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Believing inanimate rocks and elements somehow came together by chance to form billions of life forms infinitely more complex than all the world's computers put together defies maths, logic, and, frankly sanity itself. But no worries - we can't see who did it or even conceive a conscious Being great enough to conceive and then put together an entire universe, laws and all.
Originally posted by Replikant
reply to post by Muundoggie
Put yourself in God's position. If you saw what your beloved creations were doing, murdering, stealing, corruption in YOUR name, explicitly going against every rule that you laid down, destroying the earth and nature, and denying that you even exist, how would you feel?
Originally posted by optyk phyba
merry xmas alienmojo
imo i dont think religion is required at all...
peace, love, happiness and good dont need religion to exist. neither do war, hate, anger or bad. with that said i dont see what a belief in a god (religion) actually achieves. humanity would still be much the same as it is now except without religion and possibly 1000 years earlier.
and personally i will accept that god exists when he comes and talks with me.
Originally posted by aylyan
organised religion has gotta go,individual philosophy is the only way.
let's take a look at the 2 options.
1. existence has always been and will always be.
2. something sprang into existence somehow then proceeded to make some other things for some reason.
remember what you thought before you were told what to think?is there anyone who thought that existence wasn't eternal?
whatever,merry new years all.
Merry new years to you too Aylyan! I see what you are talking about and for so many reasons I have been against organized religion too... but I don't think getting rid of it will solve anything. The basic concept of it is good... we humans just screwed it up and let people who were power hungry abuse it. I say its time for the people to take back our religions. Forget about all the stupid stuff they try to make us think about.... that homosexuality is wrong, or where to pray, or what to wear... what we need to do is go back to our basics. My best example, but not one you have to follow...it works for me though... is to look at Christ's life and try to live my life like His to the best that I can. We can't be Christ... that would be impossible, but we can TRY! When you fail don't just give up... do something that shows you love your neighbor and move on! Everytime you fail do something nice for someone you don't even know! Even if it is just opening a door or smiling at a stranger. Feel the love in your heart and show it to people. That is how I show my love and belief in Christ...NOT by going to your door and shoving my beliefs down your throat... instead I do it by showing you how I live my life.
As to your thoughts on existence... as human beings it is hard for us to see or understand the metaphysical... to us there has to be a reason or a start. I believe that God always existed... nothing created God and all creation came from Him (and I say Him just because its easier to visualize God in this way...in fact he is neither female or male). That's a hard concept to grasp as a human... just as we can't visualize infinity... we know it exists, but we can't truly see it. That is like God... we know he's there, but its just so difficult to get a clear picture.
So you know what I do? I trust God. I figure He has a good grasp on things. Horrible things happen and we ask why? I don't. I trust my Father. Jesus said he was love... and like the concept of infinity we may not be able to see or understand how He is showing us that love (what with all the death and evil that is around us), but rest assured that HE IS! He never would have sent down His son if he wasn't.
So... Trust the Big Guy... He's on top of things folks.
First, if you think religion should be continued, then flag and star right now.
I'm not going to post links and sources, because this is just a statement that I firmly believe in.
I just sat and watched the Bill Maher movie "Religulous" about religion, and although I know he hand picked the wackiest of all people to put in his film and did some creative editing to boost the point, the bottom line is that Bill Maher is using a satiric movie to bolster his anti-religious rheteric.
War, Policy, and pretty much everything else that effects the growth of man as a species is driven by people who don't use religion to direct them(Unless you are speaking of some mid-eastern countries, of course). I don't see President Bush or the PM of England using religion to direct anything they do. The idea that they would is just fanciful whimsy.
Religion must continue, end of story. Logic and common sense are fine when you are faced with a problem, but when religion is used correctly and sincerely it can greatly help with life's problems and how one deals with them.
Oh and guess what, logic tells me I just got a whole bunch of people angry... or at least one person in particular. I, unlike some, have no problem discussing this with anyone... after all this is a forum if I remember correctly, not just a place to spout one's illogical ideas and then run away. Disagreeing with people is fine as long is it is done in a logical and respectful way.
So If you don't like what I have to say... that is fine because that is your God-given right.
I'm sorry if some people hate religion because they didn't get that red tri-cycle they asked God for when they were 8. I will be the first to agree that many people use religion to benefit their own ends. However... when used correctly and sincerely religion actually helps the world. Let's give some examples that my friend didn't bother to include in his rant.
Missionaries, church goers, and others who give of their free time and money to help others who are worse off then others. Good Samaritans who help others less fortunate in their God's name. Yes, I know there are those that kill in their God's name.. but that is wrong. I'm talking about the good people who do good because of what they believe in.
What I truly feel is occurring here is that people are using religion as a scapegoat for their problems. WTC? Religious fanatics. Our countries' financial crisis? Must be those religious nuts again.
I'm here to tell you that the basis of all religion is the betterment of one's self through the helping of others. This can lead one to heaven, nirvanah, or whatever you wish to call it. When religion is perverted it is used as an excuse to terrorize and hurt others. Those people are wrong, of course! However, it is my contention that religion, in and of itself, is a good thing.
So all I ask is not to persecute all religious beliefs. I know mine are quite simple and it actually hurts to hear people hating religious people so much. Without religion I would not be the caring and helpful person that I am... and humble (LOL)... sorry, trying to make a point here so I am putting humility aside (I'll be the first to tell you that I fail at being good quite often... but I keep trying).
So let's hear what you think my ATS friends. Both good and bad... that's ok. Just remember... don't tear me apart to harshly.. I bruise easily.
Originally posted by DrumsRfun
reply to post by Alienmojo
Ok I am gonna try to be nice and not sound like a knowitall but I really have to get this off my chest.
The problem in the world is the religious.Why do people get so mad at religion??
Well first of all the religious groups are the first to tell you that you need to be saved.Lots of talking...they are about as saved as you are and still need to blab on.
I didn't reply to the other thread as I saw that as a given.I wanted to reply to this thread partly bcuz I am blown away that there are still people on this planet that can't see what the finger is pointing at...all they see is the finger.
Sorry if this sounds mean or harsh...I don't mean to offend.
Originally posted by Alienmojo
reply to post by pureevil81
Hey Pureevil, how ya doing? No, you didn't hurt my feelings and I appreciate your post.
I didn't miss old George using God as an excuse to attack others...but remember.. it was an excuse and NOT the real purpose. As I said before leaders can use religion as an excuse to do horrible things. George doesn't care about God... because he believes himself to be the next best thing. Its greed and power that are the true reasons for his wars.