We’ll just have to agree to disagree, but thanks for the discussion. Lots of terms that I would disagree with there.
POLL: Is there a God ??
- Thread starter megablue
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"A little philosophy (Science), says my Lord Bacon, makes men atheists: A great deal reconciles them to religion. For men, being taught, by superstitious prejudices, to lay the stress on a wrong place; when that fails them, and they discover, by a little reflection, that the course of nature is regular and uniform, their whole faith totters, and falls to ruin. But being taught, by more reflection, that this very regularity and uniformity is the strongest proof of design and of a supreme intelligence, they return to that belief, which they had deserted; and they are now able to establish it on a firmer and more durable foundation."
You're an ******* for asking the question. This is why posts get deleted. The only reason you asked the question was to be an *******.
Even though they are both (creator vs. abiogenesis) faith-based, the current fossil evidence, combined with the mathematical impossibility of the chemical processes necessary to create even a single basic polymer/building block of a living cell, in the short time span that the universe has been around actually provide a more compelling case for a creator.
This was just posted a few hours ago. Ex-Pastor Darante' LaMar says with confidence and certainty: There, Is. No. God ... while pulling no punches.
www.youtube.com
Darante' LaMar
Darante’ LaMar is what happens when a pastor deconstructs, keeps the mic, and builds a people-centric stage instead. Part theologian, part sociologist, part tech-savvy futurist — and all heart — Darante’ blends street-level wisdom with intellectual firepower to lead one of the most compelling...
www.youtube.com
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Darante Lamar - You said, with respect to an undefined "God" that, "Life connects us all." At this point in time, the idea that life was created makes more logical/mathematical sense, than abiogenesis. So, there's that.
Next...
Next...
You're partially right. Looks like you're starting to understand. God not only created it all, but sustains it as well.
There's no question that He's also given the world the ability to doubt, and those that want to do so will, no matter what evidence is all around them.
What a simple and precious little contrivance. Is that from a cereal box or an animated series you watched? So cute.
Oh, you were just being arrogant. Aw. That is to be expected I guess in today's academic and popular environment. God knows the end from the beginning and has show men that, if they want to see it.
Side question related to the topic-
Does anyone here believe the science that proves the age of the Dead Sea Scrolls?
Does anyone here believe the science that proves the age of the Dead Sea Scrolls?
You answered your own question.
Something appearing out of nothing is what you and others similar to your thinking consider "magic."
Life appearing where there wasn't any would be such magic.
A universe appearing from nothing and exploding into such a state that this planet and all around it is perfectly positioned after billions of years to sustain life that didn't exist beforehand and then that life also appears out of nothing (no life preceeding it) after billions of years to then produce evolution that took its millions or billions of years to reach this point undercuts its own theories.
The planet would not still be in position to sustain life long enough for it to evolve according to any model people have yet produced. Everything is still in motion and that motion is expansion according to theorists.
I'm sure they'll invent something to sustain their argument, though. They always do.
If someone told you what was going to happen in advance, would you consider that supernatural?
This question is for everyone btw.
What if they told you something and each came true as told in advance?
What if it was an entire thousand year progression?
Does that suddenly make it supernatural?
Now there's a good example of arrogance. Is your irony meter broken or are you too arrogant to care?
"Arrogance is asking a god who wouldn't stop the holocaust to find your car keys."
--- Ricky Gervais
Of course, there are FAR MORE advocates of prayer than critics:
Does prayer work ??
AI Overview
Prayer can be a powerful tool for improving mental health and well-being, but whether it works in a literal, supernatural sense is a matter of personal belief and faith. Scientific studies have shown that prayer can reduce stress, anxiety, and negative emotions, and foster a sense of connection, control, and purpose. However, there's no definitive scientific evidence that prayer directly influences external events or physical outcomes.
There are various ways to categorize prayer, but some common types include adoration, confession, thanksgiving, supplication, intercession, lament, and petition. These can be expressed through vocal prayer, meditation, and contemplation. Additionally, prayers can be categorized by their purpose, such as prayer of worship, agreement, faith, or consecration.
Regards prayers for intercession and petition ... it has been my experience, that ... if answered, the answer is most usually NO.
--- Ricky Gervais
Of course, there are FAR MORE advocates of prayer than critics:
Does prayer work ??
AI Overview
Prayer can be a powerful tool for improving mental health and well-being, but whether it works in a literal, supernatural sense is a matter of personal belief and faith. Scientific studies have shown that prayer can reduce stress, anxiety, and negative emotions, and foster a sense of connection, control, and purpose. However, there's no definitive scientific evidence that prayer directly influences external events or physical outcomes.
There are various ways to categorize prayer, but some common types include adoration, confession, thanksgiving, supplication, intercession, lament, and petition. These can be expressed through vocal prayer, meditation, and contemplation. Additionally, prayers can be categorized by their purpose, such as prayer of worship, agreement, faith, or consecration.
Regards prayers for intercession and petition ... it has been my experience, that ... if answered, the answer is most usually NO.
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This was just posted a few hours ago. Ex-Pastor Darante' LaMar says with confidence and certainty: There, Is. No. God ... while pulling no punches.
Darante' LaMar
Darante’ LaMar is what happens when a pastor deconstructs, keeps the mic, and builds a people-centric stage instead. Part theologian, part sociologist, part tech-savvy futurist — and all heart — Darante’ blends street-level wisdom with intellectual firepower to lead one of the most compelling...
Specious and spurious, just the same ole useless sophistry. I found nothing in it novel or compelling, so boring and dull that I struggled finishing it.
If you think God is found through your own reason and argument, you will never(?) find Him. That doesn't mean He is irrational, or that believing in Him is unreasonable, but that you will never be able to prove Him to yourself through this methodology, leaving you with an unjustified "certainty" like this guy: you are using the wrong tool for the job.
Which is the same critical point I've made here repeatedly. You'll not design a scientific experiment to prove God's existence; the inability to do so does not give you the certainty Darante thinks it does. So stop trying. You'll not design a clever argument to prove God's existence neither, nor the inverse, so stop trying.
And his other objections are no less immaterial. The problem of evil has a Christian answer, and his complaint that "gods" are just the result of cultural biases is a reflection of his own cognitive bias and personal history. He apparently became a pastor, not knowing God himself, simply due to such influences and is now trying to reconcile his life, his cognitive dissonance. Be sure to donate to his patreon so he can continue this work.
The only way to konw if prayer works is to try it yourself.
But why would it be incumbent upon God to answer the prayers of someone who does not Love Him? This is what I think atheists think God must be, like an impatient incompetent parent who simply just gives you everything to keep you from crying like they did when you were going through your terrible twos.
You demand God treat you like you treat your dog. It don't work like that.
I understand your point, but I had been immersed in prayer for well over half my life. Seeing little effects of prayer, especially in petition, is one of the reasons I lost my belief in God. The biggest reason, as a former Christian, was that I no longer believed in the Resurrection. To me, for the Christian faith, that is the only thing that really mattered. Thanks for your thoughtful replies.
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That is putting God to the test, which you are in no uncertain terms not to do.
Like the no atheists in foxholes adage: one guy takes a bullet to the spine and is a paraplegic the rest of his life, while the other miraculously dodges a bullet and escapes unscathed. Maybe the former blames God for his fate, the latter credits Him and learns to Love Him, but neither are firm grounds for belief or unbelief, nor self-sufficiently sustainable for the Believer.
A Christian, unless I guess very nascent in their belief, should know prayer works. THey should always be engaged in prayer, not just when they need a favor.
Like the no atheists in foxholes adage: one guy takes a bullet to the spine and is a paraplegic the rest of his life, while the other miraculously dodges a bullet and escapes unscathed. Maybe the former blames God for his fate, the latter credits Him and learns to Love Him, but neither are firm grounds for belief or unbelief, nor self-sufficiently sustainable for the Believer.
A Christian, unless I guess very nascent in their belief, should know prayer works. THey should always be engaged in prayer, not just when they need a favor.
I guess to a certain extent, we agree. As I said, if prayers of petition are answered, it's been my experience the answer is USUALLY no.
That is my only point. There is no question that other types of prayer and meditation have benefits, whether heard or not.
It would be interesting to see what the results would be if the entire 80% of the world's believers in an omnipotent Supreme Being all joined in a massive day of world prayer for a lasting world peace, perhaps all reciting the same exact petition. If that could occur and such a lasting peace happened, including the permanent throwing down of arms, I would imagine there would be MANY new/renewed believers in God. I would say that would even be miraculous. I would like to see it happen. War SUCKS !!
Thanks for your interest and replies.
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That’s very interesting … THANKS for sharing such a current video. It would’ve been nice to hear GROK’s answers to the origin of God. Perhaps that will be forthcoming, as this is a super-new phenomenon.
I googled around and found these ... as time moves along, there is little doubt that the big questions will be referred to AI:
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That’s very interesting … THANKS for sharing such a current video. It would’ve been nice to hear GROK’s answers to the origin of God. Perhaps that will be forthcoming, as this is a super-new phenomenon.
I googled around and found these ... as time moves along, there is little doubt that the big questions will be referred to AI:
AI is irrelevant. It was simply applying the logic and science that others before AI applied.
Yes, I 100% agree, but I think it can provide a pretty good summarization of thoughts and positions on both sides of the big questions.
In a way, the best AI presentations are kinda like Cliff Notes into the vast universe of thought. AI will not prove or settle any issues, for sure.
Regarding the generally-accepted teachings of Jesus Christ: Jesus summarized the greatest commandments as loving God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and loving your neighbor as yourself. These two commandments are considered foundational to all other laws and teachings of God. Specifically, the first commandment is to love God, and the second is to love your neighbor. Matthew 22:35-40.
Is being "woke" required to fully-comply with and obey the second commandment ?? I see this talked about a lot and wondered what the thinking is with folks around this thread. To my view, the answer seems clearly seems to be YES. Of course, you can obey the second commandment without being a believer in God, as we all know. I think we can all agree that it's a wonderful sentiment, worthy goal and fine approach to living together on this planet.
Is being "woke" required to fully-comply with and obey the second commandment ?? I see this talked about a lot and wondered what the thinking is with folks around this thread. To my view, the answer seems clearly seems to be YES. Of course, you can obey the second commandment without being a believer in God, as we all know. I think we can all agree that it's a wonderful sentiment, worthy goal and fine approach to living together on this planet.
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No. Identity based behavior is nothing like Jesus exhibited. See how he loved to see what he means.