obviously, science couldn't find the roots of consciousness. all they do is reverse engineering the brain, and all they can say is that it's functioning materialistically. so still we don't know who WE are. I agree with Herk that the existence itself is an undeniable proof for God.

P.S. did you know what was happening before the big bang?
God was making hell for those who ask such questions!

the science has hard limits. it only finds materialistic info because the scientists only seek them. maybe they should start seeking something else.

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Absolutely, free will is the foundation of it all. It is the ultimate gift from God.

This is why God does not show Himself in his true Glory. Faith must be based upon
choice.

I absolutely respect anyone's choice to disavow God or follow another form of Faith that
they believe to be the true path.

I think you should insert between absolutely, and free etc the words "to me" it would make it sound less dogmatic

There are absolutes in my beliefs. Therefore I choose the word "absolutely" purposely.
I don't sit on the fence. I'm willing to die for more beliefs.

However since that seems to be offending 50% of the board I will keep my faith to myself.

I am not an evangelical per se.

Negative. Others scream about their right to smear, curse, and hate. You feel free to talk about your faith.

Some men in Texas will fight to the death to marry several 15 year old girls. It doesn't make it so.
They see it is an absolute. They have no doubt.

Doubt is GOOD. Lack of doubt = holocost/child brides/slavery/hate/torture

You do not need to keep your faith to yourself.

I also imagine that you are not offending anyone on the board. Just because I argue against religion most of the time, does not mean I am offended. Obviously I work/live around/interace/ and have many close friends who are religious. I am never offended.

The cult in Texas is offensive, but it is because they rape young girls.

Religion = not offensive
Rape = offensive
Hating people because your religion says to = offensive (see homosexuality)


In summary, I believe people should always question and have doubt in their "absolutes"

Next time a 50 year old man is hovering over a 15 year old girl who looks terrifed and is crying, I hope he has a LOT of doubt.


Ixtellor

__________________
_______________________________________
George W. Bush "I don't think our troops ought to be used for what's called nation-building"

Blasphemy is a victimless crime.

Doubt in battle creates hesitation.

Hesitation will make you dead very quickly.

I believe that Evil exists alongside Godliness.

I am an imperfect soul, I am a sinner.

I am not a perfect Christian by any means and I most definetly do not and have no right to Judge another's soul.

I cannot define myself as Christian and at the same time condemn another.

So while yes, I may be "preachy", I acknowledge that God is the ulitmate Judge of our lives. Whether we die as infants or unborn children in the womb, or at 101 years old. God will judge us.

I'm giving my views as I see the World. I'm making an observation. I am not condemning.

So the atheist/non-believer may indeed find other paths to happiness and fulfillment. Howver, this will not be a path leading to God. Those are my beliefs. They are black and white, they are not gray. I do not doubt these beliefs. They are as real to me as a chair, as a car, as a fellow person. I do not hesitate in my faith. Hesitation with my faith opens the door for evil to enter and the destruction of my relationship with my God.

I understand that others may not share the same faith....as I say...over and over.....

that is their choice and that is your choice....I am not the arbiter in these matters.

Ok...

Outside of a life and death firefight.

Do you think it is healty and good to have a level of doubt and skepticism about your religious beliefs?

Many people who consider them Christians/Muslism have NO DOUBT and believe in absolutes that are horrific.
Raping children,
Slavery,
Suicide bombers.

These people had zero doubt and placed their belief in God to justify all their heinous actions.

Today, millions of Americans have NO DOUBT that by sending large sums of money to the TV preacher, that they will be rewarded by God. No doubt.

I don't see the harm in stepping back and saying "I am 99% sure that I believe in X. But I am open to debate, and concede it is possible that I am wrong."
I think its a good thing.


Richard Dawkins claims he is a 6 out of 7 in his belief in aethism. (In other words, he leaves room for doubt)


Ixtellor

P.S. Don't rape 15 year old girls. Please have doubt that you are doing the work of God.

__________________
_______________________________________
George W. Bush "I don't think our troops ought to be used for what's called nation-building"

Blasphemy is a victimless crime.

[quote=Ixtellor;492084]Ok...

Outside of a life and death firefight.

Do you think it is healty and good to have a level of doubt and skepticism about your religious beliefs?

Many people who consider them Christians/Muslism have NO DOUBT and believe in absolutes that are horrific.
Raping children, evil
Slavery, evil
Suicide bombers. evil

are doing the work of God

All life has value, all life has purpose, all life is Loved by God.

This is what defines my beliefs, this is what I will defend.

I'm sure that Imperialist Japan, Nazi Germany and many other regimes were absolute in their dogmas.

Precisely why I must do the same with mine, because Evil will win otherwise.

Evil may disguise itself as Godliness.