Anonymous wrote:You do not have to wrap your head around it. You just have to have faith. That is the mystery. Don't be a "Doubting Thomas," who must see to believe.

Many of us can't abandon reason in that fashion. If faith requires abandoning research, logic, and scientific reality, then that's a leap I cannot make. Just not wired for faith, I guess.

You do not have to wrap your head around it. You just have to have faith. That is the mystery. Don't be a "Doubting Thomas," who must see to believe.

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Anonymous wrote:If you don't believe in anything, what is life to you?

A chance to experience some highs and thrills before you decompose?

Pretty much. Also a chance to give to others, learn and see as much as I can, and try make the world a better place at least in my little corner of it.

I've never understood the concept of doing good to gain some eternal reward. That just makes no sense to me at all.

Are you unaware that this is not what Christianity teaches?

No. Because most atheist/agnostics stopped learning about religion when they first started to question it around age nine or ten. If they ever learned anything about it at all. So they think that adults believe in the way that we teach religion to children. That’s why they think religious people are a bunch of morons.
It’s like if you stopped reading anything new in second grade, and you believed that people who love to read are reading the equivalent of Frog and Toad and Mrs Pigglewiggle. Of course you would say things like, “I learn about life from experiencing it. Reading about it from the eyes of some random author is a waste of time. I just don’t think there is much to be learned from magical fictional characters.”

Not true. Atheists/agnostics are the most knowledgeable about religion (along with Mormons) -- because they tend to study it thoroughly before giving it up. There are a few child atheists, but most don't quit religion until they are adults and can make decisions for themselves.

I think that this path is very rare. Not many people continue to believe throughout adolescence and young adulthood, then get very interested in religion and start reading and learning more, then discover that it is all bunk and give it up as mature adults.

I really think that nearly everyone starts to question around 10 or so. The questioning continues for a lot of people into adolescence. Then in early adulthood, many people get a little lazy about going to church when their parents aren't there anymore. Then as people get married and have children, they either wander back into the church, or they decide they are athiest/agnostic. Only the people who wander back in begin to really learn about it as adults.

Not universally true by any stretch of the imagination. I'm not a Christian believer, never have been, but I've studied the Bible as literature; I've studied it as history; I've studied it as an essential Western cultural touchstone. I've studied other religions as well and regularly read both their own literature and writings about them. Why? Because they're a shaping force in culture, politics, and daily life, so it benefits me to understand them.

As long as you're intellectually curious, it's quite easy to remain well-informed about any religion. Belief is not a prerequisite.

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Anonymous wrote:If you don't believe in anything, what is life to you?

A chance to experience some highs and thrills before you decompose?

Pretty much. Also a chance to give to others, learn and see as much as I can, and try make the world a better place at least in my little corner of it.

I've never understood the concept of doing good to gain some eternal reward. That just makes no sense to me at all.

Are you unaware that this is not what Christianity teaches?

No. Because most atheist/agnostics stopped learning about religion when they first started to question it around age nine or ten. If they ever learned anything about it at all. So they think that adults believe in the way that we teach religion to children. That’s why they think religious people are a bunch of morons.
It’s like if you stopped reading anything new in second grade, and you believed that people who love to read are reading the equivalent of Frog and Toad and Mrs Pigglewiggle. Of course you would say things like, “I learn about life from experiencing it. Reading about it from the eyes of some random author is a waste of time. I just don’t think there is much to be learned from magical fictional characters.”

Not true. Atheists/agnostics are the most knowledgeable about religion (along with Mormons) -- because they tend to study it thoroughly before giving it up. There are a few child atheists, but most don't quit religion until they are adults and can make decisions for themselves.

I think that this path is very rare. Not many people continue to believe throughout adolescence and young adulthood, then get very interested in religion and start reading and learning more, then discover that it is all bunk and give it up as mature adults.

I really think that nearly everyone starts to question around 10 or so. The questioning continues for a lot of people into adolescence. Then in early adulthood, many people get a little lazy about going to church when their parents aren't there anymore. Then as people get married and have children, they either wander back into the church, or they decide they are athiest/agnostic. Only the people who wander back in begin to really learn about it as adults.

You may think that, but it's an opinion that is not supported by the statistics provided. Anecdotally, I know mnay people, including myself, who did not question relligion as a child -- didn't think about it much - just did it. A lot of kids are that way about a lot of things. They go along with the status quo and only consider options when they are older and more independent.

https://lifewayresearch.com/2007/08/07/reasons-18-to-22-year-olds-drop-out-of-church/

This is just from a quick google search, but it does show that a lot of people stop attending as soon as they don’t live with their parents any longer, then return later.

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Anonymous wrote:If you don't believe in anything, what is life to you?

A chance to experience some highs and thrills before you decompose?

Pretty much. Also a chance to give to others, learn and see as much as I can, and try make the world a better place at least in my little corner of it.

I've never understood the concept of doing good to gain some eternal reward. That just makes no sense to me at all.

Are you unaware that this is not what Christianity teaches?

No. Because most atheist/agnostics stopped learning about religion when they first started to question it around age nine or ten. If they ever learned anything about it at all. So they think that adults believe in the way that we teach religion to children. That’s why they think religious people are a bunch of morons.
It’s like if you stopped reading anything new in second grade, and you believed that people who love to read are reading the equivalent of Frog and Toad and Mrs Pigglewiggle. Of course you would say things like, “I learn about life from experiencing it. Reading about it from the eyes of some random author is a waste of time. I just don’t think there is much to be learned from magical fictional characters.”

Not true. Atheists/agnostics are the most knowledgeable about religion (along with Mormons) -- because they tend to study it thoroughly before giving it up. There are a few child atheists, but most don't quit religion until they are adults and can make decisions for themselves.

I think that this path is very rare. Not many people continue to believe throughout adolescence and young adulthood, then get very interested in religion and start reading and learning more, then discover that it is all bunk and give it up as mature adults.

I really think that nearly everyone starts to question around 10 or so. The questioning continues for a lot of people into adolescence. Then in early adulthood, many people get a little lazy about going to church when their parents aren't there anymore. Then as people get married and have children, they either wander back into the church, or they decide they are athiest/agnostic. Only the people who wander back in begin to really learn about it as adults.

You may think that, but it's an opinion that is not supported by the statistics provided. Anecdotally, I know mnay people, including myself, who did not question relligion as a child -- didn't think about it much - just did it. A lot of kids are that way about a lot of things. They go along with the status quo and only consider options when they are older and more independent.

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:If you don't believe in anything, what is life to you?

A chance to experience some highs and thrills before you decompose?

Pretty much. Also a chance to give to others, learn and see as much as I can, and try make the world a better place at least in my little corner of it.

I've never understood the concept of doing good to gain some eternal reward. That just makes no sense to me at all.

Are you unaware that this is not what Christianity teaches?

No. Because most atheist/agnostics stopped learning about religion when they first started to question it around age nine or ten. If they ever learned anything about it at all. So they think that adults believe in the way that we teach religion to children. That’s why they think religious people are a bunch of morons.
It’s like if you stopped reading anything new in second grade, and you believed that people who love to read are reading the equivalent of Frog and Toad and Mrs Pigglewiggle. Of course you would say things like, “I learn about life from experiencing it. Reading about it from the eyes of some random author is a waste of time. I just don’t think there is much to be learned from magical fictional characters.”

Not true. Atheists/agnostics are the most knowledgeable about religion (along with Mormons) -- because they tend to study it thoroughly before giving it up. There are a few child atheists, but most don't quit religion until they are adults and can make decisions for themselves.

I agree that there a few atheists who come by their choice through study; but the vast, vast majority of people don't even pay attention to their high school classes, let alone follow up independently on theology as a hobby.

You don't know many atheists then. Check some out if you want, there are plenty of podcasts and webcasts. You'll find nearly all of them came to their conclusions after deep examination. It's much easier to just "go with the flow" and be passively whatever you were raised. That's the ignorant way.

If you don't believe in anything, what is life to you?

A chance to experience some highs and thrills before you decompose?

Life is an amazing journey with great experiences each day. Not sure what the point of your second question is.

The Bible says you're a sinner and that Christ saves us from those sins.

Delusional would be believing that you're NOT a sinner.

Why would I care what the bible says?

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Anonymous wrote:If you don't believe in anything, what is life to you?

A chance to experience some highs and thrills before you decompose?

Pretty much. Also a chance to give to others, learn and see as much as I can, and try make the world a better place at least in my little corner of it.

I've never understood the concept of doing good to gain some eternal reward. That just makes no sense to me at all.

Are you unaware that this is not what Christianity teaches?

No. Because most atheist/agnostics stopped learning about religion when they first started to question it around age nine or ten. If they ever learned anything about it at all. So they think that adults believe in the way that we teach religion to children. That’s why they think religious people are a bunch of morons.
It’s like if you stopped reading anything new in second grade, and you believed that people who love to read are reading the equivalent of Frog and Toad and Mrs Pigglewiggle. Of course you would say things like, “I learn about life from experiencing it. Reading about it from the eyes of some random author is a waste of time. I just don’t think there is much to be learned from magical fictional characters.”

Not true. Atheists/agnostics are the most knowledgeable about religion (along with Mormons) -- because they tend to study it thoroughly before giving it up. There are a few child atheists, but most don't quit religion until they are adults and can make decisions for themselves.

I agree that there a few atheists who come by their choice through study; but the vast, vast majority of people don't even pay attention to their high school classes, let alone follow up independently on theology as a hobby.

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Anonymous wrote:If you don't believe in anything, what is life to you?

A chance to experience some highs and thrills before you decompose?

Pretty much. Also a chance to give to others, learn and see as much as I can, and try make the world a better place at least in my little corner of it.

I've never understood the concept of doing good to gain some eternal reward. That just makes no sense to me at all.

Are you unaware that this is not what Christianity teaches?

No. Because most atheist/agnostics stopped learning about religion when they first started to question it around age nine or ten. If they ever learned anything about it at all. So they think that adults believe in the way that we teach religion to children. That’s why they think religious people are a bunch of morons.
It’s like if you stopped reading anything new in second grade, and you believed that people who love to read are reading the equivalent of Frog and Toad and Mrs Pigglewiggle. Of course you would say things like, “I learn about life from experiencing it. Reading about it from the eyes of some random author is a waste of time. I just don’t think there is much to be learned from magical fictional characters.”

Not true. Atheists/agnostics are the most knowledgeable about religion (along with Mormons) -- because they tend to study it thoroughly before giving it up. There are a few child atheists, but most don't quit religion until they are adults and can make decisions for themselves.

I think that this path is very rare. Not many people continue to believe throughout adolescence and young adulthood, then get very interested in religion and start reading and learning more, then discover that it is all bunk and give it up as mature adults.

I really think that nearly everyone starts to question around 10 or so. The questioning continues for a lot of people into adolescence. Then in early adulthood, many people get a little lazy about going to church when their parents aren't there anymore. Then as people get married and have children, they either wander back into the church, or they decide they are athiest/agnostic. Only the people who wander back in begin to really learn about it as adults.

Perhaps the above is pp's experience, but it is not very common https://www.pewforum.org/2010/09/28/u-s-religious-knowledge-survey/

When people learn more about their faith as they are re-entering it as adults, they learn the church version of it. In contrast, people who are questioning their faith go to broader, academic sources.

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Anonymous wrote:If you don't believe in anything, what is life to you?

A chance to experience some highs and thrills before you decompose?

Pretty much. Also a chance to give to others, learn and see as much as I can, and try make the world a better place at least in my little corner of it.

I've never understood the concept of doing good to gain some eternal reward. That just makes no sense to me at all.

Are you unaware that this is not what Christianity teaches?

No. Because most atheist/agnostics stopped learning about religion when they first started to question it around age nine or ten. If they ever learned anything about it at all. So they think that adults believe in the way that we teach religion to children. That’s why they think religious people are a bunch of morons.
It’s like if you stopped reading anything new in second grade, and you believed that people who love to read are reading the equivalent of Frog and Toad and Mrs Pigglewiggle. Of course you would say things like, “I learn about life from experiencing it. Reading about it from the eyes of some random author is a waste of time. I just don’t think there is much to be learned from magical fictional characters.”

Not true. Atheists/agnostics are the most knowledgeable about religion (along with Mormons) -- because they tend to study it thoroughly before giving it up. There are a few child atheists, but most don't quit religion until they are adults and can make decisions for themselves.

I think that this path is very rare. Not many people continue to believe throughout adolescence and young adulthood, then get very interested in religion and start reading and learning more, then discover that it is all bunk and give it up as mature adults.

I really think that nearly everyone starts to question around 10 or so. The questioning continues for a lot of people into adolescence. Then in early adulthood, many people get a little lazy about going to church when their parents aren't there anymore. Then as people get married and have children, they either wander back into the church, or they decide they are athiest/agnostic. Only the people who wander back in begin to really learn about it as adults.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you don't believe in anything, what is life to you?

A chance to experience some highs and thrills before you decompose?

Pretty much. Also a chance to give to others, learn and see as much as I can, and try make the world a better place at least in my little corner of it.

I've never understood the concept of doing good to gain some eternal reward. That just makes no sense to me at all.

Are you unaware that this is not what Christianity teaches?

No. Because most atheist/agnostics stopped learning about religion when they first started to question it around age nine or ten. If they ever learned anything about it at all. So they think that adults believe in the way that we teach religion to children. That’s why they think religious people are a bunch of morons.
It’s like if you stopped reading anything new in second grade, and you believed that people who love to read are reading the equivalent of Frog and Toad and Mrs Pigglewiggle. Of course you would say things like, “I learn about life from experiencing it. Reading about it from the eyes of some random author is a waste of time. I just don’t think there is much to be learned from magical fictional characters.”

Not true. Atheists/agnostics are the most knowledgeable about religion (along with Mormons) -- because they tend to study it thoroughly before giving it up. There are a few child atheists, but most don't quit religion until they are adults and can make decisions for themselves.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you don't believe in anything, what is life to you?

A chance to experience some highs and thrills before you decompose?

Pretty much. Also a chance to give to others, learn and see as much as I can, and try make the world a better place at least in my little corner of it.

I've never understood the concept of doing good to gain some eternal reward. That just makes no sense to me at all.

Are you unaware that this is not what Christianity teaches?

No. Because most atheist/agnostics stopped learning about religion when they first started to question it around age nine or ten. If they ever learned anything about it at all. So they think that adults believe in the way that we teach religion to children. That’s why they think religious people are a bunch of morons.
It’s like if you stopped reading anything new in second grade, and you believed that people who love to read are reading the equivalent of Frog and Toad and Mrs Pigglewiggle. Of course you would say things like, “I learn about life from experiencing it. Reading about it from the eyes of some random author is a waste of time. I just don’t think there is much to be learned from magical fictional characters.”

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you don't believe in anything, what is life to you?

A chance to experience some highs and thrills before you decompose?

Pretty much. Also a chance to give to others, learn and see as much as I can, and try make the world a better place at least in my little corner of it.

I've never understood the concept of doing good to gain some eternal reward. That just makes no sense to me at all.

Are you unaware that this is not what Christianity teaches?

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Anonymous wrote:Do you believe in love? Jesus teaches us that God is Love.

Are you really that naïve about Christianity? If God is just Love, then explain all of the requirements for our behavior that God apparently has. The Christian God--for better or worse (mostly worse, IMO)--is MUCH more than just love.

The Christian God judges everyone's souls after they die to determine if they go to heaven, purgatory, or hell. Sound like love to you?

That is dogma not god.

Exactly. The dogma part of religions is about trying to live a life in tune with the purpose of creation, and frankly, trying to learn what that is in the first place. Prayer is mediation, a ritual, centering act which heals you and can lead you to that mental, spiritual place that puts yo in touch with that which is beyond human knowledge. Not many succeed. But in the rituals of religions, you set yourself on one of many paths to the same place. Many of the rituals and rules seem 'crazy' to people not within the tradition, but to others, simply the knowledge that this same tradition has been followed in the same way for centuries by millions puts their minds in a place that much closer to what they seek.

And BTW, you are taking the "judgement" thing too literally because your brain is processing all of this like a child.

Anonymous wrote:If you don't believe in anything, what is life to you?

A chance to experience some highs and thrills before you decompose?

Pretty much. Also a chance to give to others, learn and see as much as I can, and try make the world a better place at least in my little corner of it.

I've never understood the concept of doing good to gain some eternal reward. That just makes no sense to me at all.

Anonymous wrote:I used to think I was really clever and smarter than all the dummies who believed in their flying spaghetti monster or whatever

Now I think that religion has a purpose in my life

Is god a white bearded man sitting on a cloud? Probably not

But there is something

You do realize that literally no religion believes this, right?