Do you believe in god?

bbking · #1 06-07-2009, 06:35 PM

This question was inspired from an essay I read on one of the dreaded links, and I will post it at the end because it is a wonderful, inspirational piece, in my opinion.

I think most people believe in God, and I wonder, those of you who believe in God, have you ever tried to prove that God exists. I think the essay in the link proves that God exists through compelling,
"circumstantial" evidence.

I also get the feeling that most people who think they believe in God don't spend much time thinking about God, and I wonder whether there is therefore much difference between hse who believe in God and those who do not.

I think the following essay will inspire Liberals and Conservatives alike, and there should therefore be no objection to publishing it here -it SHOULD NOT be controversial.

And so, I end with "GOD BLESS YOU" and in that respect, I have a question.

I used to feel uncomfortable when anybody said "God Bless You", to me.

Why?

I thought I fely uncomfortable because I though it was rather presumptuous for somebody (other than a priest) to use that term.

Was I right to feel that way?

Well, I guess I have told you how I feel about God and people, now it's your turn, and this is one topic that is never boring, in my opinion.

Now for those who think this is a personal issue, I don't agree because God can hear you, so what's the point?

apothecary · #2 06-07-2009, 08:06 PM

Warning...I did have a glass(rather large) of wine on an empty stomach when I read your post.It brought to mind the john Updike novel I read about 20 yrs ago about a mathematician who tried to prove God exists using computer analysis.Can't even remember the title but I loved the book and can't even remember the ending.Anyways,my personal belief is that there is no god.Life is a crap shoot and we respond to what happens to us according to our in born personalities.Some win some lose.I always compare it to a stepping on ants or whatever and some get crunched and some get away.That's the way it is.

doctor_J · #3 06-07-2009, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by incidentally

Please see these search results before you click on the poster's link to the site they keep pushing.

http://www.google.com/search?q=surft...ient=firefox-a

Who are "they" and what is their point? Before your post came up (I have learned to trust your posts) I clicked the "essay" The link was dishonest, the message board is fake, all clicks off that page take you to the same propoganda sites. Nothing about the site is real or honest. What's the point? It makes the OP's thread dishonest. He/she is obviously not interested in whether or not a person believes in God or why.

Isn't this kind of thing callled spam? Or is it just trolling? Is the only difference in the motive? Hard to imagine people value their time so little as to spend it in such a manner. Why are "they" allowed to continue this nonsense at IS?

incidentally · #4 06-07-2009, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doctor_J

Who are "they" and what is their point? Before your post came up (I have learned to trust your posts) I clicked the "essay" The link was dishonest, the message board is fake, all clicks off that page take you to the same propoganda sites. Nothing about the site is real or honest. What's the point? It makes the OP's thread dishonest. He/she is obviously not interested in whether or not a person believes in God or why.

Isn't this kind of thing callled spam? Or is it just trolling? Is the only difference in the motive? Hard to imagine people value their time so little as to spend it in such a manner. Why are "they" allowed to continue this nonsense at IS?

I'm sorry if you are angry at me, doctor_J but according to my searches this person, along with several other posters are pushing this site which I believe, based on factual information, is a spam site. I've done many, many searches on them.

Again, I apologize if I have upset you.

tally

incidentally · #5 06-07-2009, 09:09 PM

Please refer to this link to see SOME the key words these posters are using in order to get hits on their site. If you look at their posts here, you will see these words used often.

http://searchanalytics.compete.com/s...surftofind.com

Every time we post on their threads, they receive more potential hits to their spam site, imo but I don't want to see IS go down because of these posters.

ETA: According to my information and belief, the more people that click on their link, the more money they make.

bbking · #6 06-07-2009, 09:47 PM

You are free to name and define him (or her).

But generally speaking, God refers to the all-powerful force that is responsible for creating this vast universe -now is the word "creating" okay?

Ideas:

•"All the makers of idols will be put to shame and disgraced." (Isaiah 45:16)

•"I am the LORD, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God." (Isaiah 45:5)

•"It is I who made the earth and created mankind upon it. My own hands stretched out the heavens; I marshaled their starry hosts." (Isaiah 45:12)

•"The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him." (Nahum 1:7)

•"The eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love." (Psalms 33:18)

•"Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." (Hebrews 11:6)

•"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

bbking · #7 06-07-2009, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patriot2

You can not do a thing to change that. Only the Holy Spirit can change a person's heart and take that which is "dead" (according to Scripture) and make it alive. Be a prayer warrior in regards to your friend, but the burden is not yours to carry.

THANK YOU, I know it's not my burden but it's difficult to feel that way...when it's personal involvement.

wanabegeek · #8 06-07-2009, 11:40 PM

I believe in God, always have and always will!

Charms · #9 06-08-2009, 12:16 AM

Yes. I definitely believe in God. I have a wonderful relationship with him.
The best thing about God is you don't have to believe in Him, He believes in you, regardless.

bbking · #10 06-08-2009, 12:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charms

Yes. I definitely believe in God. I have a wonderful relationship with him.
The best thing about God is you don't have to believe in Him, He believes in you, regardless.

....and that's worth repeating...

incidentally · #11 06-08-2009, 12:39 AM

I suppose, I run the risk of being banned but this board, IS, has meant a lot to me so I give you another link that you all may understand what I strongly, I believe is going on here.

http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/B/bot.html

I posted a link earlier about how they use catch word or phrases that puts them on top of any search engine.

Am I the only one that has noticed the new nics that always end up on these threads? Am I the only one that notices, they start new threads after falsely establishing a level of "trust"? Am I the only one that notices the "hook" happens on weekend or late in the evening?

And it is my belief, it is all spam, bots, potentially viruses and "people" that arrive to make it look real.

Every hit to their site, IMO, produces revenue. Every post here, imo, does the same

Maybe IS doesn't care, but I do.

Regards,

tally

incidentally · #12 06-08-2009, 12:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by herlock h.

No offense, but I have to say the boards today have been oddly paranoid if you can classify this group in such a way. I noticed the same thing on another thread. Any astrologers out there? Any idea what's going on?

Hi herlock,

It hasn't been just today, I have been researching this for many weeks. I've brought this up several times as has others over the last month or more.

No paranoia here and no disrespect meant but IS is being used, imo, to produce revenue by others. If you want, search the links they provide. do right click properties and then search the link without the backslash.

Look at other sites that have figured it out.

Regards,

tally

ETA: do a search on surftofind.com and then Lynn Foster. This will give you a starting point. Make sure your virus and firewalls are secure.

Charms · #13 06-08-2009, 12:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by herlock h.

No offense, but I have to say the boards today have been oddly paranoid if you can classify this group in such a way. I noticed the same thing on another thread. Any astrologers out there? Any idea what's going on?

Astrologers???

God created the stars and the universe. He is the only predictor and indicator of life.

bbking · #14 06-08-2009, 01:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by herlock h.

No offense, but I have to say the boards today have been oddly paranoid if you can classify this group in such a way. I noticed the same thing on another thread. Any astrologers out there? Any idea what's going on?

I don't think it's paranoia.

I think it's control-freak obsession.

Some people get jealous when a thread gets popular because THEY didn't start it -can it be as petty as that?

Personally, I think it's just the obsession to censor.

I have learned a great deal from the surftofind link, and it is clear and obvious that some people like to control every debate.

Personally, I am against all forms of censorship, and if they hide behind manufactured allegations regarding viruses and the like, to justify their so called "paranoia" -for the lack of a more precise word, they are extremely dishonest.

incidentally · #15 06-08-2009, 01:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbking

I don't think it's paranoia.

I think it's control-freak obsession.

Some people get jealous when a thread gets popular because THEY didn't start it -can it be as petty as that?

Personally, I think it's just the obsession to censor.

I have learned a great deal from the surftofind link, and it is clear and obvious that some people like to control every debate.

Personally, I am against all forms of censorship, and if they hide behind manufactured allegations regarding viruses and the like, to justify their so called "paranoia" -for the lack of a more precise word, they are extremely dishonest.

See how fast this response came, Herlock? I believe, know..this is how it works, catch phrases included.

tally

ETA: They always acknowledge parts of others post that will "bot" them.

Brentwood · #16 06-08-2009, 01:34 AM

I do not believe God is an old white man sitting on a throne. I believe God is everything and we are all part of God.

I believe in reincarnation and that we are here to learn lessons and progress toward spiritual enlightenment.

I did not open the op link and suggest others do not open it.

Cornblossom · #17 06-08-2009, 01:57 AM

[I don't think tally is censoring...I think she's trying to save her friends computers from being infected if they should click on that link. IMO free will may be a gift from God...are you going to give free computers to anyone whose computer you harm by clicking on that link because they trusted you?

bbking · #18 06-08-2009, 01:59 AM

I expect that anybody who wants to participate in this thread would click on that link.

Anybody who doesn't wish to participate on this thread should not click on that link.

bbking · #19 06-08-2009, 02:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cornblossom

I don't think tally is censoring...I think she's trying to save her friends computers from being infected if they should click on that link. IMO free will may be a gift from God...are you going to give free computers to anyone whose computer you harm by clicking on that link because they trusted you?

There are no viruses on that site, here's a nice story about David Carradine I found on that site:

http://surftofind.com/carradine

He was a spiritual actor so it might be appropriate in this thread about God.

annalyzer · #20 06-08-2009, 02:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cornblossom

I don't think tally is censoring...I think she's trying to save her friends computers from being infected if they should click on that link. IMO free will may be a gift from God...are you going to give free computers to anyone whose computer you harm by clicking on that link because they trusted you?

Hi Corn. I clicked on the link and had no problem.

Cornblossom · #21 06-08-2009, 02:04 AM

You can call all the names you want,but when I clicked on that link,my virus program shut the page down and gave me the warning.

bbking · #22 06-08-2009, 02:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by annalyzer

Hi Corn. I clicked on the link and had no problem.

I have never had a problem either.

bbking · #23 06-08-2009, 02:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cornblossom

You can call all the names you want,but when I clicked on that link,my virus program shut the page down and gave me the warning.

You obviously picked it up from some other site.

Cornblossom · #24 06-08-2009, 02:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by annalyzer

Hi Corn. I clicked on the link and had no problem.

I did, as did others......hope you ran your virus scan after you clicked on it if yours didn't catch it.

Cornblossom · #25 06-08-2009, 02:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbking

You obviously picked it up from some other site.

Funny that my virus program didn't do that until I clicked on that link....anyway,if you're going to start calling names there is no use posting on your thread any more. People know there is a chance that link has a virus and spam and if they so choose to click it-so be it.

bbking · #26 06-08-2009, 02:11 AM

no virus on that site.

annalyzer · #27 06-08-2009, 02:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cornblossom

I did, as did others......hope you ran your virus scan after you clicked on it if yours didn't catch it.

I'll take your word for it Corn.

bbking · #28 06-08-2009, 02:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cornblossom

Funny that my virus program didn't do that until I clicked on that link....anyway,if you're going to start calling names there is no use posting on your thread any more. People know there is a chance that link has a virus and spam and if they so choose to click it-so be it.

It's clean, feel free to find God

http://surftofind.com/god

Cornblossom · #29 06-08-2009, 02:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbking

It's clean, feel free to find God

http://surftofind.com/god

LMAO...I don't have to click any link to find God.

bbking · #30 06-08-2009, 02:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by annalyzer

Hi Corn. I clicked on the link and had no problem.

I'll confirmed that your word is reliable here, did I not?

Brentwood · #31 06-08-2009, 03:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brentwood

I do not believe God is an old white man sitting on a throne. I believe God is everything and we are all part of God.

I believe in reincarnation and that we are here to learn lessons and progress toward spiritual enlightenment.

I did not open the op link and suggest others do not open it.

Don't click the link, people.

Details · #32 06-08-2009, 03:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kitty1182

I've always heard there are no athiests in fox holes.

NOT true - I know one of them. And there are many atheists who have gone peacefully to their grave, with no deathbed conversion.

Sorry - but it's an insulting cliche - imagine if someone of the Islam faith said, "There are no infidels in foxholes" - with the same implication, that when push comes to shove, Christians would admit to themselves they truly believe in Allah. Or, "There are no Christians in foxholes" - implying everyone is really an atheist when it comes down to it.

I don't believe in God - never saw the evidence to suggest any such being exists. The world appears random, believers commit as much, or more, crime than unbelievers, there is no religion, no matter how much they all claim to have the answer, that does better for it's believers than the average (were there a path God prefers, you'd expect it to be obvious - in happiness, in goodness, in money, in something!). The laws of physics explain how everything we know happened, so there's no reason to look for more. I've read the bible - nothing in there that is any different than the thousands of holy books and religions to come before and after it.

I could be wrong - but as I see it - IF there is a God - just IF - he created me as I am - logical, inquisitive, and without any trace of faith. So, he chose me to not believe - if he exists. I'm going the direction I should go, whether there is or is not a God. To pretend a faith I do not have - assuredly that would not work with a true God who knows what you actually believe.

Conversion attempts are indeed futile - either you believe or you do not. It is a simple line.

doctor_J · #33 06-08-2009, 03:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by incidentally

I suppose, I run the risk of being banned but this board, IS, has meant a lot to me so I give you another link that you all may understand what I strongly, I believe is going on here.

http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/B/bot.html

I posted a link earlier about how they use catch word or phrases that puts them on top of any search engine.

Am I the only one that has noticed the new nics that always end up on these threads? Am I the only one that notices, they start new threads after falsely establishing a level of "trust"? Am I the only one that notices the "hook" happens on weekend or late in the evening?

And it is my belief, it is all spam, bots, potentially viruses and "people" that arrive to make it look real.

Every hit to their site, IMO, produces revenue. Every post here, imo, does the same

Maybe IS doesn't care, but I do.

Regards,

tally

I came to the same conclusion independently of your earlier post. I was AGREEING with you. Just angry at seeing this repeatedly happen here. I always feel deceived after clicking on their links. Sorry if it was confusing. I didn't check back for hours, knowing the thread was deceitful.

doctor_J · #34 06-08-2009, 04:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doctor_J

Who are "they" and what is their point? Before your post came up (I have learned to trust your posts) I clicked the "essay" The link was dishonest, the message board is fake, all clicks off that page take you to the same propoganda sites. Nothing about the site is real or honest. What's the point? It makes the OP's thread dishonest. He/she is obviously not interested in whether or not a person believes in God or why.

Isn't this kind of thing callled spam? Or is it just trolling? Is the only difference in the motive? Hard to imagine people value their time so little as to spend it in such a manner. Why are "they" allowed to continue this nonsense at IS?

Had to quote myself because the OP accused me of bad spelling. My profuse apologies for misspelling "propaganda" in my offense over once again, being deceived by spam. I believe my sin was misplacing a vowel.

Lynden1000 · #35 06-08-2009, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbking

If you paused for air, you may learn to edit your own spelling.

I am very much interested on whether or not a person believes in God because a dear friend is an atheist and I don't know what I can do to change that.

As an atheist, I can tell you that nothing is more annoying than having a theist friend who takes it upon himself to make you his personal test subject when you're not interested.

If your friend likes to talk religion, then by all means share. And if he/she likes to debate, all the better.

If not, then the best thing to do is to respect your friend's conclusions and leave it at that. Otherwise I can assure you that the friend will not remain such for very long.

bbking · #36 06-08-2009, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Details

NOT true - I know one of them. And there are many atheists who have gone peacefully to their grave, with no deathbed conversion.

Sorry - but it's an insulting cliche - imagine if someone of the Islam faith said, "There are no infidels in foxholes" - with the same implication, that when push comes to shove, Christians would admit to themselves they truly believe in Allah. Or, "There are no Christians in foxholes" - implying everyone is really an atheist when it comes down to it.

I don't believe in God - never saw the evidence to suggest any such being exists. The world appears random, believers commit as much, or more, crime than unbelievers, there is no religion, no matter how much they all claim to have the answer, that does better for it's believers than the average (were there a path God prefers, you'd expect it to be obvious - in happiness, in goodness, in money, in something!). The laws of physics explain how everything we know happened, so there's no reason to look for more. I've read the bible - nothing in there that is any different than the thousands of holy books and religions to come before and after it.

I could be wrong - but as I see it - IF there is a God - just IF - he created me as I am - logical, inquisitive, and without any trace of faith. So, he chose me to not believe - if he exists. I'm going the direction I should go, whether there is or is not a God. To pretend a faith I do not have - assuredly that would not work with a true God who knows what you actually believe.

Conversion attempts are indeed futile - either you believe or you do not. It is a simple line.

I think that one day, you might convert yourself.

I'd like to share a little quote with you from Blaise Pascal, who said the following:

"What reason have they to say that one cannot rise from the dead? hich is more difficult, to be born, or to rise again? That what has never been should be, or that which has been should be again? Is it more difficult to come into being than to return to it? Habit makes one seem to us, the lack of habit makes the other impossible - a commonplace way of judging !"

bbking · #37 06-08-2009, 11:24 AM

This is my favorite quote from Pascal:

"Nature is an infinite sphere whose cente is everywhere and whose circumpherence is nowhere. Ultimately, it is the greatest perceptible feature of God's almightiness that our imagination should be lost in that thought."

Those who read Pascal say things like, "We need not share his faith to recognoze what a depth of understanding of the human mind and heart is in Pascal and to be stirred by his evocation of man's lot and by his mystic sense of the divine."

CindR · #38 06-08-2009, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by incidentally

I suppose, I run the risk of being banned but this board, IS, has meant a lot to me so I give you another link that you all may understand what I strongly, I believe is going on here.

http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/B/bot.html

I posted a link earlier about how they use catch word or phrases that puts them on top of any search engine.

Am I the only one that has noticed the new nics that always end up on these threads? Am I the only one that notices, they start new threads after falsely establishing a level of "trust"? Am I the only one that notices the "hook" happens on weekend or late in the evening?

And it is my belief, it is all spam, bots, potentially viruses and "people" that arrive to make it look real.

Every hit to their site, IMO, produces revenue. Every post here, imo, does the same

Maybe IS doesn't care, but I do.

Regards,

tally

This thread was moved, links, too so they must meet with CW's approval.

Cooper · #39 06-09-2009, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by herlock h.

I think this thread is interesting. I like reading the various responses. I did click on the link - and guess what? - NO VIRUS! So what's that all about?

Perhaps you don't have security protection?

My computer shut down with a warning.

Carol25 · #40 06-10-2009, 11:36 AM

Do I believe in God? Most certainly! I believe that everyone was born with God in their heart. It is there for the taking and He tries to get you to know Him. You can accept Him or reject Him. It's really that simple.

I did not have a religious background, yet He found me. If we all really reflected on our lives and think of the miracles He has performed for us, we would be amazed. The coincidences in our lives that changed our paths were not just coincidences. They were most likely the interception from God. Have you thanked Him?

Have you had no miracles in your life? Are you not reflecting hard enough or not let God open those doors?