You don't seem to have a good grasp on the definition of the word stereotype, or you are not properly reading my arguments. I'm sure I could go through some of your posts and find what you consider to be stereotyping.

I'm not on a high horse, and what makes someone happy is irrelevant, though understandable. What makes for progression of our species is the big picture, and history tells us that Christianity and religion in general does a lot of damage. By the way, I do actually have the right to say that, but that's not what I'm saying.
As I said, I'm not saying that people choose religion because it's the easy way out, but as you said, it sure is convenient.

Don't get so bogged down in one thing I have said, and please refrain from jumping to conclusion.
Me saying I'd rather not take the easy way out does not equal me saying all Christians believe in god because it's the easy way out. You said it's convenient, because no one can disprove your God. That's the easy way out of an argument, not the easy way out of gaining enlightenment.

I believe there could be a higher power out there, but I don't know for certain. I do believe that I know for certain that the Christian God is not that higher power though. A God such as portrayed in the bible, that would meddle with his own experiments by making his presence known would make sure to do a better job that what has been done. The Christian God is conceited, he is benevolent, I think that he would make his presence known one hundred percent, and give every person on this Earth a chance to live by his set of rules.

If he created us, he would know how to do this, and he would have known beforehand the consequences of doing what he has supposedly done. If your God was real, I assure his existence would not be questionable, it would simply be a question of whether you would live on his terms or not.

Didn't you say that God was a sort of energy?

Brb shower.

I wouldn't make such a claim but I would explore the option that god is within us all and we are all connected by a form of energy.
Positive and negative energy is all around us, inside of us, and is created from us. It's natural to think we are all godly.



Just in case it wasn't obvious for everyone, allow me to elaborate.

Arguing the existence of a supernatural metaphysical being that is able to create anything, in any time, in any place is useless because it can not be proven by any means that we have.

Exploring the nature of this being is far different from arguing about it and I encourage everyone to explore this option, however if you decide to use faith as your vehicle for belief, then it is just as useless as arguing for it or against it.

In my opinion, arguing and believing are both a waste of time, energy and resources and should not be pursued by anybody.
Explore the option, and investigate all you want, but only believe in what is possible.

if that's the case, you're an idealist and probably deist

in which, you already have a rudimentary religious set of beliefs

The pic in the OP brings to mind Gods awesome creative powers and His majesty .

Who isn't an "idealist" and what's with the labels?
I'm a human being.

I have a perfect grasp of the definition. Thanks for your conerns, though.

History shows us the people do stupid things for stuff that they are passionate about. This stems to many areas beyond religion. Once again, I feel that you are placing the blame in the wrong areas. Just because certain individuals feel the need to kill others for something they are passionate about does not speak on the idea as a whole, much less other people affiliated with said idea.

Once again, you are playing with semantics. "Convenient" and "easy way out" are interchangeable in this case, and it is beyond obvious that their relationship is related in this discussion. You initiated this with your statement earlier in this thread. Keep wiggling if you want, I'm over it.

Also, you can't be for certain about anything. Please, show me proof without a doubt that the Christian God isn't the correct one? You and I both know that it is impossible, so your statement that you know for certain that the Christian God doesn't exist as absurd. You are more than welcome to not believe in God, but it is illogical to base your reasoning on the impossibility of existence. The simple fact of the matter is that we really don't know for sure. Get over it.

I have went through the same motions that you have. I have asked the same questions and had the same doubts. However, throughout my searching I found answers that I felt made sense to me. I would share them with you if I had time and if I actually felt like it would mean 2 craps to anyone reading it, but I have since learned better through my experiences on these forums.

This post was edited by bpfergu on Nov 17 2009 01:46pm

No, believe me. Your motives were very obvious.

I believe it is entirely possible for a supernatural being. Please, show me proof otherwise? Until you can provide me with solid proof that there is no higher power then I will place your assumption that there isn't a God in the same bin as all of those crazies who think there is a man upstairs.

You may call me an unconventional Christian in that I support a lot of things that a lot of more conservative Christians don't follow. Like I have said before, I don't see why there has to be confliction between science and the supernatural. Call me crazy if you want, but it is what works for me.

What are yours?