Religion: Real or Fake

[Wezil]

Or the disaster survivors that thank god for sparing their lives. Presumably the same god that sent the disaster in the first place.

[Imran Siddiqui]

I'm confused by people who claim god has a plan. These are the people most likely to be found praying for god to do something for them. If god has a plan then you should just STFU and let him carry it out. Quit trying to get him to change it.

I've always seen prayer as more of a symbol (for lack of a better word, I guess). It is a way to humble yourself before God, knowing that you cannot accomplish what you are asking, but only God can. It is a way to get closer to God and at the same time see the hurt that exists among people in your world, to remind you of the hurt and pain of folks that you should try to help.

[Docfeelgood]

I've always seen prayer as more of a symbol (for lack of a better word, I guess). It is a way to humble yourself before God, knowing that you cannot accomplish what you are asking, but only God can. It is a way to get closer to God and at the same time see the hurt that exists among people in your world, to remind you of the hurt and pain of folks that you should try to help.

[Wezil]

I've always seen prayer as more of a symbol (for lack of a better word, I guess). It is a way to humble yourself before God, knowing that you cannot accomplish what you are asking, but only God can. It is a way to get closer to God and at the same time see the hurt that exists among people in your world, to remind you of the hurt and pain of folks that you should try to help.

I'm thinking of the people watching the flood levels rise. Why bother praying to god to ease the levels? He has his plan.

[Docfeelgood]

Or the disaster survivors that thank god for sparing their lives. Presumably the same god that sent the disaster in the first place.

I don't think GOD causes a disaster.
I think that is chance.
We are all born to die.
In GODs eyes does it matter when or how we die?
I beleive we all are to be judged when we die on the type of life we choose to live.
Free choice.
I guess it is lame to say that **** happens.

[giblets]

I'm thinking of the people watching the flood levels rise. Why bother praying to god to ease the levels? He has his plan.

God clearly isn't bothered by widespread suffering, if he planned it. Maybe he enjoys watching people beg for mercy? That would explain why he brings about so many natural disasters.

[Docfeelgood]

I'm thinking of the people watching the flood levels rise. Why bother praying to god to ease the levels? He has his plan.

I contradict myself by saying that miracles do happen.
GOD is a concept that is hard to understand now.
I feel conifdent that when I meet GOD it will all be explained to me.
When I was young I prayed for understanding and a lil voice in my heart told me it would be explained to me when we meet.
I look forward to that moment with all my heart.

[Docfeelgood]

God clearly isn't bothered by widespread suffering, if he planned it. Maybe he enjoys watching people beg for mercy? That would explain why he brings about so many natural disasters.

Some believe that the devil causes all the suffering.

[Docfeelgood]

This I can 100% agree with. The idea of denying yourself and living in love for all people, even (especially?) those who have wronged you, is so alien to our societies.

Maybe that is what GOD wants.
How can you stand before GOD and profess your love when you could not love your fellow man.

[Docfeelgood]

I guess if GOD chose to answer all prayers, every mother would still be alive.

[Wezil]

Some believe that the devil causes all the suffering.

If that's the case the the devil most certainly has a better toolbox.

[Docfeelgood]

If that's the case the the devil most certainly has a better toolbox.

True

I may be mistaken but I think that the devil has to have GODs permission to cause suffering.
I may be wrong but that is a strange concept.

BTW
I don't believe it is a sin to question GODs so called plan.

[giblets]

So basically, God loves humans and doesn't want them to suffer, but he constantly authorizes the devil to create hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, droughts, plagues, etc.? Does anyone have an explanation for this aside from 'free will'?

[MOBIUS]

Is this the Kid/Doc relay thread!?

[Wezil]

I don't know or care if it's a sin, I just think it's odd behaviour to ask the all powerful to tweak his plan.