Are you a theist?

[Dumpy Dooby]

Surprisingly, it seems as though a good chunk of folks around here are theistic. Most of the forums that I frequent have a disproportionate amount of atheists or some such other self-described flavor of "not a theist."

Since asking the question, "Do you believe in god(s)?" seems to arouse semantic debates about the qualifications gods, I figured I'd rather just ask whether you consider yourself to be a theist. Interpret that however you want. If you believe your theology is best described as theistic, then vote yes.



To answer my own poll, I'll say no. I'm not. I am unconvinced of the existence of deities, my cosmology is not pantheistic or anything similar, and I believe that my philosophy leaves no room for the existence of gods. That is, I believe that "gods" exist strictly within one's imagination and nowhere else. In short, I believe there are no gods. I am an atheist.

[Dispatcher]

Originally Posted by Dumpy Dooby

Surprisingly, it seems as though a good chunk of folks around here are theistic. Most of the forums that I frequent have a disproportionate amount of atheists or some such other self-described flavor of "not a theist."

Since asking the question, "Do you believe in god(s)?" seems to arouse semantic debates about the qualifications gods, I figured I'd rather just ask whether you consider yourself to be a theist. Interpret that however you want. If you believe your theology is best described as theistic, then vote yes.



To answer my own poll, I'll say no. I'm not. I am unconvinced of the existence of deities, my cosmology is not pantheistic or anything similar, and I believe that my philosophy leaves no room for the existence of gods. That is, I believe that "gods" exist strictly within one's imagination and nowhere else. In short, I believe there are no gods. I am an atheist.

Then why, pray tell, are you the religion moderator?
Isn't that like a man giving a lecture on PMS?

[Dumpy Dooby]

Originally Posted by Dispatcher

Then why, pray tell, are you the religion moderator?
Isn't that like a man giving a lecture on PMS?

Most gynecologists, male or female, are more qualified to deliver a lecture on PMS than the average person. Rather, my religious indifference by no means indicates my level of study or education. I have no doubt that I know more about religions than most people, especially when it comes to Christianity.

[Mosheh Thezion]

Yes, I'm a theist.
createvolutionism

-Mosheh Thezion

[The Great Catpiss]

I don't think many people can differentiate wanting to believe in something versus believing in something. I want to believe in something, but I have been provided no real evidence of anything to believe in.

I think many scientists that say they believe in god, really don't. They simply want to believe in god.

Someone once mentioned all the beautiful things that happen in nature as a reason to believe. I instantly thought of all the horrible things that also happen in nature.

[Dispatcher]

Originally Posted by Dumpy Dooby

Most gynecologists, male or female, are more qualified to deliver a lecture on PMS than the average person. Rather, my religious indifference by no means indicates my level of study or education. I have no doubt that I know more about religions than most people, especially when it comes to Christianity.

Ok, then the question comes to mind, why are you so interested in religions when you are not at all religious? I'm not trying to be snotty, I'm sincerely curious.
I study music. But that's because I have a passion for music.

[The Great Catpiss]

Originally Posted by Dispatcher

Ok, then the question comes to mind, why are you so interested in religions when you are not at all religious? I'm not trying to be snotty, I'm sincerely curious.
I study music. But that's because I have a passion for music.

Why not? The stories are classic, and they influence the decisions many people. Also, someone who has studied multiple religions is probably much more knowledgeable than someone who only knows one religion.

I've studied religions for a short period of time. I might not remember much of what I studied, but I found it all interesting.

[Mosheh Thezion]

Originally Posted by The Great Catpiss

I don't think many people can differentiate wanting to believe in something versus believing in something. I want to believe in something, but I have been provided no real evidence of anything to believe in.

I think many scientists that say they believe in god, really don't. They simply want to believe in god.

Someone once mentioned all the beautiful things that happen in nature as a reason to believe. I instantly thought of all the horrible things that also happen in nature.

why would the fact that horrable things happen, prevent you from believing in a creator?

Cannot our creator be nuetral?
Would not the creator.. be in charge of evolution? and so would need to kil off entire species... to allow for evolution and development of others?

Is a farmer evil?

Just because stars explode and entire worlds detroyed, doesnt mean there is no God.

it is only that the long term plans and goals of god... do not fit the small plans and goals and asperations of we... mere humans.

-Mosheh Thezion

[Dumpy Dooby]

Originally Posted by Mosheh Thezion

why would the fact that horrable things happen, prevent you from believing in a creator?

Why would the fact that beautiful things happen, necessitate that you believe in a creator?

[The Great Catpiss]

Originally Posted by Mosheh Thezion

why would the fact that horrable things happen, prevent you from believing in a creator?

It simply nulls that argument that if beautiful things exist, there is a god. It doesn't mean that there is no god.

Originally Posted by Mosheh Thezion

Cannot our creator be nuetral?
Would not the creator.. be in charge of evolution? and so would need to kil off entire species... to allow for evolution and development of others?

Why would a creator do that? Are we just a nintendo sim city of the gods? If that is the case, then why even bother caring that such a god exists?

Originally Posted by Mosheh Thezion

Is a farmer evil?

Depends on the farmer. Does the farmer mindlessly slaughter the animals he raises for no apparent reason? If so, he probably has issues and can be considered evil.

Originally Posted by Mosheh Thezion

Just because stars explode and entire worlds destroyed, doesn't mean there is no God.

True, but it does make the odds of it less likely.

Originally Posted by Mosheh Thezion

it is only that the long term plans and goals of god... do not fit the small plans and goals and asperations of we... mere humans.

What are his long term plans? To watch the inevitable self destruction of a beautiful creation? Self destruction is pretty much inevitable in the long run.

[LookingUp]

Originally Posted by The Great Catpiss

It simply nulls that argument that if beautiful things exist, there is a god. It doesn't mean that there is no god.

Originally Posted by The Great Catpiss

Why would a creator do that? Are we just a nintendo sim city of the gods? If that is the case, then why even bother caring that such a god exists?


Depends on the farmer. Does the farmer mindlessly slaughter the animals he raises for no apparent reason? If so, he probably has issues and can be considered evil.


True, but it does make the odds of it less likely.


What are his long term plans? To watch the inevitable self destruction of a beautiful creation? Self destruction is pretty much inevitable in the long run.

Humans are on a self-destruct mode, but God's plans include restoration of the earth and a restored relationship with those who want one and who will be made new in Christ, no longer desiring to behave in destructive ways.

[Mosheh Thezion]

Originally Posted by The Great Catpiss

It simply nulls that argument that if beautiful things exist, there is a god. It doesn't mean that there is no god.


Why would a creator do that? Are we just a nintendo sim city of the gods? If that is the case, then why even bother caring that such a god exists?


Depends on the farmer. Does the farmer mindlessly slaughter the animals he raises for no apparent reason? If so, he probably has issues and can be considered evil.


True, but it does make the odds of it less likely.


What are his long term plans? To watch the inevitable self destruction of a beautiful creation? Self destruction is pretty much inevitable in the long run.

If all the universe is a barren lifeless wasteland.. and the earth.. is the only planet with life on it... and there will never be another...

Then would it be worth it for God to create an entire universe?

Yes it would... because we... are the most valuble things.. in the universe.. because we are gods children.
is it worth it?
For us?
For god.

Yes it is... so the argument that bad things prove there is no god.. is just as silly as saying that good things proves there is....

We have no proof of anything... but when we put all the evidence together, I think, it favors a grand design, designed for the eventual creation of worlds and people like you and me...

We are the end product of the universe... we are its purpose, for without us to enjoy it and make use of it, it is nothing but dead rock.



One can argue and say there is no God... and if he is right.. then he gets nothing... and if he is wrong, he may get hell and destruction.

One can argue that there is a God... and if hes wrong, he gets nothing, and if he's right, he may gain eternal love and salvation in Heaven.

Which argument is worth having?

-Mosheh Thezion

[Mosheh Thezion]

Originally Posted by Dumpy Dooby

Why would the fact that beautiful things happen, necessitate that you believe in a creator?

it doesnt...

[The Great Catpiss]

Originally Posted by LookingUp

Humans are on a self-destruct mode, but God's plans include restoration of the earth and a restored relationship with those who want one and who will be made new in Christ, no longer desiring to behave in destructive ways.

Will he finally fix his first mistakes like downs syndrome, cancer, democrats, chronic illnesses?

[The Great Catpiss]

Originally Posted by Mosheh Thezion

If all the universe is a barren lifeless wasteland.. and the earth.. is the only planet with life on it... and there will never be another...

Then would it be worth it for God to create an entire universe?

Yes it would... because we... are the most valuble things.. in the universe.. because we are gods children.
is it worth it?
For us?
For god.

Oh shut up. Give us the consideration of an intelligent response.

Originally Posted by Mosheh Thezion

Yes it is... so the argument that bad things prove there is no god.. is just as silly as saying that good things proves there is....

Learn to read. you make us read your garbage, give us the consideration of reading our posts before responding. Either you didn't read my post, or you lack complete intelligence.

I never said there was proof of no god. All I did was nullify a statement that tried to prove that there was a god. Do you understand?

Originally Posted by Mosheh Thezion

We have no proof of anything... but when we put all the evidence together, I think, it favors a grand design, designed for the eventual creation of worlds and people like you and me...

Without any proof, you know nothing. Nothing. You have been brainwashed to believe something. If you were never taught it by other brainwashed people, you would likely have other explanations for why things are.

Does a god or gods exist? Maybe. Odds are no
If a god or gods exist, are they anything like you imagine? Odds are no.

If the gods wanted us to know they exist, why wouldn't they let us know they exist? If it they don't care, then why should we bother to make stuff up and teach it to others?

Originally Posted by Mosheh Thezion

One can argue and say there is no God... and if he is right.. then he gets nothing... and if he is wrong, he may get hell and destruction.

Lets say that we are wrong... Why would we get hell and destruction for being wrong? Should we worship this sick and twisted god out of fear? Why would he play such games with us? Why not let us know that he exists? Instead we are part of a lottery where we may or may not be fortunate enough to meet someone who can educate us about God. If we don't win that lottery, then we get put in eternal hell and destruction? Seems like a wasted effort for him to create us in the first place.

Originally Posted by Mosheh Thezion

One can argue that there is a God... and if hes wrong, he gets nothing, and if he's right, he may gain eternal love and salvation in Heaven.

Eternal love? That is a contradiction. How would you have ever come up with that conclusion without the brainwashing? You repeat the phrase "eternal love" as you have heard it many times before. Your God has made it quite clear that his love is not eternal. He is a vengeful and hateful God. You better watch yourself in prison heaven or its off to hell for you.

Originally Posted by Mosheh Thezion

Which argument is worth having?

One can not care, and save a lot of time and money by not wasting their time at church on Sundays.

[Dumpy Dooby]

Originally Posted by Mosheh Thezion

it doesnt...

Exactly....

[IdiotChildoftheCorn]

Dunno... I'm an Omnivore dammit.