Do you believe in God?

[austinite]

I realize this is a touchy subject for a lot of folks. But I'm really curious to hear reasons why one would believe in God, and why some wouldn't.

I'll be honest, I've never been a religious man. Never really understood religion as a whole. At one point in my life I thought I needed to really understand and went and learned about quite a few different religions. Is it strange that none appealed to me? The similarities were mind boggling, too. My parents were religious. Church every Sunday wasn't optional for us growing up.

Maybe I'm getting old, but lately I've been sinking into deep thoughts about existence in general. Almost hurts to think about. I have the same questions everyone else has and no one can answer...

- Where did God come from?
- Why am I supposed to believe in God, if I can't even see God?
- If God knows all, knows my past and future, then why am I here? Why go through this cycle of life if he knows the outcome?

I really and truly want to believe. I want to have faith. I want to understand. I think I'd have a better quality of life if I did.

How do you keep the faith?

[jbm]

I do believe, keeps my doing the rights things!

[Razor]

I believe in God

[AXx]

I believe in God. I believe in the holy trinity, I don't live it everyday but I believe. I believe in prayer also.

My mind has changed a lot over the years. I believe things to be a little different than I once did. Can I see God? No. Can I see the wind? No I can see the effects of the wind. That's what faith is about. I can go on and on. I respect each and every member on here SO GUYS PLEASE KEEP THIS POLITE. This is always a touchy subject, along with politics.

[capetown]

Never really thought that I did believe in god. My mom past away from cancer in November. I can feel my mom with me whenever i am rocking my baby girl to sleep at night. Im not going to get into it because im sure people will start picking it apart and i dont need that. But if i know there are times my mom is here then why wouldnt i believe in god.

[Times Roman]

I'm really not sure what to believe. A big explosion (bang) or some ethereal metaphysical entity?

Can I take a peek behind door #3?

[SEOINAGE]

I believe most of the time, sometimes its hard to believe and my faith isn't as strong.

My opinions on the three questions, based on my beliefs, some can argue it, that's not the point but I will throw it out there, I don't care to debate, cause you can't legitimately prove anything. If you tried to back everything with logic and what we "know" it would prove no God, and faith has more to do with feelings and experiences that you have had that are sacred to you, like capetown has said, he feels it and it's important to him he can't prove it.

This might seem out there to some of you.

1. He has no beginning and no end, yet he was like us, and attained his position through his faithfulness and experiences much like we get to experience. (makes more sense since I believe Christ was his son, and Jehovah of the Old Testament. And that we aren't the only world in existence)
2. Because it is harder that way? Maybe shows how we would truly be?
3. It gives us the option to exercise our free agency, our will etc. You know we can choose to act a completely different way whenever we want to, whether you think God knows what we will do, we still have to actually do it. Much like how God doesn't always interfere directly when people do extremely wicked things, to condemn them, after all it is about free agency. Not to mention to see if we will humble ourselves and accept a savior's sacrifice so that we can be clean in his presence.

So much to it and you could go on forever and ever about it. Sometimes it's hard to believe that there is something so marvelous yet so outrageous sounding to some people, and don't get me wrong there are some interesting fanatics with odd ideas out there. So I hope it's true and our existence continues after death, and far greater things are yet to come, but still the same I want to live my life to the fullest, I think God would want that anyways, and if it isn't real at least I would have made the most out of my life, and enjoyed it.

[MuscleInk]

Interesting subject and I'm sure many of the answers will be equally interesting or entertaining. I'm not going to give a straight answer but would certainly discuss this more in a PM than a public forum because, as you said, it is a passionate topic for many people. I will add however, that I did a minor in philosophy in University and one of my favorite subjects in the course was "the existence of God". It generated a very heated discussion.

Like you Austinite, I have searched for answers but alas, have found none truly satisfying.

[gixxerboy1]

no not at all.

[MuscleInk]

no not at all.

That's what I like about Gixx....he get's straight to the point! lol

[Atomini]

No.

But one thing I do believe in: threads like these are not a good idea, and will open a can of worms and I don't need to explain anything else. Estimated time before this thread is locked/deleted and bannings begin: 3 days.

So, I have answered the question and now without further adieu, I am now going to leave this thread and not post in it again! Bye!

[gixxerboy1]

No.

But one thing I do believe in: threads like these are not a good idea, and will open a can of worms and I don't need to explain anything else. Estimated time before this thread is locked/deleted and bannings begin: 3 days.

So, I have answered the question and now without further adieu, I am now going to leave this thread and not post in it again! Bye!

i agree but i see your 3 days with 10 hours.

[Times Roman]

I read a book years ago that was more rational/analytical than emotional as most religious reads seem to be. It is called "How to think about God" by mortimar j adler

http://www.amazon.com/How-Think-Abou.../dp/0020160224

I attended the University of San Francisco, a religous university founded by the Jesuits, so I'm no stranger to religious thought.

The one thing i learned from the Jesuits, I hope, and I don't always do a great job, is how to think critically. And after years of contemplation, discussion with others, and life experience, I am convinced that if there is a Supreme Being, it is highly unlikely that the King James does a good job portraying this entity. Too many discrepencies, too many inconsistancies, and much of the authority claimed by this scholarly piece is self referential. But this does NOT mean that there is NOT a surpreme being!

Some more brain teasers for contemplation....

If a supreme being, is she a part of this universe, our outside our universe?
To be a creative force for our universe, one would imagine this entity would need be outside, and not a part of our universe (else how can such a being be "self creative"?)
Would such a being necessarily have created this universe, or just simply observe quantam mechanics at play?
Is the supreme being a prime mover, and if so, would such an entity be involved in the operational aspects of the universe at large, including the creation of life?
Or wouuld the creation of the universe be sufficient enough, and given billions of years, the evolution of life inevitable?

What is the nature of this being?
Why wouuld this being find it necessary to create life?
If the reason to create life is so that the Supreme Being and all this being has created, can be observed by lessor beings, then isn't that a sign of weakness, since a being not needing to create lessor beings merely to be observed would be more powerful than the other?

Anyways, this line of discourse is a well worn path with me, and best saved for the next campfire, where we can pass the jug of cheap wine.

[MuscleInk]

I read a book years ago that was more rational/analytical than emotional as most religious reads seem to be. It is called "How to think about God" by mortimar j adler

http://www.amazon.com/How-Think-Abou.../dp/0020160224

I attended the University of San Francisco, a religous university founded by the Jesuits, so I'm no stranger to religious thought.

The one thing i learned from the Jesuits, I hope, and I don't always do a great job, is how to think critically. And after years of contemplation, discussion with others, and life experience, I am convinced that if there is a Supreme Being, it is highly unlikely that the King James does a good job portraying this entity. Too many discrepencies, too many inconsistancies, and much of the authority claimed by this scholarly piece is self referential. But this does NOT mean that there is NOT a surpreme being!

Some more brain teasers for contemplation....

If a supreme being, is she a part of this universe, our outside our universe?
To be a creative force for our universe, one would imagine this entity would need be outside, and not a part of our universe (else how can such a being be "self creative"?)
Would such a being necessarily have created this universe, or just simply observe quantam mechanics at play?
Is the supreme being a prime mover, and if so, would such an entity be involved in the operational aspects of the universe at large, including the creation of life?
Or wouuld the creation of the universe be sufficient enough, and given billions of years, the evolution of life inevitable?

What is the nature of this being?
Why wouuld this being find it necessary to create life?
If the reason to create life is so that the Supreme Being and all this being has created, can be observed by lessor beings, then isn't that a sign of weakness, since a being not needing to create lessor beings merely to be observed would be more powerful than the other?

Anyways, this line of discourse is a well worn path with me, and best saved for the next campfire, where we can pass the jug of cheap wine.

Sounds like my kind of read! Thanks for the resource TR.

[MickeyKnox]

"i stopped believing in god when i reached the age of reason" George Carlin RIP

no such thing my friend. BUT, i AM glad other people do because some of them, as stated here already, NEED something to believe in AND be afraid of to "do the right thing". i personally do not require this, nor do i need it in my life.

it's made up...like the boogy man.

[SEOINAGE]

"i stopped believing in god when i reached the age of reason" George Carlin RIP

no such thing my friend. BUT, i AM glad other people do because some of them, as stated here already, NEED something to believe in AND be afraid of to "do the right thing". i personally do not require this, nor do i need it in my life.

it's made up...like the boogy man.

haha people already know that there are plenty with this view, and maybe it is true, at least a crap ton of stuff about religion is made up. But rather than just telling us all how it is and it's made up, you could have said no I don't believe and been courteous like the others lol.

And times that does look like an interesting read, especially when it comes to critically thinking and still believing it might point to a supreme being. Do much reading on Intelligent Design?

[MickeyKnox]

haha people already know that there are plenty with this view, and maybe it is true, at least a crap ton of stuff about religion is made up. But rather than just telling us all how it is and it's made up, you could have said no I don't believe and been courteous like the others lol.

And times that does look like an interesting read, especially when it comes to critically thinking and still believing it might point to a supreme being. Do much reading on Intelligent Design?

?? i was being courteous bro. i started with some well known GC humor, and then followed up with my personal opinion. (actually i followed up with a fact to be more accurate)

hope i didn't offend you brah..you jelly? lol

[SEOINAGE]

?? i was being courteous bro. i started with some well known GC humor, and then followed up with my personal opinion. (actually i followed up with a fact to be more accurate)

hope i didn't offend you brah..you jelly? lol

ha no i'm cool dude. but it sounded like you wanted to piss in my corn flakes, they are hidden now.

[SEOINAGE]

But I should point out you make a good point about not needing that to do the right thing.

[MickeyKnox]

if this doesn't open your eyes nothing will

[< <Samson> >]

I was a pretty strong Atheist for quite a while. But, here is one - Prove either and let me decide. Now I am not a strong atheist and more like right in the middle.


But, heaven and hell < Bitch please.

[Times Roman]

but here's the dilemma

how does one go about explaining the current state of affairs, and exactly where did the universe come from?

the metaphysical explanation defies testing, and therefore, unproveable. Which is very unsatisfying to me. If there are things that can defy the laws of physics as we understand them, such as a supreme being, then why is it we have no discernable proof? After thousands of years and billions of people, you think there would be?? And if there are things that CAN defy the laws of physics as we understand them, then there must be other things/beings that can do the same. Where are they?

the quanta physical explanation relies heavily on certian assumptions, such as the constant C has not and will not change over time. There are hints that this may not be the case, and if so, then the house of cards called the "Big Bang" could easily topple. It is just a theory, after all....

[Times Roman]

btw... here is a description of the bbook i've linked above....

Dr. Adler, in his discussion, extends and modernizes the argument for the existence of God developed by Aristotle and Aquinas. Without relying on faith, mysticism, or science (none of which, according to Dr. Adler, can prove or disprove the existence of God), he uses a rationalist argument to lead the reader to a point where he or she can see that the existence of God is not necessarily dependent upon a suspension of disbelief. Dr. Adler provides a nondogmatic exposition of the principles behind the belief that God, or some other supernatural cause, has to exist in some form. Through concise and lucid arguments, Dr. Adler shapes a highly emotional and often erratic conception of God into a credible and understandable concept for the lay person.

[Hunter]

I strongly believe in god.

[Metalject]

If there is no god, a good question to ask is where did inherent evil come from? Where did the desire to deter from this evil that most in society have always held to come from? Where did the basic moral standards most hold to come from? Did we just make them up as we went? Did we just say "this is good and this is bad" and that's it? How did we decide?

One thing I've never understood about atheism is how the individual will often emphatically state that it's a fact, there is no god. Many, and from what I've seen more so than not, get a little angry about it. People will say all the time, "if there was a god, he wouldn't do this or allow that to happen." Some Christians also make similar remarks and remarks like that are odd when made by atheist or Christians. Or my all time favorite, "I like to think god does this or that." If there is a god, it doesn't matter what we think, it doesn't matter what we desire god to be. He is what he is regardless of our desire to deny his existence or desire for him to be a certain way.

Yes, I believe in God, and I believe in every man there is an innate desire to seek him out, but it is also a desire we can easily crush...free will. Does this mean I cannot associate with people on the simple basis that they don't believe? As a Christian, it shouldn't mean that at all and that's often a major fault when it comes to Christianity in America. That doesn't mean I can agree or support certain aspects of a non-believers life, but I can respect them, I can even be their friend and show them the same love and respect I believe God intended for us all.

Kind of a side note in regards to American Christianity...a problem I have begun to think a lot about is how we in this country commonly perceive God. It has, for lack of a better word, become effeminate. If God is the representation of all life, then he represents both the masculine and female nature, yet in our society we choose to only focus on the feminine nature. We focus on God is love, he is peace and all those happy thoughts. And he is those things, but he's also the other side of the coin. He's wrath and power, he's vengeance and justice and everything that is terrifying to man. We don't consider the latter because it's uncomfortable, and it is through instances like this that we all sit back and wonder why men in American are continually becoming soft, weak, beaten down and not only deprived but told to not act like men, to deny the very side of God whose image they are created from.

[lstbred]

I do not. I dont 100% believe we crawled out of the mud either. Theres are so many questions that I have that have not been answered yet, maybe they cant be answered. I strongly believe that "organized religion" and the ppl involved ruined alot and turned a lot of ppl away (imo). I would like very much to believe but at this point I just cant. I always tell ppl "If God thinks I'm ready, he'll let know"

[< <Samson> >]

Then for the believers here: Aren't we all sinners? We are doing illegal illicit drugs ya know.


But, I have come to an understanding of never say never.

[kalspic]

i dont belive. but if someone asks e to go to a church or a mosque or whatever ill go to support them.

i believe in science. just because science cant prove certain things doesnt mean they dont exsist. we just havnt found it yet.

i dont need a religon to keep me on the right path. everyday i see why i need to be a good person. the news or co-workers or whoever show me wrong-doings that dont appeal to me. it makes me feel good making someones day by doing the right thing and being a good person.

[< <Samson> >]

i dont belive. but if someone asks e to go to a church or a mosque or whatever ill go to support them.

i believe in science. just because science cant prove certain things doesnt mean they dont exsist. we just havnt found it yet.

i dont need a religon to keep me on the right path. everyday i see why i need to be a good person. the news or co-workers or whoever show me wrong-doings that dont appeal to me. it makes me feel good making someones day by doing the right thing and being a good person.

Very well said. I see people throw religion around just because it's a feel good. God forgives you. Sure thing, whatever you say. As I see a church sticker on the a truck of the driver that just flipped me a bird for going the speed limit.

[JWP806]

Im agnostic. It goes against scientific principles to say there is no god, but in my mind, I'm pretty sure there is no god. There's no solid proof for nor against god(s). Although an overwhelming amount of evidence points to the idea that it is extremely unlikely. I was always on the fence but I minored in biology in college and ever since then, there is no chance I will ever believe in a god.

Now with all of that being said, I understand religion and I understand the need for it for some people and I completely respect that. It's just not for me.

For any atheists or agnostics, check out Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, Neil deGrasse Tyson and Christopher Hitchens (RIP).

[Bonaparte]

Im agnostic. It goes against scientific principles to say there is no god, but in my mind, I'm pretty sure there is no god. There's no solid proof for nor against god(s). Although an overwhelming amount of evidence points to the idea that it is extremely unlikely. I was always on the fence but I minored in biology in college and ever since then, there is no chance I will ever believe in a god.

Now with all of that being said, I understand religion and I understand the need for it for some people and I completely respect that. It's just not for me.

For any atheists or agnostics, check out Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, Neil deGrasse Tyson and Christopher Hitchens (RIP).

This is basically where I stand. And if there is some sort of cosmic force, I doubt it has anything to do with the Judeo-Christian "God".

[Metalject]

This is basically where I stand. And if there is some sort of cosmic force, I doubt it has anything to do with the Judeo-Christian "God".

Why do you say that? If there is a god, why is it unlikely it's the Judeo-Christian God? Can you give an answer to this without sighting human behavior? Men are flawed, we're human beings and I know a lot of people will knock a certain religion on the basis of the actions of some of those who profess to follow it. If this is an individual's basis of stating a claim like the one you made, this would be a flawed approach IMO. You can't make a claim like that on the basis of the actions of some while ignoring the actions of others. There has to be a basis beyond basic human interaction. Now I'm not saying you made your claim on that basis, I don't know...you didn't say. I'd simply like to hear your answer.

[Metalject]

Im agnostic. It goes against scientific principles to say there is no god, but in my mind, I'm pretty sure there is no god. There's no solid proof for nor against god(s). Although an overwhelming amount of evidence points to the idea that it is extremely unlikely. I was always on the fence but I minored in biology in college and ever since then, there is no chance I will ever believe in a god.

Now with all of that being said, I understand religion and I understand the need for it for some people and I completely respect that. It's just not for me.

For any atheists or agnostics, check out Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, Neil deGrasse Tyson and Christopher Hitchens (RIP).

Actually, there is evidence in biology that there has to be a creator. There are too many things that occur that are impossible without a creator that many who take an atheistic-scientific approach basically deem all by chance. I find that arrogant. Rather than acknowledge what's in front of them, they'd rather hold onto chance due to a desire of non-belief...they don't want to believe.

For the record, I'm not calling you arrogant or implying you have a desire of non-belief. I'm simply making a generalized statement on the basis of what you shared. Just clarifying due to the nature of this thread.

[Honkey_Kong]

I realize this is a touchy subject for a lot of folks. But I'm really curious to hear reasons why one would believe in God, and why some wouldn't.

I'll be honest, I've never been a religious man. Never really understood religion as a whole. At one point in my life I thought I needed to really understand and went and learned about quite a few different religions. Is it strange that none appealed to me? The similarities were mind boggling, too. My parents were religious. Church every Sunday wasn't optional for us growing up.

Maybe I'm getting old, but lately I've been sinking into deep thoughts about existence in general. Almost hurts to think about. I have the same questions everyone else has and no one can answer...

- Where did God come from?
- Why am I supposed to believe in God, if I can't even see God?
- If God knows all, knows my past and future, then why am I here? Why go through this cycle of life if he knows the outcome?

I really and truly want to believe. I want to have faith. I want to understand. I think I'd have a better quality of life if I did.

How do you keep the faith?

Those questions you're asking are impossible to answer. Nobody including any clergy know the answer to and you'll have to settle with never knowing. It's actually rather funny that you'll see all those evangelists preaching fire and brimstone, promising you that they know GOD IS REAL. Yet, they show no proof.

Agnosticism really in it's purest form is the concept that we as man are incapable of ever knowing. Face it, even if some dude split the skies and came up with this spectacular show, how does that prove beyond all shadow of doubt that there is a god?

The bible itself tackles this problem with John 20:24-31. When John says "Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed." What is going on is that John is admitting that it's impossible to know (see). In the heart of every true Christian, they have faith in God, but are still agnostics.

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/...31&version=KJV

Now as far as you finding faith, don't worry about it. Those who believe aren't really trying to make themselves believe, it just comes to them.

[DSM4Life]

Nope.

[AuSSie SpuDD]

Nope. I believe the world would be a better place without religion. No offence intended. Everyone needs something or someone to believe in.

[Honkey_Kong]

Nope. I believe the world would be a better place without religion. No offence intended. Everyone needs something or someone to believe in.

Huh?

[AD]

I believe in God. There are just too many miracles happening even in everyday life for it to be just random chance.

[gixxerboy1]

Actually, there is evidence in biology that there has to be a creator. There are too many things that occur that are impossible without a creator that many who take an atheistic-scientific approach basically deem all by chance. I find that arrogant. Rather than acknowledge what's in front of them, they'd rather hold onto chance due to a desire of non-belief...they don't want to believe.

For the record, I'm not calling you arrogant or implying you have a desire of non-belief. I'm simply making a generalized statement on the basis of what you shared. Just clarifying due to the nature of this thread.

your post can be turned completely around. Maybe it was all chance, maybe science hasnt found the answer yet. Just because we dont know why yet doesnt mean we wont know how. Look at all the things science figured out in the last 100 years.
To me religious people cant acknowledged whats in front of them and hold on due to a desire to believe

[RaginCajun]

i believe in aliens!