Do you believe there is a God?

[...] 1) God is indeed a plausible explanation for the first cause of the universe, as well as a possible explanation for the inherent complexity and harmony of life and the laws of nature, [...]Acemaster27

[QUOTE="Acemaster27"][...] 1) God is indeed a plausible explanation for the first cause of the universe, as well as a possible explanation for the inherent complexity and harmony of life and the laws of nature, [...]foxhound_fox

Such as which explanation for the univers' first cause?

YellowOneKinobi

[QUOTE="YellowOneKinobi"]Such as which explanation for the univers' first cause?

foxhound_fox

I think it would be really really hard to put my thoughts into this fully, but I'll just keep it simple :P

I do believe there is a God, or some sort of reason for us being here.

It's physically impossible for one to wrap his or her mind around the concept of not existing, but just being alive, feeling the feeling you do knowing you're alive. It's weird. It simply comes down to why?

If there wasn't a god...why are we here?

Even if there is a god...why are we here?

How?

Like I said, it can get pretty deep and is very very difficult to put something like this into words.

I believe there is a god, and that we have souls. I think if there wasn't a god and/or we didn't have souls life would be more robotic, We would live each day, only completing the tasks necessary for survival, but we would not feel, be happy, sad, angry, laugh, or whatever.

One might say these feelings are neurological, but if we are here just because, and there is no purpose...Why would we have this electrical signals/impulses giving feelings that we have?

Yes, I do believe there is a god.

MrJack3690

I really like what you've posted. It is very true that trying to explain away God in a box is almost impossible lol. But I like how you wrapped your mind around how our life would be if there was no God. I do believe this is true, we would be like tin soldiers; never changing all the same. This reminds me of what the Bible says about how "the spirit gives life", how the spirit is the only thing that unlocks a true(full) way of living. I think of it as when we have that spirit we turn from tin soldiers into real human beings unique in every way becoming even more of what we were meant to be; each person unique and special in his own way. Almost as if the tin soldiers actually come to life. thats just what I think.

[QUOTE="YellowOneKinobi"]Such as which explanation for the univers' first cause?

foxhound_fox

Well, technically speaking, the Big Bang does not describe the universe's first cause. It describes the expansion of a singularity whose existence is assumed based on the evidence. The actual nature of that singularity, which truly deals with the first cause of the universe, is an entirely different question.

Careful not to fall into the trap of those who would like to think that the Big Bang theory is a theory of everything that must explain everything or else it doesn't count. :P

@ foxhound_fox

1. Ironically, God created the universe from nothing. Also, who created God?

a) I never said that. Universe was created from G-d, not nothing. I also don't believe in the existence of nothing. b) G-d doesn't require a creator since he is not limited by time, among other things.

2. Really? What about extremely technologically advanced extra-terrestrials? They couldn't have created it?

So these ETs are capable of creating our universe,eternal, not limited by time* & not limited by space, + alot of other stuff too. They would fit pretty well in my definition of G-d.

* If they aren't limited by time then a) they would require a creator etc. until chain stops and we find a creator not limited by time or b) the eternity discussion further down.
3. This makes absolutely no sense. The universe could easily be infinite in age, we could be going through one of an infinite number of cycles of expansion/con traction/dissolution.

I actually don't deny this but I'm saying this doesn't make any sense at all in mymind. Im pretty sure you really agree with me. Like if you draw a line even if you draw it for an eternity and it gets infinitely long it'll still have a beginning. If G-d created the universe then he also at the same created time & the phenomen of time would only be within our universe. That would solve this problem.... kinda. I might be wrong but doesn't many scientists belive that time came into existence at the Big Bang?

Also does infinity in practice really exist within our universe?

Also I believe many scientists don't believe the universe will contract cause the universe expand faster than required for it to contract... or something like that. Obviously there are many theories.

And finally for me if you look at the universe everything is the result of something, for example simply, giraffes doesn't have long necks just because they do but because their food was at an high elevation so evolution has given them long necks. Therefore I find it hard to accept that an eternaluniverse would exist just because it does. Giraffes has long necks as a result of evolution. Eternal universe exist as a result of ? Created universe exist as a result of G-d. G-d not being limited by the universe's laws.

4. This definition could be applied to many non-God beings or entities.

Not if you define G-d like I do. Then those beings or entities would be G-d.

A1: Only human conception is limited by time. The universe does not "know" time because it is not human. And in some areas of advanced physics, time doen't exist at all. Being completely relative to its perception.

Of course it knows time since time passes within our universe. For example time passes parallel with the universe's expansion. & yeah time is relative, like if you travel with the speed of light time passes slower compared to slower traveling things, right? But being relative=/=non-existent. And I think scientists doesn't really know what time is in theory but in practice you'll still wake up in the morning and time will have passed and alot of stuff will have happened.

A2: Ah, I see now. You define the universe as non-eternal, and then have a gap that needs filling, and just choose God to fill that timegap. Did you ever think about any of the alternatives? The more logical ones than an invisible deity pulling everything out of nothing?

Like what? The only other alternative is an eternal universe which is even more illogical or at least too incomprehensible for me.

Now, don't think I'm trying to pick on you or anything, I'm just trying to reason out why you believe such things when there actually are other possible explanations... with less fantastical requirements.

No, I don't believe it.

Every religion have a god of their own and there's hundreds of different religions in the world. How do you know which one is real? history written on paper is not enough to prove there's god.

Oh god lol.

No.

No, I don't believe it.

Every religion have a god of their own and there's hundreds of different religions in the world. How do you know which one is real? history written on paper is not enough to prove there's god.

NO

b) G-d doesn't require a creator since he is not limited by time, among other things.charlesdarwin55

The king of all logical fallacies.

"God doesn't need a creator because he is God"

no, why would I do something like that?

No.

God was invented by people unable to explain the natural world, so they thought up a all powerful being/s to explain away the mysteries of day to day life. This of course become more complicated and detailed as it was passed on from generation to generation, but the core reason behind it is the same. In today's modern age of science and reason, the place for a God to explain away unknowns is getting smaller and smaller every day. Though some people still cling to the idea, either because they were raised into it generation after generation; or because the idea of a all powerful father figure looking out for people is appealing to them.

a) Universe was created from G-d, not nothing. I also don't believe in the existence of nothing. b) G-d doesn't require a creator since he is not limited by time, among other things.

charlesdarwin55

I absolutely hate this argument. The contradiction in this statement is outstanding. To say nothing can't create something, then turn around in the same breath and say nothing created God sounds illogical...

[QUOTE="charlesdarwin55"]b) G-d doesn't require a creator since he is not limited by time, among other things.raynimrod

The king of all logical fallacies.

"God doesn't need a creator because he is God"

[QUOTE="raynimrod"]

[QUOTE="charlesdarwin55"]b) G-d doesn't require a creator since he is not limited by time, among other things.m25105

The king of all logical fallacies.

"God doesn't need a creator because he is God"

Until you can prove it, a fallacy is exactly what it is. Divinity and its very idea was created by man.

I'm not quite religious, but I do believe in God

[QUOTE="YellowOneKinobi"]Such as which explanation for the univers' first cause?

foxhound_fox

Yes I do and don't change my mind.rockerbikie

Considering the amount of times this question is asked in life, no. If there was a God, there would be proof.

In the theistic sense, no, I don't. I find the concept to be laughably absurd and the height of narcissism. Who gives a flying **** about us? Nobody, but us. 'Course, that's not very comforting, so I can understand why many do believe.

I'm not quite religious, but I do believe in God

superfive9

I believe that there is a God and that there is a place for everyone after death even if your an atheist. God created you and he must be the one who finishes you. Aren't you glad that you had a chance of what life is all about instead of being a sleep for billions of years like you were before you were born? Pretty crazy huh. Life isn't always about money, you people need to start thinking outside the box.

I do indeed believe there is a God and I believe that God can be known through Jesus Christ.mindstorm

I concur :)

No.

God was invented by people unable to explain the natural world, so they thought up a all powerful being/s to explain away the mysteries of day to day life. This of course become more complicated and detailed as it was passed on from generation to generation, but the core reason behind it is the same. In today's modern age of science and reason, the place for a God to explain away unknowns is getting smaller and smaller every day. Though some people still cling to the idea, either because they were raised into it generation after generation; or because the idea of a all powerful father figure looking out for people is appealing to them.

AnnoyedDragon

This is the correct answer. God is used to explain the unexplainable. When people don't understand something, it is often "An Act of God". Later when is scientifically explained, people still continue to cling on to the notion that there is an all powerful being and if they live a good life there will be more for them after death. Some don't want to come to the realization that after death, your life is over and in a couple decades the entire world will forget you ever existed.

No one can prove that God exists with cold-hard scientific/historic facts, because there simply are none. The same holds true vice-versa, you can't prove that God doesn't exist.

I personally find that people having the notion that those who believe in a God(let alone the Christian God) are weak-minded are an awful streotype. Just the same for people who believe that atheists are too proud to believe in a greater being. You can't judge people like that. Neither can you judge a religion based on a presumption.

This is my brief viewpoint on the matter, from a Christian that is, If my post doesn't do anything for you, treat my opinion as dirt in regards to the matter.

Christanity is all about putting faith in a God, the same God that died for me and you and had the power to rise again in 3 days, and less about putting faith in your own competence. God is not looking for do-gooders to pass his imaginary requirements, He is looking for people that can allow Him to work within them, and act through them. This kinda sounds like losing your free will in the process, but that is far from it, we all fell short since Adam and Eve, God is like a teacher in this regard, He is aiding and guiding us to live life the way it should be.

The mechanic designed the machine to his spercifications to act accordingly in a spercific manner, toss the ability to think for ourselves and a malfunction along the way and the machine can be likened to us. God is simply fixing you.

Through the process, you will be compelled to do the things Christ did, you simply want to please God. Of course, becoming a Christian is not an easy transistion. Believing in Jesus alone doesn't make you a Christian, letting God to live in your life thus becoming more Christ-like in your deeds, personality, having a relationship with him is the goal. If you believe in Jesus and nothing has changed meaningfully in your life whether it be your character or attitude in doing things etc, there is something wrong. There has to be a change, no matter the person, changing and having the attitude to change doesn't come on a whim, it will take time and effort.

Ok, that wasn't a brief post, there is alot more to Christainity than what I wrote. Again I have to mention, if this did not help you at all, do away with it.

[QUOTE="m25105"][QUOTE="raynimrod"]

The king of all logical fallacies.

"God doesn't need a creator because he is God"

raynimrod

Until you can prove it, a fallacy is exactly what it is. Divinity and its very idea was created by man.

No, I don't believe tat there is a God.

[QUOTE="Gamerstevo666"][QUOTE="foxhound_fox"]

Some of us do enjoy debates about religion. If you don't, you can just ignore the thread(s).

Omni-Wrath

How did God exist?

He was already there from the start.

Considering the amount of times this question is asked in life, no. If there was a God, there would be proof.

Avian005

a) I never said that. Universe was created from G-d, not nothing. I also don't believe in the existence of nothing. b) G-d doesn't require a creator since he is not limited by time, among other things.

a) The Bible says he created the universe from nothing.
b) Nothing is the opposite of something. Why not? If God doesn't need a creator, why does the universe?

So these ETs are capable of creating our universe,eternal, not limited by time* & not limited by space, + alot of other stuff too. They would fit pretty well in my definition of G-d.

* If they aren't limited by time then a) they would require a creator etc. until chain stops and we find a creator not limited by time or b) the eternity discussion further down.

a) And why can't they not be limited by time? And what if they have the technology to bend time to their own will? What if they are entirely natural and created this universe as a home for themselves? If there is more than one, then it is not a proper definition of "God."

I actually don't deny this but I'm saying this doesn't make any sense at all in mymind. Im pretty sure you really agree with me. Like if you draw a line even if you draw it for an eternity and it gets infinitely long it'll still have a beginning. If G-d created the universe then he also at the same created time & the phenomen of time would only be within our universe. That would solve this problem.... kinda. I might be wrong but doesn't many scientists belive that time came into existence at the Big Bang?

Time is not limited even by the universe. Travelling faster than the speed of light alters time. As do black holes. Why does God have to be the source? Why can't the universe be entirely natural and eternal?

Also does infinity in practice really exist within our universe?

Infinity is a concept just like time. It does not inherently exist, but is a conception of the human mind.

Also I believe many scientists don't believe the universe will contract cause the universe expand faster than required for it to contract... or something like that. Obviously there are many theories.

No one can say that for sure, and I also said "dissolution" which means things get to far away and the universe suffers what is called "heat death." There are many theories with reasoning that makes sense. God does not make sense in a natural model, it requires a leap of faith that isn't based on practical or rational reasoning.

And finally for me if you look at the universe everything is the result of something, for example simply, giraffes doesn't have long necks just because they do but because their food was at an high elevation so evolution has given them long necks. Therefore I find it hard to accept that an eternaluniverse would exist just because it does. Giraffes has long necks as a result of evolution. Eternal universe exist as a result of ? Created universe exist as a result of G-d. G-d not being limited by the universe's laws.

And why can't it just exist? Why does cause and effect require an originator? You are the one positing God existing... but it is not required for the universe to exist or function. Putting God "in the gaps" only makes it harder to put God in as science will continually answer most or all of the questions (until the universe changes and comes up with something new).

Not if you define G-d like I do. Then those beings or entities would be G-d.

But why do they need to be called God? Especially if they are non-supernatural, non-conscious and non-intelligent entities. charlesdarwin55

My answers are in blue.

No one can prove that God exists with cold-hard scientific/historic facts, because there simply are none. The same holds true vice-versa, you can't prove that God doesn't exist.ForceFreeze

Most of the times I do, sometimes I have my doubts, sometimes I rage on the whole idea, sometimes I have the absolute believe in God, I dun see how someone could totally forget about God, sure there are some desperate times when you will find no relive but to pray for God !

Yes, I believe in God.

Yes I believe there is a God.

Do you believe there is a god? Whether you are religious or not, what do you think? In my opinion, i do not believe there is a God. If there was, why would he/she let all these things happen to us? Why does he/she not indicate his existance? Why doesn't he/she use skype? There is no "real" proof that God exists. Some might argue of the creation of the world? Nobody truly knows. And I wonder why there are all these different religions? After all, they all do believe in a God, yet they are all different. What do you think?Gamerstevo666

Most atheists and non-believers don't posit as such. They just deny theist's claims that one does. Only a small minority actually make it their life's work to prove God "does not exist." And like RationalAtheist has said in this thread (IIRC) is that there is no such thing as "unproof." What you are talking about is a logical fallacy.

foxhound_fox

"unproof"? I never even heard of such of a term. The burden of proof rest on the one that makes an objective claim. Regradless if it's positive or negative.

I do not believe in God, that is a human creation based on Christianity. Someone having an absolute answer on the beginning of all existence would be highly unlikely to be correct. Jd1680a