Author LovieDove24 Posted March 25, 2009 Author Share Posted March 25, 2009 Oh but disgracian I have. I disbelieved for years upon years. I have also returned there for brief periods of time when tragedy has struck me. Although I said it takes the same amount of effort in my previous post, I'd like to retract that as I recall my frame of mind during those times. It was actually easier to dismiss blind faith, why wouldn't it be? Blind faith does indeed sound a bit ridiculous on paper and in preach--especially when you're diggin through the trenches. Personally, for me what got me through it was my ever-present belief that the best things in life ain't easy to come by. And when I realized that with some effort to build a relationship with god (both again and for the first time) the rewards I reaped were far beyond what I received when I took the road of non-effort and disbelief. And just to clear things up disgracian, I'd like you to know what I believe. I believe if you are praying to "Allah" or "Buddha," in my opinion they're one in the same. If you believe in reincarnation and nirvanah, I believe that can be your fate too. If you're a Jew and don't believe in Jesus, thats fine too. I completely disagree with people who call their religion the "right" one because in a sense I believe we all are right--we are all praying to the same God essentially, just with a different name and a slightly different interpretation. Quite honestly, I believe these variations in belief are just as culturally influenced as, for instance, matriarchal societies versus patriarchal. If that provides any more insight into my position, I hope that helps. But I do truly believe that there is a "creator." I think fine-tuning it for yourself can be a wonderful thing. Truly, a relationship with you is all "he" (or she or it) wants. And just a little more...I have not gotten myself familiar completely with atheism but I am a seeker and a learner. I often wonder if the "pigeon-holed" approach is why so many atheists disbelieve. That is why I offered up my personal interpretation and relationship with God. Link to post Share on other sites
quankanne Posted March 25, 2009 Share Posted March 25, 2009 I guess they consider it an unreasonable request. went down that avenue once as a teen, and it was very a freaky and foreign state of existence. I guess likening it to a void would be the best way to describe it, and I can't say it was a comfortable experience. Spiritually speaking, I guess I'd be considered tactile. am curious, D: You simply make known to others that you hold no religious or spiritual beliefs, and I'll admit that being bashed over the head by someone who believes this is the way to evangelize can be annoying ... what is your thought of those people who quietly go about living out their belief and show by example what they see as a glorious God? Does it make it easier for you to respectfully disagree, or are those folks equally as irritating? just a-wondering ... Link to post Share on other sites
disgracian Posted March 25, 2009 Share Posted March 25, 2009 Oh but disgracian I have. I disbelieved for years upon years. I have also returned there for brief periods of time when tragedy has struck me. Sounds to me like your natural state. It's mine too, but after my efforts I see no appeal in trying to be anything other than myself. And just a little more...I have not gotten myself familiar completely with atheism but I am a seeker and a learner. There's not much to familiarise yourself with. They simply don't believe in gods. Everything else is up to the individual. Cheers, D. Link to post Share on other sites
disgracian Posted March 25, 2009 Share Posted March 25, 2009 am curious, D: You simply make known to others that you hold no religious or spiritual beliefs, and I'll admit that being bashed over the head by someone who believes this is the way to evangelize can be annoying ... what is your thought of those people who quietly go about living out their belief and show by example what they see as a glorious God? Does it make it easier for you to respectfully disagree, or are those folks equally as irritating? I'm married to one as we speak, so I'll let you deduce the answer for yourself. Cheers, D. Link to post Share on other sites
mental_traveller Posted April 2, 2009 Share Posted April 2, 2009 Wuggle, I began the first steps of my spiritual journey not by the help of the church, books or through preaching friends. I'd RARELY been to church in all my life and I did not know (and still don't) many religious people. All that happened was one day I said "Hey what the heck, I'll give this a try." I prayed, and I felt something. Because of this I do not need your book to tell me that God doesn't exist. Again, its just something I feel. Me reading what you suggested would be the equivalent of reading a book called "Your feelings don't mean sh$t." But what if your feelings *don't* mean sh$t - at least not in regard to whether god exists or not. How can you fail to benefit from at least examining both sides of an argument? People have been burned at the stake or gassed to death by the millions because of what other people "feel". "Feeling something" is not grounds for believing it to be true with certainty. Link to post Share on other sites
samsungxoxo Posted April 2, 2009 Share Posted April 2, 2009 People have been burned at the stake or gassed to death by the millions because of what other people "feel". Joan of Arc is an example of it. A poor peasant girl who was burned alive at the stake at the sweet tender age of only 19 just because of her beliefs and she not following what the church says. I'm more sick to my stomach at those people who just stood there watching and did absolutely nothing to save that girl. Those who even wanted her to burn and seem happy about it, ewww sick people. No one deserves that type of cruel punishment. Link to post Share on other sites
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