It could be that fewer responded in the poll than I anticipated because I did not include "maybe" or "unsure" as a choices. Perhaps I should've titled the poll: "Do you believe in God?" ... that way, the answers could only be YES or NO. For myself, I am not 100% sure there is no god, but I am absolutely 100% sure that I do not believe there is ... I see no reason to. At least, not yet ...
See, to me you’re describing an agnostic with all of that. I thought an atheist was like a really religious person ie as sure there isn’t a god and not really open to the idea that there is one as a religious person is sure there is a god and not open to the idea there isn’t. And then an agnostic is in the middle and is open to either idea.
I answered No originally just because that was closer to where my beliefs lie but if there was an "unsure" option then that would definitely be my response. I spent my life raised in the church and as I have aged I just can't get past all of the questions that involve Christianity specifically. Why did God punish all of humanity for eternity for ONE mistake? Why would God allow non-believers to burn in hell for eternity if he truly loved all of his children? How was heaven a perfect place but Satan turned against God while in heaven? If there is no sadness in heaven, then would you not be able to grieve over loved ones that didn't make it to heaven after you die? Etc.
There is certainly grey areas between the two terms and definitions vary. Here is a video that might help illustrate the generally-accepted differences between atheism and agnosticism. You might enjoy it. Thanks for interest in the thread.
When someone who has posted here as long as you claims they don’t know what a bait thread is, there is no need to read further.
Interesting. So, others’ mistaken beliefs are evidence to you that all who believe are wrong?
Good questions ... not to mention the whole idea of INFINITY !!!! Existing in a place that NEVER ENDS !!!! ... that is a super heavy concept and totally eliminates the human nature of reality as we know it. A fundamental change would have to occur to not only exist forever, but to simply WANT to do so. Don't get me wrong, I'd like to live a lot longer than our expected life of around 80 ... I'll take 200 years, for starters. If turtles can do it, I guess I could handle it.
This is correct, I believe. An atheist has faith that they are correct. An agnostic, and I was an agnostic that leaned atheist into my 30s, admits he/she does not know.
Just wanted to add that the concept of eternity is probably my biggest fear. The thought of something lasting forever is the only thing that has sent me into an actual panic attack because I thought about it for too long.Good questions ... not to mention the whole idea of INFINITY !!!! Existing in a place that NEVER ENDS !!!! ... that is a super heavy concept and totally eliminates the human nature of reality as we know it. A fundamental change would have to occur to not only exist forever, but to simply WANT to do so. Don't get me wrong, I'd like to live a lot longer than our expected life of around 80 ... I'll take 200 years, for starters. If turtles can do it, I guess I could handle it.
Seriously, though, the concept of infinity is difficult to grasp and appreciate. I have never been anywhere or done anything that I can honestly say i wished could last forever. The greatest parties or sex, for example, always fade out after a while. Wanting them to go on for forever, to me, is unimaginable.
When people die, why is the common phrase "MAY HE/SHE REST IN PEACE" uttered ?? If we are truly living forever, the person has just moved on ... but there is no rest involved. It's forever party-time, isn't it ???
All heavy questions that are fun to ponder, but impossible to answer. Thanks for the reply.
Sorry, but your argument just doesn't work. If I tell you I have an alien invader locked in my basement the burden of proof is on me is to prove that I'm right, not on you to prove that I'm wrong. You actually can't prove that I'm wrong because said alien just doesn't exist! I don't think anyone is attacking you or your belief system (at least I'm not) and more power to you, but if you want me to buy into that belief system, I have to see some evidence. I frankly think this where the Christian world stumbles-my failure to buy into your belief system is not an attack on your belief system.
Not much assuming to be made, seems pretty clear what you attempted to do there. I'm not hurt at all by your comment, just calling a bad joke for what it is.
Look, if you don’t want to evince your claims, I really don’t care and don’t feel attacked by your unbelief. I am good with you being you. In fact, as mentioned, I was an agnostic/atheist for much of my adult life. But, your analogy is poor. IF YOU say “there is no alien in my basement” and someone asks you to prove it, you cannot say “oh gosh, no one can prove a negative.”
Well, then you lack critical reasoning skills and jump to unwarranted conclusions. You were obviously bothered enough to respond in the first place.
That is an interesting story. I sense it is a struggle to reconcile your humble spiritual beginnings to what your daughter and son-in-law are experiencing. Thanks for taking the time to share it and best wishes for you and all concerned.
If you weren’t attempting to make jokes about people who identify as non-binary then you should’ve worded your original response in a way that you intended. My desire to respond comes from the fact that there are plenty of people on this forum (maybe or maybe not including you) that like to joke about people who identify as non-binary/trans/etc. and from time to time I feel like calling out these tired, sad comments.
Thanks. In addition to the actual poll itself, I was hoping that interesting and stimulating exchanges would occur in an honest spirit of community. I think we’ve had them.
Thank you for saying this, because it reflects exactly how I feel. I mean exactly.
I'm right there with you, my brother! Same exact upbringing, although i'm older. Your mind will begin to aske the hard questions, but that indoctrination of your heart is going to be last with you a lifetime.
At least have the courtesy to @ me. If you don't like it, no one is forcing you to partake in this thread.
To quote you ... "Thank you for saying this, because it reflects exactly how I feel. I mean exactly."
@MatteoV25 (and his entire gender dysphoria cult) are more insufferable than any LDS door knockers could ever dream of being.
Just wait until you say something that someone else doesn't like. They'll say that there's no possible way that you've been on here for years and never knew about the Paddock so you have to be a former poster who got kicked off and came back with a different name. Just speaking from experience. Beware of some of these weirdos
I read somewhere that Thomas Jefferson had similar beliefs so maybe that makes you our nation's third president?
