Help a poor atheist out

[rudder]

Originally posted by: shilala
Why do you need a religion? You can find God without it. Religion will just end up pissing you off

Sometimes you may just want to hang out with people who have the same beliefs as you. Maybe this helps reaffirm one is one the right path.

Granted people are obviously easily influenced by some religious leaders those leaders use that to an advantage. But you can find a religious denomination that fits your lifestyle without having to agree to blow yourself up in a car.

 

[JackBurton]

Originally posted by: Nebor

Originally posted by: aplefka

But you're not alone. Everyone has bad things happen to them. Death is a part of life. During a time like that is when you need God the most. Just because he didn't save your sister's life doesn't mean he doesn't exist or that he doesn't like you. I know it's hard to understand that, there's been stuff that has happened to me and that I've seen that I couldn't understand how God would let it happen, but it doesn't make me question his existence. There are some things I'll never understand, and that's one of the main things you just have to accept.

So say I come up to you and say, "Hey aplefka, your sister fell off a bridge and died. She was hanging on the edge when I walked up, screaming for help, but I just watched her until she fell. By the way, I really love her a lot, that's why I had to let that happen."

You're gonna go, "Wow, you're awsome!"

Right?

I didn't say you should question his existance. Instead, I would question his benevolence.

I'd say, "Nebor works in mysterious ways."

 

[TheBDB]

Originally posted by: meltdown75

Originally posted by: TheBDB
For years I've listened to religious people explain faith to me, how it doesn't require proof, can't be understood logically, etc. OK, let's say I am willing to have faith in something. It doesn't have to make sense, I'm willing to blindly accept it. How do I choose my religion? Why did you choose your religion over others? There are so many out there, I'm kinda lost.

In my humble opinion - no one religion is the 'right' one. I didn't choose mine over others, it just happens to be the one I was born into. I also don't believe you *need* 'religion' per se to live a good life - I do believe however that you need to acknowledge something greater than yourself. IMHO once you acknowledge said higher power, you are truly on the path to wisdom. I believe in one unifying force/deity which will eventually be revealed to man and when this happens, all earthly religions and spirituality will be reconciled. This is all opinion, please don't take it for anything more.

Interesting. Ever consider trying another?

 

[meltdown75]

Originally posted by: TheBDB

Originally posted by: meltdown75

Originally posted by: TheBDB
For years I've listened to religious people explain faith to me, how it doesn't require proof, can't be understood logically, etc. OK, let's say I am willing to have faith in something. It doesn't have to make sense, I'm willing to blindly accept it. How do I choose my religion? Why did you choose your religion over others? There are so many out there, I'm kinda lost.

In my humble opinion - no one religion is the 'right' one. I didn't choose mine over others, it just happens to be the one I was born into. I also don't believe you *need* 'religion' per se to live a good life - I do believe however that you need to acknowledge something greater than yourself. IMHO once you acknowledge said higher power, you are truly on the path to wisdom. I believe in one unifying force/deity which will eventually be revealed to man and when this happens, all earthly religions and spirituality will be reconciled. This is all opinion, please don't take it for anything more.

Interesting. Ever consider trying another?

Not really. I have considered dropping Catholicism (I'm Catholic btw), but my wife & I were married in the Catholic church. I respect it simply as an institution, a framework, an interpretation if you will. I see no reason to try another religion though. I like to think that one's connection with God transcends the "institutional framework" of any given religion... one's soul is heightened above to create a much more personalized religious experience / spirituality than can be experienced through church, religion, etc. I guess I believe that in essence everyone has their own connection with God (or lack thereof, and I respect these individuals for their own philosophies and stances on life) and in a sence, their own religion. So there's no use changing. Being brought up Catholic is fine by me and my kids most likely will be as well, should I ever be blessed with kids.

 

[yhelothar]

You could worship me.
Best religion... EVAR!

 

[dugweb]

Bad things happen to good people.

God has a larger perspective than us. He sees our potential. This life is an opportunity for us to grow.

God loves us more than he loves our happiness.



ask yourself this question. How many people would be immoral if for every good deed God rewarded you, and for every wrong deed he punished you. The test of life is if we can learn to do good for the sake of doing good, not for any other reason.

 

[meltdown75]

Originally posted by: JudistPriest
Bad things happen to good people.

God has a larger perspective than us. He sees our potential. This life is an opportunity for us to grow.

God loves us more than he loves our happiness.



ask yourself this question. How many people would be immoral if for every good deed God rewarded you, and for every wrong deed he punished you. The test of life is if we can learn to do good for the sake of doing good, not for any other reason.

:thumbsup: or as I like to say, the goal in this life - is simply to love. Love yourself, love someone else, love anything. Love your rubber ducky. Love your computer!

But yes, I agree... doing good for the sake of doing good is noble indeed.