Anonymous
Post 12/18/2014 22:59     Subject: Do you believe in guardian angels?
Anonymous wrote:Read Sophie Burnham's books on angels.

No, do not read Sophie Burnham's books on angels. Read the Bible. In it, you will find eternal life through Jesus Christ.
Anonymous
Post 12/18/2014 22:08     Subject: Do you believe in guardian angels?
Read Sophie Burnham's books on angels.
Anonymous
Post 12/17/2014 21:54     Subject: Do you believe in guardian angels?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
really, this sounds like something you conjured up -- its your definition of God, but some who also believe in God don't see it that way


That's o.k. They don't have to see things exactly my way Free will.


free will to make up your own God -- I don't think that's what "God" (the Christian God, that is) had in mind when he gave us free will


Clearly you have a different view than I do. That's o.k.


Clearly it's ok to make up a god that you feel comfortable with -- like a point of view, a predilection, an imaginary friend. Perhaps this will be a typical god of the future -- unfettered from any religious dogma, floating just a little above common sense and personality, for those who want a little something extra that they don't find within


No God is there for all of us, that is my belief. Do you believe in God? Trying to understand where you are coming from and why you are being so....difficult.



****************************

You mean why I can't understand your point of view? Many people who say they believe in God don't see him (it?) the way you do. they'd see you as hell-bound or wishy washy. I see you (and others) as making up your own religion, with your own beliefs, some adapted from Christianity, that are very loving and welcoming --- and it's interesting to me.

No, I don't believe -- used to, but learning about religious history took its toll, plus I always accepted science. I realize that many religious people accept science, but still hold on to the idea of life after death.

*******************************************************************************************************************************************************
In my own case, I did some fairly basic religious studies - skimming the surface of major religions. And basically came to the conclusion that they were mostly saying the same things: Live a moral life, do good by yourself and others and you'll do o.k.

I'm mostly familiar with protestant faith. I was taught to worship God, celebrate Christ's birth and his resurrection from the dead and eternal life. I was raised with age old Christian values and I believe that they are good values. I am not, nor have I ever been, a regular church goer or even an official church member. During my college days I briefly questioned the existence of God and after pondering this over the course of many evenings with a variety of different people...I came to the conclusion that there could be no other answer - God does exist and I have felt his presence since I was a child. Life itself - the fact that anything, even inanimate things, exist at all makes no sense. There is something more powerful, greater than us out there. That is our creator - God.

So that is the back story. The rest of the story is that for a time I stepped away from my values at times when I was a young adult and that eventually led to some turmoil in my life. Some very deep turmoil. At one point, I felt lost with a whole lot falling apart - it was pretty major. Instead of giving up, I asked God for help. I could sense his presence. And day by day, with his help I was given the strength to turn things around. I didn't belong to a certain church, I hadn't jumped through any particular hoops, I certainly hadn't been a perfect or virtuous person - but God was there for me anyway. And I know, without a doubt that he is there for all of us. That is pretty much how my own belief and relationship with God was shaped.



***************************
I'm truly glad that you seem at peace and seem to be a good, undemanding person.

I marvel though, at how you "know" things. You decide that there must be a god because you can't figure out how there couldn't be one. It's all your personal thought process, with no outside evidence or confirmation.

It seems like you don't insist that others believe the way you do and it follows that you wouldn't demand that others, especially your children, should adhere to your beliefs, nor would you want them to be indoctrinated into other beliefs, so that's positive, in my view.

I just say "I don't know" how we got here and that future generations will probably figure it out the way they have figured out everything we know so far.

***********************************************************************************************************************************************
Thank you for the kind words. I've raised my kids with the same Christian values that I was taught. I've also taught them about God and we've discussed the meaning of Christmas and Easter. When a conflict happens in the news, we often wind up talking about the problems in relation to God. So my kids definitely get some religious teaching at home. In the end, my job is to raise good people with good values. Once they are grown they will, of course, be there own keepers free to believe or not believe. And I know that God will be there with them every step of the way.

Anonymous
Post 12/17/2014 21:41     Subject: Do you believe in guardian angels?
Anonymous wrote:I feel bad for those that have never experienced the power of a supernatural loving presence. You can't explain it with evidence. Your certainty of its validity - like instinct - is the evidence.

Knowing that type of live exists is humbling, I truly hope you can experience it someday. Then at least you can make an objective choice because you've experienced both sides.


Many non-believers have had experiences they can't explain, but they don't assume they are supernatural -- they just enjoy them, without attaching deep meaning
Anonymous
Post 12/17/2014 21:37     Subject: Do you believe in guardian angels?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
really, this sounds like something you conjured up -- its your definition of God, but some who also believe in God don't see it that way


That's o.k. They don't have to see things exactly my way Free will.


free will to make up your own God -- I don't think that's what "God" (the Christian God, that is) had in mind when he gave us free will


Clearly you have a different view than I do. That's o.k.


Clearly it's ok to make up a god that you feel comfortable with -- like a point of view, a predilection, an imaginary friend. Perhaps this will be a typical god of the future -- unfettered from any religious dogma, floating just a little above common sense and personality, for those who want a little something extra that they don't find within


No God is there for all of us, that is my belief. Do you believe in God? Trying to understand where you are coming from and why you are being so....difficult.



****************************

You mean why I can't understand your point of view? Many people who say they believe in God don't see him (it?) the way you do. they'd see you as hell-bound or wishy washy. I see you (and others) as making up your own religion, with your own beliefs, some adapted from Christianity, that are very loving and welcoming --- and it's interesting to me.

No, I don't believe -- used to, but learning about religious history took its toll, plus I always accepted science. I realize that many religious people accept science, but still hold on to the idea of life after death.

*******************************************************************************************************************************************************
In my own case, I did some fairly basic religious studies - skimming the surface of major religions. And basically came to the conclusion that they were mostly saying the same things: Live a moral life, do good by yourself and others and you'll do o.k.

I'm mostly familiar with protestant faith. I was taught to worship God, celebrate Christ's birth and his resurrection from the dead and eternal life. I was raised with age old Christian values and I believe that they are good values. I am not, nor have I ever been, a regular church goer or even an official church member. During my college days I briefly questioned the existence of God and after pondering this over the course of many evenings with a variety of different people...I came to the conclusion that there could be no other answer - God does exist and I have felt his presence since I was a child. Life itself - the fact that anything, even inanimate things, exist at all makes no sense. There is something more powerful, greater than us out there. That is our creator - God.

So that is the back story. The rest of the story is that for a time I stepped away from my values at times when I was a young adult and that eventually led to some turmoil in my life. Some very deep turmoil. At one point, I felt lost with a whole lot falling apart - it was pretty major. Instead of giving up, I asked God for help. I could sense his presence. And day by day, with his help I was given the strength to turn things around. I didn't belong to a certain church, I hadn't jumped through any particular hoops, I certainly hadn't been a perfect or virtuous person - but God was there for me anyway. And I know, without a doubt that he is there for all of us. That is pretty much how my own belief and relationship with God was shaped.



***************************
I'm truly glad that you seem at peace and seem to be a good, undemanding person.

I marvel though, at how you "know" things. You decide that there must be a god because you can't figure out how there couldn't be one. It's all your personal thought process, with no outside evidence or confirmation.

It seems like you don't insist that others believe the way you do and it follows that you wouldn't demand that others, especially your children, should adhere to your beliefs, nor would you want them to be indoctrinated into other beliefs, so that's positive, in my view.

I just say "I don't know" how we got here and that future generations will probably figure it out the way they have figured out everything we know so far.
Anonymous
Post 12/17/2014 21:19     Subject: Do you believe in guardian angels?
I feel bad for those that have never experienced the power of a supernatural loving presence. You can't explain it with evidence. Your certainty of its validity - like instinct - is the evidence.

Knowing that type of live exists is humbling, I truly hope you can experience it someday. Then at least you can make an objective choice because you've experienced both sides.
Anonymous
Post 12/17/2014 21:15     Subject: Do you believe in guardian angels?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
really, this sounds like something you conjured up -- its your definition of God, but some who also believe in God don't see it that way


That's o.k. They don't have to see things exactly my way Free will.


free will to make up your own God -- I don't think that's what "God" (the Christian God, that is) had in mind when he gave us free will


Clearly you have a different view than I do. That's o.k.


Clearly it's ok to make up a god that you feel comfortable with -- like a point of view, a predilection, an imaginary friend. Perhaps this will be a typical god of the future -- unfettered from any religious dogma, floating just a little above common sense and personality, for those who want a little something extra that they don't find within


No God is there for all of us, that is my belief. Do you believe in God? Trying to understand where you are coming from and why you are being so....difficult.



****************************

You mean why I can't understand your point of view? Many people who say they believe in God don't see him (it?) the way you do. they'd see you as hell-bound or wishy washy. I see you (and others) as making up your own religion, with your own beliefs, some adapted from Christianity, that are very loving and welcoming --- and it's interesting to me.

No, I don't believe -- used to, but learning about religious history took its toll, plus I always accepted science. I realize that many religious people accept science, but still hold on to the idea of life after death.

*******************************************************************************************************************************************************
In my own case, I did some fairly basic religious studies - skimming the surface of major religions. And basically came to the conclusion that they were mostly saying the same things: Live a moral life, do good by yourself and others and you'll do o.k.

I'm mostly familiar with protestant faith. I was taught to worship God, celebrate Christ's birth and his resurrection from the dead and eternal life. I was raised with age old Christian values and I believe that they are good values. I am not, nor have I ever been, a regular church goer or even an official church member. During my college days I briefly questioned the existence of God and after pondering this over the course of many evenings with a variety of different people...I came to the conclusion that there could be no other answer - God does exist and I have felt his presence since I was a child. Life itself - the fact that anything, even inanimate things, exist at all makes no sense. There is something more powerful, greater than us out there. That is our creator - God.

So that is the back story. The rest of the story is that for a time I stepped away from my values at times when I was a young adult and that eventually led to some turmoil in my life. Some very deep turmoil. At one point, I felt lost with a whole lot falling apart - it was pretty major. Instead of giving up, I asked God for help. I could sense his presence. And day by day, with his help I was given the strength to turn things around. I didn't belong to a certain church, I hadn't jumped through any particular hoops, I certainly hadn't been a perfect or virtuous person - but God was there for me anyway. And I know, without a doubt that he is there for all of us. That is pretty much how my own belief and relationship with God was shaped.

Anonymous
Post 12/17/2014 21:10     Subject: Do you believe in guardian angels?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
really, this sounds like something you conjured up -- its your definition of God, but some who also believe in God don't see it that way


That's o.k. They don't have to see things exactly my way Free will.


free will to make up your own God -- I don't think that's what "God" (the Christian God, that is) had in mind when he gave us free will


Clearly you have a different view than I do. That's o.k.


Clearly it's ok to make up a god that you feel comfortable with -- like a point of view, a predilection, an imaginary friend. Perhaps this will be a typical god of the future -- unfettered from any religious dogma, floating just a little above common sense and personality, for those who want a little something extra that they don't find within


No God is there for all of us, that is my belief. Do you believe in God? Trying to understand where you are coming from and why you are being so....difficult.



****************************

You mean why I can't understand your point of view? Many people who say they believe in God don't see him (it?) the way you do. they'd see you as hell-bound or wishy washy. I see you (and others) as making up your own religion, with your own beliefs, some adapted from Christianity, that are very loving and welcoming --- and it's interesting to me.

No, I don't believe -- used to, but learning about religious history took its toll, plus I always accepted science. I realize that many religious people accept science, but still hold on to the idea of life after death.


In my own case, I did some fairly basic religious studies - skimming the surface of major religions. And basically came to the conclusion that they were mostly saying the same things. Live a moral life, do good by yourself and others and you'll do o.k.

I'm mostly familiar with protestant faith. I was born to worship God, celebrate Christ's birth and his resurrection from the dead and eternal life. I was raised with age old Christian values and I believe that they are good values. I am not, nor have I ever been, a regular church goer or even an official church member. During my college days I briefly questioned the existence of God and after pondering this over the course of many evenings with a variety of different people...I came to the conclusion that there could be no other answer - God does exist and I have felt his presence since I was a child. Life itself - the fact that anything, even inanimate things, exist at all makes no sense. There is something more powerful, greater than us out there. That is our creator - God.

So that is the back story. The rest of the story is that for a time I stepped away from my values at times when I was a young adult and that eventually led to some turmoil in my life. Some very deep turmoil. At one point, I felt lost with a whole lot falling apart - it was pretty major. Instead of giving up, I asked God for help. And I knew he was day. And day by day, with his help I was given the strength to turn things around. I didn't belong to a certain church, I hadn't jumped through any particular hoops, I certainly hadn't been a perfect or virtuous person - but God was there for me anyway. And I know, without a doubt that he is there for all of us. That is pretty much how my own belief and relationship with God was shaped.

Anonymous
Post 12/17/2014 17:38     Subject: Do you believe in guardian angels?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I think accepting real life (no guardian angels, no life after death, no gods, no heaven, no hell, etc) is extremely difficult for many people.

People self medicate with all kinds of things. Food, alcohol, drugs, and stories to help them sleep better at night or get through the day.

Just curious: What qualifies you as an expert on what "real life" is?


Since PP is clearly an atheist, I wonder what her poison is. Now if she posts back that she doesn't "need" to self-medicate, that kinda destroys the argument that everybody self-medicates and religion is one form of this. Her Venn circles don't overlap completely. Which means she'd have to acknowledge the possibility that some of the people who don't need to self-medicate chose religion for other, less negative reasons. And conversely, some, or many, religious people don't suffer from some supposed need to self-medicate.
Anonymous
Post 12/17/2014 11:45     Subject: Do you believe in guardian angels?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I think accepting real life (no guardian angels, no life after death, no gods, no heaven, no hell, etc) is extremely difficult for many people.

People self medicate with all kinds of things. Food, alcohol, drugs, and stories to help them sleep better at night or get through the day.

Just curious: What qualifies you as an expert on what "real life" is?


not PP, but they didn't claim to be "an expert" -- and "real life" is often meant as in the natural world
Anonymous
Post 12/17/2014 11:09     Subject: Do you believe in guardian angels?
Anonymous wrote:I think accepting real life (no guardian angels, no life after death, no gods, no heaven, no hell, etc) is extremely difficult for many people.

People self medicate with all kinds of things. Food, alcohol, drugs, and stories to help them sleep better at night or get through the day.

Just curious: What qualifies you as an expert on what "real life" is?
Anonymous
Post 12/17/2014 11:06     Subject: Do you believe in guardian angels?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
really, this sounds like something you conjured up -- its your definition of God, but some who also believe in God don't see it that way


That's o.k. They don't have to see things exactly my way Free will.


free will to make up your own God -- I don't think that's what "God" (the Christian God, that is) had in mind when he gave us free will


Clearly you have a different view than I do. That's o.k.


Clearly it's ok to make up a god that you feel comfortable with -- like a point of view, a predilection, an imaginary friend. Perhaps this will be a typical god of the future -- unfettered from any religious dogma, floating just a little above common sense and personality, for those who want a little something extra that they don't find within


No God is there for all of us, that is my belief. Do you believe in God? Trying to understand where you are coming from and why you are being so....difficult.



****************************

You mean why I can't understand your point of view? Many people who say they believe in God don't see him (it?) the way you do. they'd see you as hell-bound or wishy washy. I see you (and others) as making up your own religion, with your own beliefs, some adapted from Christianity, that are very loving and welcoming --- and it's interesting to me.

No, I don't believe -- used to, but learning about religious history took its toll, plus I always accepted science. I realize that many religious people accept science, but still hold on to the idea of life after death.


-------------

Not the PP who was responding to you. But you need to get out of your house more often. You seem to have a constricted way of looking at things.


------------

Just the opposite is true -- it's "getting out of the house" that has opened thinking for so many people, no longer bound by the limited environment of their family or their church. PP has devised her own view of god and many others have let go of what they were taught to believe and have adopted a completely naturalistic view of the world.
Anonymous
Post 12/17/2014 09:39     Subject: Do you believe in guardian angels?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
really, this sounds like something you conjured up -- its your definition of God, but some who also believe in God don't see it that way


That's o.k. They don't have to see things exactly my way Free will.


free will to make up your own God -- I don't think that's what "God" (the Christian God, that is) had in mind when he gave us free will


Clearly you have a different view than I do. That's o.k.


Clearly it's ok to make up a god that you feel comfortable with -- like a point of view, a predilection, an imaginary friend. Perhaps this will be a typical god of the future -- unfettered from any religious dogma, floating just a little above common sense and personality, for those who want a little something extra that they don't find within


No God is there for all of us, that is my belief. Do you believe in God? Trying to understand where you are coming from and why you are being so....difficult.



****************************

You mean why I can't understand your point of view? Many people who say they believe in God don't see him (it?) the way you do. they'd see you as hell-bound or wishy washy. I see you (and others) as making up your own religion, with your own beliefs, some adapted from Christianity, that are very loving and welcoming --- and it's interesting to me.

No, I don't believe -- used to, but learning about religious history took its toll, plus I always accepted science. I realize that many religious people accept science, but still hold on to the idea of life after death.


Not the PP who was responding to you. But you need to get out of your house more often. You seem to have a constricted way of looking at things.
Anonymous
Post 12/17/2014 09:28     Subject: Do you believe in guardian angels?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
really, this sounds like something you conjured up -- its your definition of God, but some who also believe in God don't see it that way


That's o.k. They don't have to see things exactly my way Free will.


free will to make up your own God -- I don't think that's what "God" (the Christian God, that is) had in mind when he gave us free will


Clearly you have a different view than I do. That's o.k.


Clearly it's ok to make up a god that you feel comfortable with -- like a point of view, a predilection, an imaginary friend. Perhaps this will be a typical god of the future -- unfettered from any religious dogma, floating just a little above common sense and personality, for those who want a little something extra that they don't find within


No God is there for all of us, that is my belief. Do you believe in God? Trying to understand where you are coming from and why you are being so....difficult.



****************************

You mean why I can't understand your point of view? Many people who say they believe in God don't see him (it?) the way you do. they'd see you as hell-bound or wishy washy. I see you (and others) as making up your own religion, with your own beliefs, some adapted from Christianity, that are very loving and welcoming --- and it's interesting to me.

No, I don't believe -- used to, but learning about religious history took its toll, plus I always accepted science. I realize that many religious people accept science, but still hold on to the idea of life after death.
Anonymous
Post 12/16/2014 23:38     Subject: Do you believe in guardian angels?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
really, this sounds like something you conjured up -- its your definition of God, but some who also believe in God don't see it that way


That's o.k. They don't have to see things exactly my way Free will.


free will to make up your own God -- I don't think that's what "God" (the Christian God, that is) had in mind when he gave us free will


Clearly you have a different view than I do. That's o.k.


Clearly it's ok to make up a god that you feel comfortable with -- like a point of view, a predilection, an imaginary friend. Perhaps this will be a typical god of the future -- unfettered from any religious dogma, floating just a little above common sense and personality, for those who want a little something extra that they don't find within


No God is there for all of us, that is my belief. Do you believe in God? Trying to understand where you are coming from and why you are being so....difficult.