Zone1 No Wonder Why I Had Doubts In God's Existence Before

[frigidweirdo]

I was just having this conversation with my fiancee. A long time ago I couldn't make up my mind on what I actually believed since there are so many beliefs out there, but that's the problem. I was thinking with my mind instead of my heart and the mind can deceive you and has caused me to doubt in the past, but my heart has never faltered.

Surely if there were a God, all people would worship in the same way.

 

[Crepitus]

Don't be silly. We are constantly evolving. Natural selection is predicated on functional advantage. If something has no functional advantage it goes away. Logic tells us that unless something offers value it will not last. Experience tells us that unless something offers value it will not stand.

So clearly, religion or belief in a higher power must offer a functional advantage. Otherwise it would have faded away.

Herd instinct has value for the race.

 

[Crepitus]

Because I can feel it.

I "feel" that's a silly thing to say.

 

[Crepitus]

I am pointing out that that is a common trait among religions. We see it here every day. You are doing the same thing. It's actually something I try not to do.

Ah, well if you don't do it then I must not have a religion.

 

[Crepitus]

What is it that makes you happy?

My kids, a hot cup of coffee, lunch with my girlfriend, taking the Porsche down a twisty but vacant road, turning leaves, the daylilies in my front yard, watching my cat chase it's tail... How long a list do you want?

 

[Fort Fun Indiana]

You can always spot a religious adherent by how they attack rival religions. Happens here everyday.

Well, when you think about it, they and anyone who attacks religions are all correct, in that the "other religion(s)" is, indeed, a false pile of myths.

So what you are saying is a virtue, in a way.

 

[kjw47]

I was just having this conversation with my fiancee. A long time ago I couldn't make up my mind on what I actually believed since there are so many beliefs out there, but that's the problem. I was thinking with my mind instead of my heart and the mind can deceive you and has caused me to doubt in the past, but my heart has never faltered.

You are in error believing that--Jeremiah 17:9--The heart is treacherous and desperate who can know it.
God has 1 belief, 1 truth. Jesus is with 1 single religion-1 Cor 1:10. The rest belong to satan.

 

[shockedcanadian]

I was a non-believer for a few yesrs in my youth/early adult life. Though I had an experience that can only be described as supernatural. For years I still tried to make excuses for what I experienced,.but years later there is no other explanation, it was not an accident. Thus,.if I believe in ghosts or the spiritual world,.I should believe in a G-d, right?

 

[Blues Man]

True but without faith the best one can hope for during the storms of life is to suffer without complaint.

Faith does not end suffering it just gives you a teddy bear to hug

 

[Blues Man]

Our being is greater than the sum of our parts.

Not really.

A lobotomy would alter the quality of your being

 

[Blues Man]

I believe God provides reality to every place at all times. That's not nothing.

Good for you.

 

[Harpy Eagle]

Those that don't believe are horrified by those that do.

Those that do believe are horrified by those that don't.

 

[Harpy Eagle]

Of course, there is robbery, murder, addictions and any other form of self indulgence. Because decency is a byproduct of belief and faith, that sense of decency has to be destroyed. It is not part of the future we are trying to build.

The Constitution was written for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate for the governance of any other.
John Adams.

We can't have that.

Interesting that fear of eternal punishment's is all that keeps you from those things.

 

[Harpy Eagle]

Much better than someone who is delusional enough to believe that there is life after you die.

Or those that only do good to avoid eternal punishment.

 

[Blues Man]

Of course, there is robbery, murder, addictions and any other form of self indulgence. Because decency is a byproduct of belief and faith, that sense of decency has to be destroyed. It is not part of the future we are trying to build.

The Constitution was written for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate for the governance of any other.
John Adams.

We can't have that.

Decency is not a product of faith.

It is a product of reason

 

[Harpy Eagle]

Decency is not a product of faith.

It is a product of reason

One has to wonder/worry about people that are only good people due to the belief they will be punished for eternity if they are not

 

[Blues Man]

One has to wonder/worry about people that are only good people due to the belief they will be punished for eternity if they are not

That question is one I still ponder.

 

[Crepitus]

Or those that only do good to avoid eternal punishment.

Jesus: Let me save you.

Me: From what?

Jesus: From all the things I'll do to you if you don't let me save you.

 

[Meriweather]

My kids, a hot cup of coffee, lunch with my girlfriend, taking the Porsche down a twisty but vacant road, turning leaves, the daylilies in my front yard, watching my cat chase it's tail... How long a list do you want?

Without listing things that make you happy, why are you happy? Picture a time of no kids or girlfriend, no coffee, no Porsche, daylilies, or cat. Would you still be happy, or is your happiness only skin deep and your happiness depends on things.

What is it, deep down within you, that you have that not only makes it a pleasure to be around you, but also gets you through tough days and times of small failures? What will you accomplish today for others that makes it better than yesterday?

As an after thought: Why does the idea of people of faith putting God first seem to get your goat?

 

[Crepitus]

Without listing things that make you happy, why are you happy? Picture a time of no kids or girlfriend, no coffee, no Porsche, daylilies, or cat. Would you still be happy, or is your happiness only skin deep and your happiness depends on things.

What is it, deep down within you, that you have that not only makes it a pleasure to be around you, but also gets you through tough days and times of small failures? What will you accomplish today for others that makes it better than yesterday?

As an after thought: Why does the idea of people of faith putting God first seem to get your goat?

I'm naturally predisposed to be happy I guess.

Your mythology has nothing to do with it.

Organized religion has killed more people than cancer, which it strongly resembles with it's tendency to spread and corrupt.