Current Events > I want to believe in God.

(+) Yeah! (+)

I really do, but I just can't...

I'd like there to be a grand schemer scheming schemes. A higher plan. A hope that goes beyond this life.

I think it'd be neeto if we all knew, with certainty, that there was a happy place we could go to for eternity. I mean, the opposite of that wouldn't be great, but I think if everyone knew for certain, they'd be good little boys and girls to avoid such a place.

You hear people say things like "I'm happy there's just a big blank nothing when we die!" but are they really? Are they just saying that for self comfort, and would actually shit themselves when faced with ultimate finality. Do they secretly long for something more? Maybe, maybe not. Even if they claim one way or the other, there's no real way to know they are being honest about it. Self talk can be a helluva drug.

I'm inclined to believe that that (fear of finality and the unknown) is one reason why religion developed, and maintains to this day. I mean, come on... Most fear it, just a little bit. But, oh man... If we KNEW there was a heaven, that would definitely remove the sting of death, at least for many people.

Another reason I feel that people cling to religion is lose of loved ones. Many don't want to accept that their loved ones are just gone. They want to believe that their departed are in a better place, not just nonexistent (even though that can sometimes seem likea better place, especially they the deceased was suffering). It gives them comfort and hope that they'll see them again some day. There're strong ties between emotion and religion, and losing a loved one is one of the most powerful emotional tragedies a person can experience. I don't blame people at all for hoping their loved one is waiting for them.

With all that being said, I'm not sure how to get from wanting to believe, to actually believing. Belief in something is being convinced of said thing. That's... kind of involuntary. People who legitimately believe in their religion, are convinced of it. You can't really choose to be convinced.
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Having said you want to believe, have you tried getting involved with the faith?

If you haven't, try finding a church (if you have any Christian friends you respect, you can ask them), and put yourself out there. Religion requires faith. In this case, you may need to just try.
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But he doesnt exist so it may be difficult, but not impossible.
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AlisLandale posted...

Having said you want to believe, have you tried getting involved with the faith?

If you haven't, try finding a church (if you have any Christian friends you respect, you can ask them), and put yourself out there. Religion requires faith. In this case, you may need to just try.

I go to church every Sunday with the wife. She's a devout Christian.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=409Pjtq7jzY" data-time="
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The thing about faith is it was literally made up because theres no proof. Believe something with no proof? It writes itself.
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LordMarshal posted...

But he doesnt exist so it may be difficult, but not impossible.

How do you know, and how can you help me know for certain?
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LordMarshal posted...

The thing about faith is it was literally made up because theres no proof. Believe something with no proof? It writes itself.

There's so much here.

What's proof, in this context? God breaking the sky open, decending and stating "Here I am, believe!"? I guess that would do it for many, but there'd be some who still wouldn't be convinced.

Some consider the proof to be as simple as the concept of existense. This is more of the diestic mindset.
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Dyinglegacy posted...

LordMarshal posted...

The thing about faith is it was literally made up because theres no proof. Believe something with no proof? It writes itself.

There's so much here.

What's proof, in this context? God breaking the sky open, decending and stating "Here I am, believe!"? I guess that would do it for many, but there'd be some who still wouldn't be convinced.

Some consider the proof to be as simple as the concept of existense. This is more of the diestic mindset.

You just got to have faith that theres no god. Or you dont know for sure so that means he 100% doesnt exist.

Religious arguments are beyond flawed.

And you literally dont know anything. Just a general concept of there possibly being a God. Its stale, tired and old and theres been no changes in the cult of religion cuz its made up.

You are free to join any cult you want, so have at it.
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green butter posted...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=409Pjtq7jzY" data-time="

Most people probably do.
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LordMarshal posted...

You just got to have faith the theres no god. Or you dont know for sure so that means he 100% doesnt exist.

Religious arguments are beyond flawed.

And you literally dont know anything. Just a general concept of there possibly being a God. Its stale, tired and old and theres been no changes in the cult of religion cuz its made up.

You are free to join any cult you want, so have at it.

Okay. I'm going to attempt to decipher what you actually said here.

I've got to have faith, a concept you stated to be made up, that there is no god? If I don't know for sure, then that means god doesn't exist (lol?)? Are you trolling me, rn lol

I literally don't know anything? Are you being general, as in people on average, when it comes to the grand scheme of things, are ignorant? If so, then I agree. Myself and you included. I do literally question your use of literally, tho.

I genuinely cannot tell if you're trying to be degrading or not.
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I agree TC and I would also say, you don't choose whether you believe in God or not. For years I tried believing in the Christian God but my mind the whole time wasn't having it at all.
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Dyinglegacy posted...

LordMarshal posted...

You just got to have faith the theres no god. Or you dont know for sure so that means he 100% doesnt exist.

Religious arguments are beyond flawed.

And you literally dont know anything. Just a general concept of there possibly being a God. Its stale, tired and old and theres been no changes in the cult of religion cuz its made up.

You are free to join any cult you want, so have at it.

Okay. I'm going to attempt to decipher what you actually said here.

I've got to have faith, a concept you stated to be made up, that there is no god? If I don't know for sure, then that means god doesn't exist (lol?)? Are you trolling me, rn lol

I literally don't know anything? Are you being general, as in people on average, when it comes to the grand scheme of things, are ignorant? If so, then I agree. Myself and you included. I do literally question your use of literally, tho.

I genuinely cannot tell if you're trying to be degrading or not.

Still no God. Arguing isnt proof of God.
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Why do you want to believe in a being that has omnipotence but instead chooses to test your faith by having terrible shit happen.

When we have pets, most of us try to raise them well. We shun and rightfully vilify those who do not.

Why is it OK for God to have terrible shit happen to us, when we expect more out of ourselves owning simple pets?
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The Gospel according to John chap. 6 : 44 states:

No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day

Is what is written that Jesus Christ said long ago.

He's chosen us Christians for salvation.
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Where were we at before we were born?
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Even if God did exist, he's an asshole. Wouldn't want to be a part of his plan anyways.

Besides, pretty sure they describe Heaven as being forced to praise God for all eternity. What a paradise!

LordMarshal posted...

Dyinglegacy posted...

LordMarshal posted...

You just got to have faith the theres no god. Or you dont know for sure so that means he 100% doesnt exist.

Religious arguments are beyond flawed.

And you literally dont know anything. Just a general concept of there possibly being a God. Its stale, tired and old and theres been no changes in the cult of religion cuz its made up.

You are free to join any cult you want, so have at it.

Okay. I'm going to attempt to decipher what you actually said here.

I've got to have faith, a concept you stated to be made up, that there is no god? If I don't know for sure, then that means god doesn't exist (lol?)? Are you trolling me, rn lol

I literally don't know anything? Are you being general, as in people on average, when it comes to the grand scheme of things, are ignorant? If so, then I agree. Myself and you included. I do literally question your use of literally, tho.

I genuinely cannot tell if you're trying to be degrading or not.

Still no God. Arguing isnt proof of God.

Never said there was, bruh. Never said there was. This guy, rn lol

Forlorn_Ass posted...

I agree TC and I would also say, you don't choose whether you believe in God or not. For years I tried believing in the Christian God but my mind the whole time wasn't having it at all.

I truly feel that religion and emotion are closely linked. I don't think it's a matter of intellect. Most of the theists I know aren't dumb, like at all. There are some who aren't the smartest, for sure. But, I've also met plenty of atheists who need a drool cloth as they spout "there is no God". As an agnostic, I'm like "how the fuck do you know?". Although that's likely more anti-theism than just happy go lucky atheism.

I've yet to be convinced by either side. Which, honestly, I rather be either extreme, than in limbo.
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Nidhoggr posted...

Even if God did exist, he's an a******

This is arguably one of the most overly-used edgy statements. It doesn't make you look or sound cool when you say it.
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Marauder64 posted...

The Gospel according to John chap. 6 : 44 states:

No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day

Is what is written that Jesus Christ said long ago.

He's chosen us Christians for salvation.

So a book written by a person.

So many holes. I thought he was an Omnipotent super being that can literally do anything whenever so i thought showing himself or speaking mentally right now would be simple.

Lets here your circular logic rationalizations for this one.
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PepperoniMaster posted...

Nidhoggr posted...

Even if God did exist, he's an a******

This is arguably one of the most overly-used edgy statements. It doesn't make you look or sound cool when you say it.

Not trying to look or sound cool. That's my honest opinion. You're going to tell me an omnipotent and all-powerful God refuses to prove his own existence to us? I like the line said by Liam Neeson in The Grey.

"Do something. Do something. You phony prick fraudulent motherfucker. Do something! Come on! Prove it! Fuck faith! Earn it! Show me something real!"

Jeff AKA Snoopy posted...

Why do you want to believe in a being that has omnipotence but instead chooses to test your faith by having terrible shit happen.

When we have pets, most of us try to raise them well. We shun and rightfully vilify those who do not.

Why is it OK for God to have terrible shit happen to us, when we expect more out of ourselves owning simple pets?

The Christains I've met, not the meme version the internet loves, generally seem to be more at peace with, everything...

They just yield themselves to their god, and whatever happens, happens. It's all part of a grand plan. It sounds cliche as fuck, but there's a certain serenity to blissful ignorance. I want it.
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Dyinglegacy posted...

They just yield themselves to their god, and whatever happens, happens. It's all part of a grand plan. It sounds cliche as fuck, but there's a certain serenity to blissful ignorance. I want it.

You sound like me a few years ago. I was going crazy over all this shit. I hated the thought of there not being an afterlife, but I could not force myself to believe in this Christian bullshit, nor any other religion. I never did come to terms with anything, I kind of just suppressed it.

Nidhoggr posted...

Even if God did exist, he's an asshole. Wouldn't want to be a part of his plan anyways.

Besides, pretty sure they describe Heaven as being forced to praise God for all eternity. What a paradise!

Either that or burn in a lake of fire for all of eternity in Hell. The afterfife is wonderful isn't it?
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i believe in the great filter theory, the god is filtering the best human that meet his requirement. if u give up then u don't have the privileged to exist. i think it's a fair system for all lifeform.
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The Wheelman1 posted...

Nidhoggr posted...

Even if God did exist, he's an asshole. Wouldn't want to be a part of his plan anyways.

Besides, pretty sure they describe Heaven as being forced to praise God for all eternity. What a paradise!

Either that or burn in a lake of fire for all of eternity in Hell. The afterfife is wonderful isn't it?

To my understanding, the desire to praise god is the natural inclination, but the flesh henders this desire, and clogs it up with what the flesh wants to do. Once we are no longer in the flesh, we'll be more than happy to praise for eternity.
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I could write a goddamn refrigerator sized book about the willfull ignorance of devout religious people, and their contempt for anybody who attempts to explain the science behind any of gods wondrous creations

But I think ill just say this: religion, miracles, the afterlife....all just stories one dude made up one day to feel better because he was scared of the finality of death, he told some people and it spread

The most convincing fairy tale in history
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LordMarshal posted...

Marauder64 posted...

The Gospel according to John chap. 6 : 44 states:

No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day

Is what is written that Jesus Christ said long ago.

He's chosen us Christians for salvation.

So a book written by a person.

So many holes. I thought he was an Omnipotent super being that can literally do anything whenever so i thought showing himself or speaking mentally right now would be simple.

Lets here your circular logic rationalizations for this one.

Right now? He is omnipotent. Just cause he doesn't do what YOU want him to do, when you want him to do it doesn't change anything.

Scripture has a lot of writings from those moved by the spirit. It also has history.

It seems to me like atheists want God to do what they want him to do, appearing to them personally or something. "I'm special"!
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Marauder64 posted...

It seems to me like atheists want God to do what they want him to do, appearing to them personally or something. "I'm special"!

No we just want him to do literally anything to prove his existence. If Jesus Christ appeared to me right now and slapped me with his 12 inch cock, I would be more than happy to convert to being a priest for the rest of my life.

God had no problem showing up in Biblical times. Why did he suddenly stop recently?

Marauder64 posted...

It seems to me like atheists want God to do..

Fucking anything.

Theres no proof. Anything you say without proof means nothing.

Hey God, tell me to shut my faithless ass up.

No answer, ever.
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dib153 posted...

I could write a goddamn refrigerator sized book about the willfull ignorance of devout religious people, and their contempt for anybody who attempts to explain the science behind any of gods wondrous creations

But I think ill just say this: religion, miracles, the afterlife....all just stories one dude made up one day to feel better because he was scared of the finality of death, he told some people and it spread

The most convincing fairy tale in history

I'm inclined to think this, and I hate that I think that way. I want to actually believe, and I want to find reasons to believe. I come up short, tho.

There are some convincing (I'm actually not even sure I would call them convincing, but more pondering) arguments for god's existence, and not necessarily the Christain god, but a deistic god. Such as humans seemingly inherient propensity to seek out and/or create religions. Like, I would almost guarantee that if all memory of religion was wiped from earth, and technology was reset to stone age, religion would develope again. Maybe even if Technology remained.
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This idea of a super being being secretive, quiet, and testing humans for boring eternal paradise or eternal torture over petty bullshit is hysterical.
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Dyinglegacy posted...

You hear people say things like "I'm happy there's just a big blank nothing when we die!" but are they really? Are they just saying that for self comfort, and would actually shit themselves when faced with ultimate finality. Do they secretly long for something more? Maybe, maybe not. Even if they claim one way or the other, there's no real way to know they are being honest about it. Self talk can be a helluva drug.

I wouldn't say I'm happy believing there's nothing after death (And I'm gonna throw some major doubt on you hearing people claim joy over that frequently enough to make your statement) but, compared to the other outcomes, it just doesn't really trouble me.

The idea of this all being a part of the plan of some grand creator is horrifying, and the arguments made to get around the icky parts are laughable at best.
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I saw the throne of God

And it was empty
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LordMarshal posted...

This idea of a super being being secretive, quiet, and testing humans for boring eternal paradise or eternal torture over petty bullshit is hysterical.

A huge amount of people are only decent when being watched and judged. There also needs to be a reward or a punishment involved.

This solves the "And nobody will ever know!" mindset.

Nidhoggr posted...

Marauder64 posted...

It seems to me like atheists want God to do what they want him to do, appearing to them personally or something. "I'm special"!

No we just want him to do literally anything to prove his existence. If Jesus Christ appeared to me right now and slapped me with his 12 inch cock, I would be more than happy to convert to being a priest for the rest of my life.

If Jesus appeared before me and bitch slapped me to the floor....

I apologize for making him do that, think well damn, i was wrong and do whatever he said.

But seeing as he doesnt exist, this will never happen.
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SaithSayer posted...

LordMarshal posted...

This idea of a super being being secretive, quiet, and testing humans for boring eternal paradise or eternal torture over petty bullshit is hysterical.

A huge amount of people are only decent when being watched and judged. There also needs to be a reward or a punishment involved.

This solves the "And nobody will ever know!" mindset.

An idea of a super being giving a fuck about you and every single human is also funny.
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LordMarshal posted...

SaithSayer posted...

LordMarshal posted...

This idea of a super being being secretive, quiet, and testing humans for boring eternal paradise or eternal torture over petty bullshit is hysterical.

A huge amount of people are only decent when being watched and judged. There also needs to be a reward or a punishment involved.

This solves the "And nobody will ever know!" mindset.

An idea of a super being giving a fuck about you and every single human is also funny.

Yeah.

We're in the one galaxy that matters, orbiting the one star that matters, on the only planet that matters and we're the only species on that planet that matters.....also the creator LOOKS LIKE US.

Yeah....totally not an arrogant load of self-serving shit. lol

SaithSayer posted...

LordMarshal posted...

SaithSayer posted...

LordMarshal posted...

This idea of a super being being secretive, quiet, and testing humans for boring eternal paradise or eternal torture over petty bullshit is hysterical.

A huge amount of people are only decent when being watched and judged. There also needs to be a reward or a punishment involved.

This solves the "And nobody will ever know!" mindset.

An idea of a super being giving a fuck about you and every single human is also funny.

Yeah.

We're in the one galaxy that matters, orbiting the one star that matters, on the only planet that matters and we're the only species on that planet that matters.....also the creator LOOKS LIKE US.

Yeah....totally not an arrogant load of self-serving shit. lol

Religious people: "Yes"
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SaithSayer posted...

LordMarshal posted...

This idea of a super being being secretive, quiet, and testing humans for boring eternal paradise or eternal torture over petty bullshit is hysterical.

A huge amount of people are only decent when being watched and judged. There also needs to be a reward or a punishment involved.

This solves the "And nobody will ever know!" mindset.

This also makes the atheist an objectively better human being, because their charitable acts and good deeds aren't motivated by a selfish desire to reside in "paradise" or tge fear of eternal damnation. An atheist does a good thing because they've got a sense of compassion or empathy, yo know....morals for the sake of morals, not a bullet point in their post-mortem evaluation
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Some people just act right because they know that's how the system functions the most smoothly and compassion/empathy play no role. Your "Dexter" types emotionally.

tc = joke account
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Goats posted...

Sometimes I really wonder what god thinks of the internet. Would he see it as an ultimate testament to our degeneracy, or would he think it's one of humanity's few great creations ninjask?

Didnt he make it. Or its part of his will or something....
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I always look at it from the perspective of God being a parent, and at a certain point in history we had grown up enough and turned "18" so we were on our own. That's how I always rationalized the existence of God in my head, or at least the Christian version. Otherwise there is too much bad **** happening for it to make any amount of actual sense without resorting to copout answers like "it's part of God's plan and we aren't capable of understanding".

Of course I'm not really educated on the bible nor do I particularly care to read it, so maybe there is some stuff in there that makes things more clear.
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Nidhoggr posted...

Marauder64 posted...

It seems to me like atheists want God to do what they want him to do, appearing to them personally or something. "I'm special"!

No we just want him to do literally anything to prove his existence. If Jesus Christ appeared to me right now and slapped me with his 12 inch cock, I would be more than happy to convert to being a priest for the rest of my life.

You kinda remind me of Thomas.

The Gospel according to John Chap. 20 : 24-29 states:

24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.
25 So the other disciples were saying to him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe."
26 After eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors having been shut, and stood in their midst and said, "Peace be with you."
27 Then He said to Thomas, "Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it into My side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing."
28 Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and my God!"
29 Jesus said to him, "Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed."

So again, what makes YOU so special?
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Marauder64 posted...

You kinda remind me of

a book that was written by people.

you have to have faith in this physical book that was written a long time ago by people
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Marauder64 posted...

29 Jesus said to him, "Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed."

Credit where it's due: the people who wrote this book were smart enough to know some people would catch onto the act here, and needed a way around that.
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LordMarshal posted...

Marauder64 posted...

You kinda remind me of

of a book that was written by people.

you have to have faith in this physical book that was written a long time ago by people

How many books have been written by people? Your education, has it not come by learning? From books? From people TELLING you things? Have you applied this knowledge to life?

Also, I dont have faith in a book. I attempt to have faith on him who is written about IN the book/scripture.

The Epistle of Paul to the Romans Chap. 10 : 12-18 states:

12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him;
13 for "WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED."
14 How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?
15 How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, "HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!"
16 However, they did not all heed the good news; for Isaiah says, "LORD, WHO HAS BELIEVED OUR REPORT?"
17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.
18 But I say, surely they have never heard, have they? Indeed they have; "THEIR VOICE HAS GONE OUT INTO ALL THE EARTH, AND THEIR WORDS TO THE ENDS OF THE WORLD."

The Book of Joel Chap 2 : 32 states
And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved, for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance, as the LORD promised, among the remnant called by the LORD.
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