advantage here.


"Understand" wasn't the best word to use, "discover" fits the bill better.

I didn't bother to do much research, but according to this (http://www.gallup.com/poll/147887/americans-continue-believe-god.aspx) 2011 Gallup poll, 92% of Americans believe in God or some sort of higher power.


You bring up a good point here. It is important to recognize that religion didn't create God, God created religion. All legitimate monotheistic churches will say the God they believe in is the same God all other monotheistic churches believe in. Religion is for interpreting what people believe God teaches, not what He is. There are not many polytheistic religions anymore, but generally all of their gods combined represent the exact same God monotheistic religions believe in. Other religions don't exactly believe in a God, but rather some sort of higher power. You don't need to be brought up in a religious family or experience religious teaching in order to discover and believe in God. I sure wasn't, my mom is atheist, and my dad, although Catholic, never had us go to Church or practice any religion at all.

On a side note, I also don't think children should be forced to believe in a certain religion. I think a lot of children, and this is huge among teenagers, become atheist/agnostic because they want to rebel from what they have been told was right for their entire lives. Its better that people are raised sans forced beliefs and allowed to discover their own beliefs, and maybe after that find a belief system that fits them.

That poll is not only out of date, but it only polled 0.00027% of the US population.
Humans created religion, not a god.
I'm also pretty certain that the Bhakti god is not representational of your god. The same goes for the other thousands of gods throughout history.
Who are you to say what religions are legitimate or not?
Children and young adults will also be atheists or agnostics because they are critical thinkers and begin to question.
Also, how do you know your god is a "he"?

[IAMWILL]

That poll is not only out of date, but it only polled 0.00027% of the US population.
Humans created religion, not a god.
I'm also pretty certain that the Bhakti god is not representational of your god. The same goes for the other thousands of gods throughout history.
Who are you to say what religions are legitimate or not?
Children and young adults will also be atheists or agnostics because they are critical thinkers and begin to question.
Also, how do you know your god is a "he"?

The poll is 2 years old, that is not out of date. Look at the other info. 92% is the lowest it has even been when they polled people, every other time it has been >94%. The poll satisfies all conditions for a legitimate survey. All participants were randomly chosen, their answers were independent of one another, and the sample size was <10% of the population. If you have taken a course in statistics you will know that the poll completely qualifies to be representative of the US population. Provide an equally legitimate poll that proves this one wrong if you don't believe it.

Technically yes humans created religion, but God inspired it. I should have stated it that way.

You are still trying to portray and comprehend God as a single entity. To do so is impossible. God is love. That is one of the shortest ways I could put it to ya. I will give you a better answer later, if you would like, I'm short on time for now.

I consider any religion that subscribes to beliefs that are objectively evil as illegitimate. There is subjective truth and objective truth. Just because a person or group of people believe something is right, does not make it right. For example, slavery, although subjectively correct in the eyes of many during its time, is objective wrong. Just as murder, the killing of an innocent human being, is objectively wrong. Clearly I am not some authority on religions, but be reminded that everything I am posting is my opinion, not necessarily fact.

I never stated they wouldn't become atheists/agnostics. I have no problem with atheists, as long as they have truly given God a chance. I hope you are not suggesting that all people who are critical thinkers and ask questions about their beliefs will become atheist/agnostic.

Referring to God as "He" is practice in formal writing, whether you belief in Him or not.

[Taurus]

The poll is 2 years old, that is not out of date. Look at the other info. 92% is the lowest it has even been when they polled people, every other time it has been >94%. The poll satisfies all conditions for a legitimate survey. All participants were randomly chosen, their answers were independent of one another, and the sample size was <10% of the population. If you have taken a course in statistics you will know that the poll completely qualifies to be representative of the US population. Provide an equally legitimate poll that proves this one wrong if you don't believe it.

Technically yes humans created religion, but God inspired it. I should have stated it that way.

You are still trying to portray and comprehend God as a single entity. To do so is impossible. God is love. That is one of the shortest ways I could put it to ya. I will give you a better answer later, if you would like, I'm short on time for now.

I consider any religion that subscribes to beliefs that are objectively evil as illegitimate. There is subjective truth and objective truth. Just because a person or group of people believe something is right, does not make it right. For example, slavery, although subjectively correct in the eyes of many during its time, is objective wrong. Just as murder, the killing of an innocent human being, is objectively wrong. Clearly I am not some authority on religions, but be reminded that everything I am posting is my opinion, not necessarily fact.

I never stated they wouldn't become atheists/agnostics. I have no problem with atheists, as long as they have truly given God a chance. I hope you are not suggesting that all people who are critical thinkers and ask questions about their beliefs will become atheist/agnostic.

Referring to God as "He" is practice in formal writing, whether you belief in Him or not.

This is a debate thread. Bring facts.
You basically called out Christianity as being evil and illegitimate.
0.00027% is less than 10%. It's not even half a percent.
Would you please explain how you view what your god is?
Your god is not equivalent to love. If your god was love, there wouldn't be a so-called "hell". There wouldn't be all the pain and suffering that there is in the world. Your god would have the power to stop all the pain, but your god chooses not to. Your god is practically malevolent.
Why don't you refer to your god with a gender neutral or non-binary pronoun?

[LikeAJay]

Im athiest and proud. I cant change it tough

[Hunter_Steel]

Correction, God created religion by creating humans. And by telling humans he was our creator, thus created religion. WE IN NO WAY IN HEAVEN OR HELL CREATED RELIGION.

That is a proven fact throughout all religions. Atheists hate on us because we are religious and sometimes unfriend us if we won't accept a point of view that means we'd have to drop our religion to accept that. What made it so wrong to have a religion? I am sure that the past 10,000 years of religion and misgivings of people that manipulated it to control others can be forgotten?

~Hunter

[IAMWILL]

This is a debate thread. Bring facts.
You basically called out Christianity as being evil and illegitimate.
0.00027% is less than 10%. It's not even half a percent.
Would you please explain how you view what your god is?
Your god is not equivalent to love. If your god was love, there wouldn't be a so-called "hell". There wouldn't be all the pain and suffering that there is in the world. Your god would have the power to stop all the pain, but your god chooses not to. Your god is practically malevolent.
Why don't you refer to your god with a gender neutral or non-binary pronoun?

I've been bringing facts the entire time, you haven't. You simply are ignoring all the facts I am showing and saying they aren't true. You also need to go study up on your statistics, the poll I presented is completely legitimate.

You clearly didn't interpret my post correctly, I did not call out Christianity as being evil and legitimate at all.

I view God as love. I see God in people and in the beauty of nature. It simply not something I can explain in one sentence.

You're wrong. God doesn't do evil, he only allows it to happen. That is the concept of free will. Again, you are trying to envision God as a big guy in the sky who personally causes disasters or famine. God doesn't control the weather or natural phenomena, or what a country's leader decides to do.

Because I follow formal writing techniques. Bring that question up with the people that formate MLA, not me.

Also, here is the Catholic Church's official view on most non-Christian religions:
http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_decl_19651028_nostra-aetate_en.html

[Hunter_Steel]

God promised to never mess with our free will.

And by doing so, the world is as it is.

~Hunter

[Taurus]

Correction, God created religion by creating humans. And by telling humans he was our creator, thus created religion. WE IN NO WAY IN HEAVEN OR HELL CREATED RELIGION.

That is a proven fact throughout all religions. Atheists hate on us because we are religious and sometimes unfriend us if we won't accept a point of view that means we'd have to drop our religion to accept that. What made it so wrong to have a religion? I am sure that the past 10,000 years of religion and misgivings of people that manipulated it to control others can be forgotten?

~Hunter

Prove to all of us that your god created humanity and I will drop the subject. Unfortunately, you can't prove anything.
"Proven fact" is redundant.
When you said "atheists hate on us because we are religious and sometimes unfriend us if we won't accept a point of view that means we'd have to drop our religion to accept that" I practically died laughing. Don't play the victim here. You act as if there is a war on religion. You confuse a war on religion with not getting what you want.
Asking me to forget the atrocities committed by religion is kind of like asking a people to forget the history of racism. Or like asking South Africans to forget apartheid.

I've been bringing facts the entire time, you haven't. You simply are ignoring all the facts I am showing and saying they aren't true. You also need to go study up on your statistics, the poll I presented is completely legitimate.

You clearly didn't interpret my post correctly, I did not call out Christianity as being evil and legitimate at all.

I view God as love. I see God in people and in the beauty of nature. It simply not something I can explain in one sentence.

You're wrong. God doesn't do evil, he only allows it to happen. That is the concept of free will. Again, you are trying to envision God as a big guy in the sky who personally causes disasters or famine. God doesn't control the weather or natural phenomena, or what a country's leader decides to do.

Because I follow formal writing techniques. Bring that question up with the people that formate MLA, not me.

Also, here is the Catholic Church's official view on most non-Christian religions:
http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_decl_19651028_nostra-aetate_en.html

You have officially convinced me that your god is a giant asshole. Allowing evil to occur when one has the power to stop it, is just as evil as perpetrating the crime.


-double post merged. -Emerald Dream

[IAMWILL]

You have officially convinced me that your god is a giant asshole. Allowing evil to occur when one has the power to stop it, is just as evil as perpetrating the crime.

Seems like you were already convinced of that before this conversation even started.

[Hunter_Steel]

Prove to us he didn't.

You attack my God and my religion for being an asshole like religion, and attack it for something done more than 200 years ago. Forgetting what christians did in 2000 years ago brings about more peace between them and atheists. You think your the vanguard trying to prove that Atheists are correct? Your dead wrong.

Looking at it from a neutral stand point, neither side can prove that God exists.
So excuse me if I am a giant ignorant Christian who won't accept that you just insulted my religion and God because he said he would never mess with our free will.

God is good and pure, he gave us Free Will, so he won't mess with it. We'll just see how your mind changes the day you meet him after you pass on.

~Hunter

[Taurus]

Seems like you were already convinced of that before this conversation even started.

Well, you got me there. Even though it doesn't appear to be, I did initially come to this conversation with an open mind, a willingness to be convinced otherwise. I have tried my best to maintain an open mind throughout the debate. It's really hard to do when we both probably roll our eyes at each others's posts.

In the end, it all comes down to a stalemate. When it comes to the existence of a god and its morals, neither side can prove their point. You believe your god is real, I continue to doubt your god's existence until you prove it.

When it comes to the morality of your god, things practically boil down to pure perspective. You view your god as good, I view your god as evil and vindictive.
If I were to whiteness someone being murdered or raped, I would do all in power to stop the perpetrator. I view it as the right thing to do. I would not think to myself "well, everybody has their own choices to make. Their lives, their free will." I would think more along the lines of "holy shit, that person is attacking that man/woman, I'm going to try and stop the violence."
The who/what/where/when doesn't matter, idly standing by while another suffers is a crime against the world.
That is what your god does: stands idly by while the world suffers. That is a truly heinous offense.

[Jess]

Correction, God created religion by creating humans. And by telling humans he was our creator, thus created religion. WE IN NO WAY IN HEAVEN OR HELL CREATED RELIGION.

Huh? Humans created religions to explain things they couldn't - before there was science. Like lightning. Or, how the sun rose and set. And how the world came to be.

[CharlieHorse]

Huh? Humans created religions to explain things they couldn't - before there was science. Like lightning. Or, how the sun rose and set. And how the world came to be.

True this.

[LikeAJay]

Sorry but religion srperates everyone.

[crepesuzette]

I'm not that religious... I say I have my own kinda religion because I think that the church is full of shit, and all they want its power, and more of it, like normal human beings. My religion, only follows god and Jesus... nothing more, nothing less. I beleive in god and Jesus, but I think that the church is full of bs.
I don't agree with half their rules.

i agree. the church loves to tell people what to do when they themselves cannot even keep up with the rules that they make for the believers sitting in the congregation. honestly, they're just like everyone. i know pastors who take their kids out to movies. see, even they need to have some fun every now and then.

[MaguireUk]

Hi im roman catholic, go to church most sundays when i can, to see father paul