A question for the Athiests/Agnostics....

[kazeakuma]

Originally posted by: Alternex
I have hope in my future because I have faith in myself. I don't want to rely on a god to always be by my shoulder to guide me. I live my life the way I want and whatever direction that takes me I only have myself to blame or thank. If you work hard and focus, good things will come to you and there is no need for hope - I don't try to pass off my responsibilities to others, especially a divine being that may not exist.

I don't deny the existence of a god/creator being though - I believe that as human beings we know very little of the universe and it would be arrogant to dismiss the possiblity just because we see no evidence. I don't practice any religion because I have no evidence that any of them is the "right one" above all the rest.

Anyways just because I don't believe in a god doesn't mean I'll go day to day depressed thinking there is no meaning in life. I'm as happy now as I've ever been - I recently graduated from the college I always dreamed about, am happily married, and I have a job I abolutely love.

Thanks, you've managed to say what I feel about the subject better than I ever could

 

[Martin]

Hope for what exactly?


Like many others have said, I just try enjoy life. All I want out of life is to be happy, to have fun and not to have many regrets when its time to go

 

[LordUnum]

I'm Roman Catholic by virtue of my mother's side of the family. From what I've observed of fellow Catholics (friends/neighbors/fellow church-goers, etc.), we don't go about our lives only waiting to be accepted into Heaven, to see our deceased relatives and not living this life to its 'fullest' as a result, and all. We live our lives for the moment, and cherish every minute we have to spend in this glorious world just as most of you do. Again, like most of you, I live my life for myself and my loved ones.

Of course, I do believe in (and love) God and believe that sooner or later, I'll be able to be with those I've lost. I also believe there is life somewhere 'out there.' At this point in humankind, no one is in a position to categorically deny or confirm that either is positively true or false. Yes, it's belief; it's faith. I'm comfortable with that, as is my family. If believing in something without having definitive proof (which is the basis of 'believing') makes me or family nutjobs, closed-minded people and/or asses, fine, if it makes you happy. I don't really care.

I do believe that an atheist/agnostic can be just as moralistic/ethical or moreso than any 'religious' person. I'm not any better or worse than them because I happen to believe in God, or they do not believe or doubt the existance of God. 'Spreading the gospel' is not my thing, and because of this hope others would be the same way with me: respectful towards my beliefs just as I am with theirs.

I don't spend my time trying to confirm/deny the existance of God. I have better things to do for myself and others in this world. I guess I'll leave that sort of things to others more wise or 'englightened' than myself. There is too little time in this life for me. Many others probably share my feelings in this respect.