Do you believe in God? Why or why not?

[johny]

I see believing as a choice and it can be a daily or minute by minute choice.In the beginning it was at times a blind faith and action. I gave it a chance even though I was full of doubts and at times thought it was nonsense.
What did I have to lose?Nothing and everything.
I will say when I choose to believe and I practice my beliefs life gets better and things that seemed to be impossible start becoming second nature.
When I first started believing other people who I did not know knew what I had found because they had found it too and these were walking by people.
The spirit in me seen the spirit in them and in the beginning I didn’t know what was happening just that I felt a peace that no drug could do.
I have witnessed it happening in others also.

A man who was in such a mess mentally and on hard drugs was struggling his way to try to stop.At the same time he was making excuses,talking complete nonsense,but he was desperate and kept trying and coming back to the group for help.
Some of the group made fun of him and others had considered him the type that was just too far gone.
It was sad to see a human so addicted to a medicine that was destroying them stopping the usage only to become mentally unstable without it.
He was definitely not giving up and it went on for about a year.
One day he was completely different and I thought who is this man and what happened and he is talking and making sense.This man was not only different but he wasn’t full of anxiety or twitching but calm and knowledgeable.

At the same time groups sometimes have clicks and power struggles to such a degree (part of the illness) they don’t want a person getting better than they are especially one who was considered a hopeless.
It turned out the man became a rock in the group foundation and the miracle happened.

 

[The Blackangel]

I'm Hellenistic, so yes I believe in the Gods. My soul is the property of the Great Goddess. She is the Goddess of love and beauty. I have Her name tattooed on me. I don't say Her name because, as a mortal, I don't see myself worthy. But to clarify, She is Aphrodite. Her roman counterpart is Venus.

Now, it needs to be remembered that the Gods can be petty, malicious, and vindictive. Don't screw with Them. But they can also be kind, loving, and supportive.

It's a crapshoot either way.

 

[Blessedcurse]

I don't believe in a single all knowing, all knowing and all powerful parental deity. No. But I do believe in spirits of nature, ancestors and old gods and a variety of entities I cant translate.

@johny I don't see how believing can be a choice. I can chose to act and live according to values, I can choose to pray and do other things to make it more easy for belief to come and stay. But belief is like love for me. It has to be true in my heart. It can't be commanded. It will only be self deception if I try. But I can chose to behave lovingly even if love is not in my heart. How is belief a choice for you? I am curious, not questioning in a negative way.

 

[RichArD52]

Very interesting thread. My dad was the religious authority figure - 3rd generation PK, but I think he was the only one with a few screws loose. Went through PTSD about 2000, and was told to forget what I was taught and figure out what I believed to be right - which took me on a very long journey to find out what is screwed up and why and search for an answer I could live with. A ton of books from exerts in many fields, most recent archeology and historians specializing in ancient times - when most of the religions began - when, why, who --- most everything possible to know and to see if anything really made sense or not. So our records are not what we were taught as children in Christianity - or as adults for that matter! A 3000 year old account of the Sinai Pact Standards was found and translated - and it was all about living just and reasonable lives, with the caviot that we "do no evil", and the big 10 list also has accompanying lists for blessing or cursed behavior - all easlly observed common sense stuff!! And it so happened this list reflects nearly perfectly what Jesus taught in Matthew - mostly, there are a few issues that I have come to believe were altered after the fact. In short, in Isaiah God said "Come, let us reason together". In one translation God told Cain: "Surely, if you improve yourself, you will be forgiven. Sin is at the door, it's desire is towards you, but you can conquer it." No fall of man - we are capable to do better - even if just one step at a time. Second, everyone will be accountable for what they did in their life. In the Pact, God said "Blessed are you in your coming, and blessed are you in your going" to those who lived justly, and for those who did evil: "Cursed are you in your coming, and cursed are you in your going." From where - to where? He didn't say - but it makes a lot of sense to me. For you followers of Jesus, I've found Matthew to make the most sense, but publishers don't show as much of the references as they should - they don't know. I'm back on here looking for some counseling resources, since I studied my way out of all the Churches - no one seems to get it that we are responsible for what we do...

 

[NotAshamed1962]

Just curious as to what everyone believes. Would love to hear your take on the universe. I'm having a bit of a crisis of faith myself, in that it's hard for me to believe in a god after I've been sexually abused twice, but I still try to pray and stuff.

I have known God is real my entire life. However, starting at the age of 50, and for six years, I began seeing massage therapists…. Eventually, I began going only to gay men, so I could buy sex.



Over the course of six years, I got gonorrhea, and had it treated.

I got genital warts, and had it treated.



Finally, in August 2018, I was being intimate with my wife. Before I ejaculated, I heard three words, from a very loud male voice. I turned to see who entered the room: there was no one there, and I knew Who was speaking what He was commanding. He spoke: GO GET TESTED.



I withdrew and lost my erection. Two days later, I went to a health clinic. That is when I heard: JOE YOU HAVE HIV.



Had I not heard His voice, I would have injected my HIV infected semen into my wife.



Over the past seven years, I have gotten treatment, and now mentor other men about sexual integrity. My marriage is strong and my faith is stronger—because of Him.
I told my story on a podcast-using my middle name of Patrick, for anonymity.

122. Patrick's Story: 150 Gay Encounters, A Loving Wife, and One Faithful God

Podcast Episode · Pure Victory Podcast · 08/31/2022 · 38m

podcasts.apple.com

 

[Georgie]

I have known God is real my entire life. However, starting at the age of 50, and for six years, I began seeing massage therapists…. Eventually, I began going only to gay men, so I could buy sex.



Over the course of six years, I got gonorrhea, and had it treated.

I got genital warts, and had it treated.



Finally, in August 2018, I was being intimate with my wife. Before I ejaculated, I heard three words, from a very loud male voice. I turned to see who entered the room: there was no one there, and I knew Who was speaking what He was commanding. He spoke: GO GET TESTED.



I withdrew and lost my erection. Two days later, I went to a health clinic. That is when I heard: JOE YOU HAVE HIV.



Had I not heard His voice, I would have injected my HIV infected semen into my wife.



Over the past seven years, I have gotten treatment, and now mentor other men about sexual integrity. My marriage is strong and my faith is stronger—because of Him.
I told my story on a podcast-using my middle name of Patrick, for anonymity.

122. Patrick's Story: 150 Gay Encounters, A Loving Wife, and One Faithful God

Podcast Episode · Pure Victory Podcast · 08/31/2022 · 38m

podcasts.apple.com

I have known God is real my entire life. However, starting at the age of 50, and for six years, I began seeing massage therapists…. Eventually, I began going only to gay men, so I could buy sex.



Over the course of six years, I got gonorrhea, and had it treated.

I got genital warts, and had it treated.



Finally, in August 2018, I was being intimate with my wife. Before I ejaculated, I heard three words, from a very loud male voice. I turned to see who entered the room: there was no one there, and I knew Who was speaking what He was commanding. He spoke: GO GET TESTED.



I withdrew and lost my erection. Two days later, I went to a health clinic. That is when I heard: JOE YOU HAVE HIV.



Had I not heard His voice, I would have injected my HIV infected semen into my wife.



Over the past seven years, I have gotten treatment, and now mentor other men about sexual integrity. My marriage is strong and my faith is stronger—because of Him.
I told my story on a podcast-using my middle name of Patrick, for anonymity.

122. Patrick's Story: 150 Gay Encounters, A Loving Wife, and One Faithful God

Podcast Episode · Pure Victory Podcast · 08/31/2022 · 38m

podcasts.apple.com

I definitely do not believe in any deity. This has been something very hard for other people to take. I have faced more prejudice for this than anything else. When I tell them I think of religion as an emotional crutch, EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM responds with "But sometimes you need to believe" or similar words. That confirms what I said. Public opinion polls consistently show belief in a deity is highest during times of war and economic troubles and lowest during times of peace and prosperity. I was raised as a Catholic and their cruel doctrine of original sin and Limbo as one of four places one can go after death and their teaching that we all have guardian angels to protect us were questioned by us even as children. If there were guardian angels, this organization would not exist.

 

[TommyBoy]

I definitely do not believe in any deity. This has been something very hard for other people to take. I have faced more prejudice for this than anything else. When I tell them I think of religion as an emotional crutch, EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM responds with "But sometimes you need to believe" or similar words. That confirms what I said. Public opinion polls consistently show belief in a deity is highest during times of war and economic troubles and lowest during times of peace and prosperity. I was raised as a Catholic and their cruel doctrine of original sin and Limbo as one of four places one can go after death and their teaching that we all have guardian angels to protect us were questioned by us even as children. If there were guardian angels, this organization would not exist.

I totally agree with you, and have even more reasons

 

[GaD3!]

I definitely do not believe in any deity. This has been something very hard for other people to take. I have faced more prejudice for this than anything else. When I tell them I think of religion as an emotional crutch, EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM responds with "But sometimes you need to believe" or similar words. That confirms what I said. Public opinion polls consistently show belief in a deity is highest during times of war and economic troubles and lowest during times of peace and prosperity. I was raised as a Catholic and their cruel doctrine of original sin and Limbo as one of four places one can go after death and their teaching that we all have guardian angels to protect us were questioned by us even as children. If there were guardian angels, this organization would not exist.

This is a very personal issue for everyone. For myself, as I have mentioned previously in this thread the faith is the only reason I am still alive. In my case along with the ritual abuse, I also experienced clerical abuse- one extreme to the other I suppose. . I find it disturbing that you faced prejudice for not believing. Again it is a personal issue and there needs to be respect for everyone- those who believe and those who do not. I have faced the same from others of different faith traditions than my own, so I can relate to that to an extent. Again it goes back to respect. If you feel religion is an emotional crutch and have issues with the Catholic church, you have a right to feel that way just as others have the right to feel the complete opposite. I find it interesting that as you have shared people profess faith in times of difficulty and that falls by the wayside when life is not problematic. It makes no sense to me, but I can't speak for anyone but myself. I suppose like a "fair weather friend" in reverse.

It is good that we can all be here as survivors and support one another in spite of difference regarding matters of faith. Again it goes back to the issue of respect. Take care.

 

[The Blackangel]

I definitely do not believe in any deity. This has been something very hard for other people to take. I have faced more prejudice for this than anything else. When I tell them I think of religion as an emotional crutch, EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM responds with "But sometimes you need to believe" or similar words. That confirms what I said. Public opinion polls consistently show belief in a deity is highest during times of war and economic troubles and lowest during times of peace and prosperity. I was raised as a Catholic and their cruel doctrine of original sin and Limbo as one of four places one can go after death and their teaching that we all have guardian angels to protect us were questioned by us even as children. If there were guardian angels, this organization would not exist.

I was raised as a Roman Catholic as well, but I never bought into it. I was actually excommunicated when I was 3. That's not a typo. I was excommunicated when I was a toddler. Full excommunication does have to come from the vatican, but a lot of parishes still do it without consent from the vatican. And it was for asking a question in Sunday School. The nun told us that god was everywhere and in everything. As a toddler, I couldn't wrap my head around that one. So I asked how god could be everywhere. To them, that meant I was questioning god. Which was blaspheming him. Which is the "unforgivable" sin. Hence, excommunication.

Since then, literally everyone I know has tried to force the bible on me. I even found one on my car one day. Due to that, I have become extremely prejudiced against xtianity. Obviously I have a valid reason. I'm not saying prejudice is ever right, but sometimes it's easy to understand.

 

[RichArD52]

I was raised on the Bible as a 3rd generation PK. Used to believe it was literally true. Now archeology and studies into antiquity have proven the narrative stories from Genesis through I Kings was made up - the Exodus didn't happen - couldn't have - not as told. Scholarship varies between Seminary and University education - one faith based - sell your product, the other is more fact, or at least reason, based. Just wrote a book about what I've found to date: "Romans Proves Paul Lied, Have We Inherited Lies From Our Fathers?" A now published 3000 year old proto deuteronomy scroll shows perfect reasoning, as opposed to what we have today. It used to make perfect sense - and finds a lot of harmony to the teachings of Jesus in Matthew. So, although raised in Church - now I never go - time is better spent with reality - not liars.

 

[RichArD52]

I was raised as a Roman Catholic as well, but I never bought into it. I was actually excommunicated when I was 3. That's not a typo. I was excommunicated when I was a toddler. Full excommunication does have to come from the vatican, but a lot of parishes still do it without consent from the vatican. And it was for asking a question in Sunday School. The nun told us that god was everywhere and in everything. As a toddler, I couldn't wrap my head around that one. So I asked how god could be everywhere. To them, that meant I was questioning god. Which was blaspheming him. Which is the "unforgivable" sin. Hence, excommunication.

Since then, literally everyone I know has tried to force the bible on me. I even found one on my car one day. Due to that, I have become extremely prejudiced against xtianity. Obviously I have a valid reason. I'm not saying prejudice is ever right, but sometimes it's easy to understand.

Christians and Jews (at the least), need to wipe the smug smiles off their faces = they say you have to believe thier truth, when it is easily disproven to be delusional and unreasonable, but most importantly, not of God or Jesus. They need to have their lies exposed....

 

[tgslair]

Christians and Jews (at the least), need to wipe the smug smiles off their faces

That seems very rude.
To answer your question I absolutely believe in Gd even though my abuse happened under the guise of religion.

 

[GaD3!]

I was raised on the Bible as a 3rd generation PK. Used to believe it was literally true. Now archeology and studies into antiquity have proven the narrative stories from Genesis through I Kings was made up - the Exodus didn't happen - couldn't have - not as told. Scholarship varies between Seminary and University education - one faith based - sell your product, the other is more fact, or at least reason, based. Just wrote a book about what I've found to date: "Romans Proves Paul Lied, Have We Inherited Lies From Our Fathers?" A now published 3000 year old proto deuteronomy scroll shows perfect reasoning, as opposed to what we have today. It used to make perfect sense - and finds a lot of harmony to the teachings of Jesus in Matthew. So, although raised in Church - now I never go - time is better spent with reality - not liars.

This is your opinion. You have a right to your opinion, others will disagree. From what I have read new archeology finds and studies verify that what the Bible speaks of did take place. Universities fact based? Not necessarily so. Again a whole lot of room for opinion- professors are known to have their own agendas which they freely share with their students. In general most universities are liberal and teach from that point of view, even so called religious universities, so they are not necessarily a reliable source of information regarding matters of faith. In reference to that 3,000 year old scroll, it may be valid or it may not be. Is there proof that it is? Even if it is, what does that prove? It is just one source of information- there are others. You wrote a book, again that states your opinion supported by the research you have done, there are also many other books out written by others who state their opinion backed by the research they have done that are in opposition to what you share in your book. Who is right?

It is very derogatory to call those who attend worship services liars. The same with your comment regarding Jews and Christians. It is acceptable to be in disagreement with others but they are human being with a different view than yours and as such they deserve to be treated with respect, just as you and others who disagree with them deserve to be treated with respect. You most certainly have a right to share your opinion but insulting those who disagree with you does not make your views any more accurate, rather it weakens your argument.

 

[Jack1]

Christians and Jews (at the least), need to wipe the smug smiles off their faces = they say you have to believe thier truth, when it is easily disproven to be delusional and unreasonable, but most importantly, not of God or Jesus. They need to have their lies exposed....

Christians and Jews say you can believe what they believe. That's what free will is all about. That is called faith. If it was based on proven truth it wouldn't be called a faith based religion. Some choose to believe, you don't. God allows that.

 

[The Blackangel]

Personally, I admire the Jewish people. A ten second look at their history will quickly show why. I’ve dabbled in religious studies for over 20 years. Not because I'm looking for a religion, but because I'm curious about religion. What do people believe? Why do they believe it? Is it the only religion they've ever been exposed to? Is it the norm in their culture? Did they choose said religion? The list goes on.

Now according to my own look into Judaism, in my opinion they have been through more bigotry, attempted genocide, and mistreatment than any other demographic. Which includes racism as well.

Some will agree. Some will disagree. Some will be proud. Some will be offended. No two people believe and feel the same.

To each, their own.

 

[RichArD52]

Believe what you will - knowing excels faith and belief.

There are facts. There are opinions. They are not the same thing.

 

[RichArD52]

Read some books of fact - like those from Michael Hoffman of revisionisthistory.org

 

[Jack1]

It cannot be proven that God doesn't exist, just as it cannot be proven definitively that God does exist. The question of God's existence falls into the realm of metaphysics and faith, where empirical evidence and logical proofs are often inconclusive. From a philosophical standpoint, arguments like the problem of evil or the lack of observable evidence for a deity are used to challenge the likelihood of God's existence, but these are not definitive proofs of non-existence. They merely raise doubts or suggest inconsistencies in certain conceptions of God. For example, the absence of evidence is not evidence of absence, as something could exist beyond current human detection or understanding.Conversely, believers might point to personal experiences, cosmological arguments (e.g., the universe's origin requiring a cause), or the complexity of life as suggestive of a purposeful intelligent design. These, too, are not conclusive proofs but rather arguments that support their perspective.Since "God" is often defined as a transcendent, supernatural entity, the concept typically lies outside the scope of falsifiable scientific testing. Thus, neither side can claim absolute proof, leaving the question open to individual interpretation, faith, or skepticism.

 

[GaD3!]

Read some books of fact - like those from Michael Hoffman of revisionisthistory.org

One has to have faith that what this author states is true. Of course that is open for debate.

 

[little_boy_lost]

No. Not because I'm anti-god or anti-religious people. I just never believed except one short period in my life. I was abused from ages 4 to untill I got out on my own after my divorce at 33. I was diagnosed with schizophrenia at (i believe) age 24. For two or so years after my first psychotic break, I was obsessed with Islam and converted and read the Quran over and over. I have read it at least 30 times. Honestly I do still find the Quran fansinating, but I no longer believe.

Growing up indoctrination was tried on me into Christianity. I did the whole thing. Church twice a week, church related kids activities, bible study. But I think even before I was diagnosed, I was always mentally ill. Unless its my kids, appeals to emotion don't work on me, so I never bought into the Christian message. And today at almost 40 I view the Christian message as manipulative and sickening. (And, no offense, quite stupid). 75% or so of my life I've been abused sexually, physically and/or emtionally by almost every family member I've had. And mild emotional abuse still happens today from my family. (Which is why I always drive to family functions myself so I can leave when needed). Even my 14 year old son noticed the emotional abuse, calling them "horrible people" when we got home from his birthday party.

Anyway, as for god, I just can't believe. One, because literally no one was there for me as a young child being sexually abused. But physical abuse in my preteen and teen years and emotional terrorism all my life.

In addition, I am just scientically literate and I understand the human mind and how it evolved to believe strange things. I have two bachelor degrees in biology and psychology. I also have studied history, religion and theology since I was old enough to read. I just can't believe in god with all I know.