How do you find God if you don't believe?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^ Believing in God is not a simple answer. It is a hard work, physical and mental, on a daily basis. It is very hard to break that inner bad part of yourself that everyone have in us and to strive to become a better person. I think it is simple for a married man to see a sexy hot women and to desire her. That is a simple basic reaction. It is much harder for a married man to look at that woman and think "I bless you sister". But it seems like those concepts are too hard for you to comprehend, so you should go back digging your yard.

Believing in any being that you cannot see is not simple. Only kids believe in fairies that they can't see. They also believe in Santa -- but they do see him - or at least people dressed up like him. But eventually, kids give up their belief in Santa. It not cool for an older kids to believe in Santa. Plus the gifts keep coming, which is the important thing, after all!

Some people also give up their belief in God. But some don't. Actually, it's still quite popular and acceptable to believe in God as an adult. In fact, many people are quite vocal about their religious beliefs.

Belief in God is decreasing, but people are not as likely to mention it in casual conversation

Belief in God is decreasing but not because are smarter or wiser (Have you read things written by people hundreds of years ago vs today's gibberish nonsense?!). Rather, people today have developed more technology and distractions to busy and distract themselves from deeper questions in life. More medical advancement have given people a sense of invincibility, thinking that if only they eat the right way, do the right things, take the right antioxidants, they can starve off death (at least until they are ready). All these developments make it easier to ignore God. It's so much easier today to believe tomorrow will come and will look quite like today, but it's all an illusion and everything can change in an instant. This is partly why depression shot up with covid, because many people were confronted for the first time with facing mortality and uncertainty. And covid was really nothing.

Are you suggesting that belief in God is decreasing because of technology and medical advancement?

DP. Derailment attempt in aisle five….

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^ Believing in God is not a simple answer. It is a hard work, physical and mental, on a daily basis. It is very hard to break that inner bad part of yourself that everyone have in us and to strive to become a better person. I think it is simple for a married man to see a sexy hot women and to desire her. That is a simple basic reaction. It is much harder for a married man to look at that woman and think "I bless you sister". But it seems like those concepts are too hard for you to comprehend, so you should go back digging your yard.

Believing in any being that you cannot see is not simple. Only kids believe in fairies that they can't see. They also believe in Santa -- but they do see him - or at least people dressed up like him. But eventually, kids give up their belief in Santa. It not cool for an older kids to believe in Santa. Plus the gifts keep coming, which is the important thing, after all!

Some people also give up their belief in God. But some don't. Actually, it's still quite popular and acceptable to believe in God as an adult. In fact, many people are quite vocal about their religious beliefs.

Belief in God is decreasing, but people are not as likely to mention it in casual conversation

Belief in God is decreasing but not because are smarter or wiser (Have you read things written by people hundreds of years ago vs today's gibberish nonsense?!). Rather, people today have developed more technology and distractions to busy and distract themselves from deeper questions in life. More medical advancement have given people a sense of invincibility, thinking that if only they eat the right way, do the right things, take the right antioxidants, they can starve off death (at least until they are ready). All these developments make it easier to ignore God. It's so much easier today to believe tomorrow will come and will look quite like today, but it's all an illusion and everything can change in an instant. This is partly why depression shot up with covid, because many people were confronted for the first time with facing mortality and uncertainty. And covid was really nothing.

Are you suggesting that belief in God is decreasing because of technology and medical advancement?

DP. Derailment attempt in aisle five….

No, just a simple question

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, go on a silent retreat. The Jesuits offer them. You don't have to go to any of the religious offerings, but can just go and relax and listen.

Not OP, but this is interesting. Have you been to one? Can you tell us more about them?

Yes, I have been to a couple. Jesuits are known to host them. They are usually in a nice countryside setting so you have lots of opportunity to walk around and be alone in nature. They provide all meals and lodging, and all participants adhere to strict silence, except if you choose to participate in spiritual direction with one of the Jesuits. It is a very interesting experience to be somewhere with a group of people and just be present with them and not have to engage in small talk. The idea is everyone is on their own spiritual journey there, so you can read whatever you want or I'm sure the Jesuits will have books there and suggested readings if you are so inclined. You can make it as Christian as you want or as generally spiritual as you want. Here is one near us: https://loyolaonthepotomac.com/retreatsprograms/ignatian-weekend-retreat-schedule/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^ Believing in God is not a simple answer. It is a hard work, physical and mental, on a daily basis. It is very hard to break that inner bad part of yourself that everyone have in us and to strive to become a better person. I think it is simple for a married man to see a sexy hot women and to desire her. That is a simple basic reaction. It is much harder for a married man to look at that woman and think "I bless you sister". But it seems like those concepts are too hard for you to comprehend, so you should go back digging your yard.

Believing in any being that you cannot see is not simple. Only kids believe in fairies that they can't see. They also believe in Santa -- but they do see him - or at least people dressed up like him. But eventually, kids give up their belief in Santa. It not cool for an older kids to believe in Santa. Plus the gifts keep coming, which is the important thing, after all!

Some people also give up their belief in God. But some don't. Actually, it's still quite popular and acceptable to believe in God as an adult. In fact, many people are quite vocal about their religious beliefs.

Belief in God is decreasing, but people are not as likely to mention it in casual conversation

Belief in God is decreasing but not because are smarter or wiser (Have you read things written by people hundreds of years ago vs today's gibberish nonsense?!). Rather, people today have developed more technology and distractions to busy and distract themselves from deeper questions in life. More medical advancement have given people a sense of invincibility, thinking that if only they eat the right way, do the right things, take the right antioxidants, they can starve off death (at least until they are ready). All these developments make it easier to ignore God. It's so much easier today to believe tomorrow will come and will look quite like today, but it's all an illusion and everything can change in an instant. This is partly why depression shot up with covid, because many people were confronted for the first time with facing mortality and uncertainty. And covid was really nothing.

Are you suggesting that belief in God is decreasing because of technology and medical advancement?

Yes, absolutely. Those are our new religions of today and we believe they can replace God and save us. Just all noise and distraction, but most people don't realize until they experience a truly life altering event and come to realize that those things, while useful in their respective realms, don't answer our deepest questions or offer any true consolation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:God is a combination of the best of human nature across all humans.

When humans exercise free will to make moral choices, that’s a good thing. But you’re still describing human behavior. Humans are not God.

Maybe god makes us human?

I grew up in the Christian faith, but the divine experiences I had haven’t been witching the context of those rituals. Though I could use the Christian language to attempt an accurate description. “Peace that passes all understanding” for instance. But there are also other traditions that offer descriptions…Eckert Tolle has a book called “Stillness Speaks.” Byron Katie’s 4 questions practice have also placed me in a state that I am able to shift my perspective and make better choices.

God is love. I think the who or what is god is irrelevant. It’s the experience that is transformative.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:God is a combination of the best of human nature across all humans.

When humans exercise free will to make moral choices, that’s a good thing. But you’re still describing human behavior. Humans are not God.

Maybe god makes us human?

I grew up in the Christian faith, but the divine experiences I had haven’t been witching the context of those rituals. Though I could use the Christian language to attempt an accurate description. “Peace that passes all understanding” for instance. But there are also other traditions that offer descriptions…Eckert Tolle has a book called “Stillness Speaks.” Byron Katie’s 4 questions practice have also placed me in a state that I am able to shift my perspective and make better choices.

God is love. I think the who or what is god is irrelevant. It’s the experience that is transformative.

You don't think that if God exists, that He would want you to know him? That He would be content with you thinking that who He is is irrelevant?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:God is a combination of the best of human nature across all humans.

When humans exercise free will to make moral choices, that’s a good thing. But you’re still describing human behavior. Humans are not God.

Maybe god makes us human?

I grew up in the Christian faith, but the divine experiences I had haven’t been witching the context of those rituals. Though I could use the Christian language to attempt an accurate description. “Peace that passes all understanding” for instance. But there are also other traditions that offer descriptions…Eckert Tolle has a book called “Stillness Speaks.” Byron Katie’s 4 questions practice have also placed me in a state that I am able to shift my perspective and make better choices.

God is love. I think the who or what is god is irrelevant. It’s the experience that is transformative.

You don't think that if God exists, that He would want you to know him? That He would be content with you thinking that who He is is irrelevant?

well that's the difference between religion and spirituality. The pp you're responding to is spiritual.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:God is a combination of the best of human nature across all humans.

When humans exercise free will to make moral choices, that’s a good thing. But you’re still describing human behavior. Humans are not God.

Maybe god makes us human?

I grew up in the Christian faith, but the divine experiences I had haven’t been witching the context of those rituals. Though I could use the Christian language to attempt an accurate description. “Peace that passes all understanding” for instance. But there are also other traditions that offer descriptions…Eckert Tolle has a book called “Stillness Speaks.” Byron Katie’s 4 questions practice have also placed me in a state that I am able to shift my perspective and make better choices.

God is love. I think the who or what is god is irrelevant. It’s the experience that is transformative.

You don't think that if God exists, that He would want you to know him? That He would be content with you thinking that who He is is irrelevant?

well that's the difference between religion and spirituality. The pp you're responding to is spiritual.

Maybe it's one of the differences. There are many differences between Spirituality and religion and among different religions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:God is a combination of the best of human nature across all humans.

When humans exercise free will to make moral choices, that’s a good thing. But you’re still describing human behavior. Humans are not God.

Maybe god makes us human?

I grew up in the Christian faith, but the divine experiences I had haven’t been witching the context of those rituals. Though I could use the Christian language to attempt an accurate description. “Peace that passes all understanding” for instance. But there are also other traditions that offer descriptions…Eckert Tolle has a book called “Stillness Speaks.” Byron Katie’s 4 questions practice have also placed me in a state that I am able to shift my perspective and make better choices.

God is love. I think the who or what is god is irrelevant. It’s the experience that is transformative.

You don't think that if God exists, that He would want you to know him? That He would be content with you thinking that who He is is irrelevant?

Sounds like immediate pp believes in the Christian God, while spiritual pp has a broader definition of god.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:God is a combination of the best of human nature across all humans.

When humans exercise free will to make moral choices, that’s a good thing. But you’re still describing human behavior. Humans are not God.

Maybe god makes us human?

I grew up in the Christian faith, but the divine experiences I had haven’t been witching the context of those rituals. Though I could use the Christian language to attempt an accurate description. “Peace that passes all understanding” for instance. But there are also other traditions that offer descriptions…Eckert Tolle has a book called “Stillness Speaks.” Byron Katie’s 4 questions practice have also placed me in a state that I am able to shift my perspective and make better choices.

God is love. I think the who or what is god is irrelevant. It’s the experience that is transformative.

You don't think that if God exists, that He would want you to know him? That He would be content with you thinking that who He is is irrelevant?

Sounds like immediate pp believes in the Christian God, while spiritual pp has a broader definition of god.

I don't see how this is only about the Christian God. If you believe in any god, I assume you mean some force that somehow created or sustains life on earth, including your life. But yet you think that god is ok being unknown and deemed irrelevant? I guess I am trying to grasp what kind of god that would be.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:God is a combination of the best of human nature across all humans.

When humans exercise free will to make moral choices, that’s a good thing. But you’re still describing human behavior. Humans are not God.

Maybe god makes us human?

I grew up in the Christian faith, but the divine experiences I had haven’t been witching the context of those rituals. Though I could use the Christian language to attempt an accurate description. “Peace that passes all understanding” for instance. But there are also other traditions that offer descriptions…Eckert Tolle has a book called “Stillness Speaks.” Byron Katie’s 4 questions practice have also placed me in a state that I am able to shift my perspective and make better choices.

God is love. I think the who or what is god is irrelevant. It’s the experience that is transformative.

You don't think that if God exists, that He would want you to know him? That He would be content with you thinking that who He is is irrelevant?

Sounds like immediate pp believes in the Christian God, while spiritual pp has a broader definition of god.

I don't see how this is only about the Christian God. If you believe in any god, I assume you mean some force that somehow created or sustains life on earth, including your life. But yet you think that god is ok being unknown and deemed irrelevant? I guess I am trying to grasp what kind of god that would be.

The experience is enough. I know I‘ve felt it. I don’t need to know how to define it, just that it’s available to me if and when I am still enough.

I don’t assign meaning or purpose to it and make no claims to what it is or does other than providing me with a sense of peace.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:God is a combination of the best of human nature across all humans.

When humans exercise free will to make moral choices, that’s a good thing. But you’re still describing human behavior. Humans are not God.

Maybe god makes us human?

I grew up in the Christian faith, but the divine experiences I had haven’t been witching the context of those rituals. Though I could use the Christian language to attempt an accurate description. “Peace that passes all understanding” for instance. But there are also other traditions that offer descriptions…Eckert Tolle has a book called “Stillness Speaks.” Byron Katie’s 4 questions practice have also placed me in a state that I am able to shift my perspective and make better choices.

God is love. I think the who or what is god is irrelevant. It’s the experience that is transformative.

You don't think that if God exists, that He would want you to know him? That He would be content with you thinking that who He is is irrelevant?

Sounds like immediate pp believes in the Christian God, while spiritual pp has a broader definition of god.

I don't see how this is only about the Christian God. If you believe in any god, I assume you mean some force that somehow created or sustains life on earth, including your life. But yet you think that god is ok being unknown and deemed irrelevant? I guess I am trying to grasp what kind of god that would be.

The question is what God do you need? That is where you will find it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:God is a combination of the best of human nature across all humans.

When humans exercise free will to make moral choices, that’s a good thing. But you’re still describing human behavior. Humans are not God.

Maybe god makes us human?

I grew up in the Christian faith, but the divine experiences I had haven’t been witching the context of those rituals. Though I could use the Christian language to attempt an accurate description. “Peace that passes all understanding” for instance. But there are also other traditions that offer descriptions…Eckert Tolle has a book called “Stillness Speaks.” Byron Katie’s 4 questions practice have also placed me in a state that I am able to shift my perspective and make better choices.

God is love. I think the who or what is god is irrelevant. It’s the experience that is transformative.

You don't think that if God exists, that He would want you to know him? That He would be content with you thinking that who He is is irrelevant?

Sounds like immediate pp believes in the Christian God, while spiritual pp has a broader definition of god.

I don't see how this is only about the Christian God. If you believe in any god, I assume you mean some force that somehow created or sustains life on earth, including your life. But yet you think that god is ok being unknown and deemed irrelevant? I guess I am trying to grasp what kind of god that would be.

The experience is enough. I know I‘ve felt it. I don’t need to know how to define it, just that it’s available to me if and when I am still enough.

I don’t assign meaning or purpose to it and make no claims to what it is or does other than providing me with a sense of peace.

This god sounds like a good imaginary friend. There when you need him. Doesn't make any demands, like following the rules of a particular religion or trying to figure out what the Bible says

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:God is a combination of the best of human nature across all humans.

When humans exercise free will to make moral choices, that’s a good thing. But you’re still describing human behavior. Humans are not God.

Maybe god makes us human?

I grew up in the Christian faith, but the divine experiences I had haven’t been witching the context of those rituals. Though I could use the Christian language to attempt an accurate description. “Peace that passes all understanding” for instance. But there are also other traditions that offer descriptions…Eckert Tolle has a book called “Stillness Speaks.” Byron Katie’s 4 questions practice have also placed me in a state that I am able to shift my perspective and make better choices.

God is love. I think the who or what is god is irrelevant. It’s the experience that is transformative.

You don't think that if God exists, that He would want you to know him? That He would be content with you thinking that who He is is irrelevant?

Sounds like immediate pp believes in the Christian God, while spiritual pp has a broader definition of god.

I don't see how this is only about the Christian God. If you believe in any god, I assume you mean some force that somehow created or sustains life on earth, including your life. But yet you think that god is ok being unknown and deemed irrelevant? I guess I am trying to grasp what kind of god that would be.

The experience is enough. I know I‘ve felt it. I don’t need to know how to define it, just that it’s available to me if and when I am still enough.

I don’t assign meaning or purpose to it and make no claims to what it is or does other than providing me with a sense of peace.

I'm not going to doubt that you felt god/God, but have you ever considered maybe that experience was an invitation to go deeper? To stop at that level where it makes you feel good and connected but not go deeper to ask what this deeper power demands of you, seems incomplete. Like you are only willing to experience it if it is convenient for you, but not willing to follow it for fear of it leading somewhere more complicated.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:God is a combination of the best of human nature across all humans.

When humans exercise free will to make moral choices, that’s a good thing. But you’re still describing human behavior. Humans are not God.

Maybe god makes us human?

I grew up in the Christian faith, but the divine experiences I had haven’t been witching the context of those rituals. Though I could use the Christian language to attempt an accurate description. “Peace that passes all understanding” for instance. But there are also other traditions that offer descriptions…Eckert Tolle has a book called “Stillness Speaks.” Byron Katie’s 4 questions practice have also placed me in a state that I am able to shift my perspective and make better choices.

God is love. I think the who or what is god is irrelevant. It’s the experience that is transformative.

You don't think that if God exists, that He would want you to know him? That He would be content with you thinking that who He is is irrelevant?

Sounds like immediate pp believes in the Christian God, while spiritual pp has a broader definition of god.

I don't see how this is only about the Christian God. If you believe in any god, I assume you mean some force that somehow created or sustains life on earth, including your life. But yet you think that god is ok being unknown and deemed irrelevant? I guess I am trying to grasp what kind of god that would be.

The experience is enough. I know I‘ve felt it. I don’t need to know how to define it, just that it’s available to me if and when I am still enough.

I don’t assign meaning or purpose to it and make no claims to what it is or does other than providing me with a sense of peace.

Also curious what you think the meaning of life is. Does your answer have anything at all to do with your god?