Re: Deep Deep thought / question
 

the way i see it is that its all something for the puny human brain (of 2000 or whatever years ago) to believe in.

they had nothing to do back then so came up with a story for people to feel better about themselves. its like a cult of its time. the more people hear it, the more they believe it. people break off into different groups and believe different things

apparently islam is a bit like christianity with different characters

god (allah), jesus (mohammed) only sunni's and shi'ites have split because one follows maohammeds grandson or something like that

i personally think its all a load of tosh! my sis is an evangelist and goes on and on about me going along with her. no thanks!

i went to my best mates daughters christening two years ago, him being an italian it was a catholic do, but it was all hand clapping and and brother lee love..shake the hand of the person next to you... not for me at all

im not against people believeing in it or doing what they do, just dont involve me, but without religion there would be less war in this ever degrading world we live in :smt009

Re: Deep Deep thought / question
 

Not all wars are fought over religion.

Some, for example, Iraq, are fought over control of resources. Wait, no, we were freeing a nation from a dictator. Right?

Re: Deep Deep thought / question
 

You don't see squirrels bombing each other, and all they have is nuts.

We should all beleive in nuts...

Re: Deep Deep thought / question
 

Do you really believe that? Don't get me wrong, a lot of governments/groups have used relgion as their reason for fighting, but if there weren't any religions, people have enough other excuses to kill each other en masse... in fact you could debate it the other way, and say that the virtues of peace, tolerance and love taught by some religions have prevented wars.

Re: Deep Deep thought / question
 

i would hate to go to heaven. Its full of christians ;)




morals stem from christianity - thats why theres so many priest ****ing kids? Christian church knew about this for years, and avoided tackling it in order not to raise public awareness - a global corporation's solution.

Re: Deep Deep thought / question
 

What a fascinating subject, with some really deep, insightful replies.

I don't believe in 'God' as one supreme being, but I do think there is more to life than just dying, that's it, lights out. I certainly don't believe in Heaven and Hell either, but I like to think there is some kind of cosmic consciousness that we join once our mortal life is finished.

If I'm wrong, well, I'll never know will I?:D

As for 'Christian' morals and values................I do my best to treat others as I would like to be treated, and not to cause deliberate hurt to anyone.............but that comes from my own conscience, not from any religious ideals.

Re: Deep Deep thought / question
 

I was brought up in a strict catholic famialy.

In my late teens I drifted towards agnostic.

By my mid twenties I had seen the light and am now a fundamentalist agnostic.

Anyone who disagrees with me is a curssed ununbeliever who should be frozen at the stake.

This link comes fairly close to explaining my thoughts without shed loads of typing.
http://www.abarnett.demon.co.uk/atheism/why_become.htm

Re: Deep Deep thought / question
 

Many on here base their atheist beliefs on the fact of human suffering and why does God (of whatever denomination) allow it. Why did God allow Hitler and Stalin to murder millions of people. I struggle with this too, and there is no easy answer. I asked this question of the local vicar after I had my bike accident in June 2004. He accepted that there is no answer, but was firm that the fact of human suffering does not prove the absence of a God. He suggested that there are three reasons.

1. God gave us free will to do whatever we want, and that largely includes assuming the risks which go with it.
2. Can you imagine a world where God intervenes at every turn - for example, if I was about to spill my coffee and God suddenly righted my hand?
3. When God answers prayer to avert suffering, it is a glimpse, a preview, of the beauty and the wholeness of his Kingdom that he has promised to us. And why should we have it now?

I post these simply as a repeat of what Kevin the vicar said to me 3 years ago. I still don't understand it either.

Re: Deep Deep thought / question
 

Can I add a fourth question:

4. What evidence is there that God exists?

Not trying to stir but if anyone can convince me of this it'd be interesting.

Re: Deep Deep thought / question
 

None, unless you accept the Bible, and 'miracles' ...what evidence do you have that God does not exist?