Why should I be expected to believe?

[mrveggieman]

we'll definitely agree to disagree that arguments for is just a logical :)

I get that for some or a lot of people they need religion to have hope and purpose, but not everyone needs that and some need it at varying degrees. I can't really explain why but it just is. for myself I find hope and purpose and joy in my life being an atheist so it works for me. If others can't, that is perfectly okay.

I can totally respect you for that. Atheism dosen't work at all for me but do what you do.

[habsheaven]

Good point there are a lot of jerks posing as preachers fallwell, cain, robertson however the bible does say to be wary of false prophets. If you are ever serious about finding God (I know you said you wern't but if you are ever) look at the tebows of the world not the robertsons, bin ladens or herman cains. Personally I don't believe that god has sent any of them to represent him and they do all the evil they do out of the wickedness of their own hearts not by god's direction.

As far as God welcoming a non believer who lead an otherwise good life that is not my decision to make but the old saying is that if/when you go to heaven dont be surprised to see murderers, rapist, theives etc. So if all of God can forgive them as well as him being all knowing and all possible it is not beyond the realm of possibility that you could be forgiven. However I personally wouldn't take that chance. It's another old saying that goes something like this. It is better to live your life as like there is a god and die and find out there is not than to live your life like there is not and to die and find out there there is. I hope that helps you.

I am serious about learning the truth. I refuse to have blind faith in anything. I put my faith in people and things that are tangible.

[mrveggieman]

I am serious about learning the truth. I refuse to have blind faith in anything. I put my faith in people and things that are tangible.

I can respect that, it's hard to find truth in a bunch of right wing racists and homophobes or another bunch of people who murder innocent women
and children in God's name. However God is not the author of confusion. Some good reading for you may be Proofs for the Existance of God by Renee Decartes.

[duane1969]

Sure it is His fault. He must have the ability to extend a hand with something that looks more reassuring than a 2 year old, but He chooses not to.

I am legit confused by this. Are you saying that a 2 year old spoke to you and said it was God? I am confused by what you mean.

[habsheaven]

I am legit confused by this. Are you saying that a 2 year old spoke to you and said it was God? I am confused by what you mean.

You provided an analogy saying it would be my fault if I did not take the hand offered to save me if I was hanging from a cliff. I was simply offering my own analogy of what I would perceive that hand to be; that of a 2 year old child. I have no idea how you arrived at the above quote.

[duane1969]

You provided an analogy saying it would be my fault if I did not take the hand offered to save me if I was hanging from a cliff. I was simply offering my own analogy of what I would perceive that hand to be; that of a 2 year old child. I have no idea how you arrived at the above quote.

Why would you perceive it to be the hand of a 2 year old? That is where my confusion comes from.

[habsheaven]

Why would you perceive it to be the hand of a 2 year old? That is where my confusion comes from.

I would perceive it as such because of all the different ways a God has to "save" me, the best He can do is offer me mere mortal men who have no credibility to speak of. If He truly wants to "save" me. Send me someone that can "walk on water".

And don't say He already did. That is nothing more than hearsay.

[ensbergcollector]

I would perceive it as such because of all the different ways a God has to "save" me, the best He can do is offer me mere mortal men who have no credibility to speak of. If He truly wants to "save" me. Send me someone that can "walk on water".

And don't say He already did. That is nothing more than hearsay.

so for you it wouldn't be enough that he send himself to earth. he would need to stay here for all eternity so no one had to have faith in anything?

[FFEMT840]

Two simple statements here. First it is all based on faith. Secondly, all your answers will be in the Bible. I suggest the New International Version which is a more easier read. I have to use it to understand it better. Good luck!

[Hilfiger1975]

Two simple statements here. First it is all based on faith. Secondly, all your answers will be in the Bible. I suggest the New International Version which is a more easier read. I have to use it to understand it better. Good luck!

What's the definition of "faith", please?