Why does it even matter...

...if there is a God or not? I'm not talking about being agnostic (though I am).

The common view of God, if someone thinks he/she/it exists, is that it is everything in the universe, in and of everything. Which would mean that I am of God as well.

But why does it even matter then? It seems it's the same as if it didn't exist. Well, it's different, but even if I knew for certain it was one or the other, would I act differently? I don't see why.

However, I would act differently if I knew God was a seperate entity. Which is why I say this.

But the church also apparently says God can make decisions. So...does that mean he's everything in the universe...and more?

Thoughts? Help a confused soul? Flame a confused soul?

Flame a confused soul?

Send you to hell? Sorry I don't have that power, YET. Maybe next week.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...18742089256264

Interesting but long, 2 hours.

Also weird:

http:../../reluctant-messenger.com/reincarnation-proof.htm

DT

Well, some people like having a pre-determined set - made by some dude 2000 yrs ago - of rules to live by. God forbid if they decided to think a set up by themselves.

And, knowing that you'll rise to a fluffy cheery, angel filled paradise, heaven, comforts some believers.

Here's a great quote.

For me, it is far better to grasp the Universe as it really is than to persist in delusion, however satisfying and reassuring.

-- Carl Sagan

think about how the first religions started and then think how it evolved.it started as a way to explain things.now it's%20just%20mind%20control.it's a corruption of the free thinking and most people believe in god because they were taught to.this 0C37F174AD's like they can't reach the age at which they can consciously choose between believing or not without being brainwashed.

[easeoflife22]

To put it simply, religion is for people who are too stupid to devise their own system of morality based on observation and logic. Religion was created by those who have this ability, and it is maintained and developed as society changes. 50 years ago Christians were bigots and now many of them accept gays and people of colour. The church just simply changes their minds to what is needed. Some of us our smart enough to come up with our own morality, and usually the questioning of such a system is a sign you likely do, cause you can't see it's flaws unless you see a more logical ideal.

Most people who are above average usually still believe in a higher power or system of function, but not the system of rules that come with most religion.

If it helps, everything that exists is nothing more than a energy created illusion. The only question is whether there is a organization behind it's function, or if it's function is natural to the existence of the energy itself. To me, there is nothing organizing energy into an outcome, it's simply limited logically and forms everything within those limitations. Our reality is nothing more than a limitation of those possibilities. Our existence if infinite within this energy, and therefore death is a lie. We are all intrinsically important to the grand existence of everything. Even a God may be a creation of energy, but may only exist in the conscious mind. In your mind god may be real, but isn't likely the truth.

Originally Posted by mtz666

think about how the first religions started and then think how it evolved.it started as a way to explain things.now it's%20just%20mind%20control.it's a corruption of the free thinking and most people believe in god because they were taught to.this 0C37F174AD's like they can't reach the age at which they can consciously choose between believing or not without being brainwashed.

Think about how the first science started and then how it evolved. It started as a way to explain things. Now it's just mind control. It's a corruption of free thinking and most people believe in science because they were taught to. This sickens me, because kids are brainwashed at public school or somethign like that before they even have time to think properly about these kinds of complex concepts. It's like they can't reach the age at which they can consciously choose between believing or not without being brainwashed.

Granted this is an exageration, but it displays that your argument is very weak. The only reason that I use science it that it has become a belief system rather than science. From evolution to creation everyone is holding on to some evidence and denying other evidence. If God is a seperate entity ... then it doesn't matter if we believe or not. If God is everything ... it really doesn't matter anyway. If God is not real ... prove it. Search for the truth, because if there is a God then he must be truth or at least found in truth. The only thing that I ask of any of you and apply rigorously to myself is that you acknowledge your presuppositions, see if they are good ones or not, and follow the facts whereever they lead and not to where you would like them to go. To answer the initial question, the only reason you should care is if there is a seperate God, one that exists objectively ... without our beliefs. The next step would be finding out what he has said, which would mean measure the truths of the Holy books that have been passed down in time. Truth is freedom, though it may hurt to gain such freedom.

[Obbe]

I do not think that a belief in God is necessary for anything.

Although, I do think it greatly explains many things, depending on what the person means by God. In most cases, not an understanding taught by most (if any) religions. I think that gaining an understanding of reality is at least useful, if not an important step towards reaching enlightenment.

But thats not a goal in everyones life.

Originally Posted by Graah

...if there is a God or not? I'm not talking about being agnostic (though I am).

?

If there is no 'god', then why does it matter if you live or die?

[Rolloffle]

It matters because Jesus Christ died on a cross for your sins.

[boozehound420]

Originally Posted by Thunderhammer

If there is no 'god', then why does it matter if you live or die?

Well i dont believe in god and i have no desire to die anytime soon.

If there is a 'god' why does it matter. Theres no end, and these mesly 60 years or so you spend on this planet is nothing compared to eternity.

[ArmsMerchant]

God is not separate--we are All One, and each of us domesticated primates is an individuation of the divine.

But in a sense, it doesn't matter, since God loves you unconditionally, and after you "die," you will either merge with Spirit (or "go to Heaven" as the less evolved say) or reincarnate--your choice.

Originally Posted by ArmsMerchant

God is not separate--we are All One, and each of us domesticated primates is an individuation of the divine.

But in a sense, it doesn't matter, since God loves you unconditionally, and after you "die," you will either merge with Spirit (or "go to Heaven" as the less evolved say) or reincarnate--your choice.

I would like an argument for that stance please. Unconditional love does not matter if it is rejected.

[hitman legoff]

It doesn't matter.