Well... im not an atheist... im just confused... everytime I want to believe in god... I keep having that lingering doubt... I feel... maybe there isn't god..? I don't know what to do... help... :(
I hope that something might help me change my veiws for a positive outcome..

Frederick Buechner, a Christian writer, said something once that keeps me afloat -- "Doubt is the ants in the pants of faith."

There's nothing wrong with doubt and questioning and wondering. Those things are what lead us to ask questions, read books and talk with others because we're looking for answers, even to post a question on AMHD!

No one knows everything about God. Various religions' sacred writings tell us about God. The Bible tells us God loves us and urges us to show our love for each other by doing good things for each other. In fact, all major religions have the Golden Rule ("Do unto others...") as part of their belief system.

We all have the same questions you do--"Why am I here?" and "What happens when I die?" and "Where did I come from?" and "Why do I feel so empty sometimes?" etc. Religion tries to answer those questions, but doubts still arise in believers' heart and minds.

Your confusion is OK. Your doubt is OK. Keep reaching out with your questions.

I don't think we're going to be able to answer that question. Since God is only something you have faith in, we can not prove nor disprove "his" existence. That's only a decision you can make for yourself. I'm personally an atheist. If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask.

well....im not an athiest ...im just confused.....everytime i want to believe in god....i keep having that lingering doubt...i feel...maybe there isnt god....??i dont know wht to do ...help....:(
i hope that something might help me change my veiws for a positive outcome..

These doubts are good in way because you are questioning and not really made up your mind either way.

My first suggestion would be for you to read up on different religions, find out what each say about the Almighty.

Another thing is that some people have that moment of enlightenment about God,while others slowly move into the idea of God and then find themselves believing.
You never know which you will be until it happens.

Here's a place to start, as I am a muslim I will provide the Islamic view on God.
http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/fundamentals/tawheed/conceptofgod.html

Thanks for you're replies... but really isn't this the essence of every religon-be good to others... love others ?

thanx for youre replies....but really isnt this the essense of every religon-be good to others....love others ?

Shemilo,
What you mentioned maybe a part of each religion,but you were asking about God, which is the reason for my suggestion.
If you wish to believe in God and wish to know more about God,look into what the religions say about God,then decide which makes the most sense and which speaks to your soul.

For example, for me the Almighty is the only one I submit,and the Almighty orders me to be just in all my dealings.
Being just maybe common to most religions,but the belief of each religion differs a lot.

well....im not an athiest ...im just confused.....everytime i want to believe in god....i keep having that lingering doubt...i feel...maybe there isnt god....??i dont know wht to do ...help....:(
i hope that something might help me change my veiws for a positive outcome..
How about just believing in yourself to start? If you believe you are a good, kind and caring person then that should count for something. Supposedly God created people in his image, so doesn't that mean the humane qualities you possess, you got from him? If you can love others, why not yourself? Peace.

thanx for youre replies....but really isnt this the essense of every religon-be good to others....love others ?You are indeed correct. The 'golden rule' transcends religion and is usually called Ethics of Reciprocity. It's what civilised societies develop on their own, with or without religion present. More reading for you below:
Ethic of reciprocity - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethic_of_reciprocity)
Versions of the Golden Rule in 21 world religions (http://www.religioustolerance.org/reciproc.htm)

thanx for youre replies....but really isnt this the essense of every religon-be good to others....love others ?

If that were the case , you would not need religion.
Everyone can be good and love each other through self effort.
You don't need God or even have to acknowledge that there may be one if you can do it all by yourself.




I know I should love my neighbor and be good, and I do strive for that and fail often,
But at the end of the day, I know that I can confess my weaknesses and failures and the God [ of the Bible ] I believe in forgives, accepts and loves me.




Grace and Peace

My opinion is NO there isn't a God. I only think this though because I don't see how it's possible and where there's proof. Also, where would he have came from? But we are all here, right? Or are we? For all I know I could be nothing. Just an imaginary invisible object. But even then how would I be here? I don't know for sure if there is a God. I don't think anyone really knows. They may believe there is or isn't. That doesn't make it the truth. All I'm saying is how would this world have started? How is it possibe? Where would God come from? How? How did the very start begin? We don't know for sure. They say God created the Earth but how is it possible? How was he here with no Earth? It's actually really hard to believe if there is God or not. There could be. We're all here. But how?

He doesn't or else he wouldn't have doomed me to being unhappy

Yes God is real. The Bible says how he created the earth and all in it. If the Bible says it, Belief it. And to quote forrest gump, "and that's all i have to say about that".

he doesnt or else he wouldnt have doomed me to being unhappy
You are wrong, God does exist, perhaps it is your own take on life in general. But all we can do for you is pray for you and hope that you will come to know God before it is everlasting to late and you spend the rest of eternity in hell.

<<<If that were the case , you would not need religion.
Everyone can be good and love each other through self effort.>>>

You hit the nail on the head. Someone also said "When all religion is dead, then we will truly be as one. Can't argue with that one. Imagine if we lived in a world where the common greeting and reply would be,"Brother ,what is your faith?" And the reply,"Why, Brother... YOU are!" Imagine that!

It has been pretty much proven, & accepted by science, that the universe began with the big bang, before which the universe did not exist. Also according to science neither matter nor energy can be created or destroyed through natural processes. Therefore it is reasonable to conclude that for matter & energy to have come into existence it had to have had a supernatural cause. While this is not proof that there is a God, it is evidence of a God.

It has been pretty much proven, & accepted by science, that the universe began with the big bang, before which the universe did not exist. Also according to science neither matter nor energy can be created or destroyed through natural processes. Therefore it is reasonable to conclude that for matter & energy to have come into existence it had to have had a supernatural cause. While this is not proof that there is a God, it is evidence of a God.
o.k. that is your right to believe such. But can scientist explain any other being being able to be dead for 3 days and RISE AGAIN? And hey, that is not natural process either. So, yes I believe in God. And I hope everyone else will come to know him before it is everlasting, I said EVERLASTING, THAT MEANS ETERNITY, toooooo late.

o.k. that is your right to believe such. but can scientist explain any other being being able to be dead for 3 days and RISE AGAIN? and hey, that is not natural process either. so, yes I believe in God. And i hope everyone else will come to know him before it is everlasting, i said EVERLASTING, THAT MEANS ETERNITY, toooooo late. As my id indicates I am a deist. While I believe in a God I do not believe that God is involved in our lives. I don't believe the bible, I don't believe in the divinity of jesus or the resurrection. God made the laws of nature & I don't believe he breaks those laws. God is a law maker, not a law breaker, & a resurrection, to my thinking, is against the law of increasing entropy.

As my id indicates I am a deist. While I believe in a God I do not believe that God is involved in our lives. I don't believe the bible, I don't believe in the divinity of jesus or the resurrection. God made the laws of nature & I don't believe he breaks those laws. God is a law maker, not a law breaker, & a resurrection, to my thinking, is against the law of increasing entropy.

Just curious,
Isn't the "Law of increasing entropy", a man made theory/law?
How can you say that if it is a man made theory that God is breaking the law by allowing resurrection(of all humans after death)?

Just curious,
Isnt the "Law of increasing entropy", a man made theory/law?
How can you say that if it is a man made theory that God is breaking the law by allowing resurrection(of all humans after death)? The law of entropy is a name we have given to a universally observed phenomenon. Gravity, too, is a man made theory, but it is universally observed. Entropy is just the name we've given to it, but it would still exist without a name.

The law of entropy is a name we have given to a universally observed phenomenon. Gravity, too, is a man made theory, but it is universally observed. Entropy is just the name we've given to it, but it would still exist without a name.

Thanks for explaining,
Now I have another question, you did say that this is a "universally" observed phenomenon.
I believe that the Almighty exists outside of the laws that are applicable to the created beings existing in this universe and beyond. Wouldn't this make a difference?

o.k. that is your right to believe such. but can scientist explain any other being being able to be dead for 3 days and RISE AGAIN? and hey, that is not natural process either. so, yes I believe in God. And i hope everyone else will come to know him before it is everlasting, i said EVERLASTING, THAT MEANS ETERNITY, toooooo late.


And exactly how was it proven that a being rose from the dead? Aside from words written in a book by mortal MEN... where is YOUR proof?

Thanks for explaining,
Now I have another question, you did say that this is a "universally" observed phenomenon.
I believe that the Almighty exists outside of the laws that are applicable to the created beings existing in this universe and beyond. Wouldnt this make a difference? God may exist outside the laws of physics, but I do not believe he breaks those laws once he has established them.

God may exist outside the laws of physics, but I do not believe he breaks those laws once he has established them.

Do not think I am trying to bait you or anger you.
I am asking you each question as I see an answer in my belief/faith.

Another question-
How about if the universe ceases to exist, would it not be possible then for the resurrection to occur?

Do not think I am trying to bait you or anger you.
I am asking you each question as I see an answer in my belief/faith.

Another question-
How about if the universe ceases to exist, would it not be possible then for the resurrection to occur? Some deists believe in life after death & some don't. I'm one of the "I don't knows" about life after death. Even if there is no resurrection of physical bodies, we may still exist in some form in an afterlife. And I'm not angry.

Some deists believe in life after death & some don't. I'm one of the "I don't knows" about life after death. Even if there is no resurrection of physical bodies, we may still exist in some form in an afterlife. And I'm not angry.

Ok, I believe you are not angry:) .
But you did not answer,
If the universe ceased to exist, would this make law of entropy also disappear?Hence resurrection is possible?

I know you said you belong to "I dont know" of life after death,but you seem to be trying out theories,so I was just curious...

Thanks

Ok, I believe you are not angry:) .
But you did not answer,
if the universe ceased to exist, would this make law of entropy also disappear?Hence resurrection is possible?

I know you said you belong to "I dont know" of life after death,but you seem to be trying out theories,so I was just curious....

Thanks What you ask is always possible, however, according to science, once maximum entropy is reached no further work can be done. But, as I said, it is always possible.

What you ask is always possible, however, according to science, once maximum entropy is reached no further work can be done. But, as I said, it is always possible.

Thanks,
Maybe the difference in you and me is just that.
I do not think the Almighty fits under human scientific theories/laws,only we (the created beings,like everything on this universe and beyond ) are obeying/under the influence of these laws.
As there are places beyond our planet earth where gravitation has no effect, just like that I think the Almighty exists outside all things that the created beings face.

FYI,
I do not believe God to be human or half human etc.

EDIT:::::I should have mentioned it was the earth's gravitational pull I was talking about,
Deist, sorry for the confusion..:)

Thanks,
Maybe the difference in you and me is just that.
I do not think the Almighty fits under human scientific theories/laws,only we (the created beings,like everything on this universe and beyond ) are obeying/under the influence of these laws.
As there are places beyond our planet earth where gravitation has no effect, just like that I think the Almighty exists outside all things that the created beings face.

FYI,
I do not believe God to be human or half human etc. I know of no place in the observable universe where gravity has no influence. At least I've read nothing in science about it.

I don't believe that all things come to an end. Just because something begins... doesn't mean that it has to end. An example of that can be ascertained if one assumes that nothing made God... therefore God always was. And if God always was then this could be said to be an example of something that had no beginning. AND if that is so then why not a beginning that has no end? I believe in transition, not death. I believe there to be some form of continuity or transitional residue that enables the cycle of ANYTHING to sustain or complete itself time and time again.

And who created the bible pple did do you believe anything pple tell you

Well.. yes of coure! Science has contributed a lot in our knowledge that it even taught us about the evolution of man. From ramaphitecus to today's homo sapiens sapiens, but let me tell you this.. YOU SHOULD NOT BELIEVE THIS THINGS!! Yes there are a lot of differences between the bible and your biology book just because your biology book has proof to what does it says,. that does not mean you have to believe it! Let me tell you a story that our social studies teacher told us. It starts with this.. there were scientists who were digging lots and lots of soil. Upon their digging they have discovered fossils that live some million years ago, after that they have dug so deep in the earhts crust. They placed a sound speaker device (a device which absorbs the sounds produced in the on the place were it was placed on) on the placed were they dug.To their supprise they heard ¨screams¨, screams that seemed to came from the suffering souls in hell!! Let me as you a question have you ever seen a ghost? Even in imagination? Well this is all I will say to you,. IF EVIL EXIST SO AS CHRIST!

YES... have faith

well....im not an athiest ...im just confused.....everytime i want to believe in god....i keep having that lingering doubt...i feel...maybe there isnt god....??i dont know wht to do ...help....:(
i hope that something might help me change my veiws for a positive outcome..
"Doubt is a wonderful place of rest; but not residence" Do not fear your doubt, but rather go with it. Keep searching and you will discover your own truth on whether God exists or not. Also whether you have faith or not. Do not give up. The answer is within you... no one can answer your own questioning.

"Doubt is a wonderful place of rest; but not residence" Do not fear your doubt, but rather go with it. Keep searching and you will discover your own truth on whether God exists or not. Also whether you have faith or not. Do not give up. The answer is within you...no one can answer your own questioning.
"Doubt is the ants in the pants of faith." -- Frederick Buechner

I feel there is no "proof" of God. I don't think he is some entity "out there some where".
I think he is the little voice in your head and the feeling in your heart that guides your choices. It's like love. You feel it, but it is not tangible.

well....im not an athiest ...im just confused.....everytime i want to believe in god....i keep having that lingering doubt...i feel...maybe there isnt god....??i dont know wht to do ...help....:(
i hope that something might help me change my veiws for a positive outcome..

Open to any page of the Bible and ask yourself if you want this God to exist. That is if you can find a page that does not contain his murderous rampage of babies and non-believers. You would be challenged to find a single page where God is not angry at something.

o.k. that is your right to believe such. but can scientist explain any other being being able to be dead for 3 days and RISE AGAIN? and hey, that is not natural process either. so, yes I believe in God. And i hope everyone else will come to know him before it is everlasting, i said EVERLASTING, THAT MEANS ETERNITY, toooooo late.

Your version of god is terrifying! I do believe in God but the christian/bible God is a god of CONDITIONAL love and acceptance.

Can you imagine saying to your child, believe this far fetched story and spend eternity with me, if you don't believe it, or even if you were never even exposed to it, then you can spend eternity in a miserable hell. And... I (god) am fine with that because "I told you so."

Scientist don't need to explain the resurrection because there is no PROOF that it happened.
Maybe it did, maybe it didn't but the bible is a book filled with hearsay so you can't go by that.

Your version of god is terrifying! I do believe in God but the christian/bible God is a god of CONDITIONAL love and acceptance.

Can you imagine saying to your child, believe this far fetched story and spend eternity with me, if you don't believe it, or even if you were never even exposed to it, then you can spend eternity in a miserable hell. And...I (god) am fine with that because "I told you so."

Scientist don't need to explain the resurrection because there is no PROOF that it happened.
Maybe it did, maybe it didn't but the bible is a book filled with hearsay so you can't go by that.

The fact that the bible was written 300 years after the death of Jesus raises questions off the bat. Then,, it was modified by anyone who thought they had a better idea. How anyone can take the bible literally will never cease to amaze me. In fact, I think humans in general are deeply flawed. Billions of people still think this white guy with long white hair lives in the clouds. Just think about that for one second.
Out of the 1000's of inaccuracies in that book of fiction, here is the one that gets me. In Revelations, when the 6th bloody lamb killed something, "All the stars fell from the sky and were lying on the ground like little figs. Seems funny since most stars are a millions times larger than the earth. Not very good science. But of course religion says that science is evil and wrong. Sorry, but 2+2 still equals 4

The fact that the bible was written 300 years after the death of Jesus raises questions off the bat. Then,,,, it was modified by anyone who thought they had a better idea. How anyone can take the bible literally will never cease to amaze me. In fact, I think humans in general are deeply flawed. Billions of people still think this white guy with long white hair lives in the clouds. Just think about that for one second.
Out of the 1000's of inaccuracies in that book of fiction, here is the one that gets me. In Revelations, when the 6th bloody lamb killed something, "All the stars fell from the sky and were lying on the ground like little figs. Seems funny since most stars are a millions times larger than the earth. Not very good science. But of course religion says that science is evil and wrong. Sorry, but 2+2 still equals 4

Yes, my version is terrifying. Open up the bible to any page. Tell me it is not terrifying in its content.

The fact that the bible was written 300 years after the death of Jesus raises questions off the bat.
If you want to argue the validity of Christanity than do not make such incorrect statements.
The various Bible books were written between ca. 1400 B.C and 100 AD. By A.D. 200 there was general agreement by the major Christian communities on the core of our New Testament. In his Festal Letter for A.D. 367, St. Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria, was the first to list the twenty-seven canonical books of the New Testament.

:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

If you want to argue the validity of Christanity than do not make such incorrect statements.
The various Bible books were written between ca. 1400 B.C and 100 AD. By A.D. 200 there was general agreement by the major Christian communities on the core of our New Testament. In his Festal Letter for A.D. 367, St. Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria, was the first to list the twenty-seven canonical books of the New Testament.

:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

You just proved how much time was involved in the writing of the bible. Thanks.

You just proved how much time was involved in the writting of the bible. Thanks.
No. I proved that you were wrong in your statement.

:rolleyes:

No. I proved that you were wrong in your statement.

:rolleyes:

If you are trying to back he bible and its illusion, I'm sorry, Prove it! You can't,, not in 6000 years

If you are trying to back he bible and its illusion, I'm sorry, Prove it! You can't,,,, not in 6000 years
Why would I try to back up a book full of unsupported wild religious claims?
But that does not mean that you without any retort can state clearly incorrect claim like :

The fact that the bible was written 300 years after the death of Jesus raises questions off the bat.

That is NOT correct, and I posted WHY that is NOT correct.

That is why I stated : "No. I proved that you were wrong in your statement."

BTW : I am a "4.3 Billion year person" ! Of course, as that is backed up by scientific OSE.

:rolleyes:

[QUOTE=

BTW : I am a "4.3 Billion year person" ! Of course, as that is back up by scientific OSE.

:rolleyes:[/QUOTE]

What does that mean?

What does that mean?
The solar system is around 4.300.000.000 years old (= 4,3 Billion years).
So I base my worldview on science supported facts, not on religious claims.

OSE = Objective Supported Evidence = Evidence that can be backed-up with actual data - in contrast to wild unsupported religious claims.

:)

The solar system is around 4.300.000.000 years old (= 4,3 Billion years).
So I base my worldview on science supported facts, not on religious claims.

OSE = Objective Supported Evidence = Evidence that can be backed-up with actual data - in contrast to wild unsupported religious claims.

:)
Thank you for clearing that up.

Let's go back to the original topic question : "does god really exist?"

well....im not an athiest ...im just confused.....everytime i want to believe in god....i keep having that lingering doubt...i feel...maybe there isnt god....??i dont know what to do ...help....:( i hope that something might help me change my views for a positive outcome..
All I will do here is suggest to deeply research why you feel the way you do : what is it that causes you to question all that ?
And next to that : educate yourself. "Google" around to look into all formats of belief and non-belief. Why consider to be a Christian, Jew, Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, Deist, Agnosticm, or Atheist etc. Just because you were born into such a family? Which belief or non-belief shows most appeal to you? Why do you feel you HAVE to choose now? Ever considered temporal/permanent alternatives like Deism, Agnosticism, or Atheism?

Keep your mind open to alternative views. Let nobody force his or her religious views upon you.
As to your topic question : there is no proof of any kind that God exists. All you can do is believe that God exists. Or you can reject belief in the existence of God. It is up to you to decide ! And you have an entire lifetime to take your decision.

All the best with that.

:)

Why would I try to back up a book full of unsupported wild religious claims?
But that does not mean that you without any retort can state clearly incorrect claim like :

The fact that the bible was written 300 years after the death of Jesus raises questions off the bat.

That is NOT correct, and I posted WHY that is NOT correct.

That is why I stated : "No. I proved that you were wrong in your statement."

BTW : I am a "4.3 Billion year person" ! Of course, as that is backed up by scientific OSE.

:rolleyes:

I misunderstoood the opinions you conveyed. Sorry.
But all the unproven possibilies must be considered. You can't have a closed mind in this discussion. I am not the "Rocket Scientist". But I think we could have a universe in our fingernail. Or visa-Versa. Far-fetched,, Yes. Prove me wrong then! I challenge you, smiling.

NOTE, Without Bible quotes,, GO...

But I think we could have a universe in our fingernail. Or visa-Versa.
Indeed we could ! At the minor side I often think along the same lines, when you hear that atoms are build up from quarks, and that quarks are build-up again from fields, and that these fields... When will it ever stop?

At the mayor side however there is a clear limit : going from atom to earth to solar system to galaxy to universe, the limit is space-time. We as part of this universe will never be able to get passed that space-time.

Thinking if something is "outside" our universe makes no sense : for us there is no "outside" to our universe ! Thinking otherwise is pure speculation and nothing else!!

:rolleyes:

Indeed we could ! At the minor side I often think along the same lines, when you hear that atoms are build up from quarks, and that quarks are build-up again from fields, and that these fields ......When will it ever stop?

At the mayor side however there is a clear limit : going from atom to earth to solar system to galaxy to universe, the limit is space-time. We as part of this universe will never be able to get passed that space-time.

Thinking if something is "outside" our universe makes no sense : for us there is no "outside" to our universe ! Thinking otherwise is pure speculation and nothing else !!!

:rolleyes:

I AGREE. I think that's just the point. There is no winner in this debate. WE simply do not know. If we disagree on that, we agree. Since none of the 2 trillion people that have ever lived on this planet know the answer, it is simply debatable at best. It is the very base of all scientific thinking. Like Einstein and the like, not religion. Religion relies on wild stories of HELL and suffering. Please don't let that be your reality. Your children if they so happen to, work on one Sunday, in their entire lives, WORK, you are telling them that they will go to hell forever. Lord forbid that they have an impure thought while a teenager in high school. One thought like that and your child will burn in hell for trillions of years,, and then, many more trillions beyond that. FOR having a sexual thought in his/her teens. Is that fair and just?

well....im not an athiest ...im just confused.....everytime i want to believe in god....i keep having that lingering doubt...i feel...maybe there isnt god....??i dont know wht to do ...help....:(
i hope that something might help me change my veiws for a positive outcome..
I know of some personal training that would assist you in finding out about god. It is non denominational but you will find your answer... guaranteed... you will find out who you are and how you do life. God is in our hearts sometimes we just don't know how to find it.

I'm not an atheist either but I'm in the same boat as you. My mom is a firm believer, my dad is agnostic, and I think my sister is an atheist. Yes its one hell of a family. Haha but I don't get how people can revolve their whole live around a man in the sky.. or around a book for that matter. I don't get it either.. and look at a picture from space.. you can't see heaven or hell.. how do people know its real?

shemilo,
Yes, I have faith that there is a God.
My faith is a religious faith that is more than just belief.
Religious faith is one which is belief, trust and a knowing. That is I know there is a God.
God has answered my prayers and I believe that he saved my life in the Korean conflict.
There is no scientific proof that there is a God, but I suspect that there soon will be. Quantum mechanics already points to a supreme intelligence and has converted several scientists.
One of them in particular is John Polkinghone who has written several books about that.
A good one is "Exploring Reality". It show how science and mathematics reality DOES indicate a God. Polkinghorne was so convince that he became an Anglican Priest.
Another EXCELLENT book is by a former atheist, C.S. Lewis.
His book "Mere Christianity" has converted many people to belief in God and Christianity.
He uses very good, sound logic to argue is well made points concerning we peopleand how and who we are.
I recommend that you read both books.
If you do I'll bet you a nice warm chocolate covered jelly doughnut that your doubts about God will disappear.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

I believe more in a Universal Consciousness rather than a person sitting up in the clouds with a judgmental "Smite" button. I think this Consciousness is an energy rather than a judgment.

Digipix,
Believe as you wish.
I'll respect that.
I also do not believe in some being "sitting up in the clouds"
I believe in my God who rules from heaven far beyond this eath's clouds.
Peace and kindness,
Fred.

My brother of course GOD exist... He is in your heart... if evil exist then the nicest man on the universe as well... He lives in your heart... God has been there for me even thow I once thought he wasn't... He testes you to see how much faith you have that's why he confuses you... I have been through a lot in my life to the point I fell and guess what sweetie he picked me up and gave me a lot of love... So many so call witches told me I could never get pregnant, that someone had blocked me from having kids... and I believed since I would get pregnant and guess what I went to church and regreted my sins and they prayed for me and 2-3 months later I got pregnant . Have Faith.. we come from a wonderful place and we are just her to get a point of view then we are back when our time ends here... Believe in Past Lifes, that's why we have Dajavus and so on... God sends us here to see if we learned our mistakes from previouse past life which is called Karma... God Bless you and Remember he is there when you go to sleep and when you wake up.. Dont doubt him, He is all OVER

Lady_Ghost,
I am very happy for you.
Thanks,
Peace and kindness,
Fred

Have you ever asked yourself why we're here? Science can certainly explain phenomena in the natural world and how they occur but no matter how far their investigations go, scientists can never answer the question why. Why was the universe here in the first place? In other words science is limited, whereas God is not. He can and has explained in his word the bible why we are here and his purpose for us.
If there is a creator (some all powerful, invisible, supernatural being) out there, we can't expect to comprehend this one by means of telescopes or microscopes.
Take for example a painter who creates a beautiful painting. How much will you learn about the painter and the reason for the painting just by examining the painting itself? Of course you need to go to the one who created it. As in the case of Michelangelo or Da Vinci, they died many years before you or I were born, so we go to books to learn about them and their thoughts behind their art.
Although the internet holds a wealth of information on a lot of things one needs to be wary of the origin and motive of some sites. My advice to you is to go to the bible for your questions. You probably need help in understanding it too so ask God for his holy spirit to guide you. If you really really want the truth and God can see this in your heart, he'll open the way for you.

Moparbyfar,
Excellent.
Good advice.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

Have you ever asked yourself why we're here? Science can certainly explain phenomena in the natural world and how they occur but no matter how far their investigations go, scientists can never answer the question why. Why was the universe here in the first place? In other words science is limited, whereas God is not.
If there is a creator (some all powerful, invisible, supernatural being) out there, we can't expect to comprehend this one by means of telescopes or microscopes.
Take for example a painter who creates a beautiful painting. How much will you learn about the painter and the reason for the painting just by examining the painting itself? Of course you need to go to the one who created it. As in the case of Michelangelo or Da Vinci, they died many years before you or I were born, so we go to books to learn about them and their thoughts behind their art.
Although the internet holds a wealth of information on a lot of things one needs to be wary of the origin and motive of some sites. My advice to you is to go to the bible for your questions. You probably need help in understanding it too so ask God for his holy spirit to guide you. If you really really want the truth and God can see this in your heart, he'll open the way for you.

Could you please explain to me why we are here and his purpose for us. I have a hard time understanding the way the bible is written so please don't refer me to scripture. I'd like to know in simple plain everyday English. I'd be very thankful.

Could you please explain to me why we are here and his purpose for us. I have a hard time understanding the way the bible is written so please don't refer me to scripture. I'd like to know in simple plain everyday English. I'd be very thankful.

We are (originally) here as caretakers of the earth. The earth and it's elements and all the living things on it were created for us to enjoy. We were created to maintain it as a lovely garden/paradise while enjoying a life without wickedness, without earthly governments, without death and sickness, without arguing religions, without racism. Basically without all the things that make mankind miserable today.
If it weren't for Adam and Eve rebelling in the first place we'd be there already, but as this purpose has been postponed, (thanks to Satan wanting sovereignty for himself) at God's appointed time he will step in and reverse all the damage that mankind has caused themselves over the centuries, thus proving himself the rightful sovereign over this earth and those who choose to worship him.
In the meantime he set out some guidelines and limitations for man through the bible so that we could maintain integrity to him and not to Satan proving to Satan that man doesn't worship God purely for selfish reasons (like Adam and Eve) but that we do it out of love and loyalty and gratefulness.
Tried to make it as basic as possible. :)

Moparbyfar,
Well done and brief.
In a nut shell one might say.
Writing it all out with all the covenants would take a big book like the bible.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

There is no way of knowing whether God does in fact exist. However, that is why they call it faith. If God showed up one day and did a few miracles then it would be called stupidity instead of doubt. Do you believe that God is testing your faith by not showing up in sequens and spotlight or do you just believe there is no God. Really, God gives hope and peace knowing that you are not just an insignificant being for a few decades then--then nothing. The real question is do you want to believe in God or not.

malenymph13,
I disagree some what with you.
I know God exists and so do a great many other people.
Many have different reasons they know that.
But the fact is that statement, "There is no way of knowing whether or not God does in fact exist." is in error.
There is a way that you can KNOW God exists.
Perhaps that way has not yet occurred to you.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

Dear Arcura,

Do you have his signature? Some artifact that he has personally given you? Maybe he has told you something...
Do not get me wrong, I love and cherish God but just because you believe a miracle happened to you does not mean that he does or that he did it for that matter. Some people say that they see heaven when they die for a few seconds. Obviously I do not have the proper evidence to say whether he exists or not and obviously neither does Shemilo but for those of us without this evidence it really is a choice of whether we want to believe in God. The definition of faith...

malenymph13,
That I lived through the Korean war and that God has answered many of my prayers is enough of God's signature for me.
Of course that's very personal. It proves nothing for you unless you accept my word on that.
I'm sure God has had an effect on your life, but recognizing what, where, when, or how is difficult for a lot of people.
The miracle of life is one that some people refuse to accept as the work of God who is the author of life.
In my mind true religious faith id more the mere belief.
It is belief, trust, and a knowing.
Thus I can comfortably say, "God Exists".
Peace and kindness,
Fred

Dear Acura,

Even if you have lived through stuff and your prayers have been answered. Chance is explained by mathematics, and by chance many of your prayers have been "answered" and you have survived. Though that is not really proof. If I want it to rain and by chance it rains tomorrow does not mean that my prayer was answerred necessarily.

In fact, it is for this reason that I have taken a new belief that God is a very hands off kind of man. Also, he does so little, you can not be sure if he's done anything at all. If he shows up and saves your life or shows up and answers your prayers then that is proof but just the fact that what you wanted happened does not prove God. God exists to be unproved, even if you do see a light at the end of the tunnel that still does not prove God, it just proves an afterlife. God wants to see our faith and would never actually prove himself to anyone(minus a very few exceptions). However, nothing that will ever happen to me or anyone else will prove that God exists but I choose to believe in him/her because that is the direction that my heart has chosen.

malenymph13,
To each his/her own.
Believe as you wish.
I am very comfortable with my believe, but not my faith; I pray that God grants that my faith becomes stronger.
I have seen faith move mountains, literally very near my home.
Nothing can be accomplished without some sort of faith.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

Dear Acura,

Even if you have lived through stuff and your prayers have been answered. Chance is explained by mathematics, and by chance many of your prayers have been "answered" and you have survived. Though that is not really proof. If I want it to rain and by chance it rains tomorrow does not mean that my prayer was answerred necessarily.

In fact, it is for this reason that I have taken a new belief that God is a very hands off kind of man. Also, he does so little, you can not be sure if he's done anything at all. If he shows up and saves your life or shows up and answers your prayers then that is proof but just the fact that what you wanted happened does not prove God. God exists to be unproved, even if you do see a light at the end of the tunnel that still does not prove God, it just proves an afterlife. God wants to see our faith and would never actually prove himself to anyone(minus a very few exceptions). However, nothing that will ever happen to me or anyone else will prove that God exists but I choose to believe in him/her because that is the direction that my heart has chosen.


A neighbor of mine who is a pastor once said to me this line which may help explain why you and Acura can't come to an agreement on this.

My neighbor said: "Believe and you will see".

I have 'seen', I currently don't see. I have had periods in my life where I have had no doubt about the existence of God. Currently I am of the 'material' view that there is no evidence to the existence of God and could argue it quite convincingly; any person who doesn't believe would agree with me. Yet, I have had times in my life when I believed for whatever reason and then I saw the evidence, could I reconcile it with all the 'secular' questions about God's existence? Yes when I believed I could 'see' the answers.

Is this some sort of mind trick? In a manner of speaking it could be, but it's more a way of thinking that is more in tune with the spirit; with love, gratitude, selflessness, etc. For those who 'choose' faith, even when they don't 'see' though, they choose to still believe, and in most cases they know in time because of that belief they will again 'see'.

So malenymph13, until you believe it will be difficult for you to 'see' the existence of God like Acura knows it.

malenymph13,
I disagree some what with you.
I know God exists and so do a great many other people.
Many have different reasons why they know that.
But the fact is that statement, "There is no way of knowing whether or not God does in fact exist." is in error.
There is a way that you can KNOW God exists.
Perhaps that way has not yet occurred to you.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

Please share with us YOUR way of KNOWING that God exist. I want him to exist, I hope he exist, but I don't KNOW that he exist.;)

How do you know that the wind blows? Can you see it?
No, of course you cannot see the wind blow. You might be able to see the effects of the wind blowing, but you cannot see the wind. It is the same with God, you cannot see him, but you MUST know and believe in your heart that he does exist. Otherwise there is no reason for existing is there? Knowledge can be a dangerous thing. Like I quoted in another thread. "When in doubt, doubt the doubt"

Please share with us YOUR way of KNOWING that God exist. I want him to exist, I hope he exist, but I don't KNOW that he exist.;)

It's a simple choice. Ask yourself, why do people believe in evolution? They believe because people have told them that it is true, you personally don't have any direct evidence; you are taking people word on faith; you are choosing to believe, why can't you choose to believe in God?

cozyk,
If you have read my previous post on the matter of God's existence you would not need to ask that.
So I guess that you have not.
My reasons for knowing God exists are:
God saved my life during the Korean War.
God has answered many of my prayers.
On top of that the very vast complexity of forms of life and of the complex make up of life in all this forms... plus the vastness and awesome complex yet very uniform makeup of the universe with its ongoing creations are what convinced me that God exists.
The odds are far, far to great than to accept the idea that they JUST happened.
Another one is the scientific evidence of the Christmas Star, also called the Star of Bethlehem and what happened because of it.
Then there is the many Biblical prophesies that have been fulfilled.
The more I think on it the more I see the existence of God in all thing seen and unseen.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

cozyk,
If you have read my previous post on the matter of God's existence you would not need to ask that.
So I guess that you have not.
My reasons for knowing God exists are:
God saved my life during the Korean War.
God has answered many of my prayers.
On top of that the very vast complexity of forms of life and of the complex make up of life in all this forms....plus the vastness and awesome complex yet very uniform makeup of the universe with its ongoing creations are what convinced me that God exists.
The odds are far, far to great than to accept the idea that they JUST happened.
Another one is the scientific evidence of the Christmas Star, also called the Star of Bethlehem and what happened because of it.
Then there is the many Biblical prophesies that have been fulfilled.
The more I think on it the more I see the existence of God in all thing seen and unseen.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

No, I DID read all this. None of that proves the existence of god. I was hoping you would come up with something more concrete. God , I believe is an energy WITHIN us that is one of love, compassion, and peace. I don't believe god is a "magician" or a jeannie that grants our wishes or not.

What makes you think "God" saved your life. Maybe, science or doctors, or chance saved your life.

God has answered many of your prayers. Does that mean God has NOT answered many of your prayers too? The laws of math and statistics have a say in your prayers being "answered". I have a friend whose 18 year old daughter died on New Years Eve. He prayed to God to save his daughter. Why would God save your life and not hers? Why would God answer your prayer and not his?

The creation of the universe does not PROVE God's existence. It proves that biology and "cause and effect " are alive and well.

Biblical prophesies don't mean anything since we don't know the bible is fact. It is hearsay.

What else you got? I'm not arguing as much as I am playing "the devils advocate":D so to speak. I'm waiting to hear something that is not explained by science or common sense.

I don't see God as a being "out there " somewhere " And it is not good enough that we live "god like" lives, we also have to believe a tale as crazy as the one described in Luke. He came to earth, in the form of a baby, :confused:was born unto a virgin,;) ( I guess Joseph bought this too). spread the word of gods love for us, was nailed to a cross, eventually died, after saying "MY God, why hast thou forsaken me?" was buried in a tomb and 3 days later disappeared from this tomb, supposedly to asend to heaven. And that heaven was a place only for the few that believed this tale and IF you don't believe this you can burn in hell for eternity. This is a horrible story. It is based on fear of punishment instead of love.

It's a simple choice. Ask yourself, why do people believe in evolution? They believe because people have told them that it is true, you personally don't have any direct evidence; you are taking people word on faith; you are choosing to believe, why can't you choose to believe in God?

I do choose to believe in god. A godly power of love and goodness.

I do not believe in the angry wrath filled god described in the bible . The one that christians claim is the one and only true god. The one that has set a trap that so many will fail, and then be sent straight to hell.

The fact that I choose to believe gives me no authority to insist that someone else must believe as I do. THAT, is the difference, I don't say that my way is the only way as christians do. If you are going to insist on that, you better be able to back it up. So far, I haven't read anything that backs it up.

malenymph13,
To each his/her own.
Believe as you wish.
I am very comfortable with my believe, but not my faith; I pray that God grants that my faith becomes stronger.
I have seen faith move mountains, literally very near my home.
Nothing can be accomplished without some sort of faith.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

You Literally saw God move a mountain near your home. You must elaborate on this. Why wasn't CNN all over this?:eek:

I do choose to believe in god. A godly power of love and goodness.

I do not believe in the angry wrath filled god described in the bible . The one that christians claim is the one and only true god. The one that has set a trap that so many will fail, and then be sent straight to hell.

The fact that I choose to believe gives me no authority to insist that someone else must believe as I do. THAT, is the difference, I don't say that my way is the only way as christians do. If you are going to insist on that, you better be able to back it up. So far, I haven't read anything that backs it up.


While I don't think most Christian's would agree, but not one of them believes in the same God that the other one does. What I mean is, as human's based on our experiences each and everything appears slightly if not largely different to each of us. What we do have in common is a language which helps us describe common agreed upon descriptors which help us understand each other. Christian's have an agreed upon set of words to describe God, but I can assure you that each Christian's experience and perception is different.

So for those of us who have a different described perspective of God which does not come directly from the Christian bible are we so different from Christian's who in fact can't agree across denominations never mind that some view God as a punishing God and others simply view Him as Love.

The point is, Christian or otherwise, believing in God is personal choice and I believe a personal relationship in a power greater than yourself. Whether that power greater than yourself is a divine being or love and goodness makes no difference on a personal level.

As for Christian's believing that the rest of humanity is going to hell if they don't believe in Jesus. That's their choice, for the rest of us to get angry over their belief is silly especially if we truly don't believe it. Why get bent out of shape over it unless we believe there is some truth to it and the reason we resent the belief is that we don't want to do what is necessary not to go to hell; we want an easier way, for most on the fence people I think this is their dilemma.

The nice thing about believing in God of your own personal experience from your life only, is that you can count on being true to you. You didn't learn it from the outside influences with the exception of the God concept which helped you mold and fit your experiences into your own personal view of God or whatever else you may call your faith or lack thereof.

So God does exist for each person individually if they so choose; as equally as God does not exist for those people who do not choose to believe. It's really as simple as that.

While I don't think most Christian's would agree, but not one of them believes in the same God that the other one does. What I mean is, as human's based on our experiences each and everything appears slightly if not largely different to each of us. What we do have in common is a language which helps us describe common agreed upon descriptors which help us understand each other. Christian's have an agreed upon set of words to describe God, but I can assure you that each Christian's experience and perception is different.

So for those of us who have a different described perspective of God which does not come directly from the Christian bible are we so different from Christian's who in fact can't agree across denominations nevermind that some view God as a punishing God and others simply view Him as Love.

The point is, Christian or otherwise, believing in God is personal choice and I believe a personal relationship in a power greater than yourself. Whether that power greater than yourself is a divine being or love and goodness makes no difference on a personal level.

As for Christian's believing that the rest of humanity is going to hell if they don't believe in Jesus. That's their choice, for the rest of us to get angry over their belief is silly especially if we truly don't believe it. Why get bent out of shape over it unless we believe there is some truth to it and the reason we resent the belief is that we don't want to do what is necessary not to go to hell; we want an easier way, for most on the fence people I think this is their dilemma.

The nice thing about believing in God of your own personal experience from your life only, is that you can count on being true to you. You didn't learn it from the outside influences with the exception of the God concept which helped you mold and fit your experiences into your own personal view of God or whatever else you may call your faith or lack thereof.

So God does exist for each person individually if they so choose; as equally as God does not exist for those people who do not choose to believe. It's really as simple as that.

Thank you for responding so quickly. I do agree a lot of what you had to say. Especially the part about getting bent out of shape about it. I happen to know and love wonderful, love filled, love giving people who happen to be atheist. I fear for their souls IF
The christian hell is indeed true. I can't let myself believe this and it gets under my skin so much that this theory is endorsed by so many "people of God" . There is a very slight chance that they are right and the preachers that hammered this into me as a child are right. It scares the ever loving daylights out of me. Especially the hell described to me as a child. For MANY YEARS,I was devastated because I believed my dead, non church going , grandfather was actually burning, on fire, with unspeakable pain, for all of eternity. What kind of image is that to give to a child? It's cruel really.

I feel I'm right, I pray that I am right, I just have to rid myself of the years of hell fire and brim stone that was drilled into me for so many years.:o

cozyk,
I did NOT say that God moved that mountain.
I said that faith did.
In this case it was men and women whose faith that it could be done did so.
They were after gold and silver.
They are now working on the next mountain.
My point is that nothing can be done without some sort of faith.
If you don't have enough faith to fix breakfast you can not do it.
Faith does often heal people. Most of the time it is faith in God that does the job.
Yes chance could have been what saved my life, but I believe that God provided that chance.
God answered all of my prayers but some of the answers we NO!
I believe that God in His infinite and perfect wisdom and understanding answers prayers several ways.
They are: YES, NO, MAYBE, and YOU'VE GO TO BE KIDDING.
The chance that the universe started on it own is a wild next to nothing chance.
A scientist who has studied that chance provided this example.
You are given a dart to though at an elephant 100 feet away and the target you must hit is a molecule on the hide of the elephant on the other side from you of that animal.
That chance is 1 in 10 with 1000 more zeros behind it.
In other words the words "very slim chance" is a vast exacerbation.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

Okay Arcura,
FAITH literally moved that mountain. I think you got in trouble when you used the word "litterally". I picture a mountain "moving over a few feet". What DO you mean faith LITTERALY moved a mountain?

cozyk,
They took the Gold and silver out of the rocks and dirt of the mountain and put the "litter" (refuse that was left; the crushed gravel and dirt) 1/3 mile away.
But when I posted that what I meant “literally”. I am not the best word speller by far.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

Thank you for responding so quickly. I do agree a lot of what you had to say. Especially the part about getting bent out of shape about it. I happen to know and love wonderful, love filled, love giving people who happen to be atheist. I fear for their souls IF
the christian hell is indeed true. I can't let myself believe this and it gets under my skin so much that this theory is endorsed by so many "people of God" . there is a very slight chance that they are right and the preachers that hammered this into me as a child are right. It scares the ever loving daylights out of me. Especially the hell described to me as a child. For MANY YEARS,I was devestated because I believed my dead, non church going , grandfather was actually burning, on fire, with unspeakable pain, for all of eternity. What kind of image is that to give to a child? It's cruel really.

I feel I'm right, I pray that I am right, I just have to rid myself of the years of hell fire and brim stone that was drilled into me for so many years.:o


It's a funny religion at times, with different interpretations and emphasis on different things at different times. The hell fire and brimstone days have been removed from the public eye to a large extent, now it's all about God's love; that's much more likely to get converts these days rather than the old tactic of scaring the begeebers out of people.

Which strikes me as a move to the center if we were to speak in political terms. Often those of us who don't specifically believe in the Christian biblical account of things often describe our personal experiences with the God of our understanding with terms of love and selflessness. Again, are Christian's and the rest of us so far apart these days? No, and yes; the fundamentalist group of Christian's will always get the most press, because the moderate branch won't get ratings on the news. So for those who happen to meet very nice Christian people in practice are completely turned off by the intolerance and hypocritical behavior of some Christian's that are reported in the news.

You wouldn't know most Christian's to see them, the good ones in my mind are out their making a difference in peoples lives and are not promoters of their belief but are happy to share their experiences and their faith only when asked.

Christian's aren't bad people, they are people who have come to need a handbook for living. My wife is like that, she is a book learner and a Christian. She likes having a handbook for life. As for myself, I have never been a book learner; I have acquired my wisdom (however small that may be) from personal experience, observation and reflection and a God given sense of what is right and wrong from when I was a child.

Okay Arcura,
FAITH litterally moved that mountain. I think you got in trouble when you used the word "litterally". I picture a mountain "moving over a few feet". What DO you mean faith LITTERALY moved a mountain?

This is often where there is a disconnect between religious people and secular people. It's the language of faith. Faith or belief can make anything possible. Faith or belief sprinkled with a lot of imagination allowed mankind to travel to the moon. There was a time when this was considered impossible, but with faith, belief and imagination it became a reality.

A religious person normally ties most things back to God when it comes to incredible things happening in their lives, or when incredible events happen. Some religious people see miracles even when they are in part human accomplishments because they belief God works through people for good. When Christian's work together to help other they describe themselves as the Body of Christ.

Acura is absolutely right, but will always give the credit to the God of his understanding. Whereas a secular person will explain it as a human collective effort which made it possible. Frankly, Acura's and my wife's view of the world where everything is because of God's grace/love is very romantic and a nice way to view life.

If the purpose of believing in God and Jesus is to align yourself in a state of receiving love through rose colored perception then Heaven on Earth can be achieved and is quite likely the reason why people do believe once they find that gratitude. It's simply a comforting and joyous way to live for some people and I can see the attractiveness of it.

Faith and some human effort and inventiveness can indeed move mountains. I am a believer that God within can achieve anything. Yet, I am not a believer of 'poof' miracles where mountains suddenly move by themselves without explanation.

TexasParent,
I believe that there is an explanation for everything, sometimes many of them depending on ones knowledge, experience, and or faith.
Often many explanations one gets are incomplete, slanted or unfairly given with important parts twisted or left out for various reasons depending on the explanations provider.
In my case I believe that God is involved some way in everything, but I often do not mention that.
However I do thank God privately for everything.
Example: I am a diabetic with a bad heart.
So I thank God he has allowed me to live and watch my grandkids grow up as well as whatever else is happening.
I also thank Him for the doctors, nurses, and technicians that have helped me and others.
Also for the people involved in researching, discovering, making, and distributing medicines as well as Him for providing the materials that went into the making progress.
When I say grace I have at times not only thanked God for the food but also I thank Him for the Farmers and everyone else who was responsible for getting the food on my table.
See what I mean?
God is involved some way in everything.
Peace and kindness,
Fred