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Donating = Loving
Bringing you atheist articles and building active godless communities takes hundreds of hours and resources each month. If you find any joy or stimulation at Atheist Republic, please consider becoming a Supporting Member with a recurring monthly donation of your choosing, between a cup of tea and a good dinner.
Donating = Loving
Bringing you atheist articles and building active godless communities takes hundreds of hours and resources each month. If you find any joy or stimulation at Atheist Republic, please consider becoming a Supporting Member with a recurring monthly donation of your choosing, between a cup of tea and a good dinner.
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Let's just say for a second that God really did speak this into existence. What in the holy hand hand grenade??? What kind of power is that??? That must mean, that kind of power must know a few things. And let's just say that something that has that kind of power could be holy and pure. Can life be coupled with death? Can darkness cover light? Just as the case with Holiness and sin. The sight of pure power eradicates all darkness. Even angels must hide their faces from God. And you want God to force objective evidence on you? Without a shred of belief or debt protection? Oh boy.
The order is believe then you see. It could never be the other way around. It could not get any more simple. And if you have previously thought that your heart was given to God and it didn't work? (The way you expected it to). Then how could it hurt to humble down a bit and try it again? God was waiting for me until I was empty. It's never the other way around. That's the order. That's why I say, just breathe, breathe that in for a moment. Let it stir up inside you.
Hmm, now that I think about it. When my life was comfortable. I didn't ever see what I was looking for? Because I was comfortable. But only mildly comfortable. I wasn't content. Not full of peace. Here is something that you might not have tried David killens. If you do really want to know God? Then ask Him to empty you out so you can see Him. Say I don't think you even exist "so called Creator" but iff by chance you do? I need you to do everything to show me? Just say a couple sentences and think for just a moment that it is possible. Feel that possibility. Just for a moment. And then see if your life doesn't start changing. Remember, if your not connected to the Giver of Life? Then something else is connected to you and you have no protection from it. Comfortably can feel like a god sometimes. And no matter how free you think you might be?
One of the best lines I've ever heard and fell on the floor laughing.
"Despite all my rage, I am still just a rat in a cage"
Smashing Pumpkins
Watch "Smashing Pumpkins - Bullet With Butterfly Wings (Lyrics)" on YouTube
https://youtu.be/ET3w3vzQW6g
This song cracks me up every time lol
@great hope
If your god is real, it would know how to show me objective evidence without hurting or killing me.
@xenoview
God gave you everything you need to make a choice to believe or not believe. It will guide you from there if you want it enough. I love challenges so I went to extremes with it. It's far more simple than we make it out to be. But that's only because we don't want it to be true. I had to admit that to myself before I could even see the walls I had up, let alone examine them and demolish them. And because it wasn't in my heart to want to know God. I had no protection from the forces that are against us. They had put up walls without me even knowing. Hindsight is 20/20 so looking back I can see now all the objective evidence of God calling my name. But in those times I was unwilling to have the ears to hear nor the sight to see. I once was blind, but now I see.
@Great Hope Re: "That must mean, that kind of power must know a few things. And let's just say that something that has that kind of power could be holy and pure."
Howdy, Great Hope. How ya been? Well, for starters, I will be honest and tell you I did not watch your OP video. Got less than ten seconds into it and simply could not take any more of that guy. In all fairness, allow me to explain why...
1. If he truly and sincerely actually BELIEVES all that stuff he is saying, then it is very difficult for me to take him seriously. And on top of that, I almost feel a bit sorry for him. Difficult for me to watch stuff like that. AND....
2. The other option is that he KNOWS most (if not all) of what he is saying is complete nonsense (being nice), in which case he is spewing all that garbage and convincing the gullible to believe it for the sole purpose of collecting a paycheck. So if that is the case, then I totally despise people like that and have zero interest in listening to them. Anyway, there you go...
However, that one remark you made in my "Re:" topic sorta jumped out at me as I was scanning the posts. Just wanted to make a quick comment on that if you don't mind, as i found it rather interesting. Now, I admit I could be reading it wrong, but it seems to me you are assuming that any being/entity with the power you described must automatically be "holy and pure." Curious.... Why do you make that assumption? (Also, I am interpreting your use of "holy" and "pure" to basically mean benevolent and perfect and above reproach.) I ask you that, because based on the things I have seen in my life and with the events happening around the world since the dawn of Man, it does not take a genius to figure out an entity/being of that type with that much power simply does not exist. And to me, it simply defies any and all reasonable and rational thought to believe it does exist.
That being said, you obviously DO believe, and you have your faith. And, hey, if that is what helps you to live a full and happy life, then I say, "Cool beans with me." No problems with that from me. I totally support people having the freedom to believe in whatever manner suits them, as long as it does not harm, or promote the harming of, me or others. Also (and you will NOT see me say this often on here), I lean heavily toward thinking you are one of the very few "sincere" theists we have visit us here. Keep in mind, though, I am a very cynical, skeptical, and suspicious kind of guy, so I do still hold a few reservations in that respect. Still, despite some of your quirky posts, you are at least better than most of the other theists that zip in and out of here.
*looking back over post*..... Uh, wow.... *shaking head vigorously*.... Dang. What's gotten into me this evening???.... *banging side of head with heel of hand*.... Did I actually just post something nice?.... *mumbling to self while walking away*.... (dang-it. i knew it. i told that technician he put that circuit board in backwards.)... *digging index finger into ear*....
@Tin Man
Aww I'm blushing. Thanks
@ Tin Man
As always, great to hear from you. My phone was at 1% earlier. So I couldn't respond to your question. I like that question and I'll give it a go. I'm just saying that it's possible for The Creator to be holy and pure. I've heard it can be wrathful as well. But if He's holding the scales of Justice. Then I'm sure He's got a good view of things. And yes, man has messed up an awful lot. But that says nothing about my choice or your choice. If God we're just going to fix everything? Then I don't believe we would have much of a choice. And I often used to wonder why didn't God just rewind the clock over and over until He got a scenario where we didn't fall? Why does God let the clock unwind? Why are we fearfully made? This leads me to believe that the mind of The Creator wants us to have free will. Because Love by definition must be freely given. God gave us the choice to love. Which is a pretty big deal. Because that means we can also chose the opposition. Humans in His presence still chose to do what they wanted, angels in His presence still chose to do what they wanted. For God to be a just judge there must be laws, consequences, a plan, rewards, and so on. The plan is what I've been interested in because it must have an ending. I've been thinking upon that since I was 4 years old when my dad killed himself. What a loooooong journey that has been. I used to be so bored with life that I played with death like a toy. Even to this day I get excited about my own death. I really do give it the most empathy I can gather to imagine finding out that there is no God and it's just nothingness or just some random shit again lol. It's hard to imagine that we would be able to tell or sense what just happened. But then my mind goes into the possibility of the plan of The Creator. And my brain melts with joy and I imagine so much peace and rest that every atom of my being just melts to the floor in a puddle of pure ecstasy. For "HOME" is real. So for me it's worth a shot to believe in something like that. I'm rambling on now and may have digressed. It's been one of the most insane days of this year for me and I'm incredibly tired. It's like nothing was going to go right today. But it got to the point it was hilarious. So I just kept at it as everything was falling apart. Laughing along the way. I've just took a shower and ate a steak. So my head is hitting a pillow now harder than antimatter bomb in a time traveling portal into interdimentional stings of multiverses at warp speed. Shout out to Nyar *wink* *wink*
@ Great Hope
Sounds like an addiction to endorphins. You've learnt to trigger them internally. That is all. No god(s) necessary.
'The order is believe then you see.' Isnt that just plain delusional if you believe then you see that means what you see is what you want to see similar to desperate people in the desert looking for water suddenly sees an oasis.
I've never seen a mirage. But I do believe that they see it first and don't believe it at first. Then they believe what they are seeing is real. It's the other way around with God. He left it up to those who want to seek and are humble enough to eventually see that is so simple, a monkey could do it. *Wink *wink* pun intended
@Great hope:
Listen, I've banned so many people in the last few days that the last thing I want to do is ban more people. But it seems you are determined to force my hand:
I'm at my wit's end. So I ask everyone: how do we salvage the user Great hope?
@nylar
I don't know how to delete it. It says this when I click on delete.
"Ooops... You don't seem to have access to this page.
Sorry, it looks like your account isn't authorized to access this page. You can use the search below to find what you're looking for."
But I did edit it and deleted the link out of it.
More inane posts, More failures to respond with facts and evidence. More blind assertions in post after post after post. More attempts at shifting the burden of proof. More ignorant apologetics. These guys do not have discussions. They just make one ignorant assertion after another and avoid actual discussions at all costs.
Nyarlathotep: You are MORE THAN REASONABLE. You are not the one banning or removing dimwits from the site. SOME CONVERSATIONS JUST AREN'T WORTH HAVING. These folks get themselves banned from the site. The way they do that is by NOT FOLLOWING THE RULES and by certainly not responding appropriately to the moderators when they are asked to do specific things to remain on the site. The inane assertions of a prime mover without substance, discussion or evidence gets really boring after two or three pages. I am convinced that my IQ actually drops several points by just listening so some of these folks. They don't want to debate. They don't want to discuss facts. They don't want to explain what they believe or why. Look at the case in question. Not once has anything been offered for what the op believes or why. Just assertion. assertion. assertion. and then Post a video.
You hang in there. You are doing a great job separating the wheat from the shaft.
@Cognostic
Yes I agree. It's very circular. I guess we will all find out soon enough. I want to know if God really created this. So I'm going to do it the way He designed it. In the order. If you don't want to know God? Then just keep doing what you're doing I guess. But I'm not going to be able to give you the experience that you might be seeking, nor is a secret hidden document, nor a formula, nor a forum. It's got to come from your willingness to believe. That's it. Believe it or not, I really do love you all. I hope you the greatest ; )
Good night
Great hope,
"It's got to come from your willingness to believe. That's it."
The thing is I'm from a long line of bastards so it doesn't do me any good to believe because as a bastard I can't enter the assembly of the Lord =
Deuteronomy 23:2 (ERV) = "2 If a man’s parents were not legally married, that man may not join with the men of Israel to worship the Lord. And none of his descendants to the tenth generation—may join in that group."
@Diotrephes
Bummer, I've never worshiped with that group either. Let's hope The Creator and Giver of Life is bigger than just a nation or a group. Remember the Bible is just words on a page meant to be a roadway that leads to an experience with the Creator. It grows with you. If you want it to? It helps me to look at the cores of the message. By context and who wrote it and who it was written for. Usually I find there is an application and a wisdom teaching. Take your time with it and ask to be led to understanding. Little by little. More will be revealed.
Great hope,
"Little by little. More will be revealed."
As it says in Galatians 2:15 (CEV) = "15 We are Jews by birth and are not sinners like Gentiles."
@ Nyar, with these lot you tend to need something shiney...
@Nyar
Does a ban mean I can't post anything, but can still read posts? I've been waiting for Sheldon's replies.
You were not banned. I'm encouraged that perhaps you finally get it. I'm having trouble saying anything else without being extremely nasty; so I'll leave it at that.
@Nyar
Hey, if it makes you feel any better, you are far more patient with these guys than I could ever be. You are doing one helluva job, though, and you know we support you on whatever decisions you make.
"I've been waiting for Sheldon's replies."
Try reading them. Not that it matters, you seem to be fairly closed minded in favour of superstition.
@ Sheldon
Because I love the labels you give to every sentence as if it nullifies the possibilities. Your mind is eccentric and that's what we have in common. The only difference is we went to opposite extremes with it. So although we will most likely never be swayed. We as humans learn the most from our opposites. For they are our blind spots. The parts that we strive for, for more complete balance and not too much extreme in just 1 area. And it's totally weird, but when I read what you write, it's like Sheldon from the big bang theory is how I hear the words lol. So it makes it even more fun.
Yes, thank you. I was very inconsiderate. Given our previous discussions. Even after you told me I still didn't realize that posting that new video in a different thread was a problem because it was a new video. Lol I'm not kidding when I say I'm scatterbrained. I always have like 50 things going on at once. And I only sleep a few hours here and there. I have lost the Sense of time completely. It's like a gift and a curse. But really you should check out Rick and Morty Nyar. You would understand the comedy. It's really good.
Rick and Morty is a good show. The writers also seem to be of an atheist and agnostic bent. Lots of anti religion themes pop up in Rick and Morty as well, just another reason why I like the show. And naturally all kinds of philosophical concepts pop up in that show, because it is cartoon and does not take it self seriously at all they can put all sorts of craziness in the show.
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▮ I am an atheist that always likes a good debate. ▮
▮ Please include @LogicFTW in responses directed to me. ▮
▮ Useful list on forum usage. A.R. Member since 2016. ▮
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Yes, I've never seen anything like it. It's great.
Rick and Morty? Never heard of it.
rmfr
They are working on season 4 right now. For some reason I love silliness in life, and this show bends the limits of silliness. The comedy is genius and dark. Old man shouts likes cartoons. So he would definitely get a kick out of it too.
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Why? Nothing on Youtube is more objectively valid than science, and nothing discovered by science evidences anything supernatural or any deity, that is axiomatic. This also sounds like another argument from ignorance fallacy, so I am disinclined to waste my time. Since this is a debate forum just offer your own arguments or ideas for debate.
Ok this is the sum. The way to God is through the spirit. Seeing how our original state with Him has been severed. Belief is the key that unlocks the "want to know." From there The Spirit will guide you into all truth through internal Revelations amongst other things. If you don't want to do it that way and\or you have an expectation of what\how you want God to do it? Then it's really hard to tell that someone would want to know God. Then life becomes easier as living for others blesses your life more than you could ever do with trillions of dollars. And it happens naturally as you grow in The Spirit. So it's effortless. And death becomes a hope and a joy. As you spend your remaining years in peace of mind and love of God. Ever since I've done this, time seems to have faded away all together. Because I have rest. If someone told me this a decade ago I would have laughed in their face. But wow I'm glad I was able to finally test it 100% without fear or expectation. How is the way it's been designed, not an option for you to give it an honest whole hearted attempt? And if you have done that before? What's stopping you from trying again. Remember it's a journey, not a place where you arrive and are finished.
@Great Hope Can you define spirit please?
I cannot fully utilize something I do not understand.
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