if you don't believe in life after death, if you don't believe in God, then what are your beliefs?
Here goes.
- what do you think is your purpose in life?
Whatever I might decide it to be. My purpose is having a good life, and being a support for others. There is no ultimate purpose other than what you make of it.
- what are your beliefs after you die?
I die, and the atoms that make up me recombines into other structures and life. I don't believe that my soul or other continues to exist autonomously.
- do you believe in the evolution theory?
It's not about belief, it's science. And the general theory is questioned only by religious people with an agenda. So I guess I believe in it, yes.
- do you believe that this planet will still exist, billions of billions of years from now, unless something happens to it, e.g. struck by a meteor, or something?
Why shouldn't it? It may be a desolate waste, but it'll still exist until the sun consumes it.
- do you think down on religious people, thinking that they are merely blind followers of their religion, and that they have no concrete basis of their beliefs?
On the contrary, I believe they have a basis for belief, that is the fundament of every religion. There is an underlying something we tap into, but channel as different religions, depending on where you're born and what you're exposed to. Whether the experience leading to and building up the faith is objectively real, is another matter. But I believe there is a fundamental feeling underlying religion that is the real thing. Dogmas and details are completely irrelevant in regards to that. So those who do blindly follow their religion, is missing out in my view.
- do you guys have fun when you mock God?
Since he does not exist, I have no problem with it.
- can i assume that you believe that you do not commit sin?
Sin is a human concept. Of course I sin. In your eyes, that is. Sin only has meaning if you believe in it. In my view, sin is baloney and a guilt-trip we indulge ourselves in. So I dont think I sin, because I do not believe or agree with the fundament of the term.
- do you believe that the world will be a better place if there were no RELIGION?
Maybe, maybe not. I dont think humans can completely dispose of religion, or rather the impulse to follow one, as it adresses something very human to do. So some kind of religion will probably always be there. As for would the world be better? Well, there'd be fewer religious wars, but I do think that we'd only find something else to kill eachother over. Xenophobia is a very human trait, I'm afraid.
i just want to know what's on your minds?
There you go.
Peace
Dan
"YOU [humans] NEED TO BELIEVE IN THINGS THAT AREN'T TRUE. HOW ELSE CAN THEY BECOME?" - Death
"Every judgment teeters on the brink of error. To claim absolute knowledge is to become monstrous. Knowledge is an unending adventure at the edge of uncertainty." - Frank Herbert, Dune, 1965
good or rather great reply. at least you really know your stand. however, contrary to your belief, i believe in the after life. that is why i started this thread. because generally, people who don't believe in religion don't believe in the after life.
i believe that life is precious, because whatever you did in this world, will follow you to the next. thus, you must use whatever precious time you have to do better things.
it is good that you perceive it that way. others who also don't believe in religion feels that they must DO any possible thing (right or wrong) while living, because when they die, everything is lost.
Yes there are those sort of atheists... although - I wouldn't call them that, I'd call them agnostics who believe that they have only one life, no after-life or conception there-of, to live, and that if in fact this is their one and only chance at living, they must then be the one and only thing in the world that matters - so they do right and wrong with equal aplomb and feel they reserve the right at least for this life to do whatever they feel like with no consequence or ill-effects... those sort of irresponsible, clueless, fateless people, they've become... hedonism bots!
So to those who do not know which angel they are pursuing - the firm one or the fallen one - I say life is more important than ever - it is evermore important to define and codify who you are and how you live (atheists do seem to have a problem defining who they are as a group)... don't live your life wasted - in the shadow of an ill angel or false doctrine.
if you don't believe in life after death, if you don't believe in God, then what are your beliefs?
what do you think is your purpose in life?
No idea but I guess having a good life, being good to others.
what are your beliefs after you die?
I belief that if you die, you're dead, end of story and I like that idea.
do you believe in the evolution theory?
I accept the scientific theory, though, there is still a lot to learn.
do you believe that this planet will still exist, billions of billions of years from now, unless something happens to it, e.g. struck by a meteor, or something?
Yes.
do you think down on religious people, thinking that they are merely blind followers of their religion, and that they have no concrete basis of their beliefs?
I try not to look down on people. But I must say, I think blind followers of anything are rather ignorant.
do you guys have fun when you mock God?
What is mocking god? It would be rather stupid on my part to mock something I don't believe exists, it would be a waste of time. I often question "god", though.
can i assume that you believe that you do not commit sin?
I try to do what I think is right.
do you believe that the world will be a better place if there were no RELIGION?
Who knows. I think it might be a better place if there was only one religion, but that'd never work. So right now, I think, yes.
If you truly havn't figured it out yet, you apparently don't pay real close attention to this forum. Many of them live for it. Nothing gives them more pleasure. I think it makes some orgasm.
Didn't your god tell you not to judge.
j/k
Though, I don't think many here live for it not do I think it's as bad as you make it seem.
- what do you think is your purpose in life? basically its "...Fuck to procreate till they are dead"
- what are your beliefs after you die? dead.. thats it... worm food
- do you believe in the evolution theory? yes
- do you believe that this planet will still exist, billions of billions of years from now, unless something happens to it, e.g. struck by a meteor, or something? not billions and billions... the sun will probably die out first and then it'll be perpetual darkness and death
- do you think down on religious people, thinking that they are merely blind followers of their religion, and that they have no concrete basis of their beliefs? yes... i try not to, but its difficult
- do you guys have fun when you mock God? yes
- can i assume that you believe that you do not commit sin? no.. why would you assume this?
- do you believe that the world will be a better place if there were no RELIGION? yes
i just want to know what's on your minds? normally something filthy... or food...or both
oh scary... 40000 morbidly obese christians wearing fanny packs invading europe is probably the least scariest thing since I watched an edited version of The Care Bears movie in an extremely brightly lit cinema.
Humans have religion and god because they need a higher power to answer to, they will not behave knowing that they wont be judged by god or some moral obligation. Chaos is incompatible with human life. If you took a bunch of prisoners from san quention, rapists, thieves, murderers, and they escaped, and one guy was leading them to safety, what would they do to survive? Steal, kill for what they want? To get them to behave and follow you, how about go on a hill and tell them you found a bunch of stones with god's words? Sound familiar, like when Moses led the slaves to the promise land, he organized them with god.
There are many religions, one thing they all have in common, a lack of evidence to prove that their god exists, and they also deny evidence that proves counter to their beliefs. You cannot prove god doesnt exist, or that he does exist.
God is used like a prosthesis, people put him on when they need it, and take it off when they don't.
It is arrogant to say your religion is correct and another is not, especially without evidence to prove so. This has caused many words in the name of god. People use god to give them confidence in their lives and to behave. One must ask themselves where the yget their beliefs from. If you grew up in an other land in another time your beliefs would be different. Therefore, what you believe is relative to your past experience, your time and place. Well, if religious belief and knowledge is what you are born with, that you are on a path from god, do you really believe you wouldnt be muslim if you grew up in the middle east? Empirical knowledge is that which enters the senses. This knowledge is responsible for what you believe, what you have been told, what you have heard.
The main point is this, humans know nothing for sure. There is not one thing you know and can prove for sure. How do you know you are reading this right now and not plugged into the matrix and it just looks like you are? How do you know you aren't a butterfly dreaming your a human? Huamsn are naturally curiosu, we want to know things and explain them. That which we dont know scares us, the unknown is scary. Therefore, in order to keep control, we create answers for everything.
One thing that human life does not need is some idiot who said god spoke to him, his god of course by the way, that said to go into iraq and free them, when we really have killed thousands of their innocent people, our soldiers as well. We have bred much more hate in the middle east then before. And what we have done that hasnt been accomplished in all of history, is begin to unite the middle east, unite them against America, even after countries who suopported us so much after 9/11 have now split because of a pointless B.S. war. All because someone said god speaks to him. Well guess what, sounds likea terrorist doesnt it? Is god not the reason the middle east is blowing people up, in the name of allah? Open your eyes, question what you see and hear.
But what do I know, I'm just some 19 year old who likes to sing "It's evolution Baby!"
what do you think is your purpose in life? to respectfully indulge
- what are your beliefs after you die? lets wait and see
- do you believe in the evolution theory? yes but not 100% for humans
- do you believe that this planet will still exist, billions of billions of years from now, unless something happens to it, e.g. struck by a meteor, or something? yeah, maybe
- do you think down on religious people, thinking that they are merely blind followers of their religion, and that they have no concrete basis of their beliefs? yes... i try not to, but its difficult
- do you guys have fun when you mock God? yes
- can i assume that you believe that you do not commit sin? dont believe in the concept
- do you believe that the world will be a better place if there were no RELIGION? oh yeah, you only have to look at the history of my neck of the woods (which I'm not going into - phew)
i just want to know what's on your minds? usually some photograph of a beautiful landscape[/quote]
Peace to ye!
dublin 1996 london 2000 dublin 2006 prague 2006 copenhagen 2007 london 2007 rotterdam 2009 london 2009 dublin 2010 belfast 2010 vienna 2014 amsterdam 2014 london 2018
My personal belief is that it is truly impossible to be an ethical human being without achieving a certain degree of self-awareness. That's the limitation of religion: It does not account for the infinite tendencies of the human personality. Instead, it lays down specific guidelines that determine what is right and what is wrong. There is so much more to right and wrong than "god's" will.
A person can follow the words of the bible to the letter, but that person still might not ever understand the meaning of humanity. You'll often hear, "A good christian does this...," and "That is not a very christian thing to do..." The spirit of morality is lost in the "grandjeur" of moral deeds.
Selflessness is the highest form of consciousness. It is also known as altruism. Altruism cannot be achieved without self-actualization. Self-actualization is the highest level of motivation on the pyramid of needs.
It is a state of mind that enables people to lead a moral lifestyle without the need of a higher authority and consequences.
What religion attempts to do is coax people into leading a self-actualized lifestyle without actually being self-actualized. That is, you are behaving altruistically, but only because you have a "higher authority" and "consequences" that motivate you.
Additionally, for people who are convinced that their devotion to god is not based on fear of his wrath, religion satisfies the 4th need, which is status (esteem). If you really believe that you are following in the footsteps of a true god by following the bible, then you are in fact elevating your self-perceived status. You are "holy". You lead a "holy" lifestyle. You have achieved status, which is the 4th need.
That's why christians still don't understand their own "holier-than-thou" attitude. They don't realize that their subconcious needs depend on Christianity's perceived "greatness." If you insult christianity, you are in fact robbing christians of their hold on the 4th need.
I believe that Jesus Christ was a self-actualized person. I don't think he really believed in god. In fact, I remember seeing something on the history channel about how Jesus actually preached self-awareness, not devotion to god - and that the catholic church re-wrote the original accounts of the teachings of Jesus so that people could be more easily controlled. Makes sense to me.
Belief in god and belief in life after death...as you put it...is not religion.
But nearly all religions adopt that philosophy. If you believe in god and believe in life after death, how are your beliefs different from that of, say, a christian's?
My personal belief is that it is truly impossible to be an ethical human being without achieving a certain degree of self-awareness. That's the limitation of religion: It does not account for the infinite tendencies of the human personality. Instead, it lays down specific guidelines that determine what is right and what is wrong. There is so much more to right and wrong than "god's" will.
A person can follow the words of the bible to the letter, but that person still might not ever understand the meaning of humanity. You'll often hear, "A good christian does this...," and "That is not a very christian thing to do..." The spirit of morality is lost in the "grandjeur" of moral deeds.
Selflessness is the highest form of consciousness. It is also known as altruism. Altruism cannot be achieved without self-actualization. Self-actualization is the highest level of motivation on the pyramid of needs.
It is a state of mind that enables people to lead a moral lifestyle without the need of a higher authority and consequences.
What religion attempts to do is coax people into leading a self-actualized lifestyle without actually being self-actualized. That is, you are behaving altruistically, but only because you have a "higher authority" and "consequences" that motivate you.
Additionally, for people who are convinced that their devotion to god is not based on fear of his wrath, religion satisfies the 4th need, which is status (esteem). If you really believe that you are following in the footsteps of a true god by following the bible, then you are in fact elevating your self-perceived status. You are "holy". You lead a "holy" lifestyle. You have achieved status, which is the 4th need.
That's why christians still don't understand their own "holier-than-thou" attitude. They don't realize that their subconcious needs depend on Christianity's perceived "greatness." If you insult christianity, you are in fact robbing christians of their hold on the 4th need.
I believe that Jesus Christ was a self-actualized person. I don't think he really believed in god. In fact, I remember seeing something on the history channel about how Jesus actually preached self-awareness, not devotion to god - and that the catholic church re-wrote the original accounts of the teachings of Jesus so that people could be more easily controlled. Makes sense to me.
Post of the day. Good work.
Another question to throw into the mix...have Christians, and I mean the fundamentalist ones, the ones that only seem to exist in the US, the self-awareness to realise that their religion is a minority, that they and their beliefs are in the minority on the planet now?
Chinese? Non-religious.
India? Hindu, Sikh, Muslim.
The Middle East, and all of Africa that lies above the Somali-Ethiopian line - Muslim.
Just a few examples.
The link between this Christian fundamentalism and consumerism has to be addressed. Isn't it like 95% of ALien sightings and or abduction claims are from the US? Also a link there.
Empty lives need meaning and purpose.
The world's greatest empires progress through this sequence:From bondage to spiritual faith; spiritual faith to great courage; courage to liberty;liberty to abundance;abundance to selfishness; selfishness to complacency;complacency to apathy;apathy to dependence;dependency back again into bondage
why can't we just live our lives the way we see, believe what we want to believe, do not push ourselves onto others, wait, die and find out for ourselves.
If you believed you could save someone from a horrible experience or pain, would you try?
People who are religious aren't trying to aggravate you in the same way someone who pushes you out of the way of oncoming traffic isn't doing so just to be a jerk.
The only people we should try to get even with...
...are those who've helped us.
Right 'round the corner could be bigger than ourselves.
If you believed you could save someone from a horrible experience or pain, would you try?
People who are religious aren't trying to aggravate you in the same way someone who pushes you out of the way of oncoming traffic isn't doing so just to be a jerk.
Eskimo: But if I'd died without ever hearing of Jesus, would I still go to hell?
Missionary: No, not if you didn't know.
Eskimo: Then why did you tell me?
"Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity." ~ MLK, 1963
You know..your post brought me to tears..You are right..Somehow I feel my husband was bought to my home and to my two sons by the devil himself. I have suffered so much the past two years that I can write a book and give it to his church and let them see that he is no great guy. The church tells him that since he is human..he can sin..and that's where the problem is.
Last Sunday after he was teaching the youth music group, he came home, started cussing me out because I changed the thermostat from 77 up to 79..My gosh all HELL broke loose! I had cut the grass, done all the housework and all he did was watch Dr Who in between church services.
I know it's wrong to be mad at God. But why on earth did he put this man in my life????????
I am in the process of divorce (I only hope he never spies on me on these boards) but the process takes longer because he is no longer here legally in this country. So immigration has to take precedence over the family court. If he ever gets deported...it will save my sanity or life..
Thanks for your post..I really mean it..
So sorry to hear about what you've been dealing with. Just in case you don't know - if he has hurt you physically (or threatened to do so) you can most likely get a protection order against him and have him evicted from your home. I realize there may be financial implications, but you don't have to live with him while you are waiting for a divorce if he is hurting you. I wish you the best.
People who are religious aren't trying to aggravate you in the same way someone who pushes you out of the way of oncoming traffic isn't doing so just to be a jerk.
If you believed you could save someone from a horrible experience or pain, would you try?
People who are religious aren't trying to aggravate you in the same way someone who pushes you out of the way of oncoming traffic isn't doing so just to be a jerk.
That's a weak analogy. The fact is, we KNOW that when someone is about to be hit by a car, they will suffer. But we don't know that someone who doesn't "find Jesus" will suffer after they die. Since no one knows, no one should be trying to change anyone else's beliefs.
That's a weak analogy. The fact is, we KNOW that when someone is about to be hit by a car, they will suffer. But we don't know that someone who doesn't "find Jesus" will suffer after they die. Since no one knows, no one should be trying to change anyone else's beliefs.
But for someone who BELIEVES that they KNOW, it is the truth. Therefore, the motivation in the above analogy is correct in many cases.
The only people we should try to get even with...
...are those who've helped us.
Right 'round the corner could be bigger than ourselves.
if you don't believe in life after death, if you don't believe in God, then what are your beliefs?
- what do you think is your purpose in life?
- what are your beliefs after you die?
- do you believe in the evolution theory?
- do you believe that this planet will still exist, billions of billions of years from now, unless something happens to it, e.g. struck by a meteor, or something?
- do you think down on religious people, thinking that they are merely blind followers of their religion, and that they have no concrete basis of their beliefs?
- do you guys have fun when you mock God?
- can i assume that you believe that you do not commit sin?
- do you believe that the world will be a better place if there were no RELIGION?
i just want to know what's on your minds?
For me, life is all about the "process." I don't have to know all of the answers, I can figure it out along the way. To me, it's not about a means to an end. I am more concerned about the moments I have in front of me right now and doing the best with them, rather than trying to get to an "afterlife." The purpose? I'm not really sure - other than to try to live as peacefully as possible.
I don't really believe in an afterlife. As Hippiemom said - that ought to be one great surprise! I do believe that we are energy and I'm curious about what happens to that energy after we die - but I haven't gotten any answers on that yet.
I do believe in evolution. I think we'll learn even more about how we got here in the future.
I'm not sure if the universe will be here billions of years from now. Again - an answer that will be discovered in due time.
I don't look down on religious people. To each his own. Whatever brings you peace, inspiration, etc. It's just not for me - so I don't appreciate when someone tells me that it "should" be. I do mock when religion is perverted and it is used to control or have power over other people. Fortunately, not all religious people do this, so I'm cool with them. Just don't try to use it to justify abuse, war, etc.
I also don't mock god - I just don't believe in one. I don't believe in Santa and I don't mock him either.
I don't know if I believe in "sin" as a concept - but yes, there is wrongdoing in the world. I have done "wrong" in my life. I'm not supposed to be perfect. I do try to live with integrity as much as I can - again, it's a "process."
As I said above, I think religion has been perverted by some to control and take power. Yes, I believe the world would be a better place if this didn't happen, but I'm sure there would be something else to take religion's place to justify abuse.
I guess I'm just ok with ambiguity - I don't want to know all of the answers (or have them told to me). That would take all of the fun out of it!
* my purpose is my own - it is determined by where i am in my life
* i have no interest in anything after death
* yes, i believe in evolution
* the planet may exist - there may not be life on it but really a question i consider remotely relevant
* there is a place for religion for some people ... i do fear some religions agenda
* i didn't know we mocked god
* i sin assuming i am allowed to use the word (see marriage)
* maybe
if you don't believe in life after death, if you don't believe in God, then what are your beliefs?
- what do you think is your purpose in life?
- what are your beliefs after you die?
- do you believe in the evolution theory?
- do you believe that this planet will still exist, billions of billions of years from now, unless something happens to it, e.g. struck by a meteor, or something?
- do you think down on religious people, thinking that they are merely blind followers of their religion, and that they have no concrete basis of their beliefs?
- do you guys have fun when you mock God?
- can i assume that you believe that you do not commit sin?
- do you believe that the world will be a better place if there were no RELIGION?
i just want to know what's on your minds?
... and the will to show I will always be better than before.
- what do you think is your purpose in life? to be happy
- what are your beliefs after you die? my ashes will rot in the ground like every other animal
- do you believe in the evolution theory? yes
- do you believe that this planet will still exist, billions of billions of years from now, unless something happens to it, e.g. struck by a meteor, or something? yes ... it will exist until something stops it from existing
- do you think down on religious people, thinking that they are merely blind followers of their religion, and that they have no concrete basis of their beliefs? i respect the people, not the belief
- do you guys have fun when you mock God? yes ... just as much as catholics have when they mock say, someone who may praise a science fiction writer.
- can i assume that you believe that you do not commit sin? no sin, just right and wrong.
- do you believe that the world will be a better place if there were no RELIGION? yes
I don't want to be hostile. I don't want to be dismal. But I don't want to rot in an apathetic existance either.
Comments
http://forums.pearljam.com/showthread.php?t=272825
Whatever I might decide it to be. My purpose is having a good life, and being a support for others. There is no ultimate purpose other than what you make of it. I die, and the atoms that make up me recombines into other structures and life. I don't believe that my soul or other continues to exist autonomously. It's not about belief, it's science. And the general theory is questioned only by religious people with an agenda. So I guess I believe in it, yes. Why shouldn't it? It may be a desolate waste, but it'll still exist until the sun consumes it. On the contrary, I believe they have a basis for belief, that is the fundament of every religion. There is an underlying something we tap into, but channel as different religions, depending on where you're born and what you're exposed to. Whether the experience leading to and building up the faith is objectively real, is another matter. But I believe there is a fundamental feeling underlying religion that is the real thing. Dogmas and details are completely irrelevant in regards to that. So those who do blindly follow their religion, is missing out in my view. Since he does not exist, I have no problem with it. Sin is a human concept. Of course I sin. In your eyes, that is. Sin only has meaning if you believe in it. In my view, sin is baloney and a guilt-trip we indulge ourselves in. So I dont think I sin, because I do not believe or agree with the fundament of the term. Maybe, maybe not. I dont think humans can completely dispose of religion, or rather the impulse to follow one, as it adresses something very human to do. So some kind of religion will probably always be there. As for would the world be better? Well, there'd be fewer religious wars, but I do think that we'd only find something else to kill eachother over. Xenophobia is a very human trait, I'm afraid.
There you go.
Peace
Dan
"Every judgment teeters on the brink of error. To claim absolute knowledge is to become monstrous. Knowledge is an unending adventure at the edge of uncertainty." - Frank Herbert, Dune, 1965
Yes there are those sort of atheists... although - I wouldn't call them that, I'd call them agnostics who believe that they have only one life, no after-life or conception there-of, to live, and that if in fact this is their one and only chance at living, they must then be the one and only thing in the world that matters - so they do right and wrong with equal aplomb and feel they reserve the right at least for this life to do whatever they feel like with no consequence or ill-effects... those sort of irresponsible, clueless, fateless people, they've become... hedonism bots!
http://www.answers.com/topic/hedonism-bot-jpg
So to those who do not know which angel they are pursuing - the firm one or the fallen one - I say life is more important than ever - it is evermore important to define and codify who you are and how you live (atheists do seem to have a problem defining who they are as a group)... don't live your life wasted - in the shadow of an ill angel or false doctrine.
No idea but I guess having a good life, being good to others.
I belief that if you die, you're dead, end of story and I like that idea.
I accept the scientific theory, though, there is still a lot to learn.
Yes.
I try not to look down on people. But I must say, I think blind followers of anything are rather ignorant.
What is mocking god? It would be rather stupid on my part to mock something I don't believe exists, it would be a waste of time. I often question "god", though.
I try to do what I think is right.
Who knows. I think it might be a better place if there was only one religion, but that'd never work. So right now, I think, yes.
Black Magic Woman - Carlos Santana
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Didn't your god tell you not to judge.
j/k
Though, I don't think many here live for it not do I think it's as bad as you make it seem.
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basically its "...Fuck to procreate till they are dead"
- what are your beliefs after you die?
dead.. thats it... worm food
- do you believe in the evolution theory?
yes
- do you believe that this planet will still exist, billions of billions of years from now, unless something happens to it, e.g. struck by a meteor, or something?
not billions and billions... the sun will probably die out first and then it'll be perpetual darkness and death
- do you think down on religious people, thinking that they are merely blind followers of their religion, and that they have no concrete basis of their beliefs?
yes... i try not to, but its difficult
- do you guys have fun when you mock God?
yes
- can i assume that you believe that you do not commit sin?
no.. why would you assume this?
- do you believe that the world will be a better place if there were no RELIGION?
yes
i just want to know what's on your minds?
normally something filthy... or food...or both
There are many religions, one thing they all have in common, a lack of evidence to prove that their god exists, and they also deny evidence that proves counter to their beliefs. You cannot prove god doesnt exist, or that he does exist.
God is used like a prosthesis, people put him on when they need it, and take it off when they don't.
It is arrogant to say your religion is correct and another is not, especially without evidence to prove so. This has caused many words in the name of god. People use god to give them confidence in their lives and to behave. One must ask themselves where the yget their beliefs from. If you grew up in an other land in another time your beliefs would be different. Therefore, what you believe is relative to your past experience, your time and place. Well, if religious belief and knowledge is what you are born with, that you are on a path from god, do you really believe you wouldnt be muslim if you grew up in the middle east? Empirical knowledge is that which enters the senses. This knowledge is responsible for what you believe, what you have been told, what you have heard.
The main point is this, humans know nothing for sure. There is not one thing you know and can prove for sure. How do you know you are reading this right now and not plugged into the matrix and it just looks like you are? How do you know you aren't a butterfly dreaming your a human? Huamsn are naturally curiosu, we want to know things and explain them. That which we dont know scares us, the unknown is scary. Therefore, in order to keep control, we create answers for everything.
One thing that human life does not need is some idiot who said god spoke to him, his god of course by the way, that said to go into iraq and free them, when we really have killed thousands of their innocent people, our soldiers as well. We have bred much more hate in the middle east then before. And what we have done that hasnt been accomplished in all of history, is begin to unite the middle east, unite them against America, even after countries who suopported us so much after 9/11 have now split because of a pointless B.S. war. All because someone said god speaks to him. Well guess what, sounds likea terrorist doesnt it? Is god not the reason the middle east is blowing people up, in the name of allah? Open your eyes, question what you see and hear.
But what do I know, I'm just some 19 year old who likes to sing "It's evolution Baby!"
A friend compared it to a well, go and get water when you need it.
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what do you think is your purpose in life?
to respectfully indulge
- what are your beliefs after you die?
lets wait and see
- do you believe in the evolution theory?
yes but not 100% for humans
- do you believe that this planet will still exist, billions of billions of years from now, unless something happens to it, e.g. struck by a meteor, or something?
yeah, maybe
- do you think down on religious people, thinking that they are merely blind followers of their religion, and that they have no concrete basis of their beliefs?
yes... i try not to, but its difficult
- do you guys have fun when you mock God?
yes
- can i assume that you believe that you do not commit sin?
dont believe in the concept
- do you believe that the world will be a better place if there were no RELIGION?
oh yeah, you only have to look at the history of my neck of the woods (which I'm not going into - phew)
i just want to know what's on your minds?
usually some photograph of a beautiful landscape[/quote]
Peace to ye!
A person can follow the words of the bible to the letter, but that person still might not ever understand the meaning of humanity. You'll often hear, "A good christian does this...," and "That is not a very christian thing to do..." The spirit of morality is lost in the "grandjeur" of moral deeds.
Selflessness is the highest form of consciousness. It is also known as altruism. Altruism cannot be achieved without self-actualization. Self-actualization is the highest level of motivation on the pyramid of needs.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow's_h ... y_of_needs
It is a state of mind that enables people to lead a moral lifestyle without the need of a higher authority and consequences.
What religion attempts to do is coax people into leading a self-actualized lifestyle without actually being self-actualized. That is, you are behaving altruistically, but only because you have a "higher authority" and "consequences" that motivate you.
Additionally, for people who are convinced that their devotion to god is not based on fear of his wrath, religion satisfies the 4th need, which is status (esteem). If you really believe that you are following in the footsteps of a true god by following the bible, then you are in fact elevating your self-perceived status. You are "holy". You lead a "holy" lifestyle. You have achieved status, which is the 4th need.
That's why christians still don't understand their own "holier-than-thou" attitude. They don't realize that their subconcious needs depend on Christianity's perceived "greatness." If you insult christianity, you are in fact robbing christians of their hold on the 4th need.
I believe that Jesus Christ was a self-actualized person. I don't think he really believed in god. In fact, I remember seeing something on the history channel about how Jesus actually preached self-awareness, not devotion to god - and that the catholic church re-wrote the original accounts of the teachings of Jesus so that people could be more easily controlled. Makes sense to me.
http://forums.pearljam.com/showthread.php?t=272825
But nearly all religions adopt that philosophy. If you believe in god and believe in life after death, how are your beliefs different from that of, say, a christian's?
http://forums.pearljam.com/showthread.php?t=272825
Post of the day. Good work.
Another question to throw into the mix...have Christians, and I mean the fundamentalist ones, the ones that only seem to exist in the US, the self-awareness to realise that their religion is a minority, that they and their beliefs are in the minority on the planet now?
Chinese? Non-religious.
India? Hindu, Sikh, Muslim.
The Middle East, and all of Africa that lies above the Somali-Ethiopian line - Muslim.
Just a few examples.
The link between this Christian fundamentalism and consumerism has to be addressed. Isn't it like 95% of ALien sightings and or abduction claims are from the US? Also a link there.
Empty lives need meaning and purpose.
Wrong answer. Organized religion does a lot of good in the world. You choose to focus on only the bad.
...are those who've helped us.
Right 'round the corner could be bigger than ourselves.
If you believed you could save someone from a horrible experience or pain, would you try?
People who are religious aren't trying to aggravate you in the same way someone who pushes you out of the way of oncoming traffic isn't doing so just to be a jerk.
...are those who've helped us.
Right 'round the corner could be bigger than ourselves.
Missionary: No, not if you didn't know.
Eskimo: Then why did you tell me?
Point taken, but someone in some isolated tribe is a lot different than anyone living in the USA, Canada, Europe, etc., etc. They've heard of Jesus.
...are those who've helped us.
Right 'round the corner could be bigger than ourselves.
So sorry to hear about what you've been dealing with. Just in case you don't know - if he has hurt you physically (or threatened to do so) you can most likely get a protection order against him and have him evicted from your home. I realize there may be financial implications, but you don't have to live with him while you are waiting for a divorce if he is hurting you. I wish you the best.
That analogy isn't entirely correct in my eyes.
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It is in mine, although I will admit that there probably are some people who are doing it just to be jerks.
...are those who've helped us.
Right 'round the corner could be bigger than ourselves.
I'm not going to get in to what I meant, I don't have the time. Maybe later.
naděje umírá poslední
That's a weak analogy. The fact is, we KNOW that when someone is about to be hit by a car, they will suffer. But we don't know that someone who doesn't "find Jesus" will suffer after they die. Since no one knows, no one should be trying to change anyone else's beliefs.
But for someone who BELIEVES that they KNOW, it is the truth. Therefore, the motivation in the above analogy is correct in many cases.
...are those who've helped us.
Right 'round the corner could be bigger than ourselves.
For me, life is all about the "process." I don't have to know all of the answers, I can figure it out along the way. To me, it's not about a means to an end. I am more concerned about the moments I have in front of me right now and doing the best with them, rather than trying to get to an "afterlife." The purpose? I'm not really sure - other than to try to live as peacefully as possible.
I don't really believe in an afterlife. As Hippiemom said - that ought to be one great surprise! I do believe that we are energy and I'm curious about what happens to that energy after we die - but I haven't gotten any answers on that yet.
I do believe in evolution. I think we'll learn even more about how we got here in the future.
I'm not sure if the universe will be here billions of years from now. Again - an answer that will be discovered in due time.
I don't look down on religious people. To each his own. Whatever brings you peace, inspiration, etc. It's just not for me - so I don't appreciate when someone tells me that it "should" be. I do mock when religion is perverted and it is used to control or have power over other people. Fortunately, not all religious people do this, so I'm cool with them. Just don't try to use it to justify abuse, war, etc.
I also don't mock god - I just don't believe in one. I don't believe in Santa and I don't mock him either.
I don't know if I believe in "sin" as a concept - but yes, there is wrongdoing in the world. I have done "wrong" in my life. I'm not supposed to be perfect. I do try to live with integrity as much as I can - again, it's a "process."
As I said above, I think religion has been perverted by some to control and take power. Yes, I believe the world would be a better place if this didn't happen, but I'm sure there would be something else to take religion's place to justify abuse.
I guess I'm just ok with ambiguity - I don't want to know all of the answers (or have them told to me). That would take all of the fun out of it!
* i have no interest in anything after death
* yes, i believe in evolution
* the planet may exist - there may not be life on it but really a question i consider remotely relevant
* there is a place for religion for some people ... i do fear some religions agenda
* i didn't know we mocked god
* i sin assuming i am allowed to use the word (see marriage)
* maybe
Believing that you know, is not knowing.
I have no firm beliefs about life after death.
I do believe in evolution theory. To me, it's not a faith but rocket science.
I think we are ensuring this planet won't be around in hundreds of years, let alone billions.
I don't think down on religious people. I've been one and I know there are radically different ways of relating yourself to religion.
I don't mock god.
I'm not worried about sin, but I do worry about hurting others.
I don't think the world would be better off without religion, but I wish people would not justify massacres on that basis.
- what are your beliefs after you die? my ashes will rot in the ground like every other animal
- do you believe in the evolution theory? yes
- do you believe that this planet will still exist, billions of billions of years from now, unless something happens to it, e.g. struck by a meteor, or something? yes ... it will exist until something stops it from existing
- do you think down on religious people, thinking that they are merely blind followers of their religion, and that they have no concrete basis of their beliefs? i respect the people, not the belief
- do you guys have fun when you mock God? yes ... just as much as catholics have when they mock say, someone who may praise a science fiction writer.
- can i assume that you believe that you do not commit sin? no sin, just right and wrong.
- do you believe that the world will be a better place if there were no RELIGION? yes
Huh? I disagree, but now you've degenerated into nitpicking semantics. Fine, I'll just restate that to someone who KNOWS isn't doing it to be a jerk.
Do you think all religious people believe something that they really know to be untrue?
...are those who've helped us.
Right 'round the corner could be bigger than ourselves.