Is There A God?

[Mudda]

What is really funny and ironic is that the OP has the intellect of a 5 year old preschool child in reality.

What is really funny and ironic is what you just said.

 

[esthermoon]

I'm agnostic. I don't have any evidence that shows me there's a god.
Seeing at this world the existence of some god seems not real to me.
Much less a God who loves us...
Maybe a God exists but he's some kind of energy indifferent and imperturbable

 

[Divine Wind]

I'm agnostic. I don't have any evidence that shows me there's a god.
Seeing at this world the existence of some god seems not real to me.
Much less a God who loves us...
Maybe a God exists but he's some kind of energy indifferent and imperturbable

Many modern Christians believe in a personal God; a god who grants wishes to the pious and prevents harm if properly and fervently begged.

I don't believe in a personal God. I believe in an all powerful being who, for unknown reasons, created the Universe and everything in it. A basic philosophical question is "Why are we here?" Entertainment? Spiritual growth? Certainly not to live forever. That one is self-evident. In fact, since all material things are temporary, the answer, IMHO, must be spiritual since spirituality would be eternal.

Ergo, it wouldn't fit for God to grant physical wishes or interfere with our spiritual growth. All a loving God needs to do is be there when we are ready to become one with God.

 

[Buck111]

Most people think of "god" as a being who resembles them, hangs out in a place called "heaven" and passes harsh judgements on us. "He loves us", they say. "But, He is not going to love us if we don't obey him and do as he says. He will send us to hell if we disobey him and don't keep his commandments."

Now, that's all a bit confusing to me. How can he love us and then punish us in hell for all eternity if we don't obey his laws? Always heard that love is unconditional; why is gods love conditional?

For some reason I am suppose to bow to and worship some guy who has never physically revealed himself to me. I am suppose to do it on "faith" (whatever that is).

Now, don't get me wrong, I do believe there is a higher power - a force so strong it can create and destroy everything. And I believe that higher power to be intelligent. What I cannot believe any longer, after decades of doing so, is this higher power is jealous and petty and will put me in hell for also being jealous and petty. I don't believe this higher power will call for the murdering of people, yet put me in hell for murdering without his consent. If my purpose in being on this big blue marble is to aspire to be like him, then it is my responsibility to be jealous, petty and a murderer. If this truly is the way he is, then I don't want to be like him.

There are many, many different religions on this planet. Many are indigenous to particular regions or eras of the world. For instance: You have Judaics here, Muslims there, Buddhists over there and Christians all over the place. ALL of these religions began in different locales or in close proximity to each other at different times in history. Each became government sponsored according to what manner the government chose to use them. The United States was once considered a Christian country. So was much of Europe. Israel is considered to be a Jewish state. Thailand recognizes Buddhism as its traditional religion. Islam (the Muslim religion) is practiced throughout the middle east. There are way more than four religions - I am only using four as examples to save time and space.

Nearly all religions have three things in common: 1. They believe in a god. 2. Only their religions is right. 3. Fear.
Those are the three main things they all have in common. While some are non-violent, many will kill you or condemn you to hell for believing differently from them. Even sects within each religion will condemn or kill each other for not believing as they do, even though those sects claim to worship the same god (i.e. Catholics and Protestants; Secular and ultra-orthodox Jews).

I believe that #3, Fear, is the main motivator when it comes to peoples beliefs in their religions. People are terrified of the unknown. Death is an unknown. We don't know where we are going when we die, but we don't want to end. Death is permanent and scary as hell - unless you believe in hell, then you can avoid it. All you have to do is believe and do a few rituals, follow some commandments and, POOF, you will live forever in a wonderful mansion with or without (depending on your religion) 72 virgins.

No, I am not an atheist. Atheism is a religion as wicked as all of the rest. It is based in hatred and condemnation of those who are not atheists. Just like every other religion, atheism, seeks to dictate how others should think, believe and live. Many atheists would behead you, burn you at the stake, or hang you from a cross, just as quickly as any other religion has done in the past.

So, what religion am I? Just like being a Democrat, a Republican, a Libertarian, a Anarchist, a Voluntaryist...I am none. Or am of none. I do not subscribe to any religious dogma any more than I subscribe to any political dogma. I believe there is a force of energy that is so great it can create things from nothing, including the human life form. I don't believe that energy wants me to murder, be jealous, or be petty. I believe that I was created in that energies imagine, because I too am energy and energy never dies. Energy does not know heaven, nor does it know hell. Energy is immune to such stupidity.

You are quite weak in Philosophy obviously.

Philosophy is the thinking process that sorts all these "philosophical" questions through.

You should start with doing some research on Aristotle and "the prime mover".

Then you should read up on Aquinas and "the first cause".

Then you should read up on Descartes and "the evil genius".

Finally then you will be ready for Leibniz and "the best of all possible worlds".

That should help you understand the issues and answers better.

In the meantime your intellect is little more than a 5 year old preschool child on this topic.

Since I have the intellect of a five year old, instead of insulting me like another five year old might do, why aren't you educating me? Isn't that what adults do with five year olds? They don't tell them to read the philosophies (something a five year old is not ready for) they give the child the answers.

 

[Czernobog]

Most people think of "god" as a being who resembles them, hangs out in a place called "heaven" and passes harsh judgements on us. "He loves us", they say. "But, He is not going to love us if we don't obey him and do as he says. He will send us to hell if we disobey him and don't keep his commandments."

Now, that's all a bit confusing to me. How can he love us and then punish us in hell for all eternity if we don't obey his laws? Always heard that love is unconditional; why is gods love conditional?

For some reason I am suppose to bow to and worship some guy who has never physically revealed himself to me. I am suppose to do it on "faith" (whatever that is).

Now, don't get me wrong, I do believe there is a higher power - a force so strong it can create and destroy everything. And I believe that higher power to be intelligent. What I cannot believe any longer, after decades of doing so, is this higher power is jealous and petty and will put me in hell for also being jealous and petty. I don't believe this higher power will call for the murdering of people, yet put me in hell for murdering without his consent. If my purpose in being on this big blue marble is to aspire to be like him, then it is my responsibility to be jealous, petty and a murderer. If this truly is the way he is, then I don't want to be like him.

There are many, many different religions on this planet. Many are indigenous to particular regions or eras of the world. For instance: You have Judaics here, Muslims there, Buddhists over there and Christians all over the place. ALL of these religions began in different locales or in close proximity to each other at different times in history. Each became government sponsored according to what manner the government chose to use them. The United States was once considered a Christian country. So was much of Europe. Israel is considered to be a Jewish state. Thailand recognizes Buddhism as its traditional religion. Islam (the Muslim religion) is practiced throughout the middle east. There are way more than four religions - I am only using four as examples to save time and space.

Nearly all religions have three things in common: 1. They believe in a god. 2. Only their religions is right. 3. Fear.
Those are the three main things they all have in common. While some are non-violent, many will kill you or condemn you to hell for believing differently from them. Even sects within each religion will condemn or kill each other for not believing as they do, even though those sects claim to worship the same god (i.e. Catholics and Protestants; Secular and ultra-orthodox Jews).

I believe that #3, Fear, is the main motivator when it comes to peoples beliefs in their religions. People are terrified of the unknown. Death is an unknown. We don't know where we are going when we die, but we don't want to end. Death is permanent and scary as hell - unless you believe in hell, then you can avoid it. All you have to do is believe and do a few rituals, follow some commandments and, POOF, you will live forever in a wonderful mansion with or without (depending on your religion) 72 virgins.

No, I am not an atheist. Atheism is a religion as wicked as all of the rest. It is based in hatred and condemnation of those who are not atheists. Just like every other religion, atheism, seeks to dictate how others should think, believe and live. Many atheists would behead you, burn you at the stake, or hang you from a cross, just as quickly as any other religion has done in the past.

So, what religion am I? Just like being a Democrat, a Republican, a Libertarian, a Anarchist, a Voluntaryist...I am none. Or am of none. I do not subscribe to any religious dogma any more than I subscribe to any political dogma. I believe there is a force of energy that is so great it can create things from nothing, including the human life form. I don't believe that energy wants me to murder, be jealous, or be petty. I believe that I was created in that energies imagine, because I too am energy and energy never dies. Energy does not know heaven, nor does it know hell. Energy is immune to such stupidity.

I worry for your eternal life ... even if you don't know about it.

Frankly, it is your egotism that will doom you. To believe that you are the most intelligent being will be your downfall. It's not your place to question God, only to question your own fallibility.

When the day comes, one of us will be right -- and one of us will be wrong. If I'm wrong, I have lost nothing. But, you ... if you're wrong, you're fucked.

You do understand that your entire post demonstrates the OP's third point, right? You offer no evidence, or reasonable argument in defence of the Christian concept of a God who has nothing better to do then sit around all day, and keep a petty list of every single slight of every single person on the planet to then use against any given individual after their death, other than, "But...if I'm right, and that really is who God is, then you're going to Hell!!!" That is the quintessential argument from the position of fear: "Believe in my concept of divinity, or fear the consequences,"

 

[Czernobog]

Nah, you can't prove God does not exist:

I definitely believe the lack of evidence of gods' existence is shown by its lack. Feel free to provide evidence of such existence in order to refute my claim. Or concede to being a fantasist.

Every scientist knows absence of evidence is not evidence of absence. The bottom line here is no one knows from whence the Universe came. If the science supported the Oscillating Universe theory, then it would be a stronger proof that nothing came before. Since the evidence indicates ours is a one-shot Universe with a definite beginning and a very cold, dead eventual end, then the question remains; What caused the Big Bang?

Scientifically answer this question with proof and I'll accept it. Until then, will you accept no one knows?:

That's what's cool about science. The answer is, "I don't know, let's find out," You're presumed response: "God," offers nothing. It offers no challenge to learn, to study, to experiment. It is a proclamation that is the end of all search for knowledge. Since we "know" "What happened here", there really is no need to research, or explore, is there? Whereas, the simple answer, "I don't know, let's find out," is an invitation to exploration, and discovery.

 

[JakeStarkey]

Nah, you can't prove God does not exist:

I definitely believe the lack of evidence of gods' existence is shown by its lack. Feel free to provide evidence of such existence in order to refute my claim. Or concede to being a fantasist.

Every scientist knows absence of evidence is not evidence of absence. The bottom line here is no one knows from whence the Universe came. If the science supported the Oscillating Universe theory, then it would be a stronger proof that nothing came before. Since the evidence indicates ours is a one-shot Universe with a definite beginning and a very cold, dead eventual end, then the question remains; What caused the Big Bang?

Scientifically answer this question with proof and I'll accept it. Until then, will you accept no one knows?:

That's what's cool about science. The answer is, "I don't know, let's find out," You're presumed response: "God," offers nothing. It offers no challenge to learn, to study, to experiment. It is a proclamation that is the end of all search for knowledge. Since we "know" "What happened here", there really is no need to research, or explore, is there? Whereas, the simple answer, "I don't know, let's find out," is an invitation to exploration, and discovery.

Only in your limited head.

 

[Czernobog]

Nah, you can't prove God does not exist:

I definitely believe the lack of evidence of gods' existence is shown by its lack. Feel free to provide evidence of such existence in order to refute my claim. Or concede to being a fantasist.

Every scientist knows absence of evidence is not evidence of absence. The bottom line here is no one knows from whence the Universe came. If the science supported the Oscillating Universe theory, then it would be a stronger proof that nothing came before. Since the evidence indicates ours is a one-shot Universe with a definite beginning and a very cold, dead eventual end, then the question remains; What caused the Big Bang?

Scientifically answer this question with proof and I'll accept it. Until then, will you accept no one knows?:

That's what's cool about science. The answer is, "I don't know, let's find out," You're presumed response: "God," offers nothing. It offers no challenge to learn, to study, to experiment. It is a proclamation that is the end of all search for knowledge. Since we "know" "What happened here", there really is no need to research, or explore, is there? Whereas, the simple answer, "I don't know, let's find out," is an invitation to exploration, and discovery.

Only in your limited head.

Why does it not surprise me that, unlike the person to whom I was responding, you are incapable of an intelligent argument, and must resort to sophomoric insults, and attacks? Now, shush. Grown ups are trying to have serious discussions here. If you pay attention, you might learn something.

 

[JakeStarkey]

Nah, you can't prove God does not exist:

I definitely believe the lack of evidence of gods' existence is shown by its lack. Feel free to provide evidence of such existence in order to refute my claim. Or concede to being a fantasist.

Every scientist knows absence of evidence is not evidence of absence. The bottom line here is no one knows from whence the Universe came. If the science supported the Oscillating Universe theory, then it would be a stronger proof that nothing came before. Since the evidence indicates ours is a one-shot Universe with a definite beginning and a very cold, dead eventual end, then the question remains; What caused the Big Bang?

Scientifically answer this question with proof and I'll accept it. Until then, will you accept no one knows?:

That's what's cool about science. The answer is, "I don't know, let's find out," You're presumed response: "God," offers nothing. It offers no challenge to learn, to study, to experiment. It is a proclamation that is the end of all search for knowledge. Since we "know" "What happened here", there really is no need to research, or explore, is there? Whereas, the simple answer, "I don't know, let's find out," is an invitation to exploration, and discovery.

Only in your limited head.

Why does it not surprise me that, unlike the person to whom I was responding, you are incapable of an intelligent argument, and must resort to sophomoric insults, and attacks? Now, shush. Grown ups are trying to have serious discussions here. If you pay attention, you might learn something.

No arguing with a Jack the lad like you, is there now? Be happy on your path and the best of luck to you. You are here to learn, not teach.

 

[Czernobog]

I definitely believe the lack of evidence of gods' existence is shown by its lack. Feel free to provide evidence of such existence in order to refute my claim. Or concede to being a fantasist.

Every scientist knows absence of evidence is not evidence of absence. The bottom line here is no one knows from whence the Universe came. If the science supported the Oscillating Universe theory, then it would be a stronger proof that nothing came before. Since the evidence indicates ours is a one-shot Universe with a definite beginning and a very cold, dead eventual end, then the question remains; What caused the Big Bang?

Scientifically answer this question with proof and I'll accept it. Until then, will you accept no one knows?:

That's what's cool about science. The answer is, "I don't know, let's find out," You're presumed response: "God," offers nothing. It offers no challenge to learn, to study, to experiment. It is a proclamation that is the end of all search for knowledge. Since we "know" "What happened here", there really is no need to research, or explore, is there? Whereas, the simple answer, "I don't know, let's find out," is an invitation to exploration, and discovery.

Only in your limited head.

Why does it not surprise me that, unlike the person to whom I was responding, you are incapable of an intelligent argument, and must resort to sophomoric insults, and attacks? Now, shush. Grown ups are trying to have serious discussions here. If you pay attention, you might learn something.

No arguing with a Jack the lad like you, is there now? Be happy on your path and the best of luck to you. You are here to learn, not teach.

Nope. You're responses make it clear that I am here to teach, as you have much to learn.

 

[Spare_change]

I'm agnostic. I don't have any evidence that shows me there's a god.
Seeing at this world the existence of some god seems not real to me.
Much less a God who loves us...
Maybe a God exists but he's some kind of energy indifferent and imperturbable

Many modern Christians believe in a personal God; a god who grants wishes to the pious and prevents harm if properly and fervently begged.

I don't believe in a personal God. I believe in an all powerful being who, for unknown reasons, created the Universe and everything in it. A basic philosophical question is "Why are we here?" Entertainment? Spiritual growth? Certainly not to live forever. That one is self-evident. In fact, since all material things are temporary, the answer, IMHO, must be spiritual since spirituality would be eternal.

Ergo, it wouldn't fit for God to grant physical wishes or interfere with our spiritual growth. All a loving God needs to do is be there when we are ready to become one with God.

Perchance you can show me a single -- SINGLE - Chrisitan who "believe in a personal God; a god who grants wishes to the pious and prevents harm if properly and fervently begged"

Every true Christian understands that we serve at the behest of God, not the other way around.

 

[Czernobog]

I'm agnostic. I don't have any evidence that shows me there's a god.
Seeing at this world the existence of some god seems not real to me.
Much less a God who loves us...
Maybe a God exists but he's some kind of energy indifferent and imperturbable

Many modern Christians believe in a personal God; a god who grants wishes to the pious and prevents harm if properly and fervently begged.

I don't believe in a personal God. I believe in an all powerful being who, for unknown reasons, created the Universe and everything in it. A basic philosophical question is "Why are we here?" Entertainment? Spiritual growth? Certainly not to live forever. That one is self-evident. In fact, since all material things are temporary, the answer, IMHO, must be spiritual since spirituality would be eternal.

Ergo, it wouldn't fit for God to grant physical wishes or interfere with our spiritual growth. All a loving God needs to do is be there when we are ready to become one with God.

Perchance you can show me a single -- SINGLE - Chrisitan who "believe in a personal God; a god who grants wishes to the pious and prevents harm if properly and fervently begged"

Every true Christian understands that we serve at the behest of God, not the other way around.

But, you see, this is the basic flaw of Christian cosmology. "We serve at the behest of God". Why? What does God do to deserve our service, our devotion? The promise of heaven, and threat of hell isn't enough, because then it just returns to the motivation of fear expounded on in the OP.. The mere existential reality of God is not enough to demand worship. Fear? Maybe. But, worship, and servitude? No. If God demands servitude then it is incumbent upon God to do something to deserve that servitude. Whjich returns us to why? Why should we "serve God"?

 

[BreezeWood]

.

Scientifically answer this question with proof and I'll accept it. Until then, will you accept no one knows?:

mathematically, matter travels in propulsion at an acute angle from its origin in space to return from the apex back to it's original position recreating the compaction that at singularity causes the propulsion, creating an endless cycle of compaction and propulsion of the same matter.

.

 

[BreezeWood]

.
The Triumph of Good vs Evil is evidence there is an Almighty in Spiritual terms whether they are the origin of the universe or not.

.

 

[Czernobog]

.
The Triumph of Good vs Evil is evidence there is an Almighty in Spiritual terms whether they are the origin of the universe or not.

.

"The Triumph of Good vs Evil"? Really? And, by what standards do you propose that "Good is Triumphing over Evil"?

 

[Spare_change]

I'm agnostic. I don't have any evidence that shows me there's a god.
Seeing at this world the existence of some god seems not real to me.
Much less a God who loves us...
Maybe a God exists but he's some kind of energy indifferent and imperturbable

Many modern Christians believe in a personal God; a god who grants wishes to the pious and prevents harm if properly and fervently begged.

I don't believe in a personal God. I believe in an all powerful being who, for unknown reasons, created the Universe and everything in it. A basic philosophical question is "Why are we here?" Entertainment? Spiritual growth? Certainly not to live forever. That one is self-evident. In fact, since all material things are temporary, the answer, IMHO, must be spiritual since spirituality would be eternal.

Ergo, it wouldn't fit for God to grant physical wishes or interfere with our spiritual growth. All a loving God needs to do is be there when we are ready to become one with God.

Perchance you can show me a single -- SINGLE - Chrisitan who "believe in a personal God; a god who grants wishes to the pious and prevents harm if properly and fervently begged"

Every true Christian understands that we serve at the behest of God, not the other way around.

But, you see, this is the basic flaw of Christian cosmology. "We serve at the behest of God". Why? What does God do to deserve our service, our devotion? The promise of heaven, and threat of hell isn't enough, because then it just returns to the motivation of fear expounded on in the OP.. The mere existential reality of God is not enough to demand worship. Fear? Maybe. But, worship, and servitude? No. If God demands servitude then it is incumbent upon God to do something to deserve that servitude. Whjich returns us to why? Why should we "serve God"?

The original silly question ......

"What does God do to deserve our devotion?" By what delusion of egotistical, hyperinflated, sense of self importance, do you ask such a question?

God offers me eternal life. God offers me salvation for my sins. God offers me love. Why does He deserve our devotion? Because he sacrificed his son to free me from the bondage of sin.

God does not demand "servitude" ... He demands unconditional love and commitment.

"... incumbent upon God ..." How wrong you are. He owes me nothing, he has given me everything.

You say ... " ... mere existential reality... is not enough", ."... the promise of heaven, and threat of hell isn't enough ..." Clearly, you have no perception of Heaven and Hell. To you, they are abstract. To me, they are real.

That, sir, is your choice. Just as I do not ridicule you for your choice, you shall not ridicule me for mine. If you truly are searching for an answer ... I will help you. If not, then may God have mercy on your soul.

 

[Lewdog]

Ok, I'm not sure if someone has said it, but you're Agnostic. You believe in a higher power but no specific God or religion.

 

[BreezeWood]

.
The Triumph of Good vs Evil is evidence there is an Almighty in Spiritual terms whether they are the origin of the universe or not.

.

"The Triumph of Good vs Evil"? Really? And, by what standards do you propose that "Good is Triumphing over Evil"?

.

And, by what standards do you propose that "Good is Triumphing over Evil"?

it's not at best there is a draw in time however one will triumph over the other one will cease to exist there will become purity of one type or another. for an individual that reaches completion, a Sabbath.

.

 

[Czernobog]

The original silly question ......

"What does God do to deserve our devotion?" By what delusion of egotistical, hyperinflated, sense of self importance, do you ask such a question?

I'm sorry. I didn't ridicule you, or your post. I presumed that you were making a serious attempt to offer a position on the topic, and were open to discussion. I see no reason for you to ridicule me, or to insult me for offering a challenge to your position.

God offers me eternal life. God offers me salvation for my sins. God offers me love. Why does He deserve our devotion? Because he sacrificed his son to free me from the bondage of sin.

The problem with this response is that it presumes that "sin" is some outside influence that binds you, and ties you down. It completely discounts the concept that your choices in your life are just that - yours. Why should you need someone to "save" you from the consequences of your own choices? Would not the more responsible position to be to own one's choices, and the consequences that come with them? In doing so, the question of "sin" becomes inconsequential, because everything becomes about choices, and consequences.

God does not demand "servitude" ... He demands unconditional love and commitment.

It's interesting that you would say that, as you just said that God offers you love. However, clearly his love is not unconditional. After all, he threatens Hell to those who refuse to meet his qualifications. Aquinas once described Hell as the complete absence of God; that it is an eternity beyond God's love, and grace. In other words, God no longer loves those in Hell. So, one cannot even argue that God still loves you, even in Hell, even if you don't know about it. Again, that love is not unconditional. So, God, apparently, demands from you, what he is not, himself, willing to give. And you seem to thank him for it.

"... incumbent upon God ..." How wrong you are. He owes me nothing, he has given me everything.

What? precisely? "God has given me everything" makes for a nice platitude, but it's a rather empty claim. Fill it in for me. What, precisely, has God "given" you, and how?

You say ... " ... mere existential reality... is not enough", ."... the promise of heaven, and threat of hell isn't enough ..." Clearly, you have no perception of Heaven and Hell. To you, they are abstract. To me, they are real.

I have a very clear perception of Heaven and Hell. You may feel that they are real, and that is you prerogative, however, I am not a man of emotion. I am a man of reason, and logic. Heaven, and Hell are not physical locations. There is no place on a map of either the Earth, the Solar System, or even the known Cosmos where one can point, and say, "Here is Heaven. Here is Hell," They are abstract promises of some nebulous future promise, or threat.

That, sir, is your choice. Just as I do not ridicule you for your choice, you shall not ridicule me for mine. If you truly are searching for an answer ... I will help you. If not, then may God have mercy on your soul.

There is nothing in any of my posts to you, Sir, that has been mocking, or ridiculing. You have stated a position, and I am challenging it. If you find the challenge offensive, or threatening to your belief, that says more about you, than it does me.

 

[Wyatt earp]

Most people think of "god" as a being who resembles them, hangs out in a place called "heaven" and passes harsh judgements on us.
"He loves us", they say. "But, He is not going to love us if we don't obey him and do as he says. He will send us to hell if we disobey him and don't keep his commandments."

Now, that's all a bit confusing to me. How can he love us and then punish us in hell for all eternity if we don't obey his laws? Always heard that love is unconditional; why is gods love conditional?

For some reason I am suppose to bow to and worship some guy who has never physically revealed himself to me. I am suppose to do it on "faith" (whatever that is).

Now, don't get me wrong, I do believe there is a higher power - a force so strong it can create and destroy everything. And I believe that higher power to be intelligent. What I cannot believe any longer, after decades of doing so, is this higher power is jealous and petty and will put me in hell for also being jealous and petty. I don't believe this higher power will call for the murdering of people, yet put me in hell for murdering without his consent. If my purpose in being on this big blue marble is to aspire to be like him, then it is my responsibility to be jealous, petty and a murderer. If this truly is the way he is, then I don't want to be like him.

There are many, many different religions on this planet. Many are indigenous to particular regions or eras of the world. For instance: You have Judaics here, Muslims there, Buddhists over there and Christians all over the place. ALL of these religions began in different locales or in close proximity to each other at different times in history. Each became government sponsored according to what manner the government chose to use them. The United States was once considered a Christian country. So was much of Europe. Israel is considered to be a Jewish state. Thailand recognizes Buddhism as its traditional religion. Islam (the Muslim religion) is practiced throughout the middle east. There are way more than four religions - I am only using four as examples to save time and space.

Nearly all religions have three things in common: 1. They believe in a god. 2. Only their religions is right. 3. Fear.
Those are the three main things they all have in common. While some are non-violent, many will kill you or condemn you to hell for believing differently from them. Even sects within each religion will condemn or kill each other for not believing as they do, even though those sects claim to worship the same god (i.e. Catholics and Protestants; Secular and ultra-orthodox Jews).

I believe that #3, Fear, is the main motivator when it comes to peoples beliefs in their religions. People are terrified of the unknown. Death is an unknown. We don't know where we are going when we die, but we don't want to end. Death is permanent and scary as hell - unless you believe in hell, then you can avoid it. All you have to do is believe and do a few rituals, follow some commandments and, POOF, you will live forever in a wonderful mansion with or without (depending on your religion) 72 virgins.

No, I am not an atheist. Atheism is a religion as wicked as all of the rest. It is based in hatred and condemnation of those who are not atheists. Just like every other religion, atheism, seeks to dictate how others should think, believe and live. Many atheists would behead you, burn you at the stake, or hang you from a cross, just as quickly as any other religion has done in the past.

So, what religion am I? Just like being a Democrat, a Republican, a Libertarian, a Anarchist, a Voluntaryist...I am none. Or am of none. I do not subscribe to any religious dogma any more than I subscribe to any political dogma. I believe there is a force of energy that is so great it can create things from nothing, including the human life form. I don't believe that energy wants me to murder, be jealous, or be petty. I believe that I was created in that energies imagine, because I too am energy and energy never dies. Energy does not know heaven, nor does it know hell. Energy is immune to such stupidity.

Long story short cubs won Trump won, what do you think?