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More about, why anyone needs an organized religion, when religions, have some strange moral codes, and a whole load of assumptions. I mean, why must we all be sinners, be forever asking for forgiveness, and be forgiving? Why must we accept others to be better than ourselves? Why look at everything in nature, as though it were put there to be our our play thing, or our commodity to strip?
Why indeed? Why do you have such needs and expectations? Who is forcing you? Is it your state?
Why indeed? Why do you have such needs and expectations? Who is forcing you? Is it your state?
No one is forcing, though when one is born into a religion, all the old bottomless pit stuff is somewhat forced onto you, and also, for some odd reason, many schools won't accept pupils that don't belong to a church. My point is, that I can't see any reason to be atheist, just because religions make you feel uncomfortable for whatever reason. I'm not of any particular religion, though, no doubt, I'd be seen as a non believer/atheist, by those that are. I also may have higher standards than many in recognized religions too.
If I were to offer you the idea of the belief in God, but with no connection to religious teachings, of any kind, would that be acceptable?
Not a being that humans are created in the image of, but a being of light and unbelievable love.
To atheists, is it the religion part that causes problems?
Just questions, but maybe an answer too.
Well religious PEOPLE are the problem.
Now in regards to religion, rites, dogma, rituals, that remains a personal preference.
For me, it is more about Aestheticism than anything else.
I list the following religions as the best based on rituals/services/ etc
Episcopal Church /Anglican communion (High mass only)
Tridentine Latin Mass
Buddhist meditations (guided)
Now again, that is based only on the public services and is based only on which services I find inspiring and useful in my life
Religions I would choose, if I had to?
Self-Realization Fellowship of the Paramahansa Yogananda
Church of the Sub-Genius
Unity School of CHristianity
Mayahana Buddhism
All of these seek, in some way, to either entertain or enhance that which we as humans want to referto as a "spiritua;" experience.
But within the teachings of these religions past the theism, there is much to be gained. For me, The problem has always and I mean ALWAYS come from conflicts with members of the religion.
I certainly like attending the Episcopal church because everyone there leaves others alone!!!!!!!! IF I want someone in my business, I will invite them. Try that with a Christian Fundy ...they have miserable lives and seek to control others or live through others as a result. And they are more concerned with What a person claims to believe than the character of the person. Most of whom, I have discovered, are not all that admirable in this area anyway.
But consider this. If I sit through a Tridentine Latin Mass in a cathedral, and I walk out thinking about not just how beautiful the service was, but how inspired I am by the beauty and peace and I translate that to doing more to help others and develop my own character, which includes not only self love and self respect, but how we treat others when no one is watching and when there is no benefit to ourselves.......then have I not benefited from that religion?
I would say that I identify as an Atheist because I do not believe in the existence of an entity ,or being, known as god....To me, "god" is just an abstract concept, an ideal, and the personal god or gods are those which we as individuals have that allows us to conceptualize that which is holy and sacred. My concept or idea of a god is not the same as someone else's and realistically, no two people could have that same concept because no two people have identical experiences to formulate a concept and definition of their god. For me, there is no such thing as a god, BUT I could create a god and then seek ways as a human to become more godlike.
Religion is not required for that. Religion does offer a definition of god, but in the end, the concept of what or who or where a god is must be accepted or fabricated by the mind of the individual.
Later this week, I have to take a carload of clothes to a clothes closet at a local church. The items will be handed out, for free, to the neediest of people in the community. I am not doing it because some god, or some self=proclaimed follower of god said that I should; I am doing it simply because someone somewhere might need the clothes, and if I were in that person's situation, I would be thankful for the fact that someone else, somewhere, cares about my condition.
I don't get any reward, or punishment (sorry religious ones) I do not make any money off this (I make money through my salary at my job though) I leave with the knowledge that goods are not wasted, and someone is helped. That is far more important than worrying about what some religious people think.
There is a single dimension that can come from belief in higher matters (a higher plane of existence, etc), that is both simple and unifying. Religion mostly is 180 degrees opposite, and interferes with it.
An analogy would be looking at humanity in a similar single approach, as what everyone of us has in common. Then people get caught up in race, racism, appearance, etc. that likewise works 180 degrees against that.
There is a petty and tampering ugliness that sprouts up in mankind. We can't leave matters simple and unspoiled.
A straight question, no dodging please: if this Being of Light loves us so much then why doesn't he reveal himself and then do something about all the pain and suffering down here?
God doesn't interfere in our lives, rather we are given free will to do as we wish. And that includes sinning, etc.
God is available 24/7 for those who want a personal relationship with Him. He removes our pain and suffering when we ask Him to do so.
Does God ever visit you? Can you hear his audible voice when you pray to him? Can you touch him or feel him? Do you pray for a sick relative and then suddenly that relative is miraculously cured of his disease? Does he manifest himself in any discernible way other than a warm fuzzy feeling you get in the pit of your stomach every time you pray to him or talk to him? You do know I hope that belief in God stimulates the exact same pleasure and reward areas of the brain as crack cocaine does. Doesn't that make God nothing more than a narcotic?
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LOL
