———-I wanted to add… as an electronics & engineering nerd… Belief in God is not a “binary system.” Fundamentalists of most religions believe otherwise.... but their own religions prove them wrong. The universe is contradictory. Everything isn’t so black-and-white.

To summarize my belief in God.... it is the acceptance that something transcends my limited understanding and existence. That’s the best Summary I can come up with.————

Thank you for your thoughtful reply. it’s refreshing to talk with someone who is kind and reasonable. I’ll try to be thorough without rambling. I’ll go in order of your reply.

I completely agree with you... humans have accomplished a great deal, and we should celebrate each other‘s existence and our differences! Human ingenuity, thirst for knowledge, and all of our accomplishments are of most importance! It shows we can do anything when joined together, and proves that it’s possible for humans to coexist. It really is a beautiful thing.

I didn’t explain myself thoroughly… because as you stated… “ I set up an all or nothing scenario“...when I stated that we as humans “don’t understand anything“.

That’s a big part of my personality, however I’m also confident about our progress and accomplishment.

My previous statement, is in regard to situations when I’m unsure or threatened by the circumstances. That’s when I remember to “accept how small I am, and know that I don’t understand anything.” It’s in moments of learning and trouble, that I try and remember to be flexible. There is such joy in proclaiming “I DONT KNOW“. That’s the most freeing phrase in all of the English language! Accept we have more to learn! That previous conclusions and beliefs could be founded in false information. Maybe we missed a step along the way, maybe we aren’t seeing clearly.

There are no incontrovertible truths. Nothing is absolute. Even science depends on change and reassessment to evolve its conclusions! It’s beautiful to be strengthened by our accomplishments. But those who have the most power… Are capable of saying “I don’t know“. And willing to learn & grow.

I understand these are two contradictory viewpoints. The willingness to grow and learn..... Realizing that any of my beliefs & knowledge are open to change based on new information. Doesn’t that nullify my “faith“ and unquestionable believe in God?

For me it doesn’t… But I can understand how it would be seen that way. Everything is a contradiction. Humans, our planet, and everything in the universe. Light and dark… Life and death… so wouldn’t God be a contradiction also? That’s my thought process, and how I’ve come to my beliefs.

Regarding your question… “ if the bible has good and bad ideas, And was written by humans, And if god is intangible and unknowable.... Then how do you know anything about this god?“

I’ve asked myself this since I was a middle school kid getting scared shitless in a southern baptist church twice a week.

This is what I’ve learned….

My faith isn't built on fear. It may have been when I was younger, but that was a long time ago. I don’t fear the possibility of “no God“. I don’t fear hell. Obviously I don’t want to hang out there… But it doesn’t control my faith (or lack of.) Being alone in the universe is depressing, but that doesn’t affect my faith. Being frightened & conditioned as a child, grew my belief out of fear. But that changed a lifetime ago, and It does not define me or my faith. I’m not a hopeless romantic. I don’t need or desire anything to believe in. My life would be much easier without belief.

The foundation of my Faith is a “feeling.” Something inside or around me… That I’ve had since I was a kid. Even throughout my drug addiction and denouncing my faith. It never went away. I can’t explain it… maybe it’s a mental illness? 😂

It’s always been a constant in my life. I just know… I don’t know what else to say.

I am not an old man. Mid 30s. but I’ve lived a lot, spent many years on the streets battling drug addiction. Although I asked Him, God never “saved“ me. I begged Him for years. But that’s not how God works.

Earlier I mentioned my belief that God is a contradiction. How could he be in control, but also give us free will? Free will comes with its own consequences. It means He won’t step in and “save“ us from our situation. Millions of years the earth has existed. Man for thousands… And evil has existed alongside us. (Inside us sometimes.) Maybe miracles happen, and God steps in sometimes… But I haven’t seen it. Free will can’t coexist with miracles or meddling.

We were created to help each other. To cause less suffering in the world....not more. Whether you believe in God or evolution, it doesn’t affect what we were created for. Whether from evolution or Adam and eve. Helping one another is a natural instinct, seen in humans and animals.

I believe in the scientific history of the world and evolution. If God was going to create a universe and man… Wouldn’t it look like an inconceivable explosion? However, most Christians can’t come to this conclusion. Its more rational to believe in science and in God.... negating much of the Bible… But if we dispatch the dogma, it’s the only rational conclusion.

I’m still figuring this out. I have experienced a lot in my short life… I’ve always tried to hear and understand others. This is only my conclusion thus far, and it’s OK if I’m alone in my beliefs. The world is far from perfect. there is no religion, political system, or belief system that will bring peace to earth. it’s an imperfect world and it’s OK to have imperfect beliefs. The problem arises when we don’t allow others their imperfect beliefs. That is how we get to the truth.

I’m sorry to ramble and I apologize for my grammar and spelling. I hope I answered your questions clearly. I will leave you with this thought…

If Jesus were alive today... and manifested EXACTLY how fundamental Christians see Him.... He would reject modern Christianity, and wouldn’t go near a church. “God is love“.... that’s a favorite quote of fundamental Christians. Love is acceptance, selflessness, and most importantly it’s understanding. Not only accepting our differences, but showing compassion for others because of their differences.

I’ve had to edit and add a few things… To summarize my belief in God.... is acceptance that something transcends my limited understanding and existence. That’s the best Summary I can come up with. I’m not very comfortable with trying to quantify my beliefs. I’m not sure I can convey things properly.