believers and non believers welcomed :)

I'm in, if you need another atheist.

Since I'm the only Witch on board, I'll help ya. :wink2:

questions attached to original post. you can PM me the info if you don't want it public.

"anlgp wrote:

questions attached to original post. you can PM me the info if you don't want it public.

I'll post mine. How long of a response are you looking for and is there a deadline?

"Finascious D wrote:

I'll post mine. How long of a response are you looking for and is there a deadline?

detailed as you wanna be. it'll help me get a better opinion.

um the report is some time in april.

"anlgp wrote:

detailed as you wanna be. it'll help me get a better opinion.

um the report is some time in april.

I just saw that, sorry. Expect mine in the next day or two.

"Finascious D wrote:

I just saw that, sorry. Expect mine in the next day or two.

i just added it after your post :up:

1. Do you believe in the existence of a higher power? If you do, what conditions are necessary to differentiate it between everything else? If you do not, what is it that does not meet your conditions to believe?

   I do believe in a higher power. I don't really understand what you mean by "differentiate it between everything else" though.

2. How has this belief (or lack thereof) helped you throughout your life (morals, emotions)?

   Yes it has, but not to the extent that I base my life and my decisions solely upon what I feel my God & Goddess would expect of me. I don't "live my life for them". I feel they've given me the tools necessary to lead a good life, and I use those tools in order to be a better person.
   
   I don't thank them for every little thing that goes right while conveniently ignoring when things go bad. They're not here to referee my life.
   

3. If you present your belief in public how do people respond and treat you afterward?

   Oh man we could open a HUGE can of worms on this question. Let's just say that certain "popular" religions for the most part act like imbeciles when presented with the knowledge of what path I follow.
   

4. What is your opinion on the separation of church and state?

   It should be totally separate. Religious beliefs have no place in governing a nation made up of many faiths.
   

5. What do you think of wars carried out in the name of religion?

   It's a ridiculous concept. The whole "believe or die" ideal is for savages, not civilized people. It's exactly as George Carlin once said, "My god has a bigger dick than your god."
   
   Nosense.

What I mean by "differentiate it between everything else" is this:

What makes it a higher power? How do you differentiate it in your mind? How is it "god" and not "sam"?

"anlgp wrote:

What I mean by "differentiate it between everything else" is this:

What makes it a higher power? How do you differentiate it in your mind? How is it "god" and not "sam"?

Interesting...never even thought about something like that.

What makes them a higher power is my faith that they even exist. Since there's no tangible proof of ANYONE'S deity, your faith is what gives them power and credibility.

It's what I've come to believe, and what makes Her not be "Sam" is that I can't buy Her a cup of coffee or talk about last night's game.

I do believe she's a Pen's fan though. :lol:

Do you believe in the existence of a higher power? If you do, what conditions are
necessary to differentiate it between everything else? If you do not, what is it that does not meet your conditions to believe?

I do not believe in the traditional sense of an all powerful, all encompassing being. I do however believe that there are powers greater than us in the universe and am open towards that concept. Basically, I'm of the mindset that there are things outside our realm of knowledge that we may never know.

How has this belief (or lack thereof) helped you throughout your life (morals, emotions)?

I don't know if it has or hasn't. I have a strong belief that we must treat all humans as equals, and has allowed me to rationalize events or occurrences that seemed confusing to a lot of other people.

If you present your belief in public how do people respond and treat you afterward?

Most people agree and accept my beliefs. My father, who is religious, is not privy to those beliefs as I know they would hurt him. I do celebrate holidays and love my religious tradition, but see them more as social events than spiritual ones.

What is your opinion on the separation of church and state?

I think it essential and must be observed, however I do not have a problem with Christmas trees or other symbols. In terms of government policies or funding, I am opposed to it. On a side note, while I personally believe women should have a right to choice, I am morally opposed to abortion, but not because of religious beliefs.

What do you think of wars carried out in the name of religion?

I think people that truly practice religion believe in equality and justice. Wars in the name of religion are the result of scapegoating or a lack of understanding of what the religion stands for.

Do you believe in the existence of a higher power? If you do, what conditions are necessary to differentiate it between everything else? If you do not, what is it that does not meet your conditions to believe?

I believe in a higher power in the sense there is something higher than self. Being that self is an illusion so truth itself is "higher". I do not actually believe that it is "higher" than me. There is a difference than me and everything else and everything is exactly the same with no differences at the same time.

How has this belief (or lack thereof) helped you throughout your life (morals, emotions)?

It is a freeing belief. It is also very calming. The realization that there is nothing and this is all an illusion makes it so emotions are part of the game. Since I also believe in subjective morality, I tend to "judge" people based on the beliefs they state.

If you present your belief in public how do people respond and treat you afterward?

Some thing I am craazy, some think I am wise. It depends on the situation. I am in Seattle so I have plenty of people to hang around with that think similar to my beliefs. I am sure it would be different if I was in an area that wasn't as alternative.

What is your opinion on the separation of church and state?

I believe it is necessary because church only cares about church. Church is willing to screw over the state if it is good for the church.

What do you think of wars carried out in the name of religion?

I think for the most part religion is just used as an excuse when it comes to war. It is very simplistic to say a war is carried out in the name of religion, however it is really good for gathering the masses. It is like saying the civil war was faught over slavery. I honestly believe that if you break down each person indivisually a vast majority of them would rather be home with their families and live an enjoyable life.

Do you believe in the existence of a higher power? If you do, what conditions are
necessary to differentiate it between everything else? If you do not, what is it that does not meet your conditions to believe?

Not sure if I would label it a "higher power", but I know that something does not come from nothing. And while I do not believe this "something" is the creator of human life, or a traditional "God" as man has created, I do acknowledge that some force, intelligent or otherwise, is responsible for the universe.

How has this belief (or lack thereof) helped you throughout your life (morals, emotions)?

Personally, lacking faith in a deity has left me better off. I was presented religion at an early age (i.e Sunday School), but quickly saw that others around me who were devout were often very weak-minded. I felt that without religion I was free to live by my own personal set of morals. I feel it's made me more independent, more confident, and more of an open-minded person.

If you present your belief in public how do people respond and treat you afterward?

Given where I grew up, with a church on every other street corner, being a so-called atheist didn't go over very well. The first time I openly admitted to not believing in God (in the 9th grade), I was ridiculed. Interestingly, this made me research the Bible and other traditional Christian history so that I could arm myself with facts for debates. Had I not been mocked, I probably would've never taken the time to learn any Religious History. In doing so, I reaffirmed my beliefs (or non-beliefs).

What is your opinion on the separation of church and state?

Without it, we would not have lasted as long as we have as a nation IMO. Because the Church is not always in the best interests of the people, a Church goverened society would not be the United States as we know it today.

What do you think of wars carried out in the name of religion?

It's one of the reasons -- even If I did beleive in a "higher power" -- I would not associate myself with any organized religion. My main problem with religion, and I'm sure that those with faith even have a problem with it, is that many often justify their own deplorable actions by doing it in the name of God. Not just wars, but bombing of abortion clinics and other terrorist attacks. Like many, I've wondered how much more peaceful this world would be without religion.

"anlgp wrote:

1. Do you believe in the existence of a higher power? If you do, what conditions are necessary to differentiate it between everything else? If you do not, what is it that does not meet your conditions to believe?

   Yes, I do believe in God. If I understand your second part of this question, my understanding of this God is that He has been revealed in history and those revelations have been recorded and saved for me in a series of authoratative texts.

2. How has this belief (or lack thereof) helped you throughout your life (morals, emotions)?

   I am not sure my relationship with God is defined in your terms. Because I believe God exists, I desire to be in right relationship with Him. I do it because i believe that to be a faithful response as creature to creator. If you are asking how the belief has impacted me, it has been the central focus of my life. My relationships with all others arise from this first relationship.

3. If you present your belief in public how do people respond and treat you afterward?

   Personally, I have felt "called" by God to serve in full time ministry. Thus people have expectations of what I do and how I should act. Those expectations are both good and bad, realistic and unrealistic. Usually I am accorded some level of respect especially when wearing the "uniform" (clerical garb) or when my vocation is known. It also makes me a focal point for questioners, seekers, and those with an argument in their hearts as well.

4. What is your opinion on the separation of church and state?

   I am strongly in favor of the state staying out of the institution of faith. I do believe that people of faith should be allowed to use the precepts of their faith to make civic decisions as individuals.

5. What do you think of wars carried out in the name of religion?

   "Holy wars" are rarely "holy". I do believe that the ethics which arise from my faith such as protection of the weak, justice for the opressed, etc allow for p

...

1. Do you believe in the existence of a higher power? If you do, what conditions are necessary to differentiate it between everything else? If you do not, what is it that does not meet your conditions to believe?

I don't believe in a higher power in the traditional sense. There may be powers that exist that are more powerful than man but I just don't believe that there is a single all-powerful all-knowing being who compares essentially to a kid with an ant farm.

2. How has this belief (or lack thereof) helped you throughout your life (morals, emotions)?
I personally find this question to be a bit funny to answer as people often question my morals (or ability to even have them) when they find out I don't believe in god(s). I have my own set of morals that have been developed over time thanks to my parents, interactions with others, written words, and simply experience. I can't say they have helped me throughout my life as they may have hindered my success for all I know, but I know that I am happy with the person that I am on the inside.

3. If you present your belief in public how do people respond and treat you afterward?
People are typically surprised when they find out, but they usually don't treat me any different. Occassionally people have tried to convince me that I am "wrong," but I usually just do my best to mess with them until they get so frusrated that they give up.

4. What is your opinion on the separation of church and state?
I don't really think it is seperated enough. Sure they say it's seperate, but just for example the President is sworn into the office with his hand on the bible. If it is really seperate, why even do that? Why mention god in the pledge of allegiance still (thank you very much red scare)? Etc. Then people often make arguments/legislation (or vote) based on their religious beliefs rather than the logical benefits/shortcomings that may result in.

For example I had a roomate in college for four years who was very religious (FTR I love the guy. He's probably one of the best human beings I have ever met, if not the best. I wish I was as good of a person as him.) Anyway there was a vote about a Smoking Ban in Ohio and he voted against the ban because he didn't want to "decide for other people how they should live there life." But then we also had around that time a proposition for a Gay Marraige Ban. Given his feeling on the previous matter one would think he'd be against the ban, but no. When I asked him about it he said it conflicted with his beliefs, yet I know for a fact he had gay friends (because they were my friends to) and he had no actual problem with their lifestyle as it was a private/personal issue. He simply voted for the ban because of how marraige is viewed as a religious thing to him (rather than the civil act that it is, IMO).

5. What do you think of wars carried out in the name of religion?
I think it is silly just because I don't believe in these religions, not to mention I would think in most cases killing another person goes against the will of god(s). I am not surprised by these wars though because I think people will always be at war with each other for one reason or another. I think the only real way to avoid wars is for people to not have any differences, but frankly I find that to be impossible.

Thanks, guys. Interesting replies so far to be honest. I'm glad this thread is turning out what it is intended to be and people aren't reacting negatively to others views.

I will post my own beliefs just so I'm answering my own questions..

1. Do you believe in the existence of a higher power? If you do, what conditions are necessary to differentiate it between everything else? If you do not, what is it that does not meet your conditions to believe?

I'm currently unsure. I'm what you would call a salad bowl of beliefs or non beliefs. I have a hard time saying that I don't believe. I was born premature and I believe that something other than medical technology has made it possible for me to be here. With that being said there have been times in my life (such as currently) where I'm unsure of what to believe. It's hard for me to attach a label of non-belief to myself because it is all I have ever known. I feel like I'd be forsaking something that has been a part of my life in some instance since I can remember. I separate the concept of God from others as my idea of what God is basically is defined by what everything else is not. Whether or not I believe in that is the current question rolling through my head.


How has this belief (or lack thereof) helped you throughout your life (morals, emotions)?

I believe a strong faith in my upbringing - I was raised roman catholic, but didn't attend the church regularly or even irregularly - helped to define how I should treat others. As I grew older, and as I continue to grow older still, these values have been left behind or mixed with other faiths that I have come across to show me A) how I should treat my relationship with whatever it is I believe B) how I should treat myself C) how I should treat others. I do pray at times still when I am emotionally or physically distraught. I don't know that this actually helps me with the outcome, but it helps lessen the emotion at the time. It is really only the time I ever converse with whatever may be out there and that makes me feel like that's the only reason I have a belief..


If you present your belief in public how do people respond and treat you afterward?

Since my belief is currently in question I get along with pretty much everyone. People do sometimes tell me that I need to pick a path regardless of what it is because it will give my life definition. I agree with this concept and it's partially the reason for studying religion as much as I do.



What is your opinion on the separation of church and state?

I think it is necessary as the two are polar opposites IMO. I think the church and state have different goals and one should not interfere with the other. With that said our currency does say "In God We Trust" and that's a fairly bold statement to make considering there are plenty who don't trust in God within our sociological borders. And that's just a start.


What do you think of wars carried out in the name of religion?

I think that war carried out in the name of religions, or god, are in complete contrast to what religion is trying to achieve (save for one I haven't come across whose goal is to shed blood).

"Bumrush wrote:

Do you believe in the existence of a higher power? If you do, what conditions are
necessary to differentiate it between everything else? If you do not, what is it that does not meet your conditions to believe?

I do not believe in the traditional sense of an all powerful, all encompassing being. I do however believe that there are powers greater than us in the universe and am open towards that concept. Basically, I'm of the mindset that there are things outside our realm of knowledge that we may never know.

How has this belief (or lack thereof) helped you throughout your life (morals, emotions)?

I don't know if it has or hasn't. I have a strong belief that we must treat all humans as equals, and has allowed me to rationalize events or occurrences that seemed confusing to a lot of other people.

If you present your belief in public how do people respond and treat you afterward?

Most people agree and accept my beliefs. My father, who is religious, is not privy to those beliefs as I know they would hurt him. I do celebrate holidays and love my religious tradition, but see them more as social events than spiritual ones.

What is your opinion on the separation of church and state?

I think it essential and must be observed, however I do not have a problem with Christmas trees or other symbols. In terms of government policies or funding, I am opposed to it. On a side note, while I personally believe women should have a right to choice, I am morally opposed to abortion, but not because of religious beliefs.

What do you think of wars carried out in the name of religion?

I think people that truly practice religion believe in equality and justice. Wars in the name of religion are the result of scapegoating or a lack of understanding of what the religion stands for.

I too celebrate many holidays, but I too merely view them as a social thing rather than taking it with any religious connotations.

I am fine with Christmas trees and some other symbols as well, but I don't view the Christmas tree as religious, so.... I would have a problem with a manger scene however (and not just because of the assoiciated religious aspects).

"Ohiophinphan wrote:

I am strongly in favor of the state staying out of the institution of faith. I do believe that people of faith should be allowed to use the precepts of their faith to make civic decisions as individuals.

"State leave us alone, but we can use faith to make decisions concerning the state."

All due respect bro, but isn't that a serious double standard?

"Stitches wrote:

I too celebrate many holidays, but I too merely view them as a social thing rather than taking it with any religious connotations.

I am fine with Christmas trees and some other symbols as well, but I don't view the Christmas tree as religious, so.... I would have a problem with a manger scene however (and not just because of the assoiciated religious aspects).

I celebrate all of the holidays. Mostly as a family social thing as well. I find it funny that my family always celebrated the Christian holidays without any being a Christian. Hell it wasn't until I was in highschool till I finally learned that Easter was a religious holiday.

I am not against christmas trees, I do not think public money should be spent on them, unless they are called holiday trees.

"Dol-Fan Dupree wrote:

I celebrate all of the holidays. Mostly as a family social thing as well. I find it funny that my family always celebrated the Christian holidays without any being a Christian. Hell it wasn't until I was in highschool till I finally learned that Easter was a religious holiday.

I am not against christmas trees, I do not think public money should be spent on them, unless they are called holiday trees.

See, I view a christmas tree as no more religious than fireworks on the 4th of July, so don't mind if money is spent on it as holiday decoration. I guess it depends on how you decorate it though.

"Stitches wrote:

See, I view a christmas tree as no more religious than fireworks on the 4th of July, so don't mind if money is spent on it as holiday decoration. I guess it depends on how you decorate it though.

Christmas is christian.

"Dol-Fan Dupree wrote:

Christmas is christian.

Psssst....Christmas trees are Pagan. :wink2:

"Pagan wrote:

Psssst....Christmas trees are Pagan. :wink2:

Solstice trees are Pagan

"Dol-Fan Dupree wrote:

Solstice trees are Pagan

Semantics....the TRADITION is Pagan.