Archbishop of Canterbury not sure that God exists
Discussion
Esseesse said:
bad company said:
At least I know I don't believe in any God.
What is this God that you don't believe in? People say they believe/don't believe in God when I feel it's not really defined what God is. Perhaps with the right definition you do believe in God?
MikeO996 said:
Qwert1e said:
Since you've got it all cracked, can you just let us know why there is a universe?
You see when push comes to shove there's only one question and it's rather a tricky one. Namely, why is there "anything" and not "nothing"?
Why does there need to be a reason?You see when push comes to shove there's only one question and it's rather a tricky one. Namely, why is there "anything" and not "nothing"?
The thing is, though, that atheists do not suggest they have it all cracked. Only the religious suggest they do.
On top of that, the religious suggest that their particular religion is the only right one. Further, there's the fact that most people invent their own religion, or at least religious rules. Most western catholics used birth control, despite it being a mortal sin according to some catholic sects.
The religious know why, without logic and without reason. Atheists, from what I understand, say they do not know why because they use logic and reason.
Qwert1e said:
Since you've got it all cracked, can you just let us know why there is a universe?
You see when push comes to shove there's only one question and it's rather a tricky one. Namely, why is there "anything" and not "nothing"?
There has to be, otherwise you wouldn't be in a position to ask the question.You see when push comes to shove there's only one question and it's rather a tricky one. Namely, why is there "anything" and not "nothing"?
TwigtheWonderkid said:
As an atheist since the age of 8 or 9, I can honestly say I have never done the reverse, Not once have I ever doubted the non existence of god, even when some extraordinary coincidence has occurred or when something brilliant has happened to me, like the birth of my kids or Chelsea winning the Champions League.
Actually, I take that back. I do struggle to see how Cliff Richard has had a 50 year career without divine intervention.
Oh Twig, I do seem to recollect you on another religion thread refusing to state categorically that you believed God did not exist.Actually, I take that back. I do struggle to see how Cliff Richard has had a 50 year career without divine intervention.
So you do have doubts as to your beliefs, or you sometimes lie perhaps?
Derek Smith said:
The obvious question.
The thing is, though, that atheists do not suggest they have it all cracked. Only the religious suggest they do.
On top of that, the religious suggest that their particular religion is the only right one. Further, there's the fact that most people invent their own religion, or at least religious rules. Most western catholics used birth control, despite it being a mortal sin according to some catholic sects.
The religious know why, without logic and without reason. Atheists, from what I understand, say they do not know why because they use logic and reason.
Derek, from what I read of your evangelical preaching atheistic ramblings I do not summise that your anti-religious mindset is based on logic and reason.The thing is, though, that atheists do not suggest they have it all cracked. Only the religious suggest they do.
On top of that, the religious suggest that their particular religion is the only right one. Further, there's the fact that most people invent their own religion, or at least religious rules. Most western catholics used birth control, despite it being a mortal sin according to some catholic sects.
The religious know why, without logic and without reason. Atheists, from what I understand, say they do not know why because they use logic and reason.
You are no better in the way you preach your intolerance than a bible-bashing Christian from some small-minded backwards sect in the U.S bible belt.
Derek Smith said:
MikeO996 said:
Qwert1e said:
Since you've got it all cracked, can you just let us know why there is a universe?
You see when push comes to shove there's only one question and it's rather a tricky one. Namely, why is there "anything" and not "nothing"?
Why does there need to be a reason?You see when push comes to shove there's only one question and it's rather a tricky one. Namely, why is there "anything" and not "nothing"?
The thing is, though, that atheists do not suggest they have it all cracked. Only the religious suggest they do.
On top of that, the religious suggest that their particular religion is the only right one. Further, there's the fact that most people invent their own religion, or at least religious rules. Most western catholics used birth control, despite it being a mortal sin according to some catholic sects.
The religious know why, without logic and without reason. Atheists, from what I understand, say they do not know why because they use logic and reason.
These are the people who, in my experience, are the most contented, overall.
Atheists and those of religion get so angry when this subject is broached. Especially the former. This makes any proper discussion of faith a tiresome exercise. As evidenced by the many, many threads here and elsewhere.
In my opinion, the AoC is wrong when he suggests that his God should do his bidding. Who is he to demand anything from his God? Does he not understand the simple phrase, "Thy will, not mine, be done"?
Oh well.
anonymous said:
[redacted]
I don't consider myself an atheist. I'm not sure of why you think that. My mindset isn't intolerant, just bewildered. Belief when there is no evidence is illogical, and there is no evidence for a god. And I don't think you quite understand what the word preach means. I don't suggest a course of action. All I do is point out.
I've studied religions quite closely. Some of my posts are intended to show intolerance of some aspects of religion. I've read the history.
Religions in the west - which includes the eastern catholics - is political. It started that way and has continued along those line since. Despite what many posters suggest on here, I quite like the anglican religion in the way it does not suggest there is only one right way. It is, in effect, a code of conduct. So I'm not against all religions. I'm quite taken by Shinto. I've got a lot of time for those beliefs that end in conduct.
However, a person being condemned for their sexuality: now I'm intolerant of that and if anything I have moderated my language to a great extent so as to hide the degree of contempt I have for those who support such offensive beliefs. Similarly with the subjugation of women purely because of their sex. But my language has been mild, I think, given how I view those who hold women in contempt.
Read up on the history of abrahamic religions. Then come and tell me I'm the intolerant one.
There's a really shocking book: The Dark Side of Christianity, by Elbe (or similar). Read that and then wonder why I don't class myself as atheist. Sometimes, like the archbishop, I'm not sure why.
And I don't regard myself as atheist.
Blib said:
There are atheists and there are the religious. And then there are those who are neither. Which I find fascinating. They have faith. But, have no need of an organised religion.
These are the people who, in my experience, are the most contented, overall..
That is because their faith comes from within as a matter of choice, they don't need it drilling into them by someone else nor do they seek the approval and support of a like- minded tribe.These are the people who, in my experience, are the most contented, overall..
Derek, drop into a Methodist service one day, and tell the congregation all about that book. Also try to work out in your mind how that book has anything to do with what the people of that congregation believe and what they do and why you should correlate them with that.
I guess they'll think you some kind of preachy nut, but I'm sure they'll be quite charitable about the matter.
I guess they'll think you some kind of preachy nut, but I'm sure they'll be quite charitable about the matter.
Qwert1e said:
Since you've got it all cracked, can you just let us know why there is a universe?
You see when push comes to shove there's only one question and it's rather a tricky one. Namely, why is there "anything" and not "nothing"?
Questions that start with "why" are a pointless waste of time. I am not remotely interested in "why".You see when push comes to shove there's only one question and it's rather a tricky one. Namely, why is there "anything" and not "nothing"?
How.....now that's worth addressing.
TwigtheWonderkid said:
You recollect wrongly.
Sorry perhaps i should have said you refused to state categorically that God didn't exist.http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=...
But that is fine, you are perfectly entitled to choose to believe what you like while having some doubt or uncertainty about what you believe, just as the AofC is entitled to have doubts, to consider those doubts and to form his own judgement.
That sounds much more favourable than a religious leader stating that doubt cannot be tolerated.
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