Do you believe in GOD?

koan · Post by **koan** » Tue Feb 08, 2005 8:39 am

Korbin Dallas wrote: Going back to the original question I don't want to be controlled or enslaved by an entity that might or might not have existed. & I pity the fool that wants to be.

Do you also pity those who are set free by their belief? Not all forms of God are controlling and vengeful. What do you say to those who pity you?

jahamaa · Post by **jahamaa** » Tue Feb 08, 2005 8:50 am

koan wrote: Do you also pity those who are set free by their belief? Not all forms of God are controlling and vengeful. What do you say to those who pity you?

I'm quite surprised to see that comment from you. Just goes to show me not to be to quick to judge. Thank you for reminding me of that koan.

New question about the existence of God. has anybody out there tried to treat God as the bible says, Not just as the supreme being but as a friend? Seems to me from what I've read this is an important step in belief.

koan · Post by **koan** » Tue Feb 08, 2005 10:39 am

jahamaa wrote: I'm quite surprised to see that comment from you. Just goes to show me not to be to quick to judge. Thank you for reminding me of that koan.

New question about the existence of God. has anybody out there tried to treat God as the bible says, Not just as the supreme being but as a friend? Seems to me from what I've read this is an important step in belief.

This is first time, I believe, that God as a friend has come up here. Nice question.

Jives · Post by **Jives** » Tue Feb 08, 2005 10:46 am

I talk to God everyday. It's comforting, and lo and behold, when I'm nice good things seem to happen to me. When I'm bad, it all comes back in spades. That's enough for me to generate a strong faith.

My God is a big God. Have you looked out at the Universe lately and realized it's size? Billions of planets and stars, teeming with life. How arrogant to assume we are the only living creatures in all of creation.

Why did God create all of this? To create life of course. Scientist have shown pretty clearly that intelligence is such a great survival tool that any planet that develops life will develop intelligence.

So obviously God wanted to create intelligence. Why? Well, the Bible says that God in in all things, the rocks and the trees, etc. So God must be in us too. Is that his purpose? To experience life through us? To live...in all the lifeforms of the Universe?

I'll bet it was pretty dull before he created the Universe, just sitting there in the dark.

Post by **kensloft** » Tue Feb 08, 2005 2:33 pm

Jives wrote: I talk to God everyday. It's comforting, and lo and behold, when I'm nice good things seem to happen to me. When I'm bad, it all comes back in spades. That's enough for me to generate a strong faith.

My God is a big God. Have you looked out at the Universe lately and realized it's size? Billions of planets and stars, teeming with life. How arrogant to assume we are the only living creatures in all of creation.

Why did God create all of this? To create life of course. Scientist have shown pretty clearly that intelligence is such a great survival tool that any planet that develops life will develop intelligence.

So obviously God wanted to create intelligence. Why? Well, the Bible says that God in in all things, the rocks and the trees, etc. So God must be in us too. Is that his purpose? To experience life through us? To live...in all the lifeforms of the Universe?

I'll bet it was pretty dull before he created the Universe, just sitting there in the dark.

I talk to God too. With every breath I take.

I see God everyday with every look I take.

He's not a vengeful God and though I would not want to see it, it does happen.

He keeps me from danger. Comforts me in my pain. Enhances my joy at being alive in amongst His wonderful creations.

I see God in my fellow human beings. There is no colour in where he dwells. He opens me to happiness even when all is pain.

It will be nice to see Him in his true beauty but for now I must be satisfied with feeling His grace. Watching as mankind grows in His loving guidance towards heaven on earth.

Jeeves? How do you know He was sitting there in the dark?

Jives · Post by **Jives** » Tue Feb 08, 2005 2:39 pm

kensloft wrote: Jeeves? How do you know He was sitting there in the dark?

OK, first of all it's "Jives". Jives means "to go along with" or "to make sense" "Jeeves is a name for a British Butler. :rolleyes:

and to your question...how do I know He was sitiing in the dark?

Because He hadn't said "Let there be Light!" yet!

ARK ARK ARK ARK ARK!!!!!

Oh YEAH! I set you up for that one! :yh_rotfl

Post by **kensloft** » Tue Feb 08, 2005 5:06 pm

Jives wrote: OK, first of all it's "Jives". Jives means "to go along with" or "to make sense" "Jeeves is a name for a British Butler. :rolleyes:

and to your question...how do I know He was sitiing in the dark?

Because He hadn't said "Let there be Light!" yet!

ARK ARK ARK ARK ARK!!!!!

Oh YEAH! I set you up for that one! :yh_rotfl

DOH!

Isn't the word jibes interchangeable with jives? Would this make you feel bi-polar?

Know all about Jeeves and I blew it by not realizing that I had misused your name. Am not in the market for a butler but when I am I will know where to go to to get the best man for the job.

I can see it now. Big Guy sitting in his pad being all too cool when suddenly the light went on and He said, "Wow! Man is this cool or what?

Boy when that light went off it sure gave us a lot to see.

capt_buzzard · Post by **capt_buzzard** » Tue Feb 08, 2005 5:40 pm

kensloft wrote: DOH!

Isn't the word jibes interchangeable with jives? Would this make you feel bi-polar?

Know all about Jeeves and I blew it by not realizing that I had misused your name. Am not in the market for a butler but when I am I will know where to go to to get the best man for the job.

I can see it now. Big Guy sitting in his pad being all too cool when suddenly the light went on and He said, "Wow! Man is this cool or what?

Boy when that light went off it sure gave us a lot to see.Ken you are really into Religion,I'm a thinking that perhaps you lost your vocation in life;)

Jives · Post by **Jives** » Tue Feb 08, 2005 5:55 pm

Yeah, lol. He saw 'the light".

You know, seriously, I asked my friend who is a pastor why God created the Universe and he said,

"To give him pleasure." (Apparently there is a passage in the Bible that states that specifically.)

Interesting, eh? That holds to my theory that God lives through all of us, actually experiencing what we feel every day.

(He must be a little worn out if he was experiencing my day today, though!) :wah:

Post by **kensloft** » Tue Feb 08, 2005 6:07 pm

capt_buzzard wrote: Ken you are really into Religion,I'm a thinking that perhaps you lost your vocation in life;)

If you had have been where I've been in life you would know that I haven't missed my vocation. I was taught by the elite of the Roman Catholic Church and realized that I wanted none of their take on how life is and should be. Words are cheap. And they know a lot of words. You don't have to go to church to enjoy being with God. He's not only in the church but is also surrounding it. Believe? Not believe? I am happy. That is what counts and that is what He wants ud to be. I'm game for His game.

Post by **kensloft** » Tue Feb 08, 2005 6:08 pm

Jives wrote: Yeah, lol. He saw 'the light".

You know, seriously, I asked my friend who is a pastor why God created the Universe and he said,

"To give him pleasure." (Apparently there is a passage in the Bible that states that specifically.)

Interesting, eh? That holds to my theory that God lives through all of us, actually experiencing what we feel every day.

(He must be a little worn out if he was experiencing my day today, though!) :wah:

Kids being tough on you?

capt_buzzard · Post by **capt_buzzard** » Tue Feb 08, 2005 6:10 pm

kensloft wrote: If you had have been where I've been in life you would know that I haven't missed my vocation. I was taught by the elite of the Roman Catholic Church and realized that I wanted none of their take on how life is and should be. Words are cheap. And they know a lot of words. You don't have to go to church to enjoy being with God. He's not only in the church but is also surrounding it. Believe? Not believe? I am happy. That is what counts and that is what He wants ud to be. I'm game for His game.The Jesuits I'd say, those guys now are running the Vatican

Post by **kensloft** » Tue Feb 08, 2005 7:56 pm

capt_buzzard wrote: The Jesuits I'd say, those guys now are running the Vatican

Tough guys everywhere. No wonder? No wonder that they threw them out!

Suresh Gupta · Post by **Suresh Gupta** » Tue Feb 08, 2005 9:26 pm

Interesting discussion indeed. God as friend. I am eagerly waiting for views of learned members.

Post by **kensloft** » Tue Feb 08, 2005 9:41 pm

Suresh Gupta wrote: Interesting discussion indeed. God as friend. I am eagerly waiting for views of learned members.

Thankx brother.

koan · Post by **koan** » Wed Feb 09, 2005 4:51 pm

sagan wrote: There's no big deal with imaginary friends. My granddaughter has one. She'll grow out of it.

You are bloody brilliant, sagan. Thanks for cracking me up.

Post by **kensloft** » Wed Feb 09, 2005 6:42 pm

sagan wrote: I'm an amateur compared to these people Ã¢â‚¬“

Christian dating

Shucks, does that mean we have to get a whack of chicks too. Jeez Louise I can see the money rolling in now! We'll be rich.

koan · Post by **koan** » Wed Feb 09, 2005 7:18 pm

Can I get a woman like that too???? Pretty please???

If I follow all the rules, that is.

It's even easier for me because I don't have to worry about #8 or #10 (man, that would really rot)

I would do anything to get me one of them!

Jeez Louise
kensloft, where'd you ever hear a phrase like that?

koan · Post by **koan** » Wed Feb 09, 2005 7:29 pm

Suresh Gupta wrote: Interesting discussion indeed. God as friend. I am eagerly waiting for views of learned members.

Why don't you start with your own view, Suresh? I'd like to hear it. You go first.

koan · Post by **koan** » Wed Feb 09, 2005 8:38 pm

sagan wrote: Unfortunately, I don't have to worry about #8 or #10 anymore. Medications a bitch.

:-1

A fate worse than death...no wonder you don't believe God anymore.

Attached files

koan · Post by **koan** » Wed Feb 09, 2005 9:11 pm

sagan wrote: Wrong word Koan. Didn't believe before I developed M.S. , don't believe now, and won't believe in the future. But still smiling!

It's one of those things where...what do you say? I'm glad you're still smiling.

BabyRider · Post by **BabyRider** » Wed Feb 09, 2005 9:43 pm

sagan wrote: insomnia! It's 04-16 in the UK, but I'm still posting.

That much more time we get to enjoy your wit! :yh_bigsmi

koan · Post by **koan** » Wed Feb 09, 2005 10:21 pm

sagan wrote: Not much more I can do than smile! I got over the self-pity bit quite quickly, although I do miss work. :-1 . On the upside, the medications I'm taking have a bonus side-effect - insomnia! It's 04-16 in the UK, but I'm still posting.

It may be selfish but I'm thankful you have all that time to grace us with your presence. I think its ok to pity one's self as long as it is done well and in full self indulgence for a brief time period. You've still got all the important things. :-4

Post by **kensloft** » Thu Feb 10, 2005 3:35 am

koan wrote: It may be selfish but I'm thankful you have all that time to grace us with your presence. I think its ok to pity one's self as long as it is done well and in full self indulgence for a brief time period. You've still got all the important things. :-4

Same for me sagan.

Suresh Gupta · Post by **Suresh Gupta** » Thu Feb 10, 2005 4:09 am

koan wrote: Why don't you start with your own view, Suresh? I'd like to hear it. You go first.

No dear Koan, for sometime now I will be reaping benefits of others' views.

Post by **kensloft** » Thu Feb 10, 2005 4:24 am

Suresh Gupta wrote: No dear Koan, for sometime now I will be reaping benefits of others' views.

It would be interesting to get your views. Don't hold out on us.

jahamaa · Post by **jahamaa** » Thu Feb 10, 2005 8:38 am

sagan wrote: There's no big deal with imaginary friends. My granddaughter has one. She'll grow out of it.

Maybe. But maybe you'll end up calling her sister grandaughter We can only hope and pray.

jahamaa · Post by **jahamaa** » Thu Feb 10, 2005 9:26 am

skittles2004 wrote: I believe in God. I just dont really know about the bible. I believe that religion in general has ruined it for me.

I know just what you mean. I consider myself a born again Christian. I do study my bible, yet I haven't been to church in a couple of years.

I simply do not like the people I meet there. I know that is a conceited statement

and unChristian to boot. But the infighting and politics in the churches I've been to is amazing. In my area alone I've seen a couple of churches whose numbers have been decimated do to fighting. In my own life a friend of mine is now on his 3rd church in 4 and 1/2 years.

I think that the main obstruction to folks finding God's love is God's followers.

Arrogant statement but it's the way I feel.

Post by **kensloft** » Thu Feb 10, 2005 2:19 pm

jahamaa wrote: I know just what you mean. I consider myself a born again Christian. I do study my bible, yet I haven't been to church in a couple of years.

I simply do not like the people I meet there. I know that is a conceited statement

and unChristian to boot. But the infighting and politics in the churches I've been to is amazing. In my area alone I've seen a couple of churches whose numbers have been decimated do to fighting. In my own life a friend of mine is now on his 3rd church in 4 and 1/2 years.

I think that the main obstruction to folks finding God's love is God's followers.

Arrogant statement but it's the way I feel.

Seemingly arrogant but true. I find it more fun to pray when the spirit moves me. Paying rent to be taken advantage of the by the people that you are paying the rent for is a little too much to take, to say the least.

orangutan · Post by **orangutan** » Fri Feb 11, 2005 5:27 am

Ah, such a tough topic to jump into when there are already nine pages of postings though I tried to read through the majority of it... I've probably missed bits and fear repeating what may already have been said.

But personally... I do not believe in this one force/person that controls all. I do not believe in any religion that humans have created so far, but I am willing to accept that there is something out there - i mean, how could so many amazing things come into existance just through randomness? I know that this sounds naff... but reading the DaVinci Code reminded me of cool worldness e.g. the Golden Number that entwines itself in so many things.

I think that humans have this weakness for something to explain the unknown, and Gods/religions are a good way to vent. Moments when the world just becomes too overwhelming... and you just need release, put it on someone else's shoulders. Perhaps this may be why Gods are often in the male human form - people that support us (old fashioned).

Christianity confuses me. So full of contradictions and so many speak of hidden meanings. meh. I personally recon it was written to control the masses.

But, I do believe that Jesus was a great philosopher. He makes a lot more sense to me.

DAVEBATES · Post by **DAVEBATES** » Sun May 15, 2005 5:35 am

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Surely only God could state that God exists and it would be stating it to itself because that is all it would know. Who is asking and who is answering? I am.

Ted · Post by **Ted** » Sun May 15, 2005 5:23 pm

Jiperly :-6

I am in general agreement with what you say.

I would however point out that Paul began writing within about ten years of the crucifixion.

You are correct that one must be cautious in reading the Bible. It is midrashic and makes great use of metaphor. It is not an historical book and was not intended to be read as such, though it does contain kernels of history spread throughout.

Homosexuality is not a sin it is part of the persons ontology and is found in about 10% of all societies. I was challenged recently on this 10% figure but it has been confirmed for me by the Rev. Dr. Matthew Fox.

You migh find his web site interesting.

http://www.matthewfox.org/sys-tmpl/htmlpage10/

Shalom

Ted :-6