benjamin QMM

By that I mean that religious belief pervades every part of our life. Even atheists are raised in a world full of religious connotations. What, if anything, is without any religious connotations or connections?

I'm a little confused. I just read "John 9:31

Now we know that God heareth not sinners"

But, aren't we all sinners? Even Christians? So, are all our cries falling on deaf ears?

Does knowing that this is the one and only life you get make the days seem more important? Is this life more rewarding because it is the only one you'll have?

I'm just curious.

Everybody seems to think atheism is dark, or cynical, I think they idea that we are finite beings with a limited time just makes the time we have all the more precious.

Thoughts from either side?

If God is the sum of all things that have, do, or will exist, then what unique thing has your life added to God?

I've always considered myself an agnostic. Lately I've been informed that I don't even know what that means.

So, I'll ask you guys: What am I?

I believe that God is unknowable. If he exists, he has not interfered with humanity in any meaningful way.

I believe that there is no way to know God, or God's will.

I have no set ideas about an afterlife.

I believe that morality is born of conscience, and sin does not exist except in our judgment.

So, if I'm not an agnostic, can someone offer me a label that is more appropriate?

What are the names of Odin's ravens? I know they mean 'thought' and 'memory' but I can't remember the proper names for the life of me.

Extra credit: What would the word for 'doubt' be? I'm thinking of claiming to be their younger brother.

Is it just places sacred to your religion, or are other sites also 'holy'?

Is Stonehenge sacred to Christians? Are Mayan pyramids holy ground in the eyes of Buddhists?

Just curious, thanks.

Who would you let speak for your side in a debate?

I'm agnostic, so I'd say Bearbones. I could pretty much follow her around the site and just post 'what she said' and it would work about 90% of the time.

What does the term 'in service' mean to you? What purpose does this service have? What does it mean to serve a God/gods?

An omnipotent God doesn't really need your help, does he?

The gods still exist without you demonstrating faith, don't they?

Regardless of you beliefs, why 'serve' them? And is service to other people included in your obligation to serve God/gods?

(by that I mean the religious authority appointed by whatever belief structure you subscribe to)

I could guess the Christian answer, but I'd rather hear it from a Christian. I am very interested in the concept of service in other religions as well though.

I'm not asking for proof. I except that God is unprovable. My question is simply "What is so important about us having faith?"

I find it hard to believe that it would matter to God one way or the other. I would think it would be enough to simply try and be a good person, without having to have faith as well.

Can someone explain to me why God wants me to believe?

Is it the Christmas tree, Easter eggs, or all those nifty saints the Catholics have (like St. Patrick)?

For me, it's mistletoe.

I mean really, if they keep asking these drinking questions, we might just get smashed enough for them to make sense.

Do you think they're that devious?

I think we can pretty much all agree the 'blind' faith is not healthy (feel free to disagree). A good deal of people here also believe that faith is probably one of the best traits you can have.

So, where's the line? When does faith go blind?

And Atheists, is there anything you'd 'just let it rest' about?

Just one mind you, you can get rid of evolution or the Big Bang, but not both.

Give up attacking scientic theory? Stop using Pascal's Wager? Threats of Hell?

For me, it's stop quoting scripture, since none of us (Non-theists) believe God wrote it anyway.

I don't mean give up your religion or your God. I'm asking if you'd be willing to let go of your church, that's all. You could still gather with like minded people, just not in a building specifically build for the purpose. Stop going to middle men and have your relationship with your God personally. Give your money to charities that help all mankind, instead just people of one faith. Let the preists and preachers get regular jobs that don't set themselves above others in matters of theology. If no man has the right to tell you God's will and no piece of land is holy, then maybe we can stop people from killing in God's name. Would that not in itself be a rightous act?

We could use the churches and temples as museums and libraries. Preserve them the way we do historical sites.

Well, what do you think?

I'm an Agnostic. I am not undecided, uncertain, or unsure. I came to this standpoint after years of study and contemplation. I do not call myself an Atheist for the simple reason that I am not one. I feel there is a certain amount of hubris in the statement that you know for a fact there is no God, and that you understand the nature (if not the details) of existence.

So, are other Agnostics just 'unsure'? Why are Atheists so sure? Just because a Christain (or Muslim, or Bhuddist, I don't mean to pick on just you guys) is clearly wrong in your view, does that discredit all belief in an afterlife?

I have heard this aurgument quite a few times:

(I cut and pasted this just now from an answer to another question)

"...whether God exists or not, its illogical to presume he doesnt. You stand to gain more by believing in God and being Right than you stand to gain by not believing in God and being wrong.

If you fail to believe in God and God exists, you go to Hell for eternity.

If you believe in God and God does not exist, then you have just lead a life less full of hedonism

If you believe in God and God exists, you go to Heaven for all eternity etc."

Does anyone else have a problem with the logic of this, or is it just me?