Can You Rationalize Your Belief in God?

[n9newunsixx5150]

Hermetic philosophy is monism because it's highest conception of the supreme absolute truth is equivilent to the Vedic conception of Brahman, which refers to the spiritual totality of things. By merging the Supreme Personality of Godhead into Brahman, God's individuality becomes nil. The Kybalion speaks of this homogenous singularity, calling it, "The All". This philosophy can be dangerous if it is considered conclusive on matters of transcendental knowledge. For what is the practical difference between annihilating one's conception of God by merging everything into one homogenous whole and simply denying God's existence?

 

[Formaldehyde Rx]

You are forgiven the second comment you addressed was not addressed to you btw

 

[n9newunsixx5150]

You are forgiven the second comment you addressed was not addressed to you btw

You're welcome.

 

[Formaldehyde Rx]

welcome to what?

 

[Hemp]

Hermetic philosophy is monism because it's highest conception of the supreme absolute truth is equivilent to the Vedic conception of Brahman, which refers to the spiritual totality of things. By merging the Supreme Personality of Godhead into Brahman, God's individuality becomes nil. The Kybalion speaks of this homogenous singularity, calling it, "The All". This philosophy can be dangerous if it is considered conclusive on matters of transcendental knowledge. For what is the practical difference between annihilating one's conception of God by merging everything into one homogenous whole and simply denying God's existence?

i already believe God is within everything, i also have many theories on many things and this site has been repeating shit i thought and the new shit is only speakin my language and making sense.
thanks for the warning tho, it made me think and i decided whatever belief i have or follow im gonna live a good life and only try to increase my knowledge to better myself and my understanding.
if i end up in hell then thats 2 bs calls because
1. i didnt ask or decide to be born and be put to this ultimate challenge where losing is probable and passing isnt likely.There are many intelligent people on this board, yet all of our beliefs completely contradict. You tell me whats goin on.
2. my intentions my whole life were for good

so i dont think God will punish me

 

[thatguy]

people bring up that faith is not a rational thing, but faith is believing in somthing without proof, but if something is rational, my dictionary says it is believed with reason, therefor you can believe somthing with no proof (faith) but have a good reason to believe in it (rational)

another thing, this doesnt apply to all, but people that believe in the big bang theory use the very thing that they accuse christians of using, which is faith. to me it takes more faith to believe chemicals mixed and all the other things that happened, then made monkey which then evolved into man, than it does to believe that a creator was responcible for life. to believe this theory, you must have faith that the peoples words are true that made these theories, and they are telling the full truth about their studies. do to the fact no one has seen a human created, if you believe either theory, it requires faith.

someone mentioned that because of all these bad things, there cannot be a god. well, heres an idea for you, can somthing exist without a counterpart? and without a middle ground that is effected by neither side? for example, you take good and bad, without bad, there is nothing but good, so good becomes the normal but since theres nothing to challenge it, it really isnt good anymore. there is a middle ground some would say, but it is dependant on a mixture of good and evil, but if there is no evil, there is no mixture.

next, love, and people loving god, then killing innocents over it. these people arent follwing god fully due to the commandment "thou shall not kill", therefor these people should not be looked upon as true followers of god, well at least the god im speaking of which is god in the christian translation.

the way i rationalize god is, i dont see how everything un folds so perfectly just for the simple fact it did, it seems to be getting a helping hand, plus, despite the fact the bible is very old, it is even relavant in these times, the things it stated would happening are unfolding right before us, there is now a number (bar code) that can be implanted under your skin in your right hand, or forhead, and there are bills to be written into law that everyone will one day have this, or they will not buy sell or trade, sound framiliar?plus, i have seen miracles happen myself, such as docters finding cancer in someone, and later, they cant find it like it dissapeared with no explanation. you may say to yourself that isnt rational but lets take another look at what rational means


# adjective: having its source in or being guided by the intellect (distinguished from experience or emotion)

Example: "A rational analysis"

# adjective: consistent with or based on or using reason

Example: "Rational behavior"

i have told of my expireance, and i have given reasons, enjoy

 

[Hutch]

Is this thread still going? Why bother yourselves with such a useless topic? Everyone here knows that I don't believe in God and will not accept any believers attempts to rationalize his existence so why argue it?

It seems as though every single day the topic of God is brought up, either in the form of (a) who does believe in God and why or who does not believe in God and why not, or (b) any other question regarding the beginning of the universe, infinity and the 'creation' of life. I know the positions of just about everyone here on GOM regarding these questions and reinstating your/my opinion will not result in anyone changing their own.

Why not all simply agree to disagree and admit that this whole 'God' argument is an inconcilable stalemate. Let those who believe in God just believe, and for those of us who do not believe in God, then just don't believe. If you're still unsure as to your beliefs, then I suggest you decide for yourself - don't let us make the decision for you. How does that sound?

 

[thatguy]

i see what your saying, and you have some valid points, but im not arguing, im just here to have a conversation about this, its good to discuss things like this, you can learn alot, and i dont know about you, but both sides of the debate interest me

 

[Hutch]

both sides used to interest me when we had this debate months ago, and weeks ago, and days ago, but not now. Can anyone who believes in God honestly tell me that something an athiest has said has seriously challenged your belief in God? Or if you do not believe in God, has any argument for the existence of God resulted in you believing in God? (not just 'well, maybe he might exist', but ACTUALLY believe in Him). I don't mind if you continue debating it and if I didn't there would be nothing I could do about it, but I thought you may share my thoughts (enough is enough).

 

[n9newunsixx5150]

i already believe God is within everything, i also have many theories on many things and this site has been repeating shit i thought and the new shit is only speakin my language and making sense.
thanks for the warning tho, it made me think and i decided whatever belief i have or follow im gonna live a good life and only try to increase my knowledge to better myself and my understanding.
if i end up in hell then thats 2 bs calls because
1. i didnt ask or decide to be born and be put to this ultimate challenge where losing is probable and passing isnt likely.There are many intelligent people on this board, yet all of our beliefs completely contradict. You tell me whats goin on.
2. my intentions my whole life were for good

so i dont think God will punish me

Kybalion (Hermetic philosophy) was one of the first books I read on the subject of philosophy, actually. I am not saying it is bad, but it has its shortcomings.

If I were you, I wouldn't worry so much abut hell as I would concern myself with continuing to seek knowledge. The key is to just try to understand God. Everyone has some conception, but in general there are three levels of understanding. That is, understanding God on an impersonal level (i.e. the ALL), understanding that God is within every living entity(i.e. the ALL in all), and knowledge of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. That last platform of understanding is not found in Kybalion. It is indicated or implied in Christianity and Islam that God is a person, but in my experience, knowledge of the Personality of Godhead culminates in Vedanta; particularly in the Bhagavad-Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam.

1. Consider that you may have made a decision that constituted your taking birth. Of course, this means that you existed prior to the birth of the body, which for some people is too wild of an idea. The idea that we should get rid of is that God whimsically creates conditioned souls or that He whimsically throws souls into material suffering. We suffer due to past actions. It is our responsibility, not God's. It is by God's causeless mercy that we are able to attain liberation from material suffering. As far as people's beliefs contradicting each other, I wouldn't focus so much on the trivial differences. Generally speaking, there are those who believe in God and there are those who don't. Within the group of believers, there are those who believe God is exclusive to one religion and there are those who don't. For example, Heresy insists that the God of Vedas is completely different from the God of Bible. I don't share that belief. The same basic principles are being taught in both the Vedas and the Bible. In most cases the differences are trivial. The goal is to understand what is God and to love Him.

2. What is "good"? Intentions may be good, but without knowledge we are prone to cause harm. For example, imagine that your friend is really sick and the doctor has prescribed that he not eat any sweets otherwise he could become worse and maybe even die. So your friend may beg you for some candy and your intention may be good when you give him a piece, but such "good" intentions are actually bad. So I ask, what is "good"?

 

[donte_johnson]

I love this god talk!!

 

[2-0-NINE]

FOR THOSE WHO KEEP COMPLAINING ABOUT HOW LONG THIS THREAD WILL GO, AND THAT NO MATTER WHAT EFFORT A CHRISTIAN, A JEW, A MUSLIM OR ANY OTHER FAITHS CAN TRY TO DO TO CONVINCE HIM THEN DON'T POST HERE. ANOTHER THING, IF EVERYONE OF EVERY FAITH TRIED TO TEACH YOU THE BEST WAY POSSIBLE AND YOU STILL WANT ACCEPT, OR IN OTHER WORDS LIKE THE BIBLE SAYS LUKEWARM MEN, YOU'LL SEE ON THE JUDGEMENT DAY! PEOPLE WILL USE THE BIBLE AND SAY JUDGE NOT AND YE NOT BE JUDGED, BUT IF YOU KILL A MAN, AND IF I WAS JUDGE I CANNOT TELL YOU, YOU'RE GUILTY? THEN IT'S STUPID RIGHT. IF SOMEONE WHO IS ANTI-THEISTIC, AND CHOOSES TO BE AN ATHEIST, MAKE SURE YOU KNOW THE DEFINTION OF AN ATHEIST, SUPPOSED DOESN'T BELIEVE IN GOD, BUT ALSO USES SCIENCE TO DISPROVE GOD. SO WHAT DO THEY SAY ABOUT THE FEELINGS WE HAVE, IT'S ELECTRICITY AND CHEMICALS, FUCK THAT SHIT. GIVE ME A REASON YOU LOVE YOUR MOM, OR WHY YOU CONTINUE TO LIVE, AND WHY THE REASON YOU CONTINUE TO LIVE YOUR LIFE, IS A REASONABLE ONE. YOU CAN'T, BECAUSE IT'S NOT AS SIMPLE AS JUST SAYING, BECAUSE MY MOM AND DAD RAISED ME!

 

[Hutch]

donate, are you being fesicious?

Stockton, I'm not going to argue with you because I just can't be bothered. Just know that science can explain why we love our mothers and why we continue to live, they're two of the easiest questions for science to explain.

Another prime example of the 'I believe in God and you can't disprove His existence, so therefore He must exist' argument. Extremely shaky ground there, more crumbly than gluten free bread.

 

[2-0-NINE]

Is that even a word, WTF? And who are you refering to?

 

[Hutch]

I was referring to donate, I edited the comment because when I posted it, your message appeared after his so I had to direct it specifically...

The rest applies to you though.

 

[2-0-NINE]

I didn't read the Edit I respect your view, and I don't expect everyone who I'm trying to Teach to understand my point of view, or most importantly the Christian point of view. Much Respect though. Then Again I'd like to ask a Scientist why a lady will say Semen taste's Sour, I guess it's a mystery Man who never know unless he goes both ways right?!! Anyways yeah.

 

[Hemp]

Kybalion (Hermetic philosophy) was one of the first books I read on the subject of philosophy, actually. I am not saying it is bad, but it has its shortcomings.

If I were you, I wouldn't worry so much abut hell as I would concern myself with continuing to seek knowledge. The key is to just try to understand God. Everyone has some conception, but in general there are three levels of understanding. That is, understanding God on an impersonal level (i.e. the ALL), understanding that God is within every living entity(i.e. the ALL in all), and knowledge of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. That last platform of understanding is not found in Kybalion. It is indicated or implied in Christianity and Islam that God is a person, but in my experience, knowledge of the Personality of Godhead culminates in Vedanta; particularly in the Bhagavad-Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam.

ok thanks for that man, i already believe in the supreme personality of Godhead and that he is above all,and without him there would be none.

2. What is "good"? Intentions may be good, but without knowledge we are prone to cause harm. For example, imagine that your friend is really sick and the doctor has prescribed that he not eat any sweets otherwise he could become worse and maybe even die. So your friend may beg you for some candy and your intention may be good when you give him a piece, but such "good" intentions are actually bad. So I ask, what is "good"?

without knowledge we are prone to cause harm like you said, but like say my friend wanted a piece of candy.
if i didnt know it harms him and gave him one, then i say it would be the same as not harming him because my intent is still there, and i only lack knowledge which i am continously seeking to not run into problems.
of course i wouldnt want to harm him, and of course i was just wanting to please him by givin him the piece of candy.
so i dont see anything wrong with that.
now of course this example is only one of the many, but i will simply keep my way of living simple with good intentions, so i shouldnt run into any problems.
The problems that i do run into like the example you gave, if i didnt know it causes harm i wouldnt do it, so me doing it should be the same as me givin him a glass of water for instance.
and if i later find out the candy harms him, i will refrain from doing it anymore.
the lesson is learned, and i have moved ahead, which is what life is all about.
thanks for lookin out

 

[n9newunsixx5150]

ok thanks for that man, i already believe in the supreme personality of Godhead and that he is above all,and without him there would be none.

If you haven't already, you should take a look at Bhagavad-Gita As It Is.

without knowledge we are prone to cause harm like you said, but like say my friend wanted a piece of candy.
if i didnt know it harms him and gave him one, then i say it would be the same as not harming him because my intent is still there, and i only lack knowledge which i am continously seeking to not run into problems.
of course i wouldnt want to harm him, and of course i was just wanting to please him by givin him the piece of candy.
so i dont see anything wrong with that.
now of course this example is only one of the many, but i will simply keep my way of living simple with good intentions, so i shouldnt run into any problems.
The problems that i do run into like the example you gave, if i didnt know it causes harm i wouldnt do it, so me doing it should be the same as me givin him a glass of water for instance.
and if i later find out the candy harms him, i will refrain from doing it anymore.
the lesson is learned, and i have moved ahead, which is what life is all about.
thanks for lookin out

But it is the goal that is important. That's all I'm saying. What use is it to save the clothes of a drowning man? So the first lesson in transcendental knowledge is to understand, "I am not this body. I am spirit soul." Aham Brahmasmi. Then we can gauge our actions based on knowledge of the soul, which is superior to bodily knowledge, and our intent will always be of the highest caliber. The body is a means to an end, so saving the body is similar to saving one's clothes. We should use these bodies for cutivating God consciousness because as spiritual beings we are eternally related to God. That is the key point of religion. If we use these bodies simply to enjoy then we are wasting a good facility.

 

[k-nine]

heres the simplest reply i can give.space couldnt of evolved by itself,and matter couldnt of formed from nothing.regardless of creation or evolution theories someone or something must account for space,time,and matter.and if this all powerfull GOD made life with a conscience then obviously he made us for a reason or purpose.its the purpose which is important, not how he did it or when he did it. those in itself are vain babblings and qouestions and debates that can go both ways, those arguments are more to prove ones self right [in a pridefull way] more than trying to prove what they believe is right [in a spiritual way].