[Byte1]

Originally Posted by JimJohnson

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.

[thelegges]

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

[Byte1]

Originally Posted by JimJohnson

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.

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.

[Byte1]

Originally Posted by thelegges

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

Question is: Have you been listening?

[Two Bills]

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!

[JimJohnson]

Originally Posted by Two Bills

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.

[Aces4]

Originally Posted by JimJohnson

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.

[retiredguy123]

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.

[Aces4]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

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.

[Velvet]

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.

[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by Velvet

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?

[Nucky]

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.

[Kenswing]

Originally Posted by Nucky

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..

[Velvet]

Originally Posted by Topspinmo

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

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.

[Velvet]

Originally Posted by Kenswing

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..

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