Zone1 One significant reason why many do not believe in religion, it is just too damn hard

[TNHarley]

You misspelled "accurate."

The truth usually hurts before it helps.

God loves truth. He is truth.

<sigh>

 

[ding]

I can only know what is knowable. I do not pretend to know whether or not God exists.

The most humble and honest approach is a carefully measured agnosticism as far as I'm concerned.

Maybe. But that seems like a rudderless boat to me.

 

[Meriweather]

Belief in a God does not equate to being a good person.

Belief in God equates to being a strong person. Atheists are fragile.

 

[Woodznutz]

Now, there are of course many reasons so I simplify for the purpose of this discussion but the difficulties of being a good human being is a significant contributor to peoples lack of faith.

It is difficult to commit oneself to being noble, principled, objective, shining light onto the world, helping the needy etc. This becomes more daunting when surrounded by scores of selfish, diabolical individuals who are not.

Another key contributor to Atheism is almost certainly the time and discipline required. This is true whether it is reading our faiths book, the pageantry of the process or going to church, a synagogue, a mosque or temple.

Further restrictive and a barrier to some is the commitments to holidays and rituals, foods etc. I do not begrudge those who find it difficult to observe this way, at the very least though, one must maintain the core tenets of principle, morality and character. Even this appears to be extremely difficult for so many, being evil is much essier for some, perhaps more natural for them (even for the "good guys")

There is a well known George Carlin comedic bit called "religion is bullsh*t". He is extremely critical of G-d, basically mocks the idea of the "invisible man in the sky". As I am an extremely comfortable person listening to opposing views, most evident in my openness to watching media from all sides even as I may disagree with some speakers 99% of the time; I watch his skit and laugh. I understand his position, there is a reason I rejected false believers of faith also and I read with a critical eye some of the stories within the bible. It is after all, written by man, not infallible.

Yes, some stories within the bible are far-fetched, one does not have to be too literal with everything in the bible in my estimation, at least I am not. I believe one should at least appreciate the message or general premise, that which G-d demands of us is more meaningful. It is difficult but that is the task, it is supposed to be difficult.

Those who warp religion for their own ends is the problem with religion today. That is what makes faith that much more difficult, especially if one is Jewish and is demanded to be stalwart models of faith, an obligation that requires significant moral leadership.

I suppose I am fortunate enough to at least be honest in the face of diverting representations. Objective enough to distinguish between true representatives of faith vs the many, MANY false chsracters we see in mass media today. This criticism of plastic people of faith is not relegated to any one religion for the record, no one faith has a monopoly on false practitioners, though I was discouraged enough to confront my own.

We as followers of G-d must acknowledge that it is not easy to be a person of faith, but consider the alternative. The "fake" people of faith should serve to remind us of just how dark the world will be if the true believers, the good men and women who act by G-ds instructions, not just talk a good game become the dominant ideology. Our species and the universe as a whole canmot survive the darkness some repeatedly emit.

Even those who do not believe in G-d can be good, moral human beings. I applaud all who are regardless of faith or no faith. Look around. See the social media clips and chatter. Are the good, honourable and righteous winning the day?

It's easier if one is actually chosen. "Many are called but few are chosen." See the Parable of the Sower.

 

[ding]

Belief in a God does not equate to being a good person.

Correct. Loving God does.

I know atheists who are very nice people. I know "Christians" I wouldn't turn my back on.

Absolutely. So what? For any given thing there is usually a distribution.

What I've found with Theists is that they can twist and turn their dogma to justify just about anything.

Probably because that's what you are looking for and ignore everything else that doesn't fit your preconceived notions.

And when I got a chance to get away from religion, I bolted like a bat out of hell.

And yet here you are still discussing it. SMH.

 

[Woodznutz]

Pure religion,

Be good.
Do good.

 

[ding]

It's easier if one is actually chosen. "Many are called but few are chosen." See the Parable of the Sower.

I never did agree with that interpretation because it negates free will and choosing one's destiny.

"Many are called, but few are chosen" (Matthew 22:14) means that while an invitation to salvation or a special purpose is extended to a large group ("the called"), only a smaller, responsive group ("the chosen") actually accepts, prepares themselves, and follows through. It highlights the difference between hearing a message and actively responding to it.

 

[ding]

Pure religion,

Be good.
Do good.

Love God. Everything else takes care of itself.

 

[Woodznutz]

I never did agree with that interpretation because it negates free will and choosing one's destiny.

"Many are called, but few are chosen" (Matthew 22:14) means that while an invitation to salvation or a special purpose is extended to a large group ("the called"), only a smaller, responsive group ("the chosen") actually accepts, prepares themselves, and follows through. It highlights the difference between hearing a message and actively responding to it.

I interpret it as 'many are called to a dinner, but most don't like the food'. In the parable of the Sower those who are hungry for God are represented by the fertile ground.

In the end "No one can come to the Son unless the Father draws him". The "draw" of the Father is irrestable.

 

[ding]

In the end "No one can come to the Son unless the Father draws him".

What do you believe that means?

 

[norwegen]

Many people are atheists who were once Christians. They deconvert because two aspects of the faith confound them: one is apologetics and the other is the Bible.

 

[Woodznutz]

What do you believe that means?

Those drawn by the Father were predestinated.

 

[ding]

Those drawn by the Father were predestinated.

John 12:32

"And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.”

 

[Meriweather]

When a Christian does a good act, he does it out of a fear of God or desire to be rewarded in heaven

Atheists do good things because it is the right thing to do and makes them feel good

Christians act through hope. Hope, like faith and love, is relational. Hope is trust in God extended into the future. The kingdom of God begins now and extends through eternity. Practicing Christians follow Christ's steps into daily kingdom living. Christians strive to do what is best through our trust/hope in God.

 

[Woodznutz]

John 12:32

"And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.”

Eventually.

 

[rightwinger]

Christians act through hope. Hope, like faith and love, is relational. Hope is trust in God extended into the future. The kingdom of God begins now and extends through eternity. Practicing Christians follow Christ's steps into daily kingdom living. Christians strive to do what is best through our trust/hope in God.

Hope I get into heaven
I better do good things to improve my chances

Atheists do good things because it feels good

 

[ding]

Atheists do good things because it feels good

You mean like making sacrifices for others?

 

[Hafar1014]

Either you have a relationship with God or you don't. Everything else is noise. You are so distracted by religion that you forgot to seek God.

One does not need a God to be happy or successful. Some do and thats just fine but we are all different

 

[Hafar1014]

Hope I get into heaven
I better do good things to improve my chances

Atheists do good things because it feels good

atheists can have a moral compass and they are not hedonists. Its those on the left who value feelings over facts and create toxic empathy. Thats how we had the support for gender dysphoria as normal when its mental illness

 

[ding]

One does not need a God to be happy or successful. Some do and thats just fine but we are all different

And yet fame, fortune, power and pleasure does not satisfy us because we were made for more.