Do you believe in god?

[sai-fujiwara]

A simple question. Do you believe in a higher being, god, Buddha, karma, angels, etc.? Some greater good or destiny that governs your life?

Or do you believe in something else?

Just a simple question asked out of curiosity. You can take it however way you want.

[DarkWolf]

Oh kay... "Do you believe in god" despite their being a religion forum you know damn well is there (having posted in it before).

I don't mean this to be harsh but have you been smoking weed or something? Two clearly religious threads in succession posted in a non-religion forum that you KNOW we have. Did you just wake up today and say to yourself "fuck any intelligent thought" or something?

[sai-fujiwara]

Did you just wake up today and say to yourself "fuck any intelligent thought" or something?
you got it, right on the dot. Sorry for being an idiot today, it should clear up tomorrow.

[DarkWolf]

We all get those days. :D

Anyway I'm agnostic (I don't subscribe to or believe in any religious philosophy or belief when I have no knowledge of its validity). Beyond that I also don't care. Even if it was proven beyond a shadow of a doubt he existed - I wouldn't really care. I'd still continue to live my life how I wish (given physical limitations, etc, of course).

[RQ]

I'm an atheist. Special thanks to Dresden Codak. (http://dresdencodak.com/cartoons/dc_019.htm)

http://dresdencodak.com/cartoons/a_irony.jpg

[_Grey_]

I don't believe in God.

Used to. Then something came up.

Or didn't, I suppose. Depending on how you look at it.

_Grey_

[blueeyes]

>.>

*damns curious nature and _Grey_'s sideways references*

I don't personally believe in any dieties. I don't believe that they don't exist, either, I just don't see much point in me believing in it or not.
Between being a soulless animal and not understanding the 'where did we come from' question, the whole god thing just doesn't work too well.

You could call me a deist, I suppose, but only because I think a good portion of society would be worse off if they didn't believe in something. Whether that something exists or not doesn't really matter to me.

I do believe in pop culture version of karma, that eventually what comes around goes around, but that's a hope that humans will be nice in response to nice actions in some sort of butterfly effect.

Oh, and free will. I think that's it for unsubstantiatable and largely falsified beliefs.

[Abracadabra]

God really thats chirstian and sense im not christian i cant say i do i more belive if theres gonan be some higher power type thing it will be in the form of many different spirits

[Tempest]

I used to believe in God, then I believed in gods, now I believe nothing. A lot of crap has happened to me and loved ones in the past year and I find myself not caring if there is any supreme being at all. If it does exist it obviously doesn't take care of me. And if it doesn't exist well guess I'm not any worse/better off. Thinking about it just makes me depressed so I just don't care.

[RQ]

I used to believe in God, then I believed in gods, now I believe nothing. A lot of crap has happened to me and loved ones in the past year and I find myself not caring if there is any supreme being at all. If it does exist it obviously doesn't take care of me. And if it doesn't exist well guess I'm not any worse/better off. Thinking about it just makes me depressed so I just don't care.So just because s/he doesn't take time out of running all of existence to make sure that nothing bad happens to you, s/he doesn't exist? That is one weak argument. Faith is built on more than the selfish need to be parented throughout your entire life.

[wyrm-takes-last]

I think that even if a god does exist, he is far too awesome and powerfull too care about tiny little sub-atomic simple humans on our tiny little dirt ball. Seriously, the world could explode and it would probably be too small for god to even notice. When you look as someone like god, looking at the difference between ghandi and hitler, HE probably doesn't see much difference, because they are both tiny little unimportant jelly-minded uneventful bags of atoms.

[Aeolus]

So just because s/he doesn't take time out of running all of existence to make sure that nothing bad happens to you, s/he doesn't exist? That is one weak argument. Faith is built on more than the selfish need to be parented throughout your entire life.

That's an interesting comic. Also very boring (far too typical) and unimpressive. I dont think heaven will be like anything any human has ever witnessed, and I take most of the examples in the bible to be strongly symbolic. I certainly dont think that there will be mythical creatures there, dont know where you got that, but I bet it was a crappy misinterpretation of the battle between the dragon and the archangel in Revelation. I could get up in your face for it, but that isn't allowed unless you say something stupid about atheistic beliefs...

Interesting what you said just now though.

EDIT- Holy crap! I just realized that if my old girlfriend had an animated version of herself, it would like that chic! Wierd...

[_Grey_]

...

You need to loosen up, Aereolus.

It was a comic. Oh well if it doesn't make sense.

And how is it "interesting" what she said? I would say the same thing...

_Grey_

[Aeolus]

...

You need to loosen up, Aereolus.

It was a comic. Oh well if it doesn't make sense.

And how is it "interesting" what she said? I would say the same thing...

_Grey_

What queen said about Tempest's dumb reason for not believing in God just seemed odd coming from an atheist, I guess. Further, comic books (or e-comics) are a form of art, and art 101 says that it is essential for people to have an opinion on your piece of work. I was just giving mine.

[_Grey_]

But it wasn't hers...

It was someone else's. Doesn't make much sense to criticize her, does it?

Next, of course: I am atheist. But I like for people to believe/disbelieve in whatever for the right reasons.

_Grey_

[Aeolus]

But it wasn't hers...

It was someone else's. Doesn't make much sense to criticize her, does it?

Now I'm confused. I didn't say it was her's, I said that it was wierd what she said about tempest... nevermind.

[_Grey_]

...

The comic wasn't red_queen's.

... I don't think at least.

Anyway... I'm off topic. So I'll shut up now.

_Grey_

[RQ]

It wasn't my comic, it was a comic from the link that I provided.

Regarding your second comment: just because I'm an atheist doesn't mean I can't understand faith. In fact, I don't think I could make any cognitive decision or realization regarding my own beliefs unless I thought I understood faith as well as the lack thereof.

Edit: I think you're taking the comic a little too literally. It isn't a parody of anything biblical. The series is kind of nerdy/sciency, but it's definitely fiction. Furthermore, how can it be interesting and simultaneously "boring and unimpressive"? Webcomics are entertaining; they don't always have to be profound or compelling to you. Hardly worth "getting in my face" over. :)

[Vendetta]

I don't personally believe in any dieties. I don't believe that they don't exist, either, I just don't see much point in me believing in it or not.
Political opinions be-damned, will you marry me? :D

[Tempest]

So just because s/he doesn't take time out of running all of existence to make sure that nothing bad happens to you, s/he doesn't exist? That is one weak argument. Faith is built on more than the selfish need to be parented throughout your entire life.

I never asked any god to give me an easy life. I know that I sound selfish and as though I would like to be babied. But after a long string of shit in my life I find that I'd rather do more constructive things than pray to and believe in a being that doesn't seem to give a crap about me. Doing those things did nothing for me, it just gave me false hope. Anyway I don't want to get into a big "why my life sucks" rant so I'll just end it by saying:

I don't care if there is a god or not anymore.

Happy?

[RQ]

I never asked any god to give me an easy life. I know that I sound selfish and as though I would like to be babied. But after a long string of shit in my life I find that I'd rather do more constructive things than pray to and believe in a being that doesn't seem to give a crap about me. Doing those things did nothing for me, it just gave me false hope. Anyway I don't want to get into a big "why my life sucks" rant so I'll just end it by saying:

I don't care if there is a god or not anymore.

Happy?No no, I'm not picking on you. It's true that bad things happen to good people, often. It's perfectly understandable that something like that can cause you to lose faith after being told your whole life that god is a Father, almighty, caring, loving, and forgiving. A companion. It's not shocking therefore, that when you feel abandoned by that person it causes you to question all of your beliefs.

That said, think it's good that you would rather do more constructive things with your life than spend it entirely in prayer. I think that if everyone who spends an hour or two in church on Sundays instead spent that time taking an elderly person living alone on his or her weekly errands, or volunteered their time or expertise to the poor, he or she would be living the ideals all religions hope of their followers instead of praying for God to cure the sick, feed the hungry, and shelter the homeless.

I imagine faith is a choice requiring full-time maintenance. Otherwise, it too closely resembles hypocrisy.

[Aeolus]

No no, I'm not picking on you. It's true that bad things happen to good people, often. It's perfectly understandable that something like that can cause you to lose faith after being told your whole life that god is a Father, almighty, caring, loving, and forgiving. A companion. It's not shocking therefore, that when you feel abandoned by that person it causes you to question all of your beliefs.

That said, think it's good that you would rather do more constructive things with your life than spend it entirely in prayer. I think that if everyone who spends an hour or two in church on Sundays instead spent that time taking an elderly person living alone on his or her weekly errands, or volunteered their time or expertise to the poor, he or she would be living the ideals all religions hope of their followers instead of praying for God to cure the sick, feed the hungry, and shelter the homeless.

I very much agree. We are encouraged to do good things for our people and our community for a great deal of the time we spend in church. The only reason why any pastor I know would wish otherwise is because:

A) Prayer might be needed to ensure that it will have a positive outcome.

B) If the person doesn't feel like it, no one forces them because it just doesn't come from the heart, and that, to most Christians, is just not a really good way to appear to folks.

I believe in God, because lots of truths seem illusory in life, but that doesn't mean they aren't there. Also, when I am having a problem with anxiety or something I miraculously feel better, when all else fails, after I have prayed. If it is true, and God doesn't exist, I have lost nothing, but instead found a solid way to deal with my issues. Pills, humps of money, and psychiatric wards have never had any helpful effect on me, so if He doesn't exist, then I owe some brilliant person who devised a very effective psychological mechanisms a lot of thanks.

In any event, your stance on understanding faith is worthy of note, Red Queen, I am just used to atheists who are so zealous about being anti-God that they will have nothing to do with even learning the truth about any opposing viewpoints.

[Tempest]

Sorry, Red_Queen, I might have been a little defensive there. I didn't realize you weren't trying to give me a hard time.

Aereolus, it's good that prayer helps you. We all need something in this world to hold on to.

[DarkHunter]

A simple question. Do you believe in a higher being, god, Buddha, karma, angels, etc.? Some greater good or destiny that governs your life?


Only me.

[BlackRosePhantom]

It wasn't my comic, it was a comic from the link that I provided.

I went there and read all the comics, and I like them. My favorite would either the bear stealing the girl's ideas or the 10 page asiment vs. going to the underworld (Mayan style) in person.

Regarding Aereolus, Oh My F@cking Goodness, you actually took the time to say "even if there isn't a god". That is al I have to say regarding that.

Also, no I don't believe in god. I alway's dubted his existance, and science just finally tipped my mind into the "No, I fully believe he doesn't exist" category instead of in between.

[Aeolus]

LOL!!!!!!!!!!

Red, do you realize that guy looks exactly like the young Les Claypoole?

Oh my Gawd, he has an mtg comic! The bastard! He compares it to something from the eighties! Doh!

[Mr. E]

>.>
I don't personally believe in any dieties. I don't believe that they don't exist, either, I just don't see much point in me believing in it or not.
Between being a soulless animal and not understanding the 'where did we come from' question, the whole god thing just doesn't work too well.

You could call me a deist, I suppose, but only because I think a good portion of society would be worse off if they didn't believe in something. Whether that something exists or not doesn't really matter to me.

I do believe in pop culture version of karma, that eventually what comes around goes around, but that's a hope that humans will be nice in response to nice actions in some sort of butterfly effect.

Oh, and free will. I think that's it for unsubstantiatable and largely falsified beliefs.

I agree completely, god, or whatever people is simply a figure of guidance and moral, within that religion.
Life goes on whether you do or don't believe, I used to for a while, then I played grandia 2 and the ending kinda changed my views, and also the fact that through out history and now, religions provide a source of conflict I'd rather avoid altogether. So now I just don't care, as long as people aren't forcing religious beliefs and whatnot on me.

[Golden Howl]

I never asked any god to give me an easy life. I know that I sound selfish and as though I would like to be babied. But after a long string of shit in my life I find that I'd rather do more constructive things than pray to and believe in a being that doesn't seem to give a crap about me. Doing those things did nothing for me, it just gave me false hope. Anyway I don't want to get into a big "why my life sucks" rant so I'll just end it by saying:

I don't care if there is a god or not anymore.

Happy?

Actually I don't mean to be rude, but you should care, because it's a major issue. I know this sounds stupid, but usually God takes a bad thing and pulls something good out of it, whether you realize it or not. It could have nothing to do with you, it could've affected someone else's life, who knows?
I'm sure you already know this, but there are people out there who have experienced death & came back to tell the story. They've either seen hell or heaven.
The ones who went to heaven claim they saw a beautiful creature or human, and who do you think that is? Anyway, you may not care now, but you will when your death arrives. Because once you die, you'll go to heaven or hell. If you go to hell, you're there forever. There's no turning back, no second chances, no waking up from a nightmare...it's worse than anything you could imagine....So give it a second thought

[Tempest]

Because once you die, you'll go to heaven or hell. If you go to hell, you're there forever. There's no turning back, no second chances, no waking up from a nightmare...it's worse than anything you could imagine....So give it a second thought

"Do you really think your maniacal Biblical ramblings are going to change my beliefs?"

[Golden Howl]

"Do you really think your maniacal Biblical ramblings are going to change my beliefs?"

First of all, these aren't Bible ramblings. This is wisdom I have learned from authority. Like I said before, people have actually experienced death, & they came back to tell the tale. Do you not believe what they went through? Do you think what they saw was all a simple delusion? I'm sure you're not going to believe a person on the internet that you don't even know, but I'm crazy (or stupid) enough to try.

[Tempest]

First of all, these aren't Bible ramblings. This is wisdom I have learned from authority. Like I said before, people have actually experienced death, & they came back to tell the tale. Do you not believe what they went through? Do you think what they saw was all a simple delusion? I'm sure you're not going to believe a person on the internet that you don't even know, but I'm crazy (or stupid) enough to try.

Hell is pretty much a Christian concept, from the Bible. If I'm mistaken let me know.

I have read my fair share of near death experience accounts and I don't recall any of them talking about hell/heaven or seeing any god-like beings. My best friend had a near death experience herself and she said nothing about those things. And although I do believe what some people say online (after I carefully consider the logic of the statement), I'm very stubborn in my beliefs and preaching to me about why I should believe in something is a waste of your time. I think it's better to admit that I don't care if there is a god than go around pretended I believe in one, lying to myself and others.

[Golden Howl]

Hell is pretty much a Christian concept, from the Bible. If I'm mistaken let me know.

I have read my fair share of near death experience accounts and I don't recall any of them talking about hell/heaven or seeing any god-like beings. My best friend had a near death experience herself and she said nothing about those things. And although I do believe what some people say online (after I carefully consider the logic of the statement), I'm very stubborn in my beliefs and preaching to me about why I should believe in something is a waste of your time. I think it's better to admit that I don't care if there is a god than go around pretended I believe in one, lying to myself and others.

Well not all those people whom have had near death experiences are christians & just recently on the news or something like that was a man who experienced death 2 times in his life. The first one was when he was 12. He went to heaven and came back because it wasn't his time according to God. Then later on in his life he had taken an overdose of drugs. And I should mention that he wasn't a Christian. He had went to hell. He described it like this, " All the people I had hurt emotionally were screaming at me, & suddenly I began to feel all the depression & pain I had caused them." I didn't watch the whole thing but it was something like that. But I can understand why you're stubborn on this subject, because I am the same way. I believe there is a God, a heaven, a hell & a devil(aka Satan) and I won't have some stranger or my friends to try & talk me into believing something else. I won't have it. So, yeah I should just let it go, because I do not want you to live a lie. I rather you stick to your belief, than be fake & lie. So I meant no harm. Besides it's fun to debate once in a while, isn't it? :D

[Captain Death]

I'm not a believer. I'm not even agnostic, I just have no faith in a higher being. I wouldn't say it's because of crap happening to me or any of the usual reasons. I just don't think I can believe it. Even as a child when I used to say prayers in school and sing hymns I never really thought there was a God.

[Cheater388]

I've prayed for god once or twice. I've needed his help once or twice. We've spoken. I've expressed opinions the same amount of times. When I read the bible, I thought he was pretty angry at something. But I don't worship him.

[BlackDeiny]

I'm undecided until there's hard definite proof of there being a god. The main "proof" for most religions are so-called holy books, filled with stories about people who've seen strange visions and heard strange voices - the same kind of people who would today be locked up as mentally ill. In my opinion, that's hardly reliable proof to believe in something so substantial and life changing. So until the existence of god can be scientifically proven, I have to remain undecided.

[Hoplite]

yes i do believe in God

[sai-fujiwara]

I'm undecided until there's hard definite proof of there being a god. The main "proof" for most religions are so-called holy books, filled with stories about people who've seen strange visions and heard strange voices - the same kind of people who would today be locked up as mentally ill. In my opinion, that's hardly reliable proof to believe in something so substantial and life changing. So until the existence of god can be scientifically proven, I have to remain undecided.
As for that main proof thing, I only can say that fact is true for the religion Islam, but not many others.

If you do not believe in one, I thank you for your opinion. If we wanted to go onto a discussion about proof versus belief, then I would gladly do it, but for the sake of keeping to the rules, I'll leave it as this.

As always,

Sai.

[BlackDeiny]

As for that main proof thing, I only can say that fact is true for the religion Islam, but not many others.

If you do not believe in one, I thank you for your opinion. If we wanted to go onto a discussion about proof versus belief, then I would gladly do it, but for the sake of keeping to the rules, I'll leave it as this.


Isn't the Bible commonly used by Christianity as proof?

And sure, we can go onto a discussion about proof versus belief.

[Xavious]

I believe in God. Ever since I was little kid I've been going to church on a semi-regular basis. Around my early teens I took 'other' beliefs I'd rather not get into detail about and after about a year or so I went back to Christianity. I felt better about myself when I went back despite all that's happened to me. Proof? I don't have any other than my personal experiences. After having my lungs to stop working and having a serious head wound all by the time I was twelve (those being the most notable of the miscellaneous ailments), I live on blind faith and with it I'll die.

[Wulfman Mike]

I do, then I don't...
It's so hard!
I know Im like suppose to belive so that I'm aware that there is an after life, but sometimes I feel mislead. Like i'm trapped into believing one religion.

If there truly is, I hope that he can forgive me for ever doubting.

[BlueScorpion]

I do, then I don't...
It's so hard!
I know Im like suppose to belive so that I'm aware that there is an after life, but sometimes I feel mislead. Like i'm trapped into believing one religion.

If there truly is, I hope that he can forgive me for ever doubting.

You don't "have" to believe in any certain religion if you feel trapped, just believe what you want to believe. Nobody can force you (or anyone, for that matter) to think, act, or be a certain way.

[Pickle Tickler]

Mike, as long as you are alive, no matter what you do, he'll forgive you. (if that makes you feel any better)

As for me, you guys know where I stand. But for those who don't, I do believe in God.

[John 677808]

I think God is real, though until he does something for me on the personal level, I will refrain from church worship.

[ThrasherCub]

I believe in the Gods I've met. And I feel rather "oh why the hell not?" about the idea of other ones existing. Because, hey, why the hell not?

So who is it I actively believe in? Mostly Thelemic deities. Ynpu, Apep, Osir, Nuit, Hadit, Ra-Hoor-Kuit, Babalon, Coyote, and Marduk.

[RQ]

I think God is real, though until he does something for me on the personal level, I will refrain from church worship. This is the quintessential hypocrisy involved in religion. "Sure, there's a God. But why should I worship until he or she takes a break (presumably) from running all of existence and steps down from on-high to fix my bullshit problems for me?"

The ego involved is just astonishing.

[ThrasherCub]

Maybe it's more of, "I think God's real, but I don't want to go to Church until I KNOW He's real."

It's easier to believe that there might be a God based on things like existence being here, but for many people it will take something personal or directly relevant to their lives to make them "know" God is real.

[John 677808]

This is the quintessential hypocrisy involved in religion. "Sure, there's a God. But why should I worship until he or she takes a break (presumably) from running all of existence and steps down from on-high to fix my bullshit problems for me?"

The ego involved is just astonishing.

I think real faith is something that God should recieve from presenting miracles. No miracles, then No faith.

Then again mabye you think that is only my selfish ego, are you even religious. ?

[RQ]

I think real faith is something that God should recieve from presenting miracles. No miracles, then No faith.

Then again mabye you think that is only my selfish ego, are you even religious. ?Even better! If he really wants your worship badly enough, God will just swoop down and work miracles just for you? Are you serious? Man, if I were god, rather not count people like you among my worshippers.

Are you even familiar with the concept of "faith"?

[ThrasherCub]

No miracles, then No faith.
Are you even familiar with the concept of "faith"?
Yeah dude, if you're seeing miracles then it's more like knowing a fact than believing in God and whatnot.

[John 677808]

Even better! If he really wants your worship badly enough, God will just swoop down and work miracles just for you? Are you serious? Man, if I were god, rather not count people like you among my worshippers.

Are you even familiar with the concept of "faith"?

No one said he is forced to work miracles for me, unless he wants my worship. Are you even religious and try not avoiding my question this time !

Yes I am familiar with the concept of faith, though taking into account what goes on in the modern world, I think I need something more than faith.

When I was younger I was church based religious and it never did anything to improve my life.

[John 677808]

First of all, these aren't Bible ramblings. This is wisdom I have learned from authority. Like I said before, people have actually experienced death, & they came back to tell the tale. Do you not believe what they went through? Do you think what they saw was all a simple delusion? I'm sure you're not going to believe a person on the internet that you don't even know, but I'm crazy (or stupid) enough to try.

You know I used to listen to these spiritualist people, they claim, or some of them claim atleast. That hell is like this series of shadowy planes which suit the behaviour pattern you fix into when you die. They say that essentially to leave this hell or one of these versions you have to change inside and that there is no actual hell fire or lava pit, which you are thrown into.

Now that seems to contradict christian teachings, taking into account, that christian leaders say worship God or you will burn in hell.

I don't take religion that serious anymore and this has more than anything relaxed my fear of retribution for lack of faith in God.

I do realise Morganafang this is a double post, though I couldn't ignore this, once seeing it and I think this is something that needed it's own quote.

[ThrasherCub]

once seeing it and I think this is something that needed it's own quote.
You know you can add quotes to an already existing post, right?

No one said he is forced to work miracles for me, unless he wants my worship.
You do realize though that your strong disbelief is a block against your ability to perceive them, both magickally psychologically, right?

[John 677808]

You know you can add quotes to an already existing post, right?

You do realize though that your strong disbelief is a block against your ability to perceive them, both magickally psychologically, right?

That is correct, though the truth is I carn't be bothered resorting the quotes and paragraphs out.

I don't think it's beyond God's ability in any form to provide a miracle for me, if he felt like doing it. He doesn't need human worship to keep and display his powers.

[ThrasherCub]

But there is a small problem with this.

If you wish to go with the one god route, He really does have better stuff to do, like manage all of existence.

If you wish to go with the multi god route, they are limited in power and so really do need your prayer in order for it to be possible and/or worth their time.

[John 677808]

But there is a small problem with this.

If you wish to go with the one god route, He really does have better stuff to do, like manage all of existence.

If you wish to go with the multi god route, they are limited in power and so really do need your prayer in order for it to be possible and/or worth their time.


Like I am saying this is to prove his point to me. He doesn't produce any miracle for me, unless he feels like it. I know he will do nothing as he doesn't need me, then I know that I don't need him.

Yes, I think any form of lesser diety comes into limited power through faith. Though I am not asking them to perform anything for me.

[ThrasherCub]

I know he will do nothing as he doesn't need me, then I know that I don't need him.

Not quite.

If you didn't exist or stopped existing, God would be fine.

If God didn't exist, neither would you, and if God stopped existing we'd probably all be fucked, you included.

[John 677808]

Not quite.

If you didn't exist or stopped existing, God would be fine.

If God didn't exist, neither would you, and if God stopped existing we'd probably all be fucked, you included.

That's only what you belive in, that is not what I think.

His power fall's, then something else takes his place.

[ThrasherCub]

Now there's an interesting idea. What takes His place?

[Vendetta]

If you wish to go with the multi god route, they are limited in power and so really do need your prayer in order for it to be possible and/or worth their time.
Uhh, you know we're not talking about a roleplaying game or fantasy novel right? Many polytheistic religions have omnipotent gods.

[ThrasherCub]

Uhh, you know we're not talking about a roleplaying game or fantasy novel right? Many polytheistic religions have omnipotent gods.
Correct. However those omnipotent gods tend to be subject to the "I have better crap to do" statement, and/or the "smaller" gods are there because the omnipotent one cannot/will not deal with us directly, we cannot understand it unless we are enlightened, etc.

[sai-fujiwara]

Isn't the Bible commonly used by Christianity as proof?

And sure, we can go onto a discussion about proof versus belief.
(a little late)

In my belief, the bible isn't proof of anything. Its just a bunch of stories and histories men (saints, religious leaders, crazy people...) have put together to perhaps better understand God, and to teach the next generations about what God has said to them.

I really look for proofs outside of man, and I find them in bountiful plenty.