Does God Exist?

[SlowwHand]

That's called "having an opinion".

[Sava]

Originally posted by SlowwHand
That's called "having an opinion".

Yup... unfortunately for you, my opinion is based upon fact and common sense, rather than fundamentalism...

[Boris Godunov]

Maybe, but if God does exist, clearly the Deist view is the most apparently truthful one, since God does not seem to be manifesting himself in our world. I am skeptical about the existence of any supernatural beings, be they gods, demons, elfs, pixies, easter bunnies, tooth fairies, Santa Clauses, etc.

I am certain particular Gods as described in various religious myths do not exist, be they Zeus, Wotan, Thor, Yahweh, Allah, Vishnu, Osiris, Mithra, Zoraster, Isis, Marduk, Quetzelquatl, Brahma, etc.

Put me in the "don't know, don't care" category. I don't care because it is evident that belief in some god has no quantifiable impact, so whether I believe or not isn't going to change what happens.

[SlowwHand]

It changes what happens to you, Boris.

[Boris Godunov]

Originally posted by SlowwHand
It changes what happens to you, Boris.

No, it doesn't. If you take an empiric look at the world, rather than focusing on your narrow personal experience, you'll note that there are a huge number of religious beliefs across the world, not to mention a lack of it. Were you to assess the life qualities of all these people, it would show that religious belief has little to no effect on how people live in their respective areas. An atheist in NYC is likely to live a similar life to a Christian in NYC, as an atheist in Texas is likely to live a similar life to a Christian in Texas (not counting, of course, facing discrimination from other humans). There is no evidence of any divine intervention or effect on the lives of adherents vs. non-adherents, nor of adherents of one faith vs. adherents of another. There is a lot of emotional speculation, but it's just that--speculation.

[Japher]

Does god exist? Yes, I do.

[FrustratedPoet]

Boris: he's talking about what happens after you die.

[Boris Godunov]

Originally posted by FrustratedPoet
Boris: he's talking about what happens after you die.

That would have even less substantiation.

[reds4ever]

It's like taking out insurance (see my first post)

[Boris Godunov]

Originally posted by reds4ever
It's like taking out insurance (see my first post)

"Pascal's Wager" has already been shown to be philosophical rubbish.

[SlowwHand]

Ok, Boris.
Usually I say I don't care, but I really hate to think of you being a crispy critter.

[Sava]

Originally posted by SlowwHand
Ok, Boris.
Usually I say I don't care, but I really hate to think of you being a crispy critter.

That's okay, if God is going to punish me for not believing him, then he shouldn't be worshipped anyways, for such a God is not fair and good.

[Pekka]

Yeah I believe God exists. If someone has a problem with it, don't take it on me.

And as for atheists, what is the point of all that proving?
If you are so sure you're right, then be happy that you have it right and the other fools are wasting their time.
I don't try to convert you, don't try to convert me.

[Boris Godunov]

Which god is going to punish me for not believing in him? Yahweh, Allah, Osiris, Zeus, Vishnu? I can't worship them all! There are only so many hours in the day...

[Sava]

I don't try to convert you, don't try to convert me.

That's the way I'd like it, but too many damn fundies are trying to force god down our throats. Religious references should not be in government at all. Until that happens, I'll continue my combative attitude towards religion.