Is There a God? Or Gods?

[BULLDOG]

Go to him? Why?

If you mean, "Why bother", then you really shouldn't.

I mean that if you have no idea where or what to look for, and there is no way to tell if you found it, why would any sane person do that?,

 

[Meriweather]

I mean that if you have no idea where or what to look for, and there is no way to tell if you found it, why would any sane person do that?,

Some people hypothesize that people of all cultures made up God. It is more likely that some people in all cultures have experienced God and then told of these experiences. Some find the Bible a reliable source having captured some of these experiences.

1. Abraham: Found God in faith
2. Noah: Found God in righteousness
3. Moses: Found God in hindsight
4. Elijah: Found God in tiny things

You will know.

 

[Spare_change]

Haven't you suffered but learned something in the meantime? How can we have empathy if we don't experience disappointments ourselves. Those who suffere for eternity had the opportunity to have a relationship with God.

I also believe in reincarnation. God is so merciful he gives many another chance.

How did anyone have a chance if they were never given a logical reason to believe in God? Of course religious folks had mentioned God to them at one time or the other, but Buddhists, or Hindus, or any one of the others did too. All claiming that their way is the right way. Since your God never bothered to make himself known to the guy as the real God, how can anyone he be fairly judged to be worthy of eternal torture? I've asked that question in that form or close too it a lot of times. Nobody has answered it yet.

Why is it necessary that you be given logic reason? Why does He have to come to you?

Why don't you go to Him? Why don't you find out?

Sounds pretty damn selfish to me.

Go to him? Why? Without some logical reason, how can anybody know which God is the right God? Followers of every religion will tell you that they are the right one. They can't all be right, and closing your eyes and randomly pointing at the crowd of Gods to choose who you will dedicate yourself to, while hoping you made the right choice seems pretty dumb to me. Picking a God should have better odds than picking the right curtain on Lets Make A Deal. .

Actually, maybe they all CAN be right ....

Not according to every Christian I've ever known.

Guess we haven't met, then, huh?

Actually, I suspect you are painting with a broad brush .... most religions don't differentiate between your God or my God. Their differences are in methodology - do you baptize, do you not - do you circumcise, do you not - do you confess your sins thru a priest, do you not -

My 'religion' falls into a much larger category - Christian - but I practice the tenets and techniques of the Catholic religion. That doesn't make Baptists, or Lutherans, or (OMG) Presbyterians, any less Christian - it is only the method and tenets that vary. All of us believe in the same God.

Christianity stresses the point that He is the " .... one true God ...". Nothing in that statement should lead you to believe that He can't be the "... one true God ...." for those who worship with a different methodology. He has brought His message to His people - who's to say that he hasn't used multiple conduits? You call him God - Muslims call Him Allah - and the Holy Sphincters call him George. Nothing makes those diametrically opposed.

Now - ask me.

Is there only one God? Yes. (A statement of fact)
Is there only one religion? No. (A statement of fact)
Is there only one religion that does it right? Yes.(A statement of opinion)
Is it possible that God has shown Himself to other peoples in a different personification? Yes. (A statement of fact)

There. Now you've met one. Nice to meet you.

 

[Spare_change]

Go to him? Why?

If you mean, "Why bother", then you really shouldn't.

I mean that if you have no idea where or what to look for, and there is no way to tell if you found it, why would any sane person do that?,

I knew where to look. (You do, too - though, it's not convenient to admit it)
I know what to look for. (You do, too - though, it's not convenient to admit it)
I know I found it.

I'm sane -

 

[Likkmee]

We have no scientific proof whatsoever that a deity exists. Or angels or demons.

Yet, from time immemorial, humans have displayed a belief in such beings. Everywhere human beings tread the sod, they have some form of belief. Some, like Christians, Jews, and Muslims are Monotheists who believe in one Supreme Being. And even among Christians, there is a belief in two other Gods, Jesus and The Holy Spirit. Many others, especially older societies are Polytheists who believe in many Gods. There is one thing in common with all of them. One God is superior to all the others. And those with multiple gods, each has an area of concern and many of them have faults similar to humans. But, almost all of them are humorless.

That's why I thoroughly enjoy the myths and beliefs of American Indians. The vast majority of them have deities who make jokes or even fall on their faces. Brother Coyote who continually gets in trouble but always gets out of it and never dies. And there is brave Brother Rabbit who fears nothing and always fights for the others. And, far before the arrival of Europeans had tales of a great flood and coming from The Land of Ice. And many have stories of the creation of the lands where they live.

So, what causes this? Why do humans need to turn to mythical beings outside of their physical realm who somehow are responsible for all their ills? Or miracles?

Could it be that such beings truly exist?

I'm an avid fan of science fiction having started reading it about the time I entered kindergarten. One of the thesis I remember was our solar system or universe being but one atom of a large molecule in another existence. Another was about highly advanced civilizations existing in which beings terraformed our planet and guided the creation of everything upon it, watching over it to view the course of their creation.

Could these beings be the Gods we have come to believe in?

And, what about the belief in Karma and the Resurrection? Why do so many believe in an existence beyond our current existence?

Another theme that has always interested me is that we were created like some insects that go through changes; a pupa changing into a chrysalis into a beautiful butterfly. Are we simply in the pupa stage? And how we act on this plane of existence determines whether we become a butterfly - or a moth?

So, are gods and angels and demons simply beings who have progressed beyond our plane of existence to a higher one? Or, could we be a breeding ground for advanced civilizations that no longer recreate physically?

Or a whole lot of other things?

And finally, there are those who believe in none of the above and are ready to support their beliefs by any means - to include denying all beliefs but their own. Atheists and agnostics who want to removal or destruction of all mythical beliefs. Why are they so virulent in their disbelief?

Okay, so what are my personal beliefs? First, I do not believe that man-made beliefs and structures are the final say in our existence and possible future. I think everyone has a right to believe what they wish without the interference of others or that their belief does not require them to belittle or even destroy anyone who does not agree with them. If sitting in a special building to listen to someone explain what you should believe is what turns you on - good for you. Go for it. The few times in my life when I felt close to something above and beyond myself were in the midst of places of such calm and beauty that my spirit felt beyond my existence. Muir Woods. Overlooking a spot on the rugged California Coast. A few others I'm not going to dig too deep for.

So, back to my original question. Is there a God? Or Gods?

To me, that's up to each individual to believe or disbelieve. I hope whatever that is, it gives you peace and a desire to live a better life to include respect for all of Creation and the creatures in it.

In other words, have a good life.

What do you believe? Without flaming please.

There is only one Creator of existence. He goes by "I am."

Same one who said " ye shall worship no other gods before me" ? Or was it another one ? I know you're from Tegxziss. Reading isn't a bad thing ya know ?
OH.for reference
Exodus 20:3
"You shall have no other gods before Me.

 

[BULLDOG]

I mean that if you have no idea where or what to look for, and there is no way to tell if you found it, why would any sane person do that?,

Some people hypothesize that people of all cultures made up God. It is more likely that some people in all cultures have experienced God and then told of these experiences. Some find the Bible a reliable source having captured some of these experiences.

1. Abraham: Found God in faith
2. Noah: Found God in righteousness
3. Moses: Found God in hindsight
4. Elijah: Found God in tiny things

You will know.

Got it. You can't answer the simple question, so you spout dogma.

 

[BULLDOG]

How did anyone have a chance if they were never given a logical reason to believe in God? Of course religious folks had mentioned God to them at one time or the other, but Buddhists, or Hindus, or any one of the others did too. All claiming that their way is the right way. Since your God never bothered to make himself known to the guy as the real God, how can anyone he be fairly judged to be worthy of eternal torture? I've asked that question in that form or close too it a lot of times. Nobody has answered it yet.

Why is it necessary that you be given logic reason? Why does He have to come to you?

Why don't you go to Him? Why don't you find out?

Sounds pretty damn selfish to me.

Go to him? Why? Without some logical reason, how can anybody know which God is the right God? Followers of every religion will tell you that they are the right one. They can't all be right, and closing your eyes and randomly pointing at the crowd of Gods to choose who you will dedicate yourself to, while hoping you made the right choice seems pretty dumb to me. Picking a God should have better odds than picking the right curtain on Lets Make A Deal. .

Actually, maybe they all CAN be right ....

Not according to every Christian I've ever known.

Guess we haven't met, then, huh?

Actually, I suspect you are painting with a broad brush .... most religions don't differentiate between your God or my God. Their differences are in methodology - do you baptize, do you not - do you circumcise, do you not - do you confess your sins thru a priest, do you not -

My 'religion' falls into a much larger category - Christian - but I practice the tenets and techniques of the Catholic religion. That doesn't make Baptists, or Lutherans, or (OMG) Presbyterians, any less Christian - it is only the method and tenets that vary. All of us believe in the same God.

Christianity stresses the point that He is the " .... one true God ...". Nothing in that statement should lead you to believe that He can't be the "... one true God ...." for those who worship with a different methodology. He has brought His message to His people - who's to say that he hasn't used multiple conduits? You call him God - Muslims call Him Allah - and the Holy Sphincters call him George. Nothing makes those diametrically opposed.

Now - ask me.

Is there only one God? Yes. (A statement of fact)
Is there only one religion? No. (A statement of fact)
Is there only one religion that does it right? Yes.(A statement of opinion)
Is it possible that God has shown Himself to other peoples in a different personification? Yes. (A statement of fact)

There. Now you've met one. Nice to meet you.

Great. Now we're getting somewhere. I'll be just as correct if I chose Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, or any one of the thousands of primal-indigenous religions. Wearing a head dress and doing rain dances is just as valid as going to a Christian church. I guess that whole "either believe in Jesus, or go to hell" thing is just bullshit since every religion is just as good as any other. Right?

 

[Spare_change]

Why is it necessary that you be given logic reason? Why does He have to come to you?

Why don't you go to Him? Why don't you find out?

Sounds pretty damn selfish to me.

Go to him? Why? Without some logical reason, how can anybody know which God is the right God? Followers of every religion will tell you that they are the right one. They can't all be right, and closing your eyes and randomly pointing at the crowd of Gods to choose who you will dedicate yourself to, while hoping you made the right choice seems pretty dumb to me. Picking a God should have better odds than picking the right curtain on Lets Make A Deal. .

Actually, maybe they all CAN be right ....

Not according to every Christian I've ever known.

Guess we haven't met, then, huh?

Actually, I suspect you are painting with a broad brush .... most religions don't differentiate between your God or my God. Their differences are in methodology - do you baptize, do you not - do you circumcise, do you not - do you confess your sins thru a priest, do you not -

My 'religion' falls into a much larger category - Christian - but I practice the tenets and techniques of the Catholic religion. That doesn't make Baptists, or Lutherans, or (OMG) Presbyterians, any less Christian - it is only the method and tenets that vary. All of us believe in the same God.

Christianity stresses the point that He is the " .... one true God ...". Nothing in that statement should lead you to believe that He can't be the "... one true God ...." for those who worship with a different methodology. He has brought His message to His people - who's to say that he hasn't used multiple conduits? You call him God - Muslims call Him Allah - and the Holy Sphincters call him George. Nothing makes those diametrically opposed.

Now - ask me.

Is there only one God? Yes. (A statement of fact)
Is there only one religion? No. (A statement of fact)
Is there only one religion that does it right? Yes.(A statement of opinion)
Is it possible that God has shown Himself to other peoples in a different personification? Yes. (A statement of fact)

There. Now you've met one. Nice to meet you.

Great. Now we're getting somewhere. I'll be just as correct if I chose Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, or any one of the thousands of primal-indigenous religions. Wearing a head dress and doing rain dances is just as valid as going to a Christian church. I guess that whole "either believe in Jesus, or go to hell" thing is just bullshit since every religion is just as good as any other. Right?

Nice extrapolation of what I said .... only problem is .... that ain't what I said.

You asked if it was possible that one God (by presenting himself in multiple personifications) could be worshiped thru multiple religions - the answer is yes. Did I say that ALL religions worship the same God (by whatever name)? No, I didn't say that.

There is only one true God - and we are called to worship Him before all others. You'll know Him when you meet Him. Is it possible that the God to which they do rain dances is the same God as mine? Sure - it's possible. Is it possible that God spoke to those people who wear head dresses and do rain dance? Sure - it's possible.

Let's keep in mind that "wearing head dresses and doing rain dances" is a manifestation of religion methodology, not of belief. There is no substantial difference between that "head dress" and the Pope's mitre. Both are merely the result of interpretations of God's word. Is one any less valid than the other? You'll have to ask God about that.
Is it likely? Only God knows.

MY God would not desert a whole civilization of people simply because they can't read the Bible. My God would speak to them in language, and symbols, and parables, couched in terms they would understand. My God is all-knowing and all-inclusive. For you to somehow think that you can judge His relationship with other peoples is the height of egotism and self-inflated sense of importance. Not to mention - it means you're a damn poor judge of your own character.

You call it po-ta-to, I call it po-tah-to. Neither is right - neither is wrong, and in the end, they both taste great fried up with some sausage and eggs.

Which one is right? Ask God.

 

[BULLDOG]

Go to him? Why? Without some logical reason, how can anybody know which God is the right God? Followers of every religion will tell you that they are the right one. They can't all be right, and closing your eyes and randomly pointing at the crowd of Gods to choose who you will dedicate yourself to, while hoping you made the right choice seems pretty dumb to me. Picking a God should have better odds than picking the right curtain on Lets Make A Deal. .

Actually, maybe they all CAN be right ....

Not according to every Christian I've ever known.

Guess we haven't met, then, huh?

Actually, I suspect you are painting with a broad brush .... most religions don't differentiate between your God or my God. Their differences are in methodology - do you baptize, do you not - do you circumcise, do you not - do you confess your sins thru a priest, do you not -

My 'religion' falls into a much larger category - Christian - but I practice the tenets and techniques of the Catholic religion. That doesn't make Baptists, or Lutherans, or (OMG) Presbyterians, any less Christian - it is only the method and tenets that vary. All of us believe in the same God.

Christianity stresses the point that He is the " .... one true God ...". Nothing in that statement should lead you to believe that He can't be the "... one true God ...." for those who worship with a different methodology. He has brought His message to His people - who's to say that he hasn't used multiple conduits? You call him God - Muslims call Him Allah - and the Holy Sphincters call him George. Nothing makes those diametrically opposed.

Now - ask me.

Is there only one God? Yes. (A statement of fact)
Is there only one religion? No. (A statement of fact)
Is there only one religion that does it right? Yes.(A statement of opinion)
Is it possible that God has shown Himself to other peoples in a different personification? Yes. (A statement of fact)

There. Now you've met one. Nice to meet you.

Great. Now we're getting somewhere. I'll be just as correct if I chose Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, or any one of the thousands of primal-indigenous religions. Wearing a head dress and doing rain dances is just as valid as going to a Christian church. I guess that whole "either believe in Jesus, or go to hell" thing is just bullshit since every religion is just as good as any other. Right?

Nice extrapolation of what I said .... only problem is .... that ain't what I said.

You asked if it was possible that one God (by presenting himself in multiple personifications) could be worshiped thru multiple religions - the answer is yes. Did I say that ALL religions worship the same God (by whatever name)? No, I didn't say that.

There is only one true God - and we are called to worship Him before all others. You'll know Him when you meet Him. Is it possible that the God to which they do rain dances is the same God as mine? Sure - it's possible. Is it possible that God spoke to those people who wear head dresses and do rain dance? Sure - it's possible.

Let's keep in mind that "wearing head dresses and doing rain dances" is a manifestation of religion methodology, not of belief. There is no substantial difference between that "head dress" and the Pope's mitre. Both are merely the result of interpretations of God's word. Is one any less valid than the other? You'll have to ask God about that.
Is it likely? Only God knows.

MY God would not desert a whole civilization of people simply because they can't read the Bible. My God would speak to them in language, and symbols, and parables, couched in terms they would understand. My God is all-knowing and all-inclusive. For you to somehow think that you can judge His relationship with other peoples is the height of egotism and self-inflated sense of importance. Not to mention - it means you're a damn poor judge of your own character.

You call it po-ta-to, I call it po-tah-to. Neither is right - neither is wrong, and in the end, they both taste great fried up with some sausage and eggs.

Which one is right? Ask God.

Are you responding to the wrong post? The question I asked is nothing like what you claim I asked. I'll get back to you as soon as your God speaks to me in language, and symbols, and parables, couched in terms I will understand

 

[Spare_change]

Actually, maybe they all CAN be right ....

Not according to every Christian I've ever known.

Guess we haven't met, then, huh?

Actually, I suspect you are painting with a broad brush .... most religions don't differentiate between your God or my God. Their differences are in methodology - do you baptize, do you not - do you circumcise, do you not - do you confess your sins thru a priest, do you not -

My 'religion' falls into a much larger category - Christian - but I practice the tenets and techniques of the Catholic religion. That doesn't make Baptists, or Lutherans, or (OMG) Presbyterians, any less Christian - it is only the method and tenets that vary. All of us believe in the same God.

Christianity stresses the point that He is the " .... one true God ...". Nothing in that statement should lead you to believe that He can't be the "... one true God ...." for those who worship with a different methodology. He has brought His message to His people - who's to say that he hasn't used multiple conduits? You call him God - Muslims call Him Allah - and the Holy Sphincters call him George. Nothing makes those diametrically opposed.

Now - ask me.

Is there only one God? Yes. (A statement of fact)
Is there only one religion? No. (A statement of fact)
Is there only one religion that does it right? Yes.(A statement of opinion)
Is it possible that God has shown Himself to other peoples in a different personification? Yes. (A statement of fact)

There. Now you've met one. Nice to meet you.

Great. Now we're getting somewhere. I'll be just as correct if I chose Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, or any one of the thousands of primal-indigenous religions. Wearing a head dress and doing rain dances is just as valid as going to a Christian church. I guess that whole "either believe in Jesus, or go to hell" thing is just bullshit since every religion is just as good as any other. Right?

Nice extrapolation of what I said .... only problem is .... that ain't what I said.

You asked if it was possible that one God (by presenting himself in multiple personifications) could be worshiped thru multiple religions - the answer is yes. Did I say that ALL religions worship the same God (by whatever name)? No, I didn't say that.

There is only one true God - and we are called to worship Him before all others. You'll know Him when you meet Him. Is it possible that the God to which they do rain dances is the same God as mine? Sure - it's possible. Is it possible that God spoke to those people who wear head dresses and do rain dance? Sure - it's possible.

Let's keep in mind that "wearing head dresses and doing rain dances" is a manifestation of religion methodology, not of belief. There is no substantial difference between that "head dress" and the Pope's mitre. Both are merely the result of interpretations of God's word. Is one any less valid than the other? You'll have to ask God about that.
Is it likely? Only God knows.

MY God would not desert a whole civilization of people simply because they can't read the Bible. My God would speak to them in language, and symbols, and parables, couched in terms they would understand. My God is all-knowing and all-inclusive. For you to somehow think that you can judge His relationship with other peoples is the height of egotism and self-inflated sense of importance. Not to mention - it means you're a damn poor judge of your own character.

You call it po-ta-to, I call it po-tah-to. Neither is right - neither is wrong, and in the end, they both taste great fried up with some sausage and eggs.

Which one is right? Ask God.

Are you responding to the wrong post? The question I asked is nothing like what you claim I asked. I'll get back to you as soon as your God speaks to me in language, and symbols, and parables, couched in terms I will understand

I responded directly to the quoted post ------- #47.

He has already spoken to you ---- you choose not to listen.

 

[BULLDOG]

Not according to every Christian I've ever known.

Guess we haven't met, then, huh?

Actually, I suspect you are painting with a broad brush .... most religions don't differentiate between your God or my God. Their differences are in methodology - do you baptize, do you not - do you circumcise, do you not - do you confess your sins thru a priest, do you not -

My 'religion' falls into a much larger category - Christian - but I practice the tenets and techniques of the Catholic religion. That doesn't make Baptists, or Lutherans, or (OMG) Presbyterians, any less Christian - it is only the method and tenets that vary. All of us believe in the same God.

Christianity stresses the point that He is the " .... one true God ...". Nothing in that statement should lead you to believe that He can't be the "... one true God ...." for those who worship with a different methodology. He has brought His message to His people - who's to say that he hasn't used multiple conduits? You call him God - Muslims call Him Allah - and the Holy Sphincters call him George. Nothing makes those diametrically opposed.

Now - ask me.

Is there only one God? Yes. (A statement of fact)
Is there only one religion? No. (A statement of fact)
Is there only one religion that does it right? Yes.(A statement of opinion)
Is it possible that God has shown Himself to other peoples in a different personification? Yes. (A statement of fact)

There. Now you've met one. Nice to meet you.

Great. Now we're getting somewhere. I'll be just as correct if I chose Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, or any one of the thousands of primal-indigenous religions. Wearing a head dress and doing rain dances is just as valid as going to a Christian church. I guess that whole "either believe in Jesus, or go to hell" thing is just bullshit since every religion is just as good as any other. Right?

Nice extrapolation of what I said .... only problem is .... that ain't what I said.

You asked if it was possible that one God (by presenting himself in multiple personifications) could be worshiped thru multiple religions - the answer is yes. Did I say that ALL religions worship the same God (by whatever name)? No, I didn't say that.

There is only one true God - and we are called to worship Him before all others. You'll know Him when you meet Him. Is it possible that the God to which they do rain dances is the same God as mine? Sure - it's possible. Is it possible that God spoke to those people who wear head dresses and do rain dance? Sure - it's possible.

Let's keep in mind that "wearing head dresses and doing rain dances" is a manifestation of religion methodology, not of belief. There is no substantial difference between that "head dress" and the Pope's mitre. Both are merely the result of interpretations of God's word. Is one any less valid than the other? You'll have to ask God about that.
Is it likely? Only God knows.

MY God would not desert a whole civilization of people simply because they can't read the Bible. My God would speak to them in language, and symbols, and parables, couched in terms they would understand. My God is all-knowing and all-inclusive. For you to somehow think that you can judge His relationship with other peoples is the height of egotism and self-inflated sense of importance. Not to mention - it means you're a damn poor judge of your own character.

You call it po-ta-to, I call it po-tah-to. Neither is right - neither is wrong, and in the end, they both taste great fried up with some sausage and eggs.

Which one is right? Ask God.

Are you responding to the wrong post? The question I asked is nothing like what you claim I asked. I'll get back to you as soon as your God speaks to me in language, and symbols, and parables, couched in terms I will understand

I responded directly to the quoted post ------- #47.

He has already spoken to you ---- you choose not to listen.

Then you need to reread post ---- #47. That's nothing like what I wrote. He needs to speak up because I never heard a thing.

 

[RodISHI]

We have no scientific proof whatsoever that a deity exists. Or angels or demons.

Yet, from time immemorial, humans have displayed a belief in such beings. Everywhere human beings tread the sod, they have some form of belief. Some, like Christians, Jews, and Muslims are Monotheists who believe in one Supreme Being. And even among Christians, there is a belief in two other Gods, Jesus and The Holy Spirit. Many others, especially older societies are Polytheists who believe in many Gods. There is one thing in common with all of them. One God is superior to all the others. And those with multiple gods, each has an area of concern and many of them have faults similar to humans. But, almost all of them are humorless.

That's why I thoroughly enjoy the myths and beliefs of American Indians. The vast majority of them have deities who make jokes or even fall on their faces. Brother Coyote who continually gets in trouble but always gets out of it and never dies. And there is brave Brother Rabbit who fears nothing and always fights for the others. And, far before the arrival of Europeans had tales of a great flood and coming from The Land of Ice. And many have stories of the creation of the lands where they live.

So, what causes this? Why do humans need to turn to mythical beings outside of their physical realm who somehow are responsible for all their ills? Or miracles?

Could it be that such beings truly exist?

I'm an avid fan of science fiction having started reading it about the time I entered kindergarten. One of the thesis I remember was our solar system or universe being but one atom of a large molecule in another existence. Another was about highly advanced civilizations existing in which beings terraformed our planet and guided the creation of everything upon it, watching over it to view the course of their creation.

Could these beings be the Gods we have come to believe in?

And, what about the belief in Karma and the Resurrection? Why do so many believe in an existence beyond our current existence?

Another theme that has always interested me is that we were created like some insects that go through changes; a pupa changing into a chrysalis into a beautiful butterfly. Are we simply in the pupa stage? And how we act on this plane of existence determines whether we become a butterfly - or a moth?

So, are gods and angels and demons simply beings who have progressed beyond our plane of existence to a higher one? Or, could we be a breeding ground for advanced civilizations that no longer recreate physically?

Or a whole lot of other things?

And finally, there are those who believe in none of the above and are ready to support their beliefs by any means - to include denying all beliefs but their own. Atheists and agnostics who want to removal or destruction of all mythical beliefs. Why are they so virulent in their disbelief?

Okay, so what are my personal beliefs? First, I do not believe that man-made beliefs and structures are the final say in our existence and possible future. I think everyone has a right to believe what they wish without the interference of others or that their belief does not require them to belittle or even destroy anyone who does not agree with them. If sitting in a special building to listen to someone explain what you should believe is what turns you on - good for you. Go for it. The few times in my life when I felt close to something above and beyond myself were in the midst of places of such calm and beauty that my spirit felt beyond my existence. Muir Woods. Overlooking a spot on the rugged California Coast. A few others I'm not going to dig too deep for.

So, back to my original question. Is there a God? Or Gods?

To me, that's up to each individual to believe or disbelieve. I hope whatever that is, it gives you peace and a desire to live a better life to include respect for all of Creation and the creatures in it.

In other words, have a good life.

What do you believe? Without flaming please.

I believe beyond a doubt that there is a spirit that many of us call God that is beyond what can be fully explained by humans; and it is even more difficult to try to convey to those who are still asleep in the dust of the earth with a spirit of denial in them. It is not a man-made concept but many who have experienced a piece or a portion of it through the ages tried to described these pieces and portions that they were given to share. The problems ensue when the portions given are mixed in with carnal precepts and that is merely the nature of the beast and I have no doubt that was also calculated in for the whole of humankind in the pillars of time.

 

[Spare_change]

Guess we haven't met, then, huh?

Actually, I suspect you are painting with a broad brush .... most religions don't differentiate between your God or my God. Their differences are in methodology - do you baptize, do you not - do you circumcise, do you not - do you confess your sins thru a priest, do you not -

My 'religion' falls into a much larger category - Christian - but I practice the tenets and techniques of the Catholic religion. That doesn't make Baptists, or Lutherans, or (OMG) Presbyterians, any less Christian - it is only the method and tenets that vary. All of us believe in the same God.

Christianity stresses the point that He is the " .... one true God ...". Nothing in that statement should lead you to believe that He can't be the "... one true God ...." for those who worship with a different methodology. He has brought His message to His people - who's to say that he hasn't used multiple conduits? You call him God - Muslims call Him Allah - and the Holy Sphincters call him George. Nothing makes those diametrically opposed.

Now - ask me.

Is there only one God? Yes. (A statement of fact)
Is there only one religion? No. (A statement of fact)
Is there only one religion that does it right? Yes.(A statement of opinion)
Is it possible that God has shown Himself to other peoples in a different personification? Yes. (A statement of fact)

There. Now you've met one. Nice to meet you.

Great. Now we're getting somewhere. I'll be just as correct if I chose Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, or any one of the thousands of primal-indigenous religions. Wearing a head dress and doing rain dances is just as valid as going to a Christian church. I guess that whole "either believe in Jesus, or go to hell" thing is just bullshit since every religion is just as good as any other. Right?

Nice extrapolation of what I said .... only problem is .... that ain't what I said.

You asked if it was possible that one God (by presenting himself in multiple personifications) could be worshiped thru multiple religions - the answer is yes. Did I say that ALL religions worship the same God (by whatever name)? No, I didn't say that.

There is only one true God - and we are called to worship Him before all others. You'll know Him when you meet Him. Is it possible that the God to which they do rain dances is the same God as mine? Sure - it's possible. Is it possible that God spoke to those people who wear head dresses and do rain dance? Sure - it's possible.

Let's keep in mind that "wearing head dresses and doing rain dances" is a manifestation of religion methodology, not of belief. There is no substantial difference between that "head dress" and the Pope's mitre. Both are merely the result of interpretations of God's word. Is one any less valid than the other? You'll have to ask God about that.
Is it likely? Only God knows.

MY God would not desert a whole civilization of people simply because they can't read the Bible. My God would speak to them in language, and symbols, and parables, couched in terms they would understand. My God is all-knowing and all-inclusive. For you to somehow think that you can judge His relationship with other peoples is the height of egotism and self-inflated sense of importance. Not to mention - it means you're a damn poor judge of your own character.

You call it po-ta-to, I call it po-tah-to. Neither is right - neither is wrong, and in the end, they both taste great fried up with some sausage and eggs.

Which one is right? Ask God.

Are you responding to the wrong post? The question I asked is nothing like what you claim I asked. I'll get back to you as soon as your God speaks to me in language, and symbols, and parables, couched in terms I will understand

I responded directly to the quoted post ------- #47.

He has already spoken to you ---- you choose not to listen.

Then you need to reread post ---- #47. That's nothing like what I wrote. He needs to speak up because I never heard a thing.

None are so deaf as those who choose not to hear.

 

[longknife]

Wow! What a response. I'm quite pleased that back and forth name calling has been minimal.

Just to throw something into the mix. If we have a Heavenly Father, why don't we have a Heavenly Mother?

And, the oldest know referrals to a deity are crude carvings of Earth Mother from thousands of years ago.

 

[Meriweather]

Same one who said " ye shall worship no other gods before me" ? Or was it another one ? I know you're from Tegxziss. Reading isn't a bad thing ya know ?
OH.for reference
Exodus 20:3
"You shall have no other gods before Me.

Studying the culture of the times should go along with reading--otherwise, you are reading what was written in and to a different culture through the eyes of modern times. People of the time thought a totem/statue of something imbued it with the same power as the living thing. These were called gods. God said there were no other gods, stop making them. (This was the practice and reasoning behind, "Make no graven images."

 

[Meriweather]

Got it. You can't answer the simple question, so you spout dogma.

Shrug. No, you don't "got it." I wasn't spouting dogma, but actual experience...These were the scriptures that jump-started my own search. And--I got it.

 

[Taz]

Our god must have a mama-god and a papa-god.

 

[Spare_change]

Our god must have a mama-god and a papa-god.

Why?

 

[Taz]

Our god must have a mama-god and a papa-god.

Why?

Everyone has to. So why not god if we're made in his image?

 

[Spare_change]

Our god must have a mama-god and a papa-god.

Why?

Everyone has to. So why not god if we're made in his image?

The logic doesn't follow ....

Being made in His image doesn't necessarily mean He was made the same way we were ... you give humans WAY too much credit.