Where is your Faith?
 

The Bible

I was given a bible and it sat for 40 years as I professed to be a Methodist and a Christian. Then I retired from the military, read the Bible from cover to cover, reread several areas several times while attending twice a week at a Baptist church. Then I became so lost in religion I was becoming more and more unhappy. I stumbled across a speech by Richard Dawkins on anti-theism. A light came on, so I started reading everything I could find about atheism. The light got brighter and I began to feel alive again. I now joyously state that I AM A DEVOTED ATHEIST.

NOTE: I believe that Jesus Christ (Yeshua) was real, and to this day the Sermon on the Mount is my favorite story, bar none; however, the Bible and any other religious texts are fake and we’re written by the powerful to control the masses. I understand and accept that God of any of the hundreds of different faiths brings comfort to millions. For me, I have found peace and comfort in the truth of Atheism. Through Atheism, I have found the true meaning of Empathy, love for ALL my fellow man and inner happiness. Best of all I have lost all racial, gender and sexual prejudices that are taught by organized Religion.
I found my comfort in Atheism and sincerely hope everyone finds theirs.

Religion pits people against each other.

While I’m not religious, I have a relationship with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We attend a baptist church (online from our home town and tithe because of the great work they do for others) because teaching of the written Word, inspired by God.

My God is a god of love for all.

Glad you are feeling better.

Sounds like you might Return to God during the last few minutes of your life! Hope to see you "up there" ... we can talk then

I am not going to attempt to convince anyone that their opinion is invalid. It seems that Atheists have just as much "need" to convince others as do Christians. Is it that the Atheist is really trying to convince others or themselves? Just a thought.
My thought is this, and I am just sharing it since someone else brought it up as a point of conversation on here.
IF a Christian, is wrong and the Atheist is right then the Christian has lost nothing when they die. No repercussions.
If an Atheist passes and is wrong, then there will be great sorrow. Kind of like the difference between having or not having insurance.
Which faith is more uplifting and positive? A person that thinks that once they pass, that's it? Or, the person that believes in a life after death?
Another question remains constant. If you do not believe in a deity, does one reject the idea of having to atone for what they have done with their lives? Or, if one believes in atonement, does that make one think before committing slights against others? Just a few thoughts.

This is an interesting discussion, but will it result in folks becoming thoughtful or just very angry?

All hail His Noodly Appendage!

And yes, I own a round metal collander.

Born and raised in the Reform Movement of Judaism (which most non-Jews refer to incorrectly as "reformed Judaism" - Judaism didn't re-form. Our perspective of it did. Judaism is still what it is, and has been, for almost 4000 years).
I'm primarily a cultural/ethnic/genetic Jew. Went to Sunday school, learned all the prayers and songs in Hebrew/English, joined the youth group, slept with the other high schoolers in the barn once a month as part of the "senior" youth group activities to create and direct the sabbath services that weekend, etc. I never embraced the religion.

I have no "official" religion. I've studied several religions, even entertained a stint with the Hare Krsnas because their temple smelled so nice (it's where I went to study for mid-terms because my dorm was always too noisy).

Studied Wicca, studied Jehovah Witness, studied a few bonafide cults - all on my own, I never took "religious studies" in school. Probably should have though, it's a fascinating subject. I believe that it doesn't matter what happens when we die. What matters is what we do while we're alive.

For me I am certain that I have became more thought about others and have gained empathy for others along with my acceptance of Atheism. As far as an afterlife, I have comfort in knowing that how I conduct myself while alive is my legacy and is determined while alive and terminates when dead.

You are just lost in the religion of atheism. No real change in your addictive mental makeup. You use the same phrases born again Christians, Jews etc use “a light came on” , “brighter and brighter”.

My own belief is there is something more than just atoms combining to explain life. Dawkins and Krauss say science proves there is no God but that is not correct. Newton and Einstein both believed in a higher intelligence and if you delve deeper into quantum physics and its relationship to biology your mind will open up more at the miracle of life than by reading Dawkins. Arvin Ash on YouTube has some excellent videos on understanding science.

Interesting theory.
Question:
If you are wrong and you convince others to reject their "deity" then how do you justify their eternal damnation, IF that becomes the case? Your belief in the negative while assuring that the negative is really a positive could possibly be damaging. Therefore, your "legacy" will be destructive. AND just another thought, what if you are wrong about everything "terminating" after your demise? That leaves devastation behind you, right? Just addressing your statement, not trying to change your mind.
I do not care what Atheists believe. But, I do wonder why they insist on convincing others of a possible destructive avenue in life, when believing in a higher authority is harming no one, and may be a source of their salvation in the afterlife, assuming an afterlife for discussion's sake.
Like I said before, what harm is there in believing and ultimately finding out that you were wrong, versus NOT believing and finding out that you were wrong? The benefit of faith seems to greatly outweigh the loss by declining the gift that costs you nothing.

David Phelps - Ain't No Grave (Live) - YouTube

Who do you want coming for you? angels or grim reaper? I may not make it through the pearly gates, but al least I will be evaluated.

How is it a "legacy" if it "terminates" when you are gone? Isn't "legacy" something left behind?

George Carlin with his views on religion.......

George Carlin --- Religion is Bull**** - YouTube

I have heard the “what if your wrong” line a lot during my journey. I finally realized that something was wrong with organized religion. I now feel mentally clean. I am so thankful for the truth of Atheism. If your happy being a Christian or a Muslim or a Jew, then enjoy. This is not a short sighted Change for me. I have searched for 32 years and I am still learning how to lead a full and satisfying life that eluded me the first 40 years.

Bear with me and I will try my best to give you an answer you and comprehend. Legacy is what you leave behind. The meaning of my statement is, you continue to build your legacy while alive, but your Legacy is finalized on your death.

Sounded like you were saying your "legacy" dies when you die.
The problem with "legacy" is that it is dependent on someone else's opinion. Some would say that legacies in the form of statues are being torn down today because they don't fit someone's PC vision. Others have been proud of their heritage and resist the destruction. Just an example, even if not the greatest.
According to the Bible (for those believing) Jesus' "legacy" is EVERYONE'S salvation that accepts it. He does not force it upon anyone, just gives it as a gift. An Atheist rejects the gift offered. Kind of like a starving person rejecting a meal from the Salvation Army. But that is their prerogative. The point that I find humorous if not sad is that the starving person may be rejecting the FREE meal based on image or association. Like many converts in combat foxholes, a starving person may suddenly accept the association when they are at death's door. Hopefully, by that time it is not too late.
This is just my view, as part of the conversation. Not meant to "convert" anyone. How one feels or believes is their personal choice. The only reason for this discussion is that the personal beliefs of one person's religious choice (Atheism) is being discussed. And I would agree with the other poster's opinion that Atheism IS a religion. The Supreme Court says that Atheism must be treated as a religion.

One raised with no religious background, married into a split religious home. Father Catholic, mother Southern Baptist. What a roller coaster ride that was, Catholic grandparents didn’t recognize the marriage, and therefore all the grandchildren didn’t exist.
The Baptist grandparents loved grandchildren, but it also gave a life of no parties, no cards, no dancing, no outside life, other than church.

I believe you should choose what works best for you, and no one should convince you, what they believe, should not be forced on others. Still waiting for someone to come back and tell me which is the way to go.so far no luck

Saying that there is something wrong with organized religion is like saying there is something wrong with our government. I agree to both, actually. Even though I believe that there is much about "organized" religion that could be modified, eliminated or changed, that does not mean that I do not believe in the basis for the religion, which is "faith." Your "truth of Atheism" is debatable, which seems to be the motive for your subject. Perhaps, you feel that your life was not "satisfying" for 40 years because you were searching for "satisfaction" in the wrong places, OR expecting someone else to make your life "satisfying." The feeling of Satisfaction is totally dependent on your frame of mind. No one can give you satisfaction. You either FEEL satisfaction or you don't. Same way with happiness, sadness, or any other emotion. Some folks FEEL satisfaction by achieving success. Some find satisfaction by helping others. Some enjoy the feeling of sunshine and a full belly. I do not blame "religion" for not satisfying you. There is a difference between Religion and FAITH, but I am sure you have heard that many times before. If you require irrefutable evidence of the existence of a god, then you do not understand the terms Faith or belief.
Sorry, I did not mean to blather so long.

Question is: Have you been listening?

I am a Compostist.
I believe you go back to the earth.
No Gods. No Heavenly Choirs. No burning in eternal fires.
You get one chance at life.
This is not a rehearsal or some pre-sellection course for some other entity, after your time on earth finishes, you are done.
I have no fear of death, but confess, I am not to happy about the dying bit!

Perfectly said. My many years of believing in god and accepting Jesus as my lord and savior was constantly shaken by the things I would witness in church and by “Christians”. Shameful actions by professed Christians kept me looking and trying to understand them. Simply stopping my blind faith was a first big step to mental clarity and reduction in anxiety and stress. As I researched more I became more happy and relaxed. I hope those with faith are happy with it, but for me I needed more truth and less blind faith in a deity that came into history only 6000 years ago, yet life has been on this planet for 5 billion years. I know, I know I hear the explanations for that discrepancy, but none that make any logical sense. Burning in hell for eternity is one of the many goofy statements I’ve agonized over. Point, if a being would torture me for eternity for not being totally loyal to words written down several thousand years ago, then that is not a thing I would worship.
Anyway god bless those that put their faith in god, and I certainly mean no disrespect, but I have found my piece and happiness in Atheism. Please respect my choice as I respect yours.

I believe if you respect our beliefs you wouldn’t be forcefeeding us with yours. I know that Satan works tirelessly and in evil ways. You walk your path and I’ll walk mine. I feel the light of faith and peace in my heart, I’ve always been happy.

I always found it strange that most parents would encourage their children to try different things, have different experiences, and to become anything they wanted to become. But, they never encouraged them to try different religions.

Younger parents are very different raising their children in faith and have been for the last 20 years.

Personally, I am science based. Don’t like the idea of believing as belief can be wrong. Earth flat theory etc. I like to know. I like facts, provable, repeatable with the same outcomes.

So with that attitude I set out to search for God. For months, years, nothing else mattered as much to me. First question was, is there a God? The answer eventually was yes, there is, but... a person cannot find Him, only He can reveal Himself. So if one hasn’t found Him it was His choice. But then it is also said that if you search with ALL your heart and ALL your might, you will be allowed to find Him. The next question was, what are His attributes?

My impression is that He is not a him at all. Not a human but it is the closest approximation we, as people, have towards the Creator. I can guarantee you that the Creator exists but I can’t convince you. Only He can do that. Good luck with your search. Whatever you find I hope you are happy with it.

The gods was ancient alien species. I take it you don’t watch Ancient Aliens on history or discovery channel? :faint:

I had a friend in N.J. who was a lifetime nonbeliever and used his beliefs on many occasions to stir the pot. Fortunately for me, I never took the bait. What does it matter to me if he believes or not or what his status is with any higher power?

This guy was a very nice person but I always watched the people who tried to turn his belief system around and save him. He enjoyed the argument and battle. He loved to see people squirm.

Fast forward about 20 years. Frank ended up in Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in Manhattan with an inoperable Brain Tumor. Hours away from his death he summoned

a priest and covered his bet so to speak by accepting a Higher Power. I wasn't there but got the story from some very close friends who were on the scene.

The moral of his story and anyone else with conflicting beliefs to my own is that I don't care. People wanting to change other peoples religious beliefs have and still do

cause conflicts all over the world. If you are comfortable with your views, good for you.

Exactly. I'm still trying to figure out why someone wants to bring their religious, or non-religious beliefs to a public forum like this, unless they're looking for attention or to just stir the pot.. :shrug:

Nope, but the show sounds good. I am familiar with the hundreds of gods and goddesses of Hinduism, and the various deities worshipped in the world from my comparative region classes. In my view they are all the same. Like looking at an elephant from the front, it has a long trunk, or the back, a tiny tail, or the side, it has large ears. But it is the same thing, just looking at it from the various religious perspectives. Each has a little bit of the truth.

Forgive me if I am not a skeptic. Is it possible that they are still searching? And we do learn from each other.