I have a questions. when we talk about a "god" what does that mean to everyone? Are we talking of god of Socrates, Einsteinor the catholic church etc? are we talking about the unmoved mover, the big bang theory.
Einstein's 'version' of god wouldn't be a very 'loving and compassionate' one!
who cares! we are talking about existence of god not the characteristics of god.
Faith is not a cop out. And it's not a scientific concept.
Right, it's belief in an outdated concept centered around a fictional supernatural being that controls our destiny. In other words, ignorance.
your opinion....and it's befitting that you use the word 'ignorance' in your 'definition' of faith.
I see you edited your post. First you said "your opinion" and left it at that. Then you added a rebuttal. So here's mine: I don't think I'm ignorant at all about "their" belief system. I know everything I need to know and I don't have to prove to you (because you defended the person who told me I had to prove it) why blind faith and allegiance to an invisible, man-made thing is complete foolishness.
Post edited by The Waiting Trophy Man on
Another habit says it's in love with you
Another habit says its long overdue
Another habit like an unwanted friend
I'm so happy with my righteous self
interesting, as I have been thinking about this very question recently, and I guess I could say that maybe I do believe in a god, and that would be the force of nature. that being said, it's completely random and has no power over the beings that live under its umbrella.
I have a questions. when we talk about a "god" what does that mean to everyone? Are we talking of god of Socrates, Einstein or the catholic church etc? are we talking about the unmoved mover, the big bang theory.
I find that most people when talking about god have a narrow view of what god means. most people humanize god, give god human characteristics like judging or creating or controlling. and that's maybe not what god is.
would you rather I name a vood doo doll after you and stick pins in it? I think my mom is a witch, I could get her to do it!
A few of my friends are Wicca and I have observed voodoo rituals....
I would rather you do nothing unless invited to. Thank you.
When my husband was between life and death for many weeks/months, all my friends supported me. Some prayed (to all gods of all faiths, it would seem), some cast spells and others had their own rituals (a shaman, a 'healer', etc.). As they know we don't believe god exists or believe that prayers have any power whatsoever, they all asked if it was OK (eg, was it OK to ask the priest and the congregation to pray and have a mass for my husband, etc.) and said it would help THEM get through these hard times. Of course it's OK, as long as they didn't expect us to listen, partake or even pretend we thought it was beneficial. Note the 'it helped THEM' - that's how they dealt with this trauma. Not how I dealt with it - but it made them feel better, so I let them. To be honest, I had other things on my mind.
People meaningless saying 'we pray for you' or 'I'll pray for soul' in a way that suggests 'we will help you redeem yourself' is really not cool.
why is it that we have tossed aside every other antiquated notion that has come up pre-modern era, except the concept of God? to me, it's because we NEED him. human nature needs hope to cling to, that this isn't all there is.
honestly, and the most important reason we keep god amongst us, and I say this with extreme caution, a godless world would be hopeless world. if 75% of the human race had no consequences to fear, they'd run fucking wild.
we need most of the human population to fear SOMETHING.
Gimli 1993
Fargo 2003
Winnipeg 2005
Winnipeg 2011
St. Paul 2014
I find that most people when talking about god have a narrow view of what god means. most people humanize god, give god human characteristics like judging or creating or controlling. and that's maybe not what god is.
Gimli 1993
Fargo 2003
Winnipeg 2005
Winnipeg 2011
St. Paul 2014
I have a questions. when we talk about a "god" what does that mean to everyone? Are we talking of god of Socrates, Einsteinor the catholic church etc? are we talking about the unmoved mover, the big bang theory.
Einstein's 'version' of god wouldn't be a very 'loving and compassionate' one!
who cares! we are talking about existence of god not the characteristics of god.
We are but in this thread are people not talking about having a loving, compassionate god? All forgiving, etc.? If these same people came to realise one day that perhaps their god is vengeful, angry, etc., would they still feel the same? Would they still call this other, possibly supernatural being god?
Reading through the posts, most people seem to relate to a somewhat christian type god, though most seem to reject the religious aspect of god.
Right, it's belief in an outdated concept centered around a fictional supernatural being that controls our destiny. In other words, ignorance.[/quote][/quote]
I hope you don't take this personally as i don't mean to offend but you have a narrow view of how people view god. you are right that some see god as their protector as such but other don't so i think calling them ignorant is not correct.
why is it that we have tossed aside every other antiquated notion that has come up pre-modern era, except the concept of God? to me, it's because we NEED him. human nature needs hope to cling to, that this isn't all there is.
honestly, and the most important reason we keep god amongst us, and I say this with extreme caution, a godless world would be hopeless world. if 75% of the human race had no consequences to fear, they'd run fucking wild.
we need most of the human population to fear SOMETHING.
so, if a person is on the All Encompassing Trip....and they post that their ________(insert relationship/spouse/teacher, etc.) has cancer and x months to live. And so if someone replies that they are praying for them, is that condescending?
If they've told you they are non-believers, then yes it is.
well, I have never noticed that the original posters stated that they are non believers when they posted that their teacher or loved one was going to die.
9/98, 9/00 - DC, 4/03 - Pitt., 7/03 - Bristow, 10/04 - Reading, 10/05 - Philly, 5/06 - DC, 6/06 - Pitt., 6/08 - Va Beach, 6/08 - DC, 5/10 - Bristow, 10/13 B'more
8/08 - Ed solo in DC, 6/09 Ed in B'more,
10/10 - Brad in B'more
People meaningless saying 'we pray for you' or 'I'll pray for soul' in a way that suggests 'we will help you redeem yourself' is really not cool.
I know what you're saying. Another catholic friend (I seem to have a few) of mine recently made her status on facebook "sending thoughts and prayers to the people of Japan". I wanted to comment so bad, but I ignored it to avoid hurting her feelings or starting something. But I felt like saying Instead of sending thoughts and prayers why don't you send something tangible, like donations - something that will actually help the people of Japan. Again it's this crazy belief that prayers have some kind of magical force behind them, when they are nothing but empty gestures that do absolutely nothing to help at all. Human beings have to make these things happen. But I guess it's easier for some people to update their facebook status from their cellphones and pretend they're doing something that helps and that they are good people.
Another habit says it's in love with you
Another habit says its long overdue
Another habit like an unwanted friend
I'm so happy with my righteous self
Einstein's 'version' of god wouldn't be a very 'loving and compassionate' one![/quote]
who cares! we are talking about existence of god not the characteristics of god.[/quote]
We are but in this thread are people not talking about having a loving, compassionate god? All forgiving, etc.? If these same people came to realise one day that perhaps their god is vengeful, angry, etc., would they still feel the same? Would they still call this other, possibly supernatural being god?
Reading through the posts, most people seem to relate to a somewhat christian type god, though most seem to reject the religious aspect of god.[/quote]
I think your right, thats the problem. so many confuse existence with characteristics.
Right, it's belief in an outdated concept centered around a fictional supernatural being that controls our destiny. In other words, ignorance.
[/quote]
I hope you don't take this personally as i don't mean to offend but you have a narrow view of how people view god. you are right that some see god as their protector as such but other don't so i think calling them ignorant is not correct.[/quote]
I'm not offended in the least.
Another habit says it's in love with you
Another habit says its long overdue
Another habit like an unwanted friend
I'm so happy with my righteous self
why is it that we have tossed aside every other antiquated notion that has come up pre-modern era, except the concept of God? to me, it's because we NEED him. human nature needs hope to cling to, that this isn't all there is.
honestly, and the most important reason we keep god amongst us, and I say this with extreme caution, a godless world would be hopeless world. if 75% of the human race had no consequences to fear, they'd run fucking wild.
we need most of the human population to fear SOMETHING.
BRAVO! They need to add a clapping, smiley guy icon!!
Another habit says it's in love with you
Another habit says its long overdue
Another habit like an unwanted friend
I'm so happy with my righteous self
no more than 3. and it took me a long fucking time to figure the quoting thing. I still don't know how people quote several different posters in one post.
no more than 3. and it took me a long fucking time to figure the quoting thing. I still don't know how people quote several different posters in one post.
I find that most people when talking about god have a narrow view of what god means. most people humanize god, give god human characteristics like judging or creating or controlling. and that's maybe not what god is.
but church is different than god. the church (whatever church you want) is a man made entity.
why is it that we have tossed aside every other antiquated notion that has come up pre-modern era, except the concept of God? to me, it's because we NEED him. human nature needs hope to cling to, that this isn't all there is.
honestly, and the most important reason we keep god amongst us, and I say this with extreme caution, a godless world would be hopeless world. if 75% of the human race had no consequences to fear, they'd run fucking wild.
we need most of the human population to fear SOMETHING.
BRAVO! They need to add a clapping, smiley guy icon!!
why is it that we have tossed aside every other antiquated notion that has come up pre-modern era, except the concept of God? to me, it's because we NEED him. human nature needs hope to cling to, that this isn't all there is.
honestly, and the most important reason we keep god amongst us, and I say this with extreme caution, a godless world would be hopeless world. if 75% of the human race had no consequences to fear, they'd run fucking wild.
we need most of the human population to fear SOMETHING.
so you think God is a 2000 + year old fad ? and people have worshiped God in one fashion or an other all this time or even longer and you think it's just a golden rule to keep man in line ?
why is it that we have tossed aside every other antiquated notion that has come up pre-modern era, except the concept of God? to me, it's because we NEED him. human nature needs hope to cling to, that this isn't all there is.
honestly, and the most important reason we keep god amongst us, and I say this with extreme caution, a godless world would be hopeless world. if 75% of the human race had no consequences to fear, they'd run fucking wild.
we need most of the human population to fear SOMETHING.
so you think God is a 2000 + year old fad ? and people have worshiped God in one fashion or an other all this time or even longer and you think it's just a golden rule to keep man in line ?
Godfather.
I know this wasnt directed at me, but yes, to some degree. I woulndt call it a fad though. Its hope and fear and it perpetuates because it cant be proven or disproven.
People have worshiped thousands of different gods for thousands of years -- not just ONE.
I know this wasnt directed at me, but yes, to some degree. I woulndt call it a fad though. Its hope and fear and it perpetuates because it cant be proven or disproven.
People have worshiped thousands of different gods for thousands of years -- not just ONE.
And most of them thought the earth was flat and that when there was thunder and lightning it meant that god was angry. So in my opinion they are totally discredited!
Another habit says it's in love with you
Another habit says its long overdue
Another habit like an unwanted friend
I'm so happy with my righteous self
in many words......I think God was invented by man initially because Man couldn't explain why they were there, how to explain all the atrocities and also all the good in the world, so "hey, maybe someone else is pulling the strings".
I think god still has a place because humankind needs one. politicians know it. is it just coincidence that almost all major superpower politicians are god-fearing? nope, it's because
a) they know it leads to the popular vote, and
b) they know that perpetuating that myth is an easy way of controlling the populace and maintaining order in a low-budget way.
I'm with you on this, GF, I'd rather most of the nasty population out there fear god. Keeps me and my godesses safe.
why is it that we have tossed aside every other antiquated notion that has come up pre-modern era, except the concept of God? to me, it's because we NEED him. human nature needs hope to cling to, that this isn't all there is.
honestly, and the most important reason we keep god amongst us, and I say this with extreme caution, a godless world would be hopeless world. if 75% of the human race had no consequences to fear, they'd run fucking wild.
we need most of the human population to fear SOMETHING.
so you think God is a 2000 + year old fad ? and people have worshiped God in one fashion or an other all this time or even longer and you think it's just a golden rule to keep man in line ?
Godfather.
Gimli 1993
Fargo 2003
Winnipeg 2005
Winnipeg 2011
St. Paul 2014
but what about the potential flip side to this? what if someone were to see her facebook status and be inspired to do something tangible like make a donation or send supplies, etc? it's not just about making oneself feeling better about oneself, but also about spreading the love, so to speak.
in that sense, god or no god, didn't the prayer "work"?
I know what you're saying. Another catholic friend (I seem to have a few) of mine recently made her status on facebook "sending thoughts and prayers to the people of Japan". I wanted to comment so bad, but I ignored it to avoid hurting her feelings or starting something. But I felt like saying Instead of sending thoughts and prayers why don't you send something tangible, like donations - something that will actually help the people of Japan. Again it's this crazy belief that prayers have some kind of magical force behind them, when they are nothing but empty gestures that do absolutely nothing to help at all. Human beings have to make these things happen. But I guess it's easier for some people to update their facebook status from their cellphones and pretend they're doing something that helps and that they are good people.
Gimli 1993
Fargo 2003
Winnipeg 2005
Winnipeg 2011
St. Paul 2014
If they've told you they are non-believers, then yes it is.
Really :? is that not sort of a slap in the face to someone showing compassion and love for another
got to get it while you can anyway you can when its love
condescending
showing or characterized by a patronizing or superior attitude toward others
sending love and prayers for a healthy outcome is not patronizing or superior
is a supportive loving gesture to another human being
seems like love gets lost in this mess and it is all that really matters in the end
You don't have to pray for someone to show them love and compassion. Just tell them you love them and are thinking about them and hope they get better.
There are some good lessons from the bible. Like treat others how you want to be treated. It's a good philosophy to have. But you don't need to do it because the bible says you should. You should do it because it's the right thing to do. It's just being a decent human being.
You shouldn't pray for them if they are not religious (I suppose you could do it without telling them - what they don't know can't hurt them).
I have always felt it is the 'motive behind the madness' ...
if ones heart is in the right place, that is in kindness it should be ok ...
but that is my belief. I try not to judge others and find fault,
often people don't mean to offend.
The Golden Rule ....yes what we should all live by.
Perhaps if someone mistaking says they will pray for you out of love and kindness
you could be lenient with their hearts,
seeing as you may someday say something unintentionally
that a believer may find incredibly cruel and thoughtless
and totally without focus on The Golden Rule.
Comments
who cares! we are talking about existence of god not the characteristics of god.
I see you edited your post. First you said "your opinion" and left it at that. Then you added a rebuttal. So here's mine: I don't think I'm ignorant at all about "their" belief system. I know everything I need to know and I don't have to prove to you (because you defended the person who told me I had to prove it) why blind faith and allegiance to an invisible, man-made thing is complete foolishness.
Another habit says its long overdue
Another habit like an unwanted friend
I'm so happy with my righteous self
I find that most people when talking about god have a narrow view of what god means. most people humanize god, give god human characteristics like judging or creating or controlling. and that's maybe not what god is.
A few of my friends are Wicca and I have observed voodoo rituals....
I would rather you do nothing unless invited to. Thank you.
When my husband was between life and death for many weeks/months, all my friends supported me. Some prayed (to all gods of all faiths, it would seem), some cast spells and others had their own rituals (a shaman, a 'healer', etc.). As they know we don't believe god exists or believe that prayers have any power whatsoever, they all asked if it was OK (eg, was it OK to ask the priest and the congregation to pray and have a mass for my husband, etc.) and said it would help THEM get through these hard times. Of course it's OK, as long as they didn't expect us to listen, partake or even pretend we thought it was beneficial. Note the 'it helped THEM' - that's how they dealt with this trauma. Not how I dealt with it - but it made them feel better, so I let them. To be honest, I had other things on my mind.
People meaningless saying 'we pray for you' or 'I'll pray for soul' in a way that suggests 'we will help you redeem yourself' is really not cool.
why is it that we have tossed aside every other antiquated notion that has come up pre-modern era, except the concept of God? to me, it's because we NEED him. human nature needs hope to cling to, that this isn't all there is.
honestly, and the most important reason we keep god amongst us, and I say this with extreme caution, a godless world would be hopeless world. if 75% of the human race had no consequences to fear, they'd run fucking wild.
we need most of the human population to fear SOMETHING.
Fargo 2003
Winnipeg 2005
Winnipeg 2011
St. Paul 2014
Fargo 2003
Winnipeg 2005
Winnipeg 2011
St. Paul 2014
eggs-fucking-zactly.
Fargo 2003
Winnipeg 2005
Winnipeg 2011
St. Paul 2014
We are but in this thread are people not talking about having a loving, compassionate god? All forgiving, etc.? If these same people came to realise one day that perhaps their god is vengeful, angry, etc., would they still feel the same? Would they still call this other, possibly supernatural being god?
Reading through the posts, most people seem to relate to a somewhat christian type god, though most seem to reject the religious aspect of god.
I hope you don't take this personally as i don't mean to offend but you have a narrow view of how people view god. you are right that some see god as their protector as such but other don't so i think calling them ignorant is not correct.
well, I have never noticed that the original posters stated that they are non believers when they posted that their teacher or loved one was going to die.
8/08 - Ed solo in DC, 6/09 Ed in B'more,
10/10 - Brad in B'more
I know what you're saying. Another catholic friend (I seem to have a few) of mine recently made her status on facebook "sending thoughts and prayers to the people of Japan". I wanted to comment so bad, but I ignored it to avoid hurting her feelings or starting something. But I felt like saying Instead of sending thoughts and prayers why don't you send something tangible, like donations - something that will actually help the people of Japan. Again it's this crazy belief that prayers have some kind of magical force behind them, when they are nothing but empty gestures that do absolutely nothing to help at all. Human beings have to make these things happen. But I guess it's easier for some people to update their facebook status from their cellphones and pretend they're doing something that helps and that they are good people.
Another habit says its long overdue
Another habit like an unwanted friend
I'm so happy with my righteous self
who cares! we are talking about existence of god not the characteristics of god.[/quote]
We are but in this thread are people not talking about having a loving, compassionate god? All forgiving, etc.? If these same people came to realise one day that perhaps their god is vengeful, angry, etc., would they still feel the same? Would they still call this other, possibly supernatural being god?
Reading through the posts, most people seem to relate to a somewhat christian type god, though most seem to reject the religious aspect of god.[/quote]
I think your right, thats the problem. so many confuse existence with characteristics.
I hope you don't take this personally as i don't mean to offend but you have a narrow view of how people view god. you are right that some see god as their protector as such but other don't so i think calling them ignorant is not correct.[/quote]
I'm not offended in the least.
Another habit says its long overdue
Another habit like an unwanted friend
I'm so happy with my righteous self
BRAVO! They need to add a clapping, smiley guy icon!!
Another habit says its long overdue
Another habit like an unwanted friend
I'm so happy with my righteous self
In our replies, we should be able to embed 6-10 quotes, right?
8/08 - Ed solo in DC, 6/09 Ed in B'more,
10/10 - Brad in B'more
Like him?
Yes!!
Another habit says its long overdue
Another habit like an unwanted friend
I'm so happy with my righteous self
Fargo 2003
Winnipeg 2005
Winnipeg 2011
St. Paul 2014
it's annoying, no more than 3. same for private messages.
8/08 - Ed solo in DC, 6/09 Ed in B'more,
10/10 - Brad in B'more
but church is different than god. the church (whatever church you want) is a man made entity.
there's also this guy: :thumbup:
yikes! and this guy: :angel:
so you think God is a 2000 + year old fad ? and people have worshiped God in one fashion or an other all this time or even longer and you think it's just a golden rule to keep man in line ?
Godfather.
Lol! I bet I know who suggested the latter one to the mods.
Another habit says its long overdue
Another habit like an unwanted friend
I'm so happy with my righteous self
I know this wasnt directed at me, but yes, to some degree. I woulndt call it a fad though. Its hope and fear and it perpetuates because it cant be proven or disproven.
People have worshiped thousands of different gods for thousands of years -- not just ONE.
Another habit says its long overdue
Another habit like an unwanted friend
I'm so happy with my righteous self
in many words......I think God was invented by man initially because Man couldn't explain why they were there, how to explain all the atrocities and also all the good in the world, so "hey, maybe someone else is pulling the strings".
I think god still has a place because humankind needs one. politicians know it. is it just coincidence that almost all major superpower politicians are god-fearing? nope, it's because
a) they know it leads to the popular vote, and
b) they know that perpetuating that myth is an easy way of controlling the populace and maintaining order in a low-budget way.
I'm with you on this, GF, I'd rather most of the nasty population out there fear god. Keeps me and my godesses safe.
Fargo 2003
Winnipeg 2005
Winnipeg 2011
St. Paul 2014
careful though I am addicted
in that sense, god or no god, didn't the prayer "work"?
Fargo 2003
Winnipeg 2005
Winnipeg 2011
St. Paul 2014
if ones heart is in the right place, that is in kindness it should be ok ...
but that is my belief. I try not to judge others and find fault,
often people don't mean to offend.
The Golden Rule ....yes what we should all live by.
Perhaps if someone mistaking says they will pray for you out of love and kindness
you could be lenient with their hearts,
seeing as you may someday say something unintentionally
that a believer may find incredibly cruel and thoughtless
and totally without focus on The Golden Rule.