How many of you guys believe in god ?

[macktheknife]

No hallucinations here. He speaks clearly and distinctly to those who are willing to listen to what He has to say. Recommended reading: Job 38-40. Even if you discount the message contained within, you will surely appreciate the poetry of the words.

[Rikbe]

I don't like poetry, maybe that is why I could never read the Bible or Koran without getting bored to dead.
I prefer naked scientific facts, formulas. They don't induce you in error by ambiguities.
Read Darwin.

[macktheknife]

Nahhhhhh. I've read Darwin before, but I couldn't concentrate for laughing since I know what I know. I would like to make a correction. That should have been Job:38-41.

[Rikbe]

I could not laugh with the Bible. I was too surprised that some people still believe in it.

[macktheknife]

Well, with Darwin I laughed that anyone could believe that drivel which has been disproven by many experts in various fields. Look, you're going to continue to believe the way you do and I am going to continue to believe the way I do. I wish you no ill will.

[Rikbe]

Many more scientists agree with the evolution theory and since Darwin, so many facts confirm his theory that it cannot called a theory anymore.
But it was not Darwin, not the Big Bang that made me first doubt about religion and than reject it, it is the profound illogicality of it. About Darwin and Big Bang I only heard AFTER I became Atheist.

[macktheknife]

One man's illogical is another man's philosophy for life, I guess, because to me nothing could be more illogical than that to which you ascribe. You sound like a person who is not just a surface-thinker.

[Rikbe]

My philosphy is based on logic, so it cnnot be illogical for any logical thinking man.
But mankind is not only a logical thinking animal, he has also emotions, instincts and prejudices. The philosophy I am building up is based on logic but without ignoring MY emotions, instincts, prejudices. I think your religion is mainly based on prejudices, something your parents teached you and that you accept without questioning.

Religion is some kind of fast food philosophy, swallowable by everybody. My philosophy is home-cooked.

[macktheknife]

The 17th century mathematician and philosopher Blaise Pascal said,

"If I believe in God and life after death and you do not, and if there is no God, we both lose when we die. However, if there is a God, you still lose and I gain everything."

Maranatha.

[Rikbe]

Originally posted by macktheknife
The 17th century mathematician and philosopher Blaise Pascal said,

"If I believe in God and life after death and you do not, and if there is no God, we both lose when we die. However, if there is a God, you still lose and I gain everything."

Maranatha.

If you believe just to "be sure", it is not really believing. I think if I was that God, I would prefer an honest atheist above an hypocritical believer.

[Lovie]

Originally posted by Rikbe

If you believe just to "be sure", it is not really believing. I think if I was that God, I would prefer an honest atheist above an hypocritical believer.

Possibly if you were god that might be enough.
My God wants a willing spirit, not a convinced one.
He will work with a willing one and teach them.
My God accepts all who come to Him for whatever reason; then He helps them grow in their faith.
I know this from my personal experience.
He even loves you, Rikbe, even though you do not believe.
The OT is not the best place to start reading.
The NT about Jesus' life and times is the place to start.
The OT is more history and prophecy and really does not make sense to the unbeliever.
I learned that from personal experience, too.

[macktheknife]

I do not believe just to be sure and anyway that's not believing--that's just mouthing something you think may keep you out of trouble, like a teenager saying, "No Mom and Dad. Of course I wouldn't go over Niagara Falls in a barrel if all the other kids did" when really Jr. knows he would be the first one there calling out, "My barrel can beat yours!"

[Rikbe]

Originally posted by Lenore
Possibly if you were god that might be enough.
My God wants a willing spirit, not a convinced one.
He will work with a willing one and teach them.
My God accepts all who come to Him for whatever reason; then He helps them grow in their faith.
I know this from my personal experience.
He even loves you, Rikbe, even though you do not believe.
The OT is not the best place to start reading.
The NT about Jesus' life and times is the place to start.
The OT is more history and prophecy and really does not make sense to the unbeliever.
I learned that from personal experience, too.

I think many believers will disagree with you. FOr eaxample, I see Theja and Castlestormer as people that are conviced but not as willing.
Yet they are conviced that they are right as you are convinced that you are right.

[clodhopper]

Rikbe is a non believer,But is not a bad guy..Some are..But Rikbe is hard to convince..If you go to religion on http://www.russia.com we are there now.It is open again. Oh here is a site you may like ..But both sides are covered on the issue.>>> http://www.don-lindsay-archive.org/c.../site_map.html I'm always on Gods side .Come by Russia religion..I am justoleme there..Rikbe is Rikbe there..The girl above is lovely there..She is my best pal ..From Texas also. >> Check this site too Mack>>> http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Atla...328/dream.html another one with all of the bible >> http://www.aaronsbible.org/ More>> http://www.don-lindsay-archive.org/c.../site_map.html >>>>> http://www.doesgodexist.org/ ===== http://www.infidels.org/library/mode...er/hojfaq.html .....>>>> http://www.rfcnet.org/wjmreport/may2000.htm

[Edited by Justo on 23rd February 2003 at 04:14]

[imported_iluminado]

I personally believe that God, or something higher than us exists, in some form or another.

Although I respect everyone's right to practice whatever religion they choose, I don't believe in organized religion of any kind, as it clearly does more harm than good for the feeble masses it claims to serve.

Having said that, although I tend to agree with atheists and scientists more than I do with people who base their beliefs on faith, I have the following to add:

Science is based on the observation of nature. The fact that the existence of "God" has not yet been proven scientifically, does not necessarily disprove such existence.

In the amazon jungle, for example, new species of plants, animals, and insects are found very frequently. Science has only been able to prove that which has been observed...many aspects of our universe are yet to be discovered, but that does not mean they don't exist.

So, to each their own...believe in all, or believe in nothing...it shouldn't really matter, as long as you are a good person. But the line is crossed when religion is used to justify wars, violence, hatred, and the exclusion of others. God, if he does indeed exist, does not want mere mortals as his blood-thirsty foot soldiers, no matter what your Bible/Koran/Torah or spiritual leaders say.