god thread, number 3 Options

[*disco infiltrator*]

So, it seems that everything talked about in another thread leads to religion.

So here we are!
Debate the existence of God and which one's right and stuff.

I would post links to God threads 1 & 2, but you can't search for three-letter words.
(2 got to 50 pages, think we can beat it?!?)

Er, I'll start.
I'm atheist. Prove me wrong.
By prove, I mean state facts that have been backed up by solid evidence. I have yet to see that happen in all 70 combined pages of threads 1 & 2.

[*mipadi*]

I don't see the need to prove anyone wrong in this area. I'm comfortable with my own personal religious beliefs; the beliefs of others don't influence me unless I intend to discuss and learn from the beliefs of others. I'm not even certain why we bother having these discussions. I'm not concerned with another's personal beliefs, so long as his beliefs are not forced on me in such a way as to affect my own life, such as through governmental legislation.

Besides, how does one prove anything in this area? The logic of the atheist does not work against the faith of the believer, and vice-versa.

[Paradox of Life]

I don't see the need to prove anyone wrong in this area. I'm comfortable with my own personal religious beliefs; the beliefs of others don't influence me unless I intend to discuss and learn from the beliefs of others. I'm not even certain why we bother having these discussions. I'm not concerned with another's personal beliefs, so long as his beliefs are not forced on me in such a way as to affect my own life, such as through governmental legislation.

Besides, how does one prove anything in this area? The logic of the atheist does not work against the faith of the believer, and vice-versa.

I totally agree. In my opinion, religion is really just a way to make people happy and feel all warm and fuzzy inside even if it's not real. There are many moral lessons that can be learned from religion and it helps you get in touch with a spiritual, sensitive side of yourself. God does not exist. I'm sorry, kiddies, but he doesn't exist. Which is why I'm Atheist. I choose to be my own God because I refuse to be a follower and I choose to be logical rather than gullible. Basically, there are two ways to look at religion.

Believe it and be happy.
Don't believe it and don't be happy.

Of course there are exceptions to that rule, but that's what I see most commonly. Those who are very much in tune with their religion are usually very fulfilled and happy. Those who refuse to believe it, are normally not as happy with their lives as religious people.

There's no reason to debate religion and the existence of God. It's not going to get anyone anywhere.

[Spirited Away]

Basically, there are two ways to look at religion.

Believe it and be happy.
Don't believe it and don't be happy.

Of course there are exceptions to that rule, but that's what I see most commonly. Those who are very much in tune with their religion are usually very fulfilled and happy. Those who refuse to believe it, are normally not as happy with their lives as religious people.

In my opinion, it depends on how religion is valued for each individual. If I don't value religion highly at all, why would not having one make me unhappy? If you mean that having religion brings fulfillment spiritually and therefore happiness, that also depends on value. If I depend on familial fulfillment or romantic fulfillment to feed me spiritually, why would I need religion? As a person who has lived with religion and without, I'm rather content without at the moment... and not as unhappy as people of a faith would think.

Generally, people are unhappy because they make themselves unhappy. Religion has little to do with it unless you value it highly.

[Paradox of Life]

In my opinion, it depends on how religion is valued for each individual. If I don't value religion highly at all, why would not having one make me unhappy? If you mean that having religion brings fulfillment spiritually and therefore happiness, that also depends on value. If I depend on familial fulfillment or romantic fulfillment to feed me spiritually, why would I need religion? As a person who has lived with religion and without, I'm rather content without at the moment... and not as unhappy as people of a faith would think.

Generally, people are unhappy because they make themselves unhappy. Religion has little to do with it unless you value it highly.

That's true. I don't really know what to say in response to this except hapiness is happiness, but religion helps you find happiness. Sure, religion may not be scientifically proven (and most of it is full of contradictions and lies), but if it helps people cope with their lives, so be it. However, I'm strictly anti-Christanity because it's affecting America politically now. Christians are going way over the edge that it's interfered with beliefs on abortion and homosexuality. But that is a whooole different story.

No one's forcing you to take a religion and for you religious people... just ... don't preach to Atheists/Agnostics and we'll be just fine.