Religion – theological question

No,
Atheism is the belief no deity exist. – it's a decision not an absence, unprovable and therefore a belief
Agnosticism is the view that it is unknowable.

Actually I'm inclined to think that we are the gods.

Sorry but there is no was I can accept that the universe is that messed up that human beings are gods! 😉

Atheism is the belief no deity exist. – it's a decision not an absence.

no, that's what religionists believe it is

That's an interesting one Simon.

Of course, it's entirely possible that we are, but we just need to develop. The Universe may be billions of years old, but maybe it takes zajillions until we as Humanity become mature Gods with the capability to destroy and create entire Worlds. Maybe we're just infant Gods and need to learn how to walk still…

Maybe everything that exists is God…

Maybe nothing exists at all, and I am God, and all this is merely the product of my imagination.

Who knows? I don't. Fun trying to find the answers though.

Sorry but there is no was I can accept that the universe is that messed up that human beings are gods!

the human beings could just be the manifestations we adopt, like a play but we've forgotten we're actors…

Now we're getting somewhere…

As for this thing of proving 'existence': Surely this is a Human construct, that something needs to 'exist' in an understandable form for it to be 'real'. What if God doesn't exist in a form that we can comprehend, yet does in other ways that we've yet to discover, if we ever will?

An absence would be if you have never heard of god or religion, oblivious to it's concept. This person is not called an atheist.

I'll agree it is commonly used to describe people that just don't decide either way. This is a misuse of the word from it's original Greek meaning.

EDIT: Greek is meant to say French.

What if God doesn't exist in a form that we can comprehend

I thought that was already a given ?

until we as Humanity become mature Gods with the capability to destroy and create entire Worlds. Maybe we're just infant Gods and need to learn how to walk still…

you're totally missing the point! We human animals are mostly gifted with empathy and a degree of mutual understanding so we can enjoy interacting and sharing with each other. Wealth, power, ability, status etc are just fatuous static in comparison

Atheism is the belief no deity exist. – it's a decision not an absence, unprovable and therefore a belief

The actual Greek word is ????? (atheos) which translates as "without gods". In it's wider meaning atheism is the absence of belief that any gods exist, there is a subtle difference to the belief that no gods exist.

The benefits of a classical education! Ironically one that tried to force religion down my throat at every assembly…

you're totally missing the point!

Maybe your point. This is my own idea. You're not the only one with ideas you know.

Maybe it's you who's missing the point, eh?

but from the French athéisme where the English word came it would mean "one who denies or disbelieves the existence of God".

the greek meaning changed over time from the original "without gods" to have a meaning more inline with that of denying god exists.

Maybe it's you who's missing the point, eh?

oh well, if you want to go around being goddish and smiting stuff then feel free – I'll admit I'd thought my declaration was stating the bleeding obvious, but then I suppose for some, interaction is too much effort and they'd rather just get pissed 🙁 But yes, I stand corrected – if you can find anything better then do that instead!

Well given that it all started around religion

It didn't, it started around the fact that people had their land taken away.

Justifiable grievance, no?

Right, I'm confused now. If the bible now isn't the word of god then why do most christians put so much faith in it?

Because it may well CONTAIN the word of God. I don't see what the problem is here? It's like reading a newspaper. The events are there, but you have to read between the lines a bit, because the paper itself puts spin on it and selectively includes or leaves stuff out.

Funny, that Atheists need 'God' in order to be able to argue with others, and sell their books….

Very good post Fred except that I'm not selling a book 🙂

why believe something that is as yet unprovable does not exist

Just as valid as believing that it does.

As for hedging my bets, I'm confident that if I did meet the Christian god I could give a good account of myself.

maybe it takes zajillions until we as Humanity become mature Gods with the capability to destroy and create entire Worlds

Like Q off Star Trek?

What if God doesn't exist in a form that we can comprehend, yet does in other ways that we've yet to discover, if we ever will?

What if God IS the laws of Physics?

the greek meaning changed over time from the original "without gods" to have a meaning more inline with that of denying god exists.

but the word does not define the person or their philosophy, and non-believers in any and believers in none might both apply it to themselves, particularly when the outcome is similar…

Sorry I'm late, errrr…

I read nothing here that changes my mind.

I've nothing to add to what I've already said. 8)

S'ok Woppit; we've coped fine without you.

In fact, you were inconspicuous by your absence. 😀

I read nothing here that changes my mind.

nothing to be proud of. I would love to become a Christian – I would be able to marry the woman I love, however sadly I remain obdurately unconvinced 🙁

What if God IS the laws of Physics?

The laws of physics dont contain any energy or matter and therefore they dont exist. Ditto god

In fact, you were inconspicuous by your absence

no, you're wrong, we needed far more "I have nothing useful to say" posts!

I would be able to marry the woman I love

Lie it is the basis of any happy marriage and start as you mean to go on eh 😉
Seriously that is a terrible shame, no it really is ..believing in god and loving Barnes 😯

No seriuosly that does suck sfb.

Like Q off Star Trek?

I don't know about this, but it is interesting that fiction creates scenarios and possibilities. I just find the whole Meaning of Life quest fascinating.

Hmm, anyone fancy a trip to the British, have a look at some religious artefacts? Drinks and discussion after of course!

"Describing atheism as a religion or belief is like describing bald as a hair colour"

No seriuosly that does suck sfb.

well, you know, them's the breaks! I have no intention of lying to her or pretending, and she is thusfar adamant.

"Describing atheism as a religion or belief is like describing bald as a hair colour"

Or like calling black a colour. Which it technically isn't, but effectively and in common usage is.

Hmm, anyone fancy a trip to the British, have a look at some religious artefacts? Drinks and discussion after of course!

Would definitely love to. Anyone want to babysit? 🙁

Anyone want to babysit?

you'll be babysitting Fred 🙂

Jnr Grips would be fine in the museum possibly, but I don't think she'd be a great drinking partner.

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atheists=smartest

*whistles*

😉 😳

Sorry for ruining a proper discussion.

The monthly religious thread is like the comforting sight of land after a long boat trip or the lights of a pub in the distance on a night ride. I see that everyone's views remain largely the same irrespective of any argument and feel reassured that all is as it should be.

It would be a boring old world if all these relgious looneys stopped believing in god, fewer wars, less holier than thou attitides and the emancipation of millions of women in the developing world, who would want that, dull dull dull. One thing you can say for religion is it keeps everyone on their toes.

Looking at the OP I'd say that, as someone who was brought up as a practicing CofE type, I said the lords prayer at least 1500 times as a child, it was one of the first things I learnt. It is pretty straightforward indoctrination.

Other religions do it much better daily prayers sometime up to 3 times a day etc from an early age has to be the reason why those in religion disparage those who aren't.

I said the lords prayer at least 1500 times as a child, it was one of the first things I learnt. It is pretty straightforward indoctrination.

me too (Catholic), but it never prevented me dumping the whole lot as soon as I was invited to think about it at age 14

The monthly religious thread is like the comforting sight of land after a long boat trip or the lights of a pub in the distance on a night ride. I see that everyone's views remain largely the same irrespective of any argument and feel reassured that all is as it should be.

Superb comment, amusing and spot on.

one of them made me realise I wasn't an atheist any longer last year…

Elfinsafety – Member

Of course, it's entirely possible that we are, but we just need to develop. The Universe may be billions of years old, but maybe it takes zajillions …

Yes, we need to develop but you need to empty your glass first before refilling. The only way to describe the age of the universe is aeons which cannot be calculated no matter how you try.

…until we as Humanity become mature Gods with the capability to destroy and create entire Worlds. Maybe we're just infant Gods and need to learn how to walk still…

Just like the delusional one(s) who feel s/he has the power to create because of his/her ego.

Maybe everything that exists is God…

The association of god with existence is nothing but ignorance that has been passed down for centuries.

Maybe nothing exists at all, and I am God, and all this is merely the product of my imagination.

Something exists but not in the way god perceives them to be or how people constantly imagine them to be.

Who knows? I don't. Fun trying to find the answers though.

Yes, it's fun but unfortunately the fun part is being taken out once the serious question is asked.

molgrips – Member

As for hedging my bets, I'm confident that if I did meet the Christian god I could give a good account of myself.

Since you can give a good account of yourself perhaps the question you want to ask him/her is where does s/he came from.

What if God IS the laws of Physics?

Then you need to understand the laws of physics or at least find out if things can spontaneously create themselves? i.e. is there an effect without a cause? Or can there be cause without effect? Can physics/nature go without cause and effect? Whatever you find there should be the principle that govern the metaphysical and beyond. Anything that is out of that context is simply not plausible.

🙂

All religious belief is a product of fear. Scholars wrote the bible to prevent anarchy of the peasant masses. Presently the low self esteem, gullible and uneducated people of the world simply find the moral ideas and tales of immortality written in religious texts comforting.

It is strange that certain types of people believe in these concepts more than others no matter what their upbringing involved. Maybe the belief gene does exist, not just for belief systems and spirituality but for UFO's and ghosts etc.

Perhaps we shouldn't be so hard on the tragically afflicted.

Koran – Korean, you know some people might be stupid enough.

all i can say is, if there was a "god" wont he perfer if no one know about him (or her) then have millions of people die just to prove that there ideas about god. and that is why i dont belive in him as, if he had the power to build the world why didnt he make it fair for everyone and thing and if it was just adam and eve would we look all the same and be very inbred?

The association of god with existence is nothing but ignorance that has been passed down for centuries.

sounds good but what does it mean ?

Yes, it's fun but unfortunately the fun part is being taken out once the serious question is asked

I don't follow…

Whatever you find there should be the principle that govern the metaphysical and beyond. Anything that is out of that context is simply not plausible.

I can see you're trying to say something, but I can't make out what it is 🙁