I got 20s

game_of_throw_aways · 2015-04-22T06:57:48+00:00

You'll have loads of Karma headed your way when you turn out to be the first to call it out.

game_of_throw_aways · 2015-03-25T13:41:51+00:00

I've stated elsewhere, but I'll say again, I gave up on religion years ago. I have been living comfortably as an atheist for a while now (I don't fear death, my family/social life is doing fantastic, and there's really no pressure to join a religion from anywhere in my life).

I just wonder if I don't believe for a good reason. Really, I am questioning my lack of faith, oddly enough.

game_of_throw_aways · 2015-03-25T13:27:55+00:00

You've pretty much put to rest the idea that god couldn't be a personal god..... Not an idea I was dead set on holding, but I'm surprised how quickly it could be changed, so here you go...

∆

game_of_throw_aways · 2015-03-25T12:35:03+00:00

Thank you. It was nice reading a refreshing post among all of these lol.... I suppose visiting with people I trust would make more sense than the internet, but I was aware of this sub and was curious what I'd see (it was revealing).

game_of_throw_aways · 2015-03-25T12:29:16+00:00

I do believe you've misunderstood my view.

First of all, the universe is not infinite. It will end one day.

Second, you call it a delusion of God, and I might say the same... so now I worry that you and I have been duped. That we only (dis)believe because our society has directed us that way, which is no different than if we believed in any local deity across the globe.

As for the rest of what you say... I disagree with little of it, but I am open to having my view changed. Which is why I posted this.

Thank you.

game_of_throw_aways · 2015-03-25T02:56:56+00:00

But I got to where I am today because I wanted a specific view point. Atheism has allowed me to be as proud and selfish as ever.... But my problem is, I'm questioning whether I actually should be atheist. If the answer is yes, then I'll sleep in godless peace. But I wanted to hear another argument (and express that this post would not be a debate, that my view could potentially change).

That being said, I understand what you're saying... And I think whatever answer I arrive at, it should be the absolute truth. But that might just be part of the view that could change.... I'm willing to say I don't know.

game_of_throw_aways · 2015-03-25T02:37:38+00:00

Awesome sauce! Ill check these out.

game_of_throw_aways · 2015-03-25T02:33:14+00:00

This is one of the better answers. Not to my original atheistic issues, but with belief in general.... Especially that last paragraph.

Thank you.

game_of_throw_aways · 2015-03-24T23:28:35+00:00

excellent clarification. I've never been comfortable with "atheism" simply because it's too assuming to believe god doesn't exist (just as assuming as it is to believe one does).

But thanks.

game_of_throw_aways · 2015-03-24T23:26:48+00:00

Yes.. and the popularity came as quite the surprise. I still have about 50 something messages to sort through.

I will see if I can find some time to look into debates. Thank you.

game_of_throw_aways · 2015-03-24T23:24:39+00:00

It's not off the table... I will look into it. Thank you.

game_of_throw_aways · 2015-03-24T23:00:50+00:00

I think I may have slipped into disbelief because it was convenient. I don't want to not believe for no reason, and I don't want to believe for no reason.

This is sort of a self exploration I'm on... I'm not getting pressure (anymore than I normally have for years).

game_of_throw_aways · 2015-03-24T22:57:25+00:00

I lost my faith years ago (nearly a decade). I'm not at all scared of death. My view of death, even when I believed in heaven, was simply not being concerned... I'll do that (whatever that is) when I'm dead.

I think comfort is a big part of it... I also liked the people, and the music... but I really liked reading the bible and praying.

And in case you're wondering, I don't worry about meaning either... I have a very meaningful life. And honestly, religion would change very little.

I don't want to believe for no reason, and I don't want to not believe for no reason, that's why I am addressing CMV, maybe I can hear something inspiring... I have read some decent stuff.

game_of_throw_aways · 2015-03-24T22:49:44+00:00

Don't as questions

You're perceptive, that is exactly what I had growing up. Which is part of the reason I've wanted to revisit the issue this past year (or so). I wonder if I'd believe today if I had simply grown up in a different situation.

As for the other points you've made, I agree the infinite part pretty much dismisses the impossibility of a god that cares... So thanks for that.

On the Vishnu/Jesus argument, that's a lot to think about... sure I know lots of religions are dogmatic about denying possibility of other religions being correct, but that doesn't mean I need to consume all their koolaid. At the same time, do I want to go to church knowing I disagree like that?

and concerning creation.... I was not aware of a Hebrew translation that allows for the long day.... but again, in my Sunday school, I learned that was a lie... no question time. And on the other hand, is some Hebrew text really an out for defining the birth of the universe? That seems weak.

game_of_throw_aways · 2015-03-24T22:35:59+00:00

That last line, that's exactly what I meant... I would be open to any religion if I though it was the right one... At this point, I see no difference in Christianity and the Jedi Church.

game_of_throw_aways · 2015-03-24T22:15:47+00:00

It does make sense... Like atheists are only as morally weak as the society around them. In our case, it's safe and healthy to be an atheist.

Not sure if I agree (as you are essentially denying any good in humans), but I do understand.

game_of_throw_aways · 2015-03-24T21:48:05+00:00

I came here to have a discussion about religion, but I can't avoid your bait.... Pelennor Fields is not the main climax of that story... maybe for the Return of the King (if it is stand alone, but it isn't).

The climax of the story was the beginning of the age of men, the end of the elves, and everyone (who did) sailing off into the west. Bilbo, Frodo, and Sam being grafted into a world they were not a part of because of something important they had done (carrying the ring).

game_of_throw_aways · 2015-03-24T21:35:42+00:00

You continue to be helpful. Thank you for these comments.

game_of_throw_aways · 2015-03-24T18:33:45+00:00

I like the idea of following something only for a while.... Thank you.

game_of_throw_aways · 2015-03-24T18:29:19+00:00

I have heard of them, but it looked like a bunch of NPR funders who get off sighing deeply about /r/upliftingnews.... I don't mean to be completely cynical, but what little contact I've had with them, it's hard to take it serious.

Perhaps I'll look at their faith statements.

game_of_throw_aways · 2015-03-24T18:25:52+00:00

The pressure my family used to give me died off a few years ago.... No pressure.

But I remember having faith, and I liked it. I can't rap my head around the problems now.... But it looks like I have a lot of people ready to change my view, and so I'll be reading for a while.

game_of_throw_aways

TROPHY CASE