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Posted: 4/20/2016 1:26:41 PM EDT
[#1]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I said no. I know OP said he wasn't really looking for a debate, but I kinda want to get into it  I was raised Catholic and decided a couple of years ago that belief in god was holding me back in a number of ways. A few of my issues:
-Belief in god/heaven is the belief in being rewarded for your good behavior. Because of this belief, nothing can truly be selfless. Good should be done for the sake of being good, not belief in personal gain. -Any god that damns/saves individuals based on how much they worship him rather than the content of their character is a god I wouldn't want to follow anyways. -Belief in a higher power or "god's plan" is a cop-out to accepting reality. Shit happens; if you don't like it then do something about it. You should never be satisfied with a bad situation, and you should always be grateful to the tangible causes of success. Don't thank god for healing your mom's cancer, thank the doctor that removed it. -Lastly, there is no evidence that supports the existence of god, rather there is plenty of evidence of his absence. Some may say that faith is an important part of religion, but I say bullshit. Faith is a "feelz" approach to life's problems. When faced with difficulties, your time would be better spent studying what has made our species so powerful: science and critical thinking. The above is why I am an Atheist. Some people may need god in their lives to maintain their morality, but I am not among them. Scientifically speaking, there's a pretty good chance that when we die, we're dead. Nothing more, nothing less. Understanding that only helps me to value my time on this earth even more, understanding that I only have one shot at everything and that I need to make every moment count. Well, I'm afraid that as a Catholic you were truly misinformed about the faith and not given a good education in what the faith really believes. I say that with deep regret because many Catholics leave because of failed catechesis. Selfless acts are always good and are part of free will. You are not "rewarded" for you acts so much as they are part of your being. It is not about personal gain or seeking a reward, it is about doing good for the sake of good. Our faith should drive us to want to do good, but if your only reason for doing it is reward, then Christ himself taught that you will not gain from it. God does not judge us on how much we worship Him. It is indeed the content of your character that God looks at. Yes shit happens, and yes it is up to us to do something about it, that is EXACTLY what Christ taught. He told US to feed the hungry, cloth the naked, visit the sick. He told US to take care of things. That does not mean the God cannot and does not intervene or that our faith is not helpful in pulling us through tough times, biut it is still up to us to take care of things, he in not some kind of nanny. Faith - wow. I could go on and on. Faith is not a crutch or a feeling. Science itself has clearly shown that people of faith heal faster, cover from surgery faster and do better in tough times. That is not just a feeling issue, it is real. Peoples lives (millions of people) have had their life changed by faith. Their stories are real and the changes they see are real. It is easy to say "bullshit" but the evidence against you is everywhere. Existence of God, I want to know your proof that there is not a God. I will happily provide proof there is. Science has loads of evidence that says when you die there is more. As far as your needing religion or faith to be moral, no. The Catholic Church does not even teach that. Pope Francis has clearly said that this is false. It is a shame you were not taught the faith better, you might still be a believer. Not your fault, the fault of those who failed to teach you. |
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Posted: 4/20/2016 1:27:02 PM EDT
[#2]
I am a believer
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Posted: 4/20/2016 1:27:03 PM EDT
[#3]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I'm just curious... for those that don't "believe" in God, do you believe life started from the "Big Bang" theory? I believe in the Big Bang, but life must have started much later. The process by which life started is, however, a mystery as we have no clue what it takes to create life. There's no shame in admitting that we don't have all the answers yet. |
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Posted: 4/20/2016 1:27:06 PM EDT
[#4]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I'm just curious... for those that don't "believe" in God, do you believe life started from the "Big Bang" theory? I don't know how life started. That's the only truth about that, none of us know, just some of us pretend to know. |
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Posted: 4/20/2016 1:27:10 PM EDT
[#5]
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Posted: 4/20/2016 1:31:05 PM EDT
[#6]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Being a scientist trying to understand the millions of reactions that happen in our body on a daily basis in order for us to have life, I find it hard to believe this all happens by chance. So yes, I believe in God. |
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Posted: 4/20/2016 1:33:57 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Well, I'm afraid that as a Catholic you were truly misinformed about the faith and not given a good education in what the faith really believes. I say that with deep regret because many Catholics leave because of failed catechesis. Selfless acts are always good and are part of free will. You are not "rewarded" for you acts so much as they are part of your being. It is not about personal gain or seeking a reward, it is about doing good for the sake of good. Our faith should drive us to want to do good, but if your only reason for doing it is reward, then Christ himself taught that you will not gain from it. God does not judge us on how much we worship Him. It is indeed the content of your character that God looks at. Yes shit happens, and yes it is up to us to do something about it, that is EXACTLY what Christ taught. He told US to feed the hungry, cloth the naked, visit the sick. He told US to take care of things. That does not mean the God cannot and does not intervene or that our faith is not helpful in pulling us through tough times, biut it is still up to us to take care of things, he in not some kind of nanny. Faith - wow. I could go on and on. Faith is not a crutch or a feeling. Science itself has clearly shown that people of faith heal faster, cover from surgery faster and do better in tough times. That is not just a feeling issue, it is real. Peoples lives (millions of people) have had their life changed by faith. Their stories are real and the changes they see are real. It is easy to say "bullshit" but the evidence against you is everywhere. Existence of God, I want to know your proof that there is not a God. I will happily provide proof there is. Science has loads of evidence that says when you die there is more. As far as your needing religion or faith to be moral, no. The Catholic Church does not even teach that. Pope Francis has clearly said that this is false. It is a shame you were not taught the faith better, you might still be a believer. Not your fault, the fault of those who failed to teach you. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
I said no. I know OP said he wasn't really looking for a debate, but I kinda want to get into it I was raised Catholic and decided a couple of years ago that belief in god was holding me back in a number of ways. A few of my issues:
-Belief in god/heaven is the belief in being rewarded for your good behavior. Because of this belief, nothing can truly be selfless. Good should be done for the sake of being good, not belief in personal gain. -Any god that damns/saves individuals based on how much they worship him rather than the content of their character is a god I wouldn't want to follow anyways. -Belief in a higher power or "god's plan" is a cop-out to accepting reality. Shit happens; if you don't like it then do something about it. You should never be satisfied with a bad situation, and you should always be grateful to the tangible causes of success. Don't thank god for healing your mom's cancer, thank the doctor that removed it. -Lastly, there is no evidence that supports the existence of god, rather there is plenty of evidence of his absence. Some may say that faith is an important part of religion, but I say bullshit. Faith is a "feelz" approach to life's problems. When faced with difficulties, your time would be better spent studying what has made our species so powerful: science and critical thinking. The above is why I am an Atheist. Some people may need god in their lives to maintain their morality, but I am not among them. Scientifically speaking, there's a pretty good chance that when we die, we're dead. Nothing more, nothing less. Understanding that only helps me to value my time on this earth even more, understanding that I only have one shot at everything and that I need to make every moment count. Well, I'm afraid that as a Catholic you were truly misinformed about the faith and not given a good education in what the faith really believes. I say that with deep regret because many Catholics leave because of failed catechesis. Selfless acts are always good and are part of free will. You are not "rewarded" for you acts so much as they are part of your being. It is not about personal gain or seeking a reward, it is about doing good for the sake of good. Our faith should drive us to want to do good, but if your only reason for doing it is reward, then Christ himself taught that you will not gain from it. God does not judge us on how much we worship Him. It is indeed the content of your character that God looks at. Yes shit happens, and yes it is up to us to do something about it, that is EXACTLY what Christ taught. He told US to feed the hungry, cloth the naked, visit the sick. He told US to take care of things. That does not mean the God cannot and does not intervene or that our faith is not helpful in pulling us through tough times, biut it is still up to us to take care of things, he in not some kind of nanny. Faith - wow. I could go on and on. Faith is not a crutch or a feeling. Science itself has clearly shown that people of faith heal faster, cover from surgery faster and do better in tough times. That is not just a feeling issue, it is real. Peoples lives (millions of people) have had their life changed by faith. Their stories are real and the changes they see are real. It is easy to say "bullshit" but the evidence against you is everywhere. Existence of God, I want to know your proof that there is not a God. I will happily provide proof there is. Science has loads of evidence that says when you die there is more. As far as your needing religion or faith to be moral, no. The Catholic Church does not even teach that. Pope Francis has clearly said that this is false. It is a shame you were not taught the faith better, you might still be a believer. Not your fault, the fault of those who failed to teach you. 
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Posted: 4/20/2016 1:35:55 PM EDT
[#8]
I said yes but i am agnostic at best.
the bible is a great way to give some young people a basic set of values kinda sorta but i think it's foolhardy to accept it all as absolute truth. I can't even say for sure that i do believe a creator/god exists but there are many times where it is difficult to look at yourself and the world around you and believe it is all a coincidence. |
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Posted: 4/20/2016 1:38:23 PM EDT
[#9]
Oh and just to throw this into the discussion...
I see many non believers blame all the wars and historical atrocities on religion. NOPE humans will always find a reason to war and kill each other (see story of family members killing over last piece of chicken) If anything religion PREVENTED many bad things. Just my opinion. |
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Posted: 4/20/2016 1:41:42 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I'm with you. Any faith that I may or may not have... is not predicated on hedging my bets. An omnipotent being who could set in motion the infinite miracle that is the cosmos.... certainly isn't going to be fooled by any self-serving, calculated face that I happen to be wearing while being judged by him. Any pitiful attempts that I make trying to excuse my imperfection would just be pathetic. If he exists... then he knows me well and accepts me as I am (or doesn't). Where's the poll option for "I cannot fathom the beauty of this infinite cosmos, without believing that there MUST be an order and plan to it all... but I don't KNOW jack squat"??? Quote HistoryQuoted:
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How does it go? I'd rather a lifetime of being wrong than an eternity of being wrong... So your faith is based purely on self interest. I don't think it's supposed to work that way. I'm with you. Any faith that I may or may not have... is not predicated on hedging my bets. An omnipotent being who could set in motion the infinite miracle that is the cosmos.... certainly isn't going to be fooled by any self-serving, calculated face that I happen to be wearing while being judged by him. Any pitiful attempts that I make trying to excuse my imperfection would just be pathetic. If he exists... then he knows me well and accepts me as I am (or doesn't). Where's the poll option for "I cannot fathom the beauty of this infinite cosmos, without believing that there MUST be an order and plan to it all... but I don't KNOW jack squat"??? But if we're deciding our prospective higher being is the Christian God, with omniscience, infinite mercy, etc then how do we hold those things to be true if we have people who choose to live their life according to those teachings? I think I said that kind of poorly. Using myself as an example I will say I was raised in a Catholic family, went to Catholic schools, and went to church every Sunday. I truthfully did try hard to believe. Prayed for enlightenment and revelation. Made a real sincere effort. But it just wasn't happening. I couldn't force myself to believe. Now did I somehow choose to make myself unable to believe? That seems kind of circular. Or is my inability to believe somehow inherent in my makeup? Doubtless some of you would say I actually did not honestly attempt belief. But If I'm being honest and I actually cannot believe (at this stage in my life) then how could a infinitely merciful and omniscient God reject me if I tried to live according to what was laid out in the bible? Surely an omniscient creator would know my abilities and disabilities. And if he has intimate knowledge of how I was created and very purposely created me as I am, would it be fair to reject me for something he instilled? In such a case as that, a logical choice would to be to live and behave as if the existence of a higher being is a truth and hope for the best. |
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Posted: 4/20/2016 1:42:14 PM EDT
[#11]
False dichotomy.
You can be not religious, and still not be an atheist. |
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Posted: 4/20/2016 1:42:19 PM EDT
[#12]
Quoted:
Not looking for arguments for or against, just curious as to the makeup of ARFCOM  Your poll conflates God with Jesus. There are many different Gods, they aren't all Jesus. Not believing in Jesus, does not make you an atheist. Not believing in a God, doesn't make you an atheist. Atheists are a very specific thing... |
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Posted: 4/20/2016 1:44:04 PM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Oh and just to throw this into the discussion... I see many non believers blame all the wars and historical atrocities on religion. NOPE humans will always find a reason to war and kill each other (see story of family members killing over last piece of chicken) If anything religion PREVENTED many bad things. Just my opinion. Or is it the failure to "agree to disagree" that has started/fueled many wars? Even Christians wage war amongst each other. |
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Posted: 4/20/2016 1:44:23 PM EDT
[#14]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I believe in God, but I don't antagonize anyone that don't. People have no respect anymore. I don't believe in God but I don't consider myself an atheist or agnostic but like you, I do not antagonize anyone for their differing beliefs. |
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Posted: 4/20/2016 1:44:54 PM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Oh and just to throw this into the discussion... I see many non believers blame all the wars and historical atrocities on religion. NOPE humans will always find a reason to war and kill each other (see story of family members killing over last piece of chicken) If anything religion PREVENTED many bad things. Just my opinion. That doesn't really add anything. It may be contrary to your belief, but most non believers will readily admit that without religion wars and atrocities would still occur. And then you would also have to present an argument why you think religion has kept such occurrences to a lower level than they would otherwise be at. |
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Posted: 4/20/2016 1:46:30 PM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
That doesn't really add anything. It may be contrary to your belief, but most non believers will readily admit that without religion wars and atrocities would still occur. And then you would also have to present an argument why you think religion has kept such occurrences to a lower level than they would otherwise be at. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Oh and just to throw this into the discussion... I see many non believers blame all the wars and historical atrocities on religion. NOPE humans will always find a reason to war and kill each other (see story of family members killing over last piece of chicken) If anything religion PREVENTED many bad things. Just my opinion. That doesn't really add anything. It may be contrary to your belief, but most non believers will readily admit that without religion wars and atrocities would still occur. And then you would also have to present an argument why you think religion has kept such occurrences to a lower level than they would otherwise be at. This doesn't really prove anything, but it's still amusing. Atheism/non-belief is at an all-time high. Humanity is currently in its most peaceful period in its history. |
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Posted: 4/20/2016 1:48:07 PM EDT
[#17]
Quoted:
Not looking for arguments for or against, just curious as to the makeup of ARFCOM Apathetic Agnostic 
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Posted: 4/20/2016 1:48:37 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I don't believe in God but I don't consider myself an atheist or agnostic but like you, I do not antagonize anyone for their differing beliefs. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
I believe in God, but I don't antagonize anyone that don't. People have no respect anymore. I don't believe in God but I don't consider myself an atheist or agnostic but like you, I do not antagonize anyone for their differing beliefs. Most of us are like both of you. The 5% of either side make 90% of the noise most of the time. Evangelizing and yelling at church goers. |
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Posted: 4/20/2016 2:07:49 PM EDT
[#19]
For those who don't believe in God, would you believe in Him if you died and at the entrance to the Heaven you don't believe in - He was standing there to greet you? Or wouldn't that change your mind?
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Posted: 4/20/2016 2:08:48 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
For those who don't believe in God, would you believe in Him if you died and at the entrance to the Heaven you don't believe in - He was standing there to greet you? Or wouldn't that change your mind? You mean if I had actual evidence of his existence? Yes, I would believe that. Until there's hard evidence, however, there's no compelling reason to believe. |
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Posted: 4/20/2016 2:08:52 PM EDT
[#21]
yep...
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Posted: 4/20/2016 2:10:38 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
For those who don't believe in God, would you believe in Him if you died and at the entrance to the Heaven you don't believe in - He was standing there to greet you? Or wouldn't that change your mind? Of course it would. Why wouldn't it? All I've ever wanted was some damn good evidence, and that would certainly qualify. |
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Posted: 4/20/2016 2:12:11 PM EDT
[#23]
No third option for people who are neither atheist or Christian?
I mean I'm sure people with other religions on here are in the minority but we do exist. |
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Posted: 4/20/2016 2:12:27 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
It's not. There are many who are neither Christian nor atheist. Quote HistoryQuoted:
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I don't think that is an either or type thing you asked. It's not. There are many who are neither Christian nor atheist. This. the poll is fucked. I believe in the Gods, but not Jesus |
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Posted: 4/20/2016 2:14:33 PM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Of course it would. Why wouldn't it? All I've ever wanted was some damn good evidence, and that would certainly qualify. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
For those who don't believe in God, would you believe in Him if you died and at the entrance to the Heaven you don't believe in - He was standing there to greet you? Or wouldn't that change your mind? Of course it would. Why wouldn't it? All I've ever wanted was some damn good evidence, and that would certainly qualify. Wouldn't you question your sanity?--at least ponder your consciousness? |
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Posted: 4/20/2016 2:16:09 PM EDT
[#26]
why do these threads keep popping up in GD
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Posted: 4/20/2016 2:16:46 PM EDT
[#27]
Ask a question and the people who the question don't apply to get all butthurt that they didn't get ask. Classic GD Butthurt!
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Posted: 4/20/2016 2:26:23 PM EDT
[#28]
God/Jesus?
Meaning the choice is that you believe 1. Jesus is God, or 2. You're an atheist? No other choice? What about Jews? I'm gonna go with this thread being a troll job. |
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Posted: 4/20/2016 2:27:27 PM EDT
[#29]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Wouldn't you question your sanity?--at least ponder your consciousness? Quote HistoryQuoted:
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For those who don't believe in God, would you believe in Him if you died and at the entrance to the Heaven you don't believe in - He was standing there to greet you? Or wouldn't that change your mind? Of course it would. Why wouldn't it? All I've ever wanted was some damn good evidence, and that would certainly qualify. Wouldn't you question your sanity?--at least ponder your consciousness? Can't imagine that I would, no. Maybe for a second or two? At some point (say...I dunno...a few years in), I'd have to accept it as my new reality, wouldn't I? If I really was crazy and none of this was real, would it matter? |
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Posted: 4/20/2016 2:29:30 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
God/Jesus? Meaning the choice is that you believe 1. Jesus is God, or 2. You're an atheist? No other choice? What about Jews? I'm gonna go with this thread being a troll job. It's not a troll job, it's just not well thought out. He likely hasn't actually had long conversations with people who don't believe the same things he does, so nuance will be lost on him. |
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Posted: 4/20/2016 2:33:12 PM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
But if we're deciding our prospective higher being is the Christian God, with omniscience, infinite mercy, etc then how do we hold those things to be true if we have people who choose to live their life according to those teachings? I think I said that kind of poorly. Using myself as an example I will say I was raised in a Catholic family, went to Catholic schools, and went to church every Sunday. I truthfully did try hard to believe. Prayed for enlightenment and revelation. Made a real sincere effort. But it just wasn't happening. I couldn't force myself to believe. Now did I somehow choose to make myself unable to believe? That seems kind of circular. Or is my inability to believe somehow inherent in my makeup? Doubtless some of you would say I actually did not honestly attempt belief. But If I'm being honest and I actually cannot believe (at this stage in my life) then how could a infinitely merciful and omniscient God reject me if I tried to live according to what was laid out in the bible? Surely an omniscient creator would know my abilities and disabilities. And if he has intimate knowledge of how I was created and very purposely created me as I am, would it be fair to reject me for something he instilled? In such a case as that, a logical choice would to be to live and behave as if the existence of a higher being is a truth and hope for the best. Quote HistoryQuoted:
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Quoted:
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How does it go? I'd rather a lifetime of being wrong than an eternity of being wrong... So your faith is based purely on self interest. I don't think it's supposed to work that way. I'm with you. Any faith that I may or may not have... is not predicated on hedging my bets. An omnipotent being who could set in motion the infinite miracle that is the cosmos.... certainly isn't going to be fooled by any self-serving, calculated face that I happen to be wearing while being judged by him. Any pitiful attempts that I make trying to excuse my imperfection would just be pathetic. If he exists... then he knows me well and accepts me as I am (or doesn't). Where's the poll option for "I cannot fathom the beauty of this infinite cosmos, without believing that there MUST be an order and plan to it all... but I don't KNOW jack squat"??? But if we're deciding our prospective higher being is the Christian God, with omniscience, infinite mercy, etc then how do we hold those things to be true if we have people who choose to live their life according to those teachings? I think I said that kind of poorly. Using myself as an example I will say I was raised in a Catholic family, went to Catholic schools, and went to church every Sunday. I truthfully did try hard to believe. Prayed for enlightenment and revelation. Made a real sincere effort. But it just wasn't happening. I couldn't force myself to believe. Now did I somehow choose to make myself unable to believe? That seems kind of circular. Or is my inability to believe somehow inherent in my makeup? Doubtless some of you would say I actually did not honestly attempt belief. But If I'm being honest and I actually cannot believe (at this stage in my life) then how could a infinitely merciful and omniscient God reject me if I tried to live according to what was laid out in the bible? Surely an omniscient creator would know my abilities and disabilities. And if he has intimate knowledge of how I was created and very purposely created me as I am, would it be fair to reject me for something he instilled? In such a case as that, a logical choice would to be to live and behave as if the existence of a higher being is a truth and hope for the best. I don't disagree with your point. In fact, I live/believe similarly. But my "hedging my bets" sentiment was more aimed at those hedging their bets to avoid the punishment of an "angry god", and even moreso... those who hedge their bets simply to feel superior to their fellow man. I am who I am, and I believe what I believe sincerely. It's not to get-gain, and not to avoid being spanked. I yearn for the TRUTH (whatever that may be)... not dogma. Many people are heavily invested in dogma. The older that I get, the less interested I am in of choosing to believe something just because someone else has threatened me, or because it benefits me. All of that colors one's ability to see things as how they REALLY are. If you're heavily invested in a flat-earth, it's going to be hard to convince you that it's round. I'm just interested in what IS. Sure... I would like things to be as I wish them to be. But if they're not... then I'm chasing my own tail by choosing to believe that they are. I understand why people hold-on to dogma, tradition, folklore, etc. But those who arrogantly cast judgement from their thrones at either end of the science vs. religion spectrum just are very distasteful to me. Though our paths may differ... we're all on the same journey here. |
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Posted: 4/20/2016 2:36:43 PM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
This. the poll is fucked. I believe in the Gods, but not Jesus Quote HistoryQuoted:
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I don't think that is an either or type thing you asked. It's not. There are many who are neither Christian nor atheist. This. the poll is fucked. I believe in the Gods, but not Jesus What's so fucked with the poll? Looks very simple to me, do you believe in the Christian form of GOD & Jesus??? Soooo hard....
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Posted: 4/20/2016 2:37:03 PM EDT
[#33]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Can't imagine that I would, no. Maybe for a second or two? At some point (say...I dunno...a few years in), I'd have to accept it as my new reality, wouldn't I? If I really was crazy and none of this was real, would it matter? I'm thinking the scenario is Here I am. Believe now or go to [wherever else] immediately, never to return. I was going to type that an omnipotent god is going to know my heart and the moment I ponder my sanity or consciousness....poof! ...But thinking that made me realize I think the key to the scenario is somehow knowing the body I occupied is deceased and thus whatever ponderence I'm having is in spirit. ....And dammit my passion for test.....poof! |
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Posted: 4/20/2016 2:38:50 PM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
This doesn't really prove anything, but it's still amusing. Atheism/non-belief is at an all-time high. Humanity is currently in its most peaceful period in its history. So Stalin, Hitler, Atilla, Genghis, Pol Pot, etc, etc were all deeply religious men? And Christ was a warmonger? |
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Posted: 4/20/2016 2:39:32 PM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
It's not a troll job, it's just not well thought out. He likely hasn't actually had long conversations with people who don't believe the same things he does, so nuance will be lost on him. Quote HistoryQuoted:
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God/Jesus? Meaning the choice is that you believe 1. Jesus is God, or 2. You're an atheist? No other choice? What about Jews? I'm gonna go with this thread being a troll job. It's not a troll job, it's just not well thought out. He likely hasn't actually had long conversations with people who don't believe the same things he does, so nuance will be lost on him. Sincerely Subnet, I applaud your objectivity and gentle methods of conveying your observations. I should try harder to be nice. 
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Posted: 4/20/2016 2:41:44 PM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
[snip] I believe in the Gods, but not Jesus Que? The ones that reside on Mount Olympus? The rock band? |
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Posted: 4/20/2016 2:42:55 PM EDT
[#37]
Whether you "believe" or not, this passage gets my attention:
Rev 3:15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! Rev 3:16 So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth. It seems to imply that God is least pleased with a "lukewarm" Christian. I take this that even if one chooses not to believe now, there is hope that he still may be saved. Eph 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- Suggesting our works do not earn our way to Heaven. I believe that if we meet God (at the pearly gates, etc) and STILL refuse him, then we choose not to participate in the eternal salvation that he offered us and will be thrown into hell. |
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Posted: 4/20/2016 2:43:38 PM EDT
[#38]
Op doesn't like the Jews?
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Posted: 4/20/2016 2:46:04 PM EDT
[#39]
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So Stalin, Hitler, Atilla, Genghis, Pol Pot, etc, etc were all deeply religious men? And Christ was a warmonger? Quote HistoryQuoted:
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This doesn't really prove anything, but it's still amusing. Atheism/non-belief is at an all-time high. Humanity is currently in its most peaceful period in its history. So Stalin, Hitler, Atilla, Genghis, Pol Pot, etc, etc were all deeply religious men? And Christ was a warmonger? Congratulations on being able to construct English sentences. When you read English sentences correctly, let me know. |
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Posted: 4/20/2016 2:46:25 PM EDT
[#40]
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For those who don't believe in God, would you believe in Him if you died and at the entrance to the Heaven you don't believe in - He was standing there to greet you? Or wouldn't that change your mind? Absolutely. Why wouldn't I? My lack of belief is largely based on lack of evidence. So strong evidence or proof would certainly cause me to change my mind. |
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Posted: 4/20/2016 2:48:35 PM EDT
[#41]
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why do these threads keep popping up in GD Well it's a basic question that has repeatedly popped up since Og first had a concept of others. SO it makes total sense that it comes up repeatedly in GD. Though you knew that. You should probably turn me in for mansplaining now. |
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Posted: 4/20/2016 2:48:37 PM EDT
[#42]
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I'm thinking the scenario is Here I am. Believe now or go to [wherever else] immediately, never to return. I was going to type that an omnipotent god is going to know my heart and the moment I ponder my sanity or consciousness....poof! ...But thinking that made me realize I think the key to the scenario is somehow knowing the body I occupied is deceased and thus whatever ponderence I'm having is in spirit. ....And dammit my passion for test.....poof! Quote HistoryQuoted:
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Can't imagine that I would, no. Maybe for a second or two? At some point (say...I dunno...a few years in), I'd have to accept it as my new reality, wouldn't I? If I really was crazy and none of this was real, would it matter? I'm thinking the scenario is Here I am. Believe now or go to [wherever else] immediately, never to return. I was going to type that an omnipotent god is going to know my heart and the moment I ponder my sanity or consciousness....poof! ...But thinking that made me realize I think the key to the scenario is somehow knowing the body I occupied is deceased and thus whatever ponderence I'm having is in spirit. ....And dammit my passion for test.....poof! For all I know, I'm actually sitting in a mental ward screaming at a wall right now, while annoying the shit out of the staff and the other patients.
But in my mind right now, I'm pretty convinced that I'm actually sitting in front of a computer in a sleepy little town in NE Ohio, having a pleasant conversation with some guy named injun-ear. Does it matter if I'm actually wrong about that, and am really babbling incoherently in a padded room right now? 
So anyway, to answer your question - yes. I would probably believe immediately if I found myself at the pearly gates, talking to God Almighty. I can't imagine why I wouldn't. As convincing evidence goes, that's about as good as it gets. |
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Posted: 4/20/2016 2:50:54 PM EDT
[#43]
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Congratulations on being able to construct English sentences. When you read English sentences correctly, let me know. Quote HistoryQuoted:
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This doesn't really prove anything, but it's still amusing. Atheism/non-belief is at an all-time high. Humanity is currently in its most peaceful period in its history. So Stalin, Hitler, Atilla, Genghis, Pol Pot, etc, etc were all deeply religious men? And Christ was a warmonger? Congratulations on being able to construct English sentences. When you read English sentences correctly, let me know. See... the arrogance from an elitist lefty on full display right there. 
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Posted: 4/20/2016 2:52:17 PM EDT
[#44]
Was Jesus a historical figure? Possibly
Was Jesus the son of God? No Do I believe that some all powerful creator being snapped his/her/its finger and the universe was created? No Who's to say which, or if any religion is right? |
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Posted: 4/20/2016 2:53:30 PM EDT
[#45]
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See... the arrogance from an elitist lefty on full display right there.
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This doesn't really prove anything, but it's still amusing. Atheism/non-belief is at an all-time high. Humanity is currently in its most peaceful period in its history. So Stalin, Hitler, Atilla, Genghis, Pol Pot, etc, etc were all deeply religious men? And Christ was a warmonger? Congratulations on being able to construct English sentences. When you read English sentences correctly, let me know. See... the arrogance from an elitist lefty on full display right there.
Well did you deliberately misrepresent her statement or did you not understand it? Those are the only two options. |
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Posted: 4/20/2016 2:53:49 PM EDT
[#46]
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See... the arrogance from an elitist lefty on full display right there.
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This doesn't really prove anything, but it's still amusing. Atheism/non-belief is at an all-time high. Humanity is currently in its most peaceful period in its history. So Stalin, Hitler, Atilla, Genghis, Pol Pot, etc, etc were all deeply religious men? And Christ was a warmonger? Congratulations on being able to construct English sentences. When you read English sentences correctly, let me know. See... the arrogance from an elitist lefty on full display right there.
I wouldn't call you an elitist lefty, but if that's how you self-identify then good luck to you. Edit: Did you seriously not understand my post or are you just being an ass? |
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Posted: 4/20/2016 2:54:17 PM EDT
[#47]
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But in my mind right now, I'm pretty convinced that I'm actually sitting in front of a computer in a sleepy little town in NE Ohio, having a pleasant conversation with some guy named injun-ear. Does it matter if I'm actually wrong about that, and am really babbling incoherently in a padded room right now?
So anyway, to answer your question - yes. I would probably believe immediately if I found myself at the pearly gates, talking to God Almighty. I can't imagine why I wouldn't. As convincing evidence goes, that's about as good as it gets. I think that it would be GREAT if a creator and afterlife turned-out to be the truth. I would celebrate and rejoice for humankind. But like many here and elsewhere, I'm not going to just take someone elses' word for it. |
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Posted: 4/20/2016 2:54:31 PM EDT
[#48]
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Well it's a basic question that has repeatedly popped up since Og first had a concept of others. SO it makes total sense that it comes up repeatedly in GD. Though you knew that. You should probably turn me in for mansplaining now. Quote HistoryQuoted:
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why do these threads keep popping up in GD Well it's a basic question that has repeatedly popped up since Og first had a concept of others. SO it makes total sense that it comes up repeatedly in GD. Though you knew that. You should probably turn me in for mansplaining now. 
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Posted: 4/20/2016 2:55:22 PM EDT
[#49]
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why do these threads keep popping up in GD Well it's a basic question that has repeatedly popped up since Og first had a concept of others. SO it makes total sense that it comes up repeatedly in GD. Though you knew that. You should probably turn me in for mansplaining now. http://i.imgur.com/MoAQjf7.gif Anyone know how this woman became the face of triggering? |
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Posted: 4/20/2016 2:56:57 PM EDT
[#50]
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I wouldn't call you an elitist lefty, but if that's how you self-identify then good luck to you. Edit: Did you seriously not understand my post or are you just being an ass? Quote HistoryQuoted:
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This doesn't really prove anything, but it's still amusing. Atheism/non-belief is at an all-time high. Humanity is currently in its most peaceful period in its history. So Stalin, Hitler, Atilla, Genghis, Pol Pot, etc, etc were all deeply religious men? And Christ was a warmonger? Congratulations on being able to construct English sentences. When you read English sentences correctly, let me know. See... the arrogance from an elitist lefty on full display right there.
I wouldn't call you an elitist lefty, but if that's how you self-identify then good luck to you. Edit: Did you seriously not understand my post or are you just being an ass? Speaking of "ass"... your attempt to correlate lack of religion with peace on earth was pretty stinky. |
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