NoeL
Legacy Member
Haven't you ever considered that if you were brought up to believe in Allah you'd "know" Islam is the one true religion?
-
Our discussion boards are an opportunity to discuss our Atomic Articles or start your own posts on topics that inspire you in the General Discussion Board. You can ask questions and get AI & academic answers in our Question Room. If you're feeling knowledgeable you can answer a question.
Do you believe in God?
- Thread starter Cecil15
- Start date
Sponsor
Get Started →
buroo
Legacy Member
Hello Shell323 I watched the video and got the core message. You know what, I feel presently religions around the world, not only Christianity, have vanguards as people who wants followers to follow without asking where to and why. I don't think most of them have the spirit of service in them, what is there is just a facade. If I were to follow any religion as a follower I would not like someone to tell me when to pray and when to go to church or some other religious place. I would do it either from my volition or not do at all. Since presently religions doesn't allow that breathing space so it appears stifling to me.
As far as the existence of God is concerned I already stated what I feel. Every religion it seems is out to prove their God as the true God. The real essence of God is lost in this mindless battle. I am better away from the fights. As I said earlier, I only have reverence left for those human beings who stand out among the selfish people through their remarkable acts of selflessness and benevolence. If there is any God at all then I'd like to see those people as its image rather than the images available around.
Sandra Piddock
Legacy Member
Is it wrong to say No I do not believe in god. Would others think any lesser of me? I believe that those who do believe in the existence of god have every right to do so.
That's a very balanced way to look at a topic that brings out the most unbalanced reactions in people. Of course it is not wrong for you to say you do not believe in God - it's your right as a free-thinking person.
I believe that there is a God - or at least a higher power of some description. There are times in my life when I feel that I have received an answer to a particularly taxing question, or when I have suddenly seen my path forward, and at those times I feel that the answer must have come from outside - although it could possibly have come from within my subconscious, of course.
Interesting debate...
Do I think that there is some celestial body floating above us and orchestrating our every move on this earth? No, of course not! I think that some people NEED to believe that, however, as it provides them with 'something' that's lacking in their lives. Which is fair do's - whatever gets you through the day. What concerns me is when people turn into religious zealots, and allow their belief system to rule their life, and also try to ram it down other people's throats. I find that offensive.
If you were to ask me if I believe in the Bible, then that would be a different matter. So - do I believe in the Bible? Well, yes, parts of it, for sure. I believe there was a man called Jesus, who was a prophet, a wise man and a good man. And that he was crucified because of his beliefs, and because he was considered to be a dissenter of the Roman Empire. I think that other stories were woven into the bible, and probably many of them were embellished to make them more interesting. The Bible is part fact, part fiction and, like most books, it has some good bits and some bad bits!
Do I think that there is some celestial body floating above us and orchestrating our every move on this earth? No, of course not! I think that some people NEED to believe that, however, as it provides them with 'something' that's lacking in their lives. Which is fair do's - whatever gets you through the day. What concerns me is when people turn into religious zealots, and allow their belief system to rule their life, and also try to ram it down other people's throats. I find that offensive.
If you were to ask me if I believe in the Bible, then that would be a different matter. So - do I believe in the Bible? Well, yes, parts of it, for sure. I believe there was a man called Jesus, who was a prophet, a wise man and a good man. And that he was crucified because of his beliefs, and because he was considered to be a dissenter of the Roman Empire. I think that other stories were woven into the bible, and probably many of them were embellished to make them more interesting. The Bible is part fact, part fiction and, like most books, it has some good bits and some bad bits!
buroo
Legacy Member
Interesting debate...
If you were to ask me if I believe in the Bible, then that would be a different matter. So - do I believe in the Bible? Well, yes, parts of it, for sure. I believe there was a man called Jesus, who was a prophet, a wise man and a good man. And that he was crucified because of his beliefs, and because he was considered to be a dissenter of the Roman Empire. I think that other stories were woven into the bible, and probably many of them were embellished to make them more interesting. The Bible is part fact, part fiction and, like most books, it has some good bits and some bad bits!
Of many such discussions this is probably the most sensible portrayal of the Bible and Jesus I've seen. Thanks Rachel, you've put it so nicely, I just couldn't agree with you more. Sadly instead of taking the good bits of Bible and rejecting the bad ones people seem to be more obsessed with SIN and SINNERS. As if admitting it is going to transform mankind tomorrow into a new leaf of some kind. What a folly! They will continue to be such SINNERS and make mistakes again while doing some good things also.
NoeL
Legacy Member
I disagree. People NEED theism the same way a heroin addict NEEDS heroin. They enjoy their theism, they crave their theism, they find it hard to get by without their theism, but they don't NEED theism - and just like a heroin addict, we shouldn't ignore the harm they're doing to themselves (and potentially to others) whilst they continue to indulge in their "need"s.
If someone struggles to accept God doesn't exist then they need people to help them accept it. They DON'T need people to endorse their nonsense and pretend it's not harmful.
Sandra Piddock
Legacy Member
Interesting debate...
Do I think that there is some celestial body floating above us and orchestrating our every move on this earth? No, of course not! I think that some people NEED to believe that, however, as it provides them with 'something' that's lacking in their lives. Which is fair do's - whatever gets you through the day. What concerns me is when people turn into religious zealots, and allow their belief system to rule their life, and also try to ram it down other people's throats. I find that offensive.
If you were to ask me if I believe in the Bible, then that would be a different matter. So - do I believe in the Bible? Well, yes, parts of it, for sure. I believe there was a man called Jesus, who was a prophet, a wise man and a good man. And that he was crucified because of his beliefs, and because he was considered to be a dissenter of the Roman Empire. I think that other stories were woven into the bible, and probably many of them were embellished to make them more interesting. The Bible is part fact, part fiction and, like most books, it has some good bits and some bad bits!
Excellent response, Rachel. I also find it offensive when people go touting religion from door to door like double glazing salesmen, or declaiming on street corners. And if more people took your attitude to the Bible - or other so-called sacred texts - there would be a lot less harm done in the name of religion. Rather than take the Gospels as gospel, people should think of the Bible as a good story, but not necessarily a blueprint for life, or a stick to beat others with.
XavierAlex
Legacy Member
This question takes persistent and diligent understanding. Everything Molzahn wrote is as accurate as I've seen. I think it's wonderful so many people believe in God here. I think the question should boggle though. I personally believe because throughout history just about EVERYONE has believed in God or some deity or deities. Who am I disagree?
I think to answer the question posed here: is that your belief in any principle, God, idea--I mean truly believe, and not intellectualize it, will inform your actions. In the past people believed in Freedom, right? Well that was new and they would die for it. That was something they believed and it informed actions. Now the problem is not "believing in God or not," it is, with a firm belief, placed into action, what will this do?
God seems to be some war for most, but others he or she is a very very personal on-the-knees type of entity. So in this civilization, like many parties, we have two sides. I think that the issue of religion and do-you-believe-in-god do not matter, so long as the day does not change, governments do not get better, people do not have better lives. Otherwise, we can throw stones from the Catholic to the Lutheran or Muslim to Hindu or Santeria to Voodoo till the end of time.
I think to answer the question posed here: is that your belief in any principle, God, idea--I mean truly believe, and not intellectualize it, will inform your actions. In the past people believed in Freedom, right? Well that was new and they would die for it. That was something they believed and it informed actions. Now the problem is not "believing in God or not," it is, with a firm belief, placed into action, what will this do?
God seems to be some war for most, but others he or she is a very very personal on-the-knees type of entity. So in this civilization, like many parties, we have two sides. I think that the issue of religion and do-you-believe-in-god do not matter, so long as the day does not change, governments do not get better, people do not have better lives. Otherwise, we can throw stones from the Catholic to the Lutheran or Muslim to Hindu or Santeria to Voodoo till the end of time.
MrPhilstivus
Legacy Member
Everyone? Really? I wasn't aware that statistics were kept on that. I think it more likely that because persecution, up to and including death, was the penalty for expression of NON-belief that any records that MIGHT exist would show the majority were Believers.
Who are you to disagree? You are yourself - a unique, living, breathing human being. Why go along with the crowd if you don't truly believe what they believe?
People that died for the concept of freedom - rather, their descendants - had a viable proof that their beliefs were justified. They were "free".
If I choose not to "believe" in the Law of Gravity, will I be promptly whisked-up into the atmosphere?
If you mean that "God" is merely a motivational visualization then yes, I agree that it might have some value. But as a sentient being, a sky-king on a cloudy throne that decides the ultimate fate of every human being? I'd need to see that to believe it.
The issue DOES matter when it impinges upon the rights and freedoms of others. A person's belief - ANY belief - is valid only insofar as it doesn't intrude upon mine. THAT'S where the problems start. The name of God has issued from the lips of millions of evil-doers, a justification that would not otherwise be available if religion had not been created.
Everything in religion is based on believe ,so It wouldn't be wrong if you say it,but then people would put you in group of people who are called "Atheists".Is it wrong to say No I do not believe in god. Would others think any lesser of me? I believe that those who do believe in the existence of god have every right to do so.
thewebmiss
Legacy Member
I believe in God. I am a Christian, and I am surrounded with Christian friends. But it is sad that my family, since we really are Catholic, does not appreciate Jesus to the fact that He is must more important than anybody or anyone else. They do pray a lot though, but communication isn't enough. Action is required. There are moments that I've been questioned why I devote so much time in the church or in reading the Bible a lot, but I still love God and no other people or thing could separate me from His love. Religion is not the thing. God loves everyone.
kitchencatlover
Legacy Member
I am a Christian. I love God and Jesus. I was raised this way yes but I wasn't forced to go to church or to read the bible. I grew up and researched things on my own I wasn't brainwashed. And I don't think that just because someone has faith in something whether it be Jesus, Allah, Buddha or whatever, that it makes them brainwashed, or narrow minded or stupid. I think it's rude to not accept that someone actually has a purpose in life. I don't put people down for not thinking the same way I do. I love everyone. That's one thing I take from the Bible. To love everyone even if you don't agree with their life. It's not your place to judge.
I am a Christian and a former atheist, so I've been on both sides of this issue. I am a Christian against my will. That isn't to say that someone forced me convert. Rather, God revealed Himself in such a way that, though I did not want to acknowledge Him, disbelief was no longer an option. I've seen things and had things happen to me that I really can't explain any other way. I would have to be insane not to believe at this point. I am a completely different person than I was two years ago when I accepted Christ and, though I still have a long way to go, I can honestly say that the best thing that ever happened to me was being captured by the Master that grants freedom.
Taylor V. Smith
⚛ Graduate
An interesting choice of words. Not heard that one before.
MyOCDisMild
Legacy Member
I was raised Christian, and while I still adhere to basic principals, I'm not a diligent participant of the faith itself. I was
also raised to ask questions and never just 'accept' what I'm told, and being an intellectual through and through, I find
it hard if not completely unreasonable to follow any religion by the order. I can't accept that the earth is billions of years
old and say that the laws of bible and the teachings throughout are an accurate depiction. I've never seen any talking
animals outside of Dr. Dolittle, so I can't swallow the talking snake thing. I admire those that can accept both and take
them on 'faith', but I'm not one of those.
That being said, I would never dream of belittling someone or their personal beliefs because I found them asinine. I'm a
strong, staunch reporter of the 'to each his own motif', and while I don't want anyone shoving their religion and/or
beliefs down my throat, I will respect their decisions to follow whatever deity they choose.
also raised to ask questions and never just 'accept' what I'm told, and being an intellectual through and through, I find
it hard if not completely unreasonable to follow any religion by the order. I can't accept that the earth is billions of years
old and say that the laws of bible and the teachings throughout are an accurate depiction. I've never seen any talking
animals outside of Dr. Dolittle, so I can't swallow the talking snake thing. I admire those that can accept both and take
them on 'faith', but I'm not one of those.
That being said, I would never dream of belittling someone or their personal beliefs because I found them asinine. I'm a
strong, staunch reporter of the 'to each his own motif', and while I don't want anyone shoving their religion and/or
beliefs down my throat, I will respect their decisions to follow whatever deity they choose.
MyOCDisMild
Legacy Member
Just out of curiosity, what happened to you, if you don't mind sharing, that forced your hand in believing in God?
All of the atheists that I know are dead set against even opening their minds to the possibility that there may be
a higher power or all knowing being, to the point that becomes more of a fault and hinders them rather than
releasing them from the bonds of religion. Just curious
Youlovejordan
Legacy Member
I have never been a christian but my belief in God is solid. People think that because they can't physically see God that he doesn't exist. Let me ask you a question, You can't see air but you breathe it and know it's real so it must exist right? Otherwise you wouldn't be living. However, I'd rather be spiritual than religious and no they are not the same thing. See, most people think they're spiritual because they follow a set of rules made by their religion, that's obviously not the case and I personally think it's basically a cult. Long story short I love God!
