TheClashFan writes:
How can one not believe in something greater than himself? How can one go through life's difficulties and be unable to always know that at least one person loves you? At times, it is my only comfort knowing that God loves me, and I cannot understand how one can go through life without belief in something. Can anyone give me a good reason on why they do not believe in any omnipotent being or deity?
Asgara writes:
Over the years, as my original faith diminished, I have found that I am stronger than I ever thought I was. I feel like I am happier and better adjusted now than I ever was when I used the crutch of belief to get me through the bad times.
I might add that for some, religion is a crutch while for others such as myself, it is an anchor.
Sidelined writes:
I personally have been quite capable of dealing with life.
Its not the director of the dance nor the dancers...its the dance itself, right old chap? (Sidelined and I rarely see eye to eye but I like him!)
Clash writes:
Aren't either of you worried about OTHER things messing with your lives? Things that you may not be able to see or notice?
It really feels good to believe that an Omnipotant God, a gentle and trustworthy father figure, is on your side.
NosyNed writes:
There have been difficult times when it would have been nice to be able to believe in a big helper. From those I think I can understand the inclination to want to believe... that just isn't the way I think. I require some better reason than my own desires. I am much too aware of the history of such ideas throughout the world. There simply isn't any reason to believe in such an idea and there are many to not believe.
Unlike Ned, I have reasons for believing in an omnipotant and approachable God.
Ned has a point in that I can never prove my God to anyone. Both Ned and asgara use much more common and rational sense than I do.
CrashFan, I think that you know deep inside yourself what you actually believe. To me, there are two relationships in life. 1) With God. 2) With other people. God is very personal with me, and I have seen Him work in situations that otherwise never would have happened. It is good to explore how other people think and to have an open mind in these situations.
ClashFan writes:
It embarasses me greatly that men of my faith(Christianity) once slaughter innocent people because they would not convert.
I agree, but I would say that those men were not really Christians to begin with. A true Christian, influenced by the Holy Spirit would never do such a thing. There have been many throughout History who have called themselves Christians who are not.
As for the Demons, I will not say that they do not exist, for I also have had certain experiences in life that would suggest such a presence. You are from a Christian background, so might I suggest to you that it is better to focus on the power of God as Truth and Love and not to focus on the other vibes. They only have the power that we give them...they cannot harm you without your permission.
Born2Preach writes:
I assume the 'other' power as you call it to be more likely to 'jump out' at theists than atheists, because revealing themselves wouldn't do much good to keep the deception of no God going, now would it?
Wow! One of the most astute things that you have ever said! I am impressed! Good point!
Clash writes:
I know that most people reading these posts do think that I'm a nut, but I could just bet that if you looked through your life hard enough, no matter your religion or lack of religion, you will find something unexplained that has affected you.
Clash, I don't think that you are mad at all out of norm for someone your age. I had lots of hangups and emotional boilovers when I was younger. I still do, but I have learned how to cope and overcome them.
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