Quote:
Originally posted by IROC
The point is that there is physical, measurable evidence that air exists. There is no physical, measurable evidence that god exists. It would be illogical to believe that something exists for which there is no physical evidence.
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For me, there is
spiritual evidence that God exists. Now just because spiritual evidence isn't necessarily physical evidence, that doesn't mean it doesn't exist.
It is hard for me to understand the point of view that there is nothing beyond the physical realm in this universe. There are way too many 'holes' and unexplained phenomenon that leads me to believe (there's that faith thing again), that there is definately someone more out there.
And along those same lines:
Quote:
From two separate posts Originally posted by kang
Likewise. Have you taken a close and honest look at my list of needs? Which do you meet via religion?
....
The list is not complete, and every individual has their own set, with their own priorities. In no particular order:
1) Something to explain the unexplainable
2) The need to know that death is not the end
3) Something to absolve guilt, e.g. forgiveness from your “sins”
4) The need to belong to a group
5) The need to feel superior to others
6) The need for unconditional love
7) An absolute authority for morals
8) Direction on how to live your life
9) A need to be right
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The short answer for me is "none of the above." The answer is that in my seeking to find the meaning to life, the universe, and everything, I have come to the conclusion that God was behind all this. I believe in God because I have concluded that He is the truth behind our existence.
As such,
because I believe in God,
1. He has kept certain unexplainable things from mankind. And I look forward to findnig out some of these things when I can talk with Him in heaven. (My first question will be if He was joking with me all the times the street lights would flicker out when I drove/walked/rode underneath them...)
2. I know that death is not the end of my existence.
3. The only reason I am grateful that my sins are forgiven is because that forgiveness will allow me to commune with God.
4. I am a part of many groups - my church group, my friends at work, my Porsche club friends - so I don't have to be a Christian to be part of a group.
5. I certainly do not feel superior to others.
6. Because of God's unconditional love, I strive to love Him to the best of my ability. He loved me first, not the other way around. And to be loved is a need that all man has.
7. There are no absolutes. As far as morals are concerned, again, because of what He did for me, I try my best to do what He asks of me. (I think that's a different way of looking at the whole morality issue).
8. God does give me direction in my life, but again, it is because I believe in Him that He gives me direction, not the other way around.
9. "A need to be right." Well, the Bible very clearly tells me that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." The Bible also clearly states that Christians are NOT perfect - that they sin and make mistakes every day of their lives. Thus, if I chose my faith because I have a need to be right, I have chosen the wrong faith, given that my faith shows me that I am very, very far from being 'right.' . (The key is that my sins are forgiven through Christ's sacrifice on the cross.)
Hope that sheds some light on why I believe what I believe.
And again, sorry for the long post,
-Zoltan.