Which is better, believing in a god or not?
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Born in a non believer family.
However I grew up with Ãsatrú perspectives.
So you could say I am Ãsatrú or "Asgaardian", but not someone who's really following it.
In my case there's gods and not one "god"...
However I grew up with Ãsatrú perspectives.
So you could say I am Ãsatrú or "Asgaardian", but not someone who's really following it.
In my case there's gods and not one "god"...
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Stadtric wrote...
lordisgaea4 wrote...
You must not have heard a lot of debates on religion then ... Because theists have really bad times defending themself . If you want there's a great show called the atheist experience , it's from texas , all the episodes are on youtubes and the show is in direct every sunday on their site . Theism vs atheism debates can end in the favor of either side, it all depends on who's in the debate. The Atheist Experience is anti-theist media, obviously they're going to highlight why they're right and the other side is wrong. If you were a Christian, you'd be looking at pro-theist media and the same would be done.
Highlight why they're right and the other side is wrong. You do understand the show is completely unedited, and they don't 'pick and choose' who gets to call in, right?
Here, this is a video of one of the hosts in a debate with a professional apologist:
Call starts at 19:45.
Matt D. screwed up a little bit in this debate I'd say, but overall it was an unedited, fairly clear victor to me, even taking into account a more objective evaluation of both parties.
In fact, pretty much most debates I've seen or read or listened to ends up, in my mind, in favor of the atheist. You may be thinking, "Well of course, if you are one." but there ARE the select few that I give to the theist, no matter how much I hate their rhetorical tricks. For instance, the Christopher Hitchens vs. William Lane Craig debate. I'd give that one to Craig. And I hate Craig with a passion.
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I believe in a higher being, but it's something out of anyones cophrehension other than a being that stands equal to afore mentioned higher being. I don't believe in all the things that man says of god because man is falliable and liable to us god as a tool for manipulation. Sad thing to say, but that was truth in the past and even still now.
But I say believe what you want, I believe what I believe and let's call it a day and grab some booze, cards and junk food and gamble away said junk food.
But I say believe what you want, I believe what I believe and let's call it a day and grab some booze, cards and junk food and gamble away said junk food.
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This type of question assumes that one single belief system works the best for everyone and that people with a specific set of beliefs are either inferior or live less fullfilling lives than the other. In otherwords, it is kind of naive. I would find if it was reworded as "which do you find better for yourself" it would be a more reasonable question. But anyway, onto my answer.
In the end it depends on what works for the person. For some, a personal belief in god can bring purpose and contentment to their lives. It can also create a sense of connection and community. Who are we (agnostict myself) to say not believing would be better for them? That it would lead them to a more fullfilling life? The same can be said the otherway around with the religious quack viewing all those who havent found god as incomplete. How does he know this? Because he felt incomplete before finding god himself or perhaps some book told him so. In otherwords, he thinks everyone is like him or doesnt know and just thinks he does. However, little does Mr fanatic know that many people find enough meaning in life through other contructions of humanity. Friends, love, family, money, kids, careers, knowledge, art, eroge etc. So they are capable of finding their own happiness without God. This is my point. Individual personality cannot be reduced and ignored when thinking about stuff like this. Debates tend to forget this. I blame society and its obsession with objectivity.
In the end it depends on what works for the person. For some, a personal belief in god can bring purpose and contentment to their lives. It can also create a sense of connection and community. Who are we (agnostict myself) to say not believing would be better for them? That it would lead them to a more fullfilling life? The same can be said the otherway around with the religious quack viewing all those who havent found god as incomplete. How does he know this? Because he felt incomplete before finding god himself or perhaps some book told him so. In otherwords, he thinks everyone is like him or doesnt know and just thinks he does. However, little does Mr fanatic know that many people find enough meaning in life through other contructions of humanity. Friends, love, family, money, kids, careers, knowledge, art, eroge etc. So they are capable of finding their own happiness without God. This is my point. Individual personality cannot be reduced and ignored when thinking about stuff like this. Debates tend to forget this. I blame society and its obsession with objectivity.
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honestly I was raised catholic and as is 99% of the latino community but i think that MOST religions have some good moral values and to i believe somewhat But nobody cant say that whether god exists or not the good values in those religions the world would be alot better.And one morew thing we can agree on is that we have to focus on now and the future that relates to us we all will find out when we die
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For many it is better to believe in God so they can depend on a higher being for comfort and reassurance because many are hopeless nowadays and are facing troubling times in their life and in a strange way, believing in God gives them strength.
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There are two ways to approach this question. Is it better to believe in god for a society? or is it better to believe in god as an individual?
Truthfully, there is no right answer, as it is completely subjective as to what that term 'better' can refer to and whether you would be a better person to yourself/society if you believed or did not believe in any particular spiritual being. But, I'll just throw in my two cents based on my own personal upbringing and community.
Firstly, I was raised Christian, grew up in a household where it really wasn't talked about. We would go to choir on Christmas and sometimes church with the grandparents, but that was about as far as our spiritual commitments went. Once I hit high school (a Lutheran one I might add), I started looking into science much more thoroughly, it became a much more interesting and fun way to look at the world, and over the next few years I morphed from a weak practicing Christian into a rather vocal agnostic. Once I left high school I was pretty much an atheist. Being forced to read the bible was what really drove home that it just wasn't the kind of lifestyle would want any part in, and there was no religion I could really relate myself or associate myself to. I decided that it was best for myself and my house if I just spent my life focusing on being a good person and living for the now rather than worrying about what a spiritual being things of what I am doing.
That being said, the question arises as 'am I a better person now?' I pretty much think the exact same was as I did before, just without the spiritual aspect. I rely on the love and support of my family and friends rather than any other source, spiritualism just isn't relevant.
Don't get me wrong. I agree most religions have some high minded ideals to them, but personally, they did not help me to become the 'better' person that I am today. I would have become this way regardless, but that leads on to another question. Is it society that moulded me into this person? A society based on religion? and if that is the case did religion actually make me a better person?
I'm going to get a bit dark here for religious people but I mean no disrespect. I feel that generally people are good. Even without a book telling us not to we would not go around stealing, murdering and pillaging every neighbouring town and city. It is not beneficial for us as a species to do such a thing, we would not all still be here if that kind of behaviour was programmed into our genes. Granted, some people do that, but in the vast scheme of things they are in the minority or victims of circumstances that led to that lifestyle. It was not religion or lack of religion that causes it.
However, I must voice my opinion that religion will not cause progress. It is the fight against it. We will not move forward as a species if we continue to give it such authority in our society. Science is being impugned by religions arm of what is 'right'. The rights of women, gays and transgender people will never be equal while we have religious test which say flat out that men are better, given they were all written by them. I do not feel that a belief in god will lead us to become a 'better' society, we can be a better society without it.
So, it is completely a case-by-case thing with individuals as to what makes them feel like a better person to themselves, but in terms of a society, I would have to say not believing has more possibilities in terms of progress.
Truthfully, there is no right answer, as it is completely subjective as to what that term 'better' can refer to and whether you would be a better person to yourself/society if you believed or did not believe in any particular spiritual being. But, I'll just throw in my two cents based on my own personal upbringing and community.
Firstly, I was raised Christian, grew up in a household where it really wasn't talked about. We would go to choir on Christmas and sometimes church with the grandparents, but that was about as far as our spiritual commitments went. Once I hit high school (a Lutheran one I might add), I started looking into science much more thoroughly, it became a much more interesting and fun way to look at the world, and over the next few years I morphed from a weak practicing Christian into a rather vocal agnostic. Once I left high school I was pretty much an atheist. Being forced to read the bible was what really drove home that it just wasn't the kind of lifestyle would want any part in, and there was no religion I could really relate myself or associate myself to. I decided that it was best for myself and my house if I just spent my life focusing on being a good person and living for the now rather than worrying about what a spiritual being things of what I am doing.
That being said, the question arises as 'am I a better person now?' I pretty much think the exact same was as I did before, just without the spiritual aspect. I rely on the love and support of my family and friends rather than any other source, spiritualism just isn't relevant.
Don't get me wrong. I agree most religions have some high minded ideals to them, but personally, they did not help me to become the 'better' person that I am today. I would have become this way regardless, but that leads on to another question. Is it society that moulded me into this person? A society based on religion? and if that is the case did religion actually make me a better person?
I'm going to get a bit dark here for religious people but I mean no disrespect. I feel that generally people are good. Even without a book telling us not to we would not go around stealing, murdering and pillaging every neighbouring town and city. It is not beneficial for us as a species to do such a thing, we would not all still be here if that kind of behaviour was programmed into our genes. Granted, some people do that, but in the vast scheme of things they are in the minority or victims of circumstances that led to that lifestyle. It was not religion or lack of religion that causes it.
However, I must voice my opinion that religion will not cause progress. It is the fight against it. We will not move forward as a species if we continue to give it such authority in our society. Science is being impugned by religions arm of what is 'right'. The rights of women, gays and transgender people will never be equal while we have religious test which say flat out that men are better, given they were all written by them. I do not feel that a belief in god will lead us to become a 'better' society, we can be a better society without it.
So, it is completely a case-by-case thing with individuals as to what makes them feel like a better person to themselves, but in terms of a society, I would have to say not believing has more possibilities in terms of progress.
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Chio wrote...
I'm going to get a bit dark here for religious people but I mean no disrespect. I feel that generally people are good. Even without a book telling us not to we would not go around stealing, murdering and pillaging every neighbouring town and city. It is not beneficial for us as a species to do such a thing, we would not all still be here if that kind of behaviour was programmed into our genes. Granted, some people do that, but in the vast scheme of things they are in the minority or victims of circumstances that led to that lifestyle. It was not religion or lack of religion that causes it.
If atheists ruled the world
Here is a video that gives voices to what some people said on a christian forum. It's funny and horrifying at the same time. Then again, this is the internet, people say crazy things, but it's the truth that as of today, many people think the same.
My point is, here we are in a society where the survival of the species does not rely on little things such as people stealing, or murdering. We are 7 billions, a few murderers here and there will not make our race go extinct. It's the same with hunger, thirst, and the need to reproduce. It's what modernity is all about, surpassing our basic instincts. In such a society, I believe it wouldn't be very wise to just rely on humans being good by birth. It's not the truth, people become good thanks to their education and by simply learning to live with other individuals.
Now, is it better to believe in god or not to give us good morals and all that? I think not. But I acknowledge that some people need it. It's sad that you would need a higher being to show you what's wrong and what's right in a world where not everything is black or white, but if it makes you a better person, so be it.
A friend of mine is very very very christian. When I asked him if he would have followed the teachings of the bible anyway if it was ever acknowledged as just being a fairy tale, he said yes. He has read the writings of many religions and decided that the bible had the best teachings. Then I asked him why he would need a god for all those morals to have value but he never really replied. That's when I understood that he simply needed to feel to presence of a god, and I'll never blame him for that.
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Based on rationalist Catholic philosophy, it is better to live a good life believing in god and finding out there is none rather than living a sinful life and finding out there is one. That's the rational Catholic explanation anyways.
In a way, that explanation is like comparing the belief in god to a firstaid kit: It's better to have one around and not need it than to not have one and finding yourself in a situation where you might need one.
There really is nothing wrong with believing in something. It's all up to the individual I guess.
In a way, that explanation is like comparing the belief in god to a firstaid kit: It's better to have one around and not need it than to not have one and finding yourself in a situation where you might need one.
There really is nothing wrong with believing in something. It's all up to the individual I guess.
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That's something a lot of us go through at some point or another, especially when we have nothing to personal to tie our faith to. Personally, I believe that there is a God, but I'm not sure if it's the God I've learned from in the Bible and from my parents, or if it's something else entirely. But the one thing I can't convince myself is that God does not exist. I've had a handful of experiences that, in my mind, has ruled that possibility out.
So, regarding your question, it depends. Some people need this because it helps them find greater meaning or purpose in their lives, and others manage this in other ways. One thing to remember is that the Roman Catholic view of God is not the only God you can believe in. You can believe in your own personal interpretation of that God, which is ultimately what I think I've ended up doing.
So, regarding your question, it depends. Some people need this because it helps them find greater meaning or purpose in their lives, and others manage this in other ways. One thing to remember is that the Roman Catholic view of God is not the only God you can believe in. You can believe in your own personal interpretation of that God, which is ultimately what I think I've ended up doing.
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Wow this topic still exists years later. =_= an update if you will, I've taken a shining to Deism and am proud to say that I'm feeling more accomplished and fulfilled than before. :D
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[size=14]I used to be an atheist until I realised that I hated the way (some) atheists go around slagging off religion and are so steadfast in their belief that there is no god that they force it onto other people. I also realised that I don't believe in a god because there is no proof that god exists but there is also no proof that god does not exist. I believe the most important thing is to be open minded about religion and so for that reason I will remain agnostic until someone can prove it either way.[/h]
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If someone associates themselves with a religious organization I will attack them accordingly, sometimes even to the point of making them cry... I tell them the truth of what they support and how their specific god and holy book are illogical, this is however only when they push their religion; If they don't i could honestly care less unless we are having a fun consensual debate. It's completely perceptional to find believing in god better or worse, personally I like to live in reality.
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godotccf wrote...
I was born a Roman Catholic and to be honest as I got older I began to question the very rules and guidelines that they impose and more and more I'm beginning to doubt Christianity and Catholicism as a whole and God himself. I'm trying to find something good God has done and I found none, I'm sticking with this religion for now since it's frowned upon if you change (I live in a generally Catholic/Christian country). And I don't know if I should continue trying to believe in him or If I should just shun him and go atheist because I just think if there is a god then he's just observing us and not even trying to help the world and this makes me get mad at him and makes me feel that all that bible studies and Christian talk is just crap. So right now I'm at a standstill on whether I should change religion or not.
I honestly want your opinion guys on this, which is better for you? Believing in a God? or not? Maybe with your insight I could better understand what I must do.
Like you I was also born a Catholic. There are times in life where you start to question your own religion. I think it is normal. I mean I went through my own period of Atheistic behavior but in the end I went back to the Church because I prayed and my miracle came true. Anyway I know it might just be coincidence but I don't really believe in such thing.
In the end having faith in anything is better than not. For this topic God, Buddha,fit the picture quite nicely.
Also check "Saint Oniisan", it is a manga available in Mangareader I believe that tells what Jesus and Buddha would be like if the lived in Modern Japan.
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I am a actual atheist,but i'm thinking about being a theistic satanist.I am not here to evangelize anyone,but in my opinion,satanism makes more sense.In this branch of satanism,Satan created us to be immortal,but then humanity created religions and repressed pagan religions.And a cool thing about theistic satanism is the fact that there aren't any priests or a place to go.you need to evolve yourself,and cannot depend on others for that.
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vira1969 wrote...
I am a actual atheist,but i'm thinking about being a theistic satanist.I am not here to evangelize anyone,but in my opinion,satanism makes more sense.In this branch of satanism,Satan created us to be immortal,but then humanity created religions and repressed pagan religions.And a cool thing about theistic satanism is the fact that there aren't any priests or a place to go.you need to evolve yourself,and cannot depend on others for that.You seem to think that this is a matter of opinion, which it's not. If you're actively choosing your beliefs, you're doing it wrong. Base your view of the world on facts and empirical evidence, not loose assumptions or opinions.
xlightxmonkeyx wrote...
Like you I was also born a Catholic. There are times in life where you start to question your own religion. I think it is normal. I mean I went through my own period of Atheistic behavior but in the end I went back to the Church because I prayed and my miracle came true. Anyway I know it might just be coincidence but I don't really believe in such thing.Yeah; millions of people, children and adults alike, are dying everyday from mistreatment, diseases, hunger and war - that miracle of yours certainly comes from a divine source of power. How special do you think you are?
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I'm Agnostic and i believe there's a god, however i don't believe it should be controlled by a religion and illogical rules. I personally believe that all/most religions have good messages in them. Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, etc. While i don't agree with most of their rules and laws, i do believe they have a fragment of truth in them and shouldn't be writien off as just some old books.
However i don't think it's possible for me not to believe in god. some people are able to believe with ease that there is no god due to the fact that there is no proof. But others seem to never be able to write it off as some myth or random creation by man.
I suppose that the only way any of us will know is when we die or when the world actually does end.
However i don't think it's possible for me not to believe in god. some people are able to believe with ease that there is no god due to the fact that there is no proof. But others seem to never be able to write it off as some myth or random creation by man.
I suppose that the only way any of us will know is when we die or when the world actually does end.
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Superstring wrote...
vira1969 wrote...
I am a actual atheist,but i'm thinking about being a theistic satanist.I am not here to evangelize anyone,but in my opinion,satanism makes more sense.In this branch of satanism,Satan created us to be immortal,but then humanity created religions and repressed pagan religions.And a cool thing about theistic satanism is the fact that there aren't any priests or a place to go.you need to evolve yourself,and cannot depend on others for that.You seem to think that this is a matter of opinion, which it's not. If you're actively choosing your beliefs, you're doing it wrong. Base your view of the world on facts and empirical evidence, not loose assumptions or opinions.
xlightxmonkeyx wrote...
Like you I was also born a Catholic. There are times in life where you start to question your own religion. I think it is normal. I mean I went through my own period of Atheistic behavior but in the end I went back to the Church because I prayed and my miracle came true. Anyway I know it might just be coincidence but I don't really believe in such thing.Yeah; millions of people, children and adults alike, are dying everyday from mistreatment, diseases, hunger and war - that miracle of yours certainly comes from a divine source of power. How special do you think you are?
I am sorry,i expressed myself badly.I was trying to say that if i was forced to choose between catholic church(or other "mainstream" christian religions,for that matter) or theistic satanism,i'd much rather choose theistic satanism,because Satan looks much more benevolent(in my opinion,of course)than the christian god.
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While everyone in my family is a christian, i am not. I was christian when my grandfather was alive it was fun going to church every Sunday with him to learn about god, but not anymore. as i grew self conscious of the world around me, i started to doubt more and more about the existence of omnipotence or God. It doesn't take long to notice something like that, just look at the news it will tell you everything about god. What i mean is many people die everyday, new diseases are discovered a lot of contamination and many other things, one can just ask himself "Where is God at a time like this?". i chosed to become a "believing" atheist on my own, i'm always open for new lessons if god exists AND theres proof on that mather i'll convert to religion. Not many people will think "I don't have a god what am i to do now?", there are countless gods out there find the one that matches you the most if not create it.