Sorry if I offend anyone but I've never believed in or felt the presence of God or any other higher power. He is just another myth like Zeus or Thor. I was raised in church from the time I was a year old and by the age of 5 I figured out it was just another creature invented, like the tooth fairy or Santa Claus, for the purpose of controlling human behavior. If you don't know how to treat people right without the crutch of religion or a higher power then I pity you.
Nobody should be offended by you honestly answering a question that was asked. Your final sentence is the only part that would offend me. I know how to treat people and behave. I do believe, but that is my choice, and you have the right to yours. Unfortunately too many religions do not treat people well because of their lack of belief, and that goes against what I know. So I will over look your pity, and respect your belief, because that is what is right for you. I would ask only that you consider your last statement again.
I found your answer to be appropriate save for your last sentence as mentioned by Lisa. I appreciate you and your ability to respond freely and honestly but sincerely feel that there are those of us who are believers in God that do not need your pity or anything of the sort. I do take offense at that comment.
Well I've had several "believers" tell me they pity me and that I am going to hell and I'm not a good person because I don't believe. I've had several "believers" tell me that people wouldn't know how to behave if it weren't for God or the Bible. I've had several "believers" tell me that if I'm not using the Bible as a guide to life then I am not living properly. I've had several "believers" tell me that they wouldn't want me for a neighbor or teaching their children because of my beliefs.
Holly, I think that you have been around some people who I would consider extremists. I am not like that nor do I judge you or anyone who is or isn't a believer. That just isn't in my demeanor to do so believe what you will. I respect you for having an opinion and would only hope that you respect me for my beliefs as well.
I didn't say that I didn't respect you. I used the word IF. IF you have to use religion or a god as a crutch, which a lot of people do, then I pity you. I guess offensiveness is in the eye of the beholder because I consider what I said to be pretty mild. If you are offended by what I said then please do yourself a favor and do not read the works of Christopher Hitchens or Richard Dawkins because they would call you a flat out moron for believing in God. I on the other hand know that there are some very intelligent people who claim to believe in God.
And there must be a lot of extremists out there because whenever I tell most people that I don't believe in God, and I only tell them if they ask, I get several mean remarks hurled back and plenty of mean looks. It's funny how believers feel free to express themselves without even being asked but I and many other atheists feel the need to keep their atheism hidden in most situations. The only ones who don't keep it hidden are the ones trying to sell books. Of course they can then afford body guards.
Sadly Holly, there are a lot of judgmentals who believe themselves to be devout followers of God. I don't care what their chosen religion, none have ever prescribed insulting those who chose a different path. All I ask is that you don't clump all believers because of those that are judgmental. Many people who know me know I fight for your right to express your Atheism as much as my right to be a Christian. It grates against all of my beliefs to hear so called Christians berating somebody for their beliefs. In my belief, God gave man the right to choose, therefore NOBODY has that right to take that choice away, or belittle your decision. Just like you don't like being insulted, shouldn't you not make blanket insults? Even if Esther and I were the exceptions to the judgmental rule, the fact are we are exceptions, and don't deserve blanket treatment any more than you do.
I treat people right because I want to treat people right. I've always be a kind-hearted human being. With or without religion. Not because someone told me to, church wise. My mother raised me to love everybody and to think for myself.
I believe I am who I am because of my mother's love. Not so much as religion and what-not and being told that you have to be good to go to heaven. We're all sinners, no one is perfect. I love because I choose to love. I respect your beliefs Holly.
You didn't offend me. I don't need the crutch of religion to make me behave better. I treat people nicely because I'm a lover, not a hater. Always have been. My mother taught me to love.
I don't pity you Holly. I respect you. You have a right to your beliefs and feelings. I never tell anyone they are going to hell. That's why we all were created differently.
Ho ho ho merry christmas........now what did ya bring me? You are free to believe. And you are free to pity as well. Know what I hate and almost detest?..........when people say, "I will pray for you." Might as well tickle my big toe cause it will do about the same thing, make me laugh!!
Holly, I do respect your belief to not believe. It's called atheism and it's been around for a long time. I will not call it your crutch or anything else. I don't know you so obviously I don't know how you use your belief. And atheism is a belief. It's a belief in that we are no more than a cosmic accident that beat trillions and trillions of odds in time, space, size and distance to even breathe the air we breathe. How you use it is a personal matter.
I am a Christian. Not a good one, I've done more than my share of evil, but still I believe in creation, I believe in God and I believe I was created in their image (plural because the Bible uses plural).
I do not use my belief as a crutch as you inferred. God made me to know what is right and what is wrong. I know how to treat my fellow man (lady) because I am human. Do I always do a good job at it, no. Do I constantly try to do a better job at it, that answer is yes. The answer is yes, not because of my Christianity but because being nice to you and others is the right thing to do.
I concur with Janet B. everything around us speaks of a God, even our own beautiful minds and bodies. Just imagine if there was no God and he didn't create all the beauty and perfection around us. Would the sun rise every morning? Would our bodies have the ability to heal itself? Would our brain be able to function and comprehend things that animals don't? There is too much proof to say otherwise. But that's my belief and understanding.
I agree Crystal. No God, no beauty. No beauty in life, what's the point? I wouldn't want to live in a world that's dark and dismal all day long. It is like that now but there's beauty 'round us, we just have to see it.
Ya just godda look around to see that IF there is a "God" then He is one sick bastard. And that old stand by releasing Him of any wrong doing, 'humans have free will' is just a cop out.
"god" didn't exist until some smart fellow thought of a great way to control people......tada, religion!
We use god as a security blanket. One that explains what we don't know or understand. Little by little, we become more knowledgeable and when science finally tells us all we want to know, god will become obsolete.
Thank you thank you thank you! I was going to say pretty much the same same thing as you about "god" being a a sick bastard if he does exist but I have to admit I didn't have the courage. I got attacked enough for saying people use religion as a crutch.
If you notice, most people who have such a dependency on God and think He is all that are the ones who are actually suffering the most. Or they have some kind of, shhhh, mental issues to deal with. Also, most holy types have so much hatred in their hearts that I wonder what exactly they are reading and thumping on.
Also, can they REALLY follow the "word" of God? Can anyone? Hell, even an angel from up above fell cause he was not good enough for Him. And even his supposedly "son" (and we all know how THAT happened) wasn't good enough!
Oh, I am not afraid of the religious whack-o people. All ya gotta do is use THEIR OWN BOOK to show their, um, lack of rational thoughts.
We were given free will by design, not for a cop-out but to accept God or not accept God. God did not create religion; God created life. Religion, the systematic, controlling set of rules pertaining to a group of people; is and always will be a system open to failure. The worship and belief of God comes from a heart; not from a pew.
No, Bunny et al, God doesn't need a 'cop-out'. If there are wrongs in this world, and there are, the blame falls on man. God is not a bastard for giving us free will but many of us have become bastards and bitches in the way we assert and practice free will.
Nah, sorry Robert. It just doesn't fuse. So, man makes illnesses? Man makes hurricanes? Man makes mentally ill people, like sociopath murderers? Nah, it is in nature. And if God made nature, why'd He do such a suck ass job?
No, if "God" created life then 'he' did a little project like elementary kids do and mishmashed something together then 'he' left it out to dry and crumble.
He didn't take time to care for it and he sure didn't come back to check on it. It is as if he doesn't even care.
And with all these monotheistic religions touting him as the 'be all end all' must make him laugh with such joy and amusement! I bet if HE exists he shows his buddies, who made other planets, just how funny the humans are. So, UFO's are seen coming to check out how ridiculous we really are!
No, God might be some "thing" that might have created, uh, the big bang theory but I doubt he took a second glance back when it went boom boom.
Everything in nature is necessary. God made Eden for TWO people. They sinned. Eve got burdened with childbirth (the pain of it I'm speaking of, not the glory of motherhood). People have to die to allow for the new generations to live. The laws of physics and of nature are perfect for the development and sustenance of life but these same, necessary laws, also make hurricanes, floods and earthquakes a reality. Presently I live on the southeast coast, If I do not want a shark to eat me I won't go swimming, if I do not want to be harassed by an hurricane I can move to Indiana.
The graphic didn't come up, so I can't see what the question is. By reading the comments, I'm assuming that its "Do you believe in God?" If that's it, my answer is 'yes', and I think I must have done something to majorly annoy Him today. I've had one of the most excruciatingly sucko days that I've had in ages. Really.
Every culture, every society since the dawn of man has created a "reason" for our existance; to make them feel safe. The theory of God will change too, as have the predecessors.
I kind of think there was a VERY BIG BANG when God said "Let there Be Light". Science has never gone beyond (before) the Big bang. Because outside or beyond the Big bang is the realm beyond physics and is incomprehendable to any, ANY, of us humans.
Yes, definitely, I have met God several times......He saved my husband from a very close death last Christmas.......he hit black ice, truck rolled into a ravine, he should have died, but walked away.....God was there to bring him home to me....everybody said it was a miracle.....the truck was totalled...$30,000 worth of damage!
Very definitely Yes, I DO believe in God....with all my heart and soul......just look at all the beauty surrounding us.......the clouds, the sky, the flowers, nature, animals....NO human being could ever create them.......no one....only God. I have believed in Him since the day I was born........and no, I do NOT use God as any kind of "crutch" as someone above had stated about "Christians." I have been brought up by fantastic parents, who raised me to respect others, to always treat others the way I want to be treated, etc.......they taught me how to be a responsible, respectful human being, as well as having raised me in the church. I have had many miracles in my life, the latest, being my husband being saved from a bad trucking wreck last Christmas....he should have, rightfully, been killed.......however, he walked away without a scratch........his truck was totalled out, with $30,000 damage. God and the Heavenly Angels were there to protect him and to bring him home safely to his loved ones. We've been married 31 years next week......I could not imagine losing him in a wreck like that.
Too many blessings have been given to me, I have had very difficult times, but I believe that I went thru things so that I would be grateful and would appreciate what I have been given
Free will to blame the human race for EVERYTHING so that the make believe entity has no blame in anything. That is free will. No, if there is a freaking "God" then He needs to fess up to all the crap in the world that is NOT our free will.
IF there was such a thing as a "caring god, then, why was I born with a birth defect to 2 confirmed Nazi's, who could not stand it that I was their child. And since, I was labeled as "non aryan" being born with a birth defect, was the reason my father used to rape me. Now, where was god when I needed him/her? Because of the way I was treated by my parents, well, they never threw me a birthday party, and neither have I. I have no reason to celebrate my life. Thank you god.
you were born that way cause your parents had free will and they musta done something really bad to have their free will placed on their offspring and since some peeps in the bible had sex with their relations then it is okay for everyone to do it because of free will too and ya gotta whip yer kids to keep them GOD FEARING!!
God has given us freedom of choice to do as we like....
It's up to us not to screw up...
This always makes me wonder when I hear it....."your religion is just as good as mine"
Scuse me...but if you don't believe that yours is the right path then why are you "with" that religion or opinion? I think it's a copout crap PC pile when someone says that...I believe my opinions and my religion are the right ones...if I didn't then I am wasting my time and to say yours is just as good as mine....well thats folly
I don't push mine on you....but if I believe in something then why say "oh but yours is just as good" maybe i should trade then eh? cuz they are just the same right?
Hi Esther. I answered your poll and I'll try to answer your question here. I have struggled greatly with my faith over the past years. The main reason I've struggled is the number of religions in this world that feel they are THE ONE and ONLY faith. I used to go under the assumption that we were all talking about the same God, whether it is God, Yahweh, Buddha, Allah, etc. Continuous war in the Middle East and educating myself as best as I can on the various faiths involved in these wars, I've learned that this isn't about religion at all. People are dying in the name of political agendas, intolerance, hate, greed, indifference, etc. While the military and others are there for a noble purpose in my humble opinion, while there are people there to help with reconstruction, with agriculture, medical supplies, education, etc., religion has been twisted to kill and has been this way over the centuries.
I still have faith, I still keep the mustard seed, but my belief in the God I was taught in my youth has gone through many changes. Where does that leave me in answer to your question? Does God exist? The God of my youth? No. The God in your picture? No. A higher power? A spirit of life, union of humanity, a deep connection to all living things? Yes.
One of the biggest surprises I've had through all of this would have to be the written evidence that even Mother Theresa, this incredible tiny woman who held love for all of humanity within her soul, struggled with her own faith and had many doubts right up to her death. I can fully understand her struggle.
OH i'm so happy to hear this! and that Is my reasoning as well, my 2 sleeping in their cribs. Duckie looks like he got ran over and can sleep thru a bad hail storm (really, i have proof)
I agree Linda. I grew up in two different religions and I don't attend mass or services either one on every sunday. I have always felt more comfortable having my body as my temple and worshipping from wherever I may be at that moment.
i believe in god...i feel god in my life right now. proof of it is in my newest post. to kushal it's called. i prayed for some happiness in my life right now and i received it full throttle. i don't use my beliefs for a security blanket at all.
Someone wanted to hear more from me? Well this is a subject that is much too large to deal with in a blog. I am always happy to deal with people on an individual basis if they are truly open to the truth. Few really are.
If you really are interested, go to http://www.freewebs.com/trinityinc/ for a starting place. You will probably have to copy and paste it to your address window.
Great post and comment thread, Esther! BRAVO! Do I believe? Yeppers! Why? By reason of COUNTLESS experiences with God which were rather, up close and personal, if you get my drift?.........lol... All percieved as positive?? Nope.... .. Some, at the time, I didn't have a clue what the Lord was trying to teach or show me but FULLY understood later..... However, I suspect I came through and will continue coming through in one piece... A little older, a little wiser, a little more grateful, though many around gather would doubt that revelation.. lol... As Clifford wisely stated above.. One's relationship with God is a serious, personal yet elementary subject that can often get much to large to define in a blog...
Thank you Clifford! I visited your site.. It's a wonderful one! TRINITY EVANGELISTIC Tried to post an active link, but gather went awol again........lol.. God bless you in your work for the Lord!
I believe in God. I know that there is a reason why we exist. I believe in Jesus Christ-God's only begotten Son and I believe in the Holy Spirit which lives inside me. I believe that the Bible is God's word that man has tried for eons to destroy it but God's Word will never go away. I BELIEVE
God believes in me, so it's only natural for me to believe in him. I once had no hope and gave up and God sent me back to my life. I have seen many miracles in my life and I love God with my whole heart soul and mind. I am faithful and grateful for God's grace. I do not consider myself "religious" as my relationship with God is direct through prayer.
Everyone has a right to their opinion and everyone can head down any path they want. Few realize who are "christians" that you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make one drink. People are drawn to God through the Holy Spirit. Some listen, some don't. I have no idea why people don't listen or feel God is real. All I know is there is references in the Bible to their being Wheat and Chaff..... The wheat will be gleaned and collected and the Chaff will be destroyed.
There are some who will draw nigh to God and there are some that won't. Free will means we have a choice. No one can make anyone else believe....and it is the matter of the heart not the intellect. All I know is I feel it real....
I Feel it Real
Full is my heart Deep with great love For one who came From up above. Our Lord is just And true His ways. So often do I feel His gaze. As I walk here Down my lifes path Or cry a tear Or laugh a laugh. I know He is Right here by me, With arms open, To comfort me. How can I know That He is real? All I know is, I feel it real. I feel His touch, Upon my soul, As life goes by And I grow old. I feel His Love In me each day, Changing my views, Changing my ways. I feel His strength That has changed me, From who I was, To who I'll be.
If you feel it solely by prayer, why do you refer to the bible? People like Heather are nice and kind and good but so many are not and they are the ones who preach the loudest.
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Thanks Tracy.
Thanks!
I am a Christian. Not a good one, I've done more than my share of evil, but still I believe in creation, I believe in God and I believe I was created in their image (plural because the Bible uses plural).
I do not use my belief as a crutch as you inferred. God made me to know what is right and what is wrong. I know how to treat my fellow man (lady) because I am human. Do I always do a good job at it, no. Do I constantly try to do a better job at it, that answer is yes. The answer is yes, not because of my Christianity but because being nice to you and others is the right thing to do.
Love the new icon!
I only put the picture up with this post as I needed something to put up so I used the photo that has most often been used to portray God.
Thank you!
"god" didn't exist until some smart fellow thought of a great way to control people......tada, religion!
We use god as a security blanket. One that explains what we don't know or understand. Little by little, we become more knowledgeable and when science finally tells us all we want to know, god will become obsolete.
Also, can they REALLY follow the "word" of God? Can anyone? Hell, even an angel from up above fell cause he was not good enough for Him. And even his supposedly "son" (and we all know how THAT happened) wasn't good enough!
Oh, I am not afraid of the religious whack-o people. All ya gotta do is use THEIR OWN BOOK to show their, um, lack of rational thoughts.
No, Bunny et al, God doesn't need a 'cop-out'. If there are wrongs in this world, and there are, the blame falls on man. God is not a bastard for giving us free will but many of us have become bastards and bitches in the way we assert and practice free will.
No, if "God" created life then 'he' did a little project like elementary kids do and mishmashed something together then 'he' left it out to dry and crumble.
He didn't take time to care for it and he sure didn't come back to check on it. It is as if he doesn't even care.
And with all these monotheistic religions touting him as the 'be all end all' must make him laugh with such joy and amusement! I bet if HE exists he shows his buddies, who made other planets, just how funny the humans are. So, UFO's are seen coming to check out how ridiculous we really are!
No, God might be some "thing" that might have created, uh, the big bang theory but I doubt he took a second glance back when it went boom boom.
Spicecomments.com - Patriot Comments
You got the question right by the way.
I am happy that your husband made it out of that wreck safe and sound. It doesn't sound like a pretty sight.
Congratulations on your 31 years of marriage. That is some feat these days.
Take care of yourselves Nora. God bless ya'll.
Too many blessings have been given to me, I have had very difficult times, but I believe that I went thru things so that I would be grateful and would appreciate what I have been given
Maybe He'll do so again.
And since, I was labeled as "non aryan" being born with a birth defect, was the reason my father used to rape me.
Now, where was god when I needed him/her?
Because of the way I was treated by my parents, well, they never threw me a birthday party, and neither have I. I have no reason to celebrate my life. Thank you god.
Hi ED!!
Without a doubt, 100%, YES, YES, YES He does.
It's up to us not to screw up...
This always makes me wonder when I hear it....."your religion is just as good as mine"
Scuse me...but if you don't believe that yours is the right path then why are you "with" that religion or opinion? I think it's a copout crap PC pile when someone says that...I believe my opinions and my religion are the right ones...if I didn't then I am wasting my time and to say yours is just as good as mine....well thats folly
I don't push mine on you....but if I believe in something then why say "oh but yours is just as good" maybe i should trade then eh? cuz they are just the same right?
Just a thought
I still have faith, I still keep the mustard seed, but my belief in the God I was taught in my youth has gone through many changes. Where does that leave me in answer to your question? Does God exist? The God of my youth? No. The God in your picture? No. A higher power? A spirit of life, union of humanity, a deep connection to all living things? Yes.
One of the biggest surprises I've had through all of this would have to be the written evidence that even Mother Theresa, this incredible tiny woman who held love for all of humanity within her soul, struggled with her own faith and had many doubts right up to her death. I can fully understand her struggle.
You have won the bouquet for the best answer to todays question.
I admire the strength in your faith. I too struggle with it ever once in a while.
Thank you!
If you really are interested, go to http://www.freewebs.com/trinityinc/ for a starting place. You will probably have to copy and paste it to your address window.
Do I believe? Yeppers! Why? By reason of COUNTLESS experiences with God which were rather, up close and personal, if you get my drift?.........lol... All percieved as positive?? Nope.... .. Some, at the time, I didn't have a clue what the Lord was trying to teach or show me but FULLY understood later..... However, I suspect I came through and will continue coming through in one piece... A little older, a little wiser, a little more grateful, though many around gather would doubt that revelation.. lol...
As Clifford wisely stated above.. One's relationship with God is a serious, personal yet elementary subject that can often get much to large to define in a blog...
TRINITY EVANGELISTIC
Tried to post an active link, but gather went awol again........lol..
God bless you in your work for the Lord!
Even though I get mad at the world, at times.
A PART OF HIS CREATION
© Robert Charles Burnham
I am a part of His creation
I am an heir to the throne
I am rich beyond imagination
No greater love have I known
There is no man that can harm me
For my Savior protects His own
One day he’ll return and I’ll be free
And taken to my wondrous home
I am a rich man and I rejoice
As my Father’s son I am strong
For He answers my every voice
As I praise Him in word and song.
I am a part of His creation
I will inherit all the earth
I’ll be raptured from devastation
To lay my head upon His hearth
I am a part of His creation
The Bible says I am a Child of God
I have been granted sweet salvation
To the Lord, my heart belongs
Thanks again for the beautiful poem! I am sharing it with others today.
Everyone has a right to their opinion and everyone can head down any path they want.
Few realize who are "christians" that you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make one drink. People are drawn to God through the Holy Spirit. Some listen, some don't. I have no idea why people don't listen or feel God is real. All I know is there is references in the Bible to their being Wheat and Chaff..... The wheat will be gleaned and collected and the Chaff will be destroyed.
There are some who will draw nigh to God and there are some that won't. Free will means we have a choice. No one can make anyone else believe....and it is the matter of the heart not the intellect. All I know is I feel it real....
I Feel it Real
Full is my heart
Deep with great love
For one who came
From up above.
Our Lord is just
And true His ways.
So often do
I feel His gaze.
As I walk here
Down my lifes path
Or cry a tear
Or laugh a laugh.
I know He is
Right here by me,
With arms open,
To comfort me.
How can I know
That He is real?
All I know is,
I feel it real.
I feel His touch,
Upon my soul,
As life goes by
And I grow old.
I feel His Love
In me each day,
Changing my views,
Changing my ways.
I feel His strength
That has changed me,
From who I was,
To who I'll be.
Thank you so much!