What Convinced you God Exists?

[2PhiloVoid]

Exactly! I’d like to think, that if your god exists, that we’re judged on the basis of ‘daily acquisition of additional education.’

Sure. But on the other, more existential side of things is the field of study known as "student motivation," which also plays a part.

So, while I don't expect God to judge a horse by its overall discipline, training, ability or health, I might suspect that God will wonder at the horse if it's been led to water and the horse refuses to drink ...

 

[Clizby WampusCat]

Exactly! I’d like to think, that if your god exists, that we’re judged on the basis of ‘daily acquisition of additional education.’

What do you mean by this?

Sorry I thought Phil posted this.

 

[HitchSlap]

Sure. But on the other, more existential side of things is the field of study known as "student motivation," which also plays a part.

So, while I don't expect God to judge a horse by its overall discipline, training, ability or health, I might suspect that God will wonder at the horse if it's been led to water and the horse refuses to drink ...

I’ve tasted the fresh cool mountain spring, and it’s quite refreshing. It’s the Flavor Aid you should avoid.

 

[HitchSlap]

What do you mean by this?

I don’t believe we choose our beliefs. They are an aggregate of everything we’ve come to learn about reality. If it’s the case a “just” god exists, then one should be judged on those merits alone.

 

[cvanwey]

Was it a philosophical argument such as the cosmological argument or was it some type of personal experience? or something other than one of these?

I've skimmed this thread, and have a follow up question or two... (maybe three) ? Which is/are ultimately posed to the Christian God believers....

Are you merely interested in finding out what methodology(s) lead to deism alone, or, are you really asking what lead such believers all the way to Christianity specifically?

IMHO, personal experiences and/or 'philosophical arguments' could steer someone to deism alone. However, at some point, such a recipient has to make a 'giant' leap, from mere 'god belief', all the way to Christianity....?

In a nutshell, I guess I'd like to know...

If when some here have had personal experiences, and/or contemplated 'arguments' to their own personal conclusions, what THEN propelled such individuals to ultimately believe {Christianity} is THE right one? As I see it, there exists a [very large and gaping hole], to go from general deism, to that of a believing Christian?

If when personal experience and/or philosophical arguments lead one to a 'god belief', what then makes one conclude Christianity?

Why do I ask? Well, because I can almost empathize with the justification for 'deism'. However, not so much for concluding Christianity specifically?

 

[Paulomycin]

Well I am the happiest and have the best mental health I have ever had since I became an unbeliever.

Yet you continue to return here, nearly every day, to compulsively pick at the same old scab. That wasted time tends to add up. If theism is such a non-issue, then why continue making an issue out of it? I can only conclude that it's due to militant activism, or some kind of spiritual OCD. "Because it's entertaining," is really the lamest excuse an atheist can make.

 

[Mark Quayle]

I believe that there is a reason or explanation for our existence. The fact that I do not know what that reason is does not mean a god did it. I don't know of any atheist or scientist that claims magic had anything to do with it.

No. I added the word, 'magic'.

 

[Mark Quayle]

Well I am the happiest and have the best mental health I have ever had since I became an unbeliever.

No, I do not consider myself an activest.
No, I don't think I can do that.
I do not believe there is a progressive utopia. I am probably the most conservative politically atheist here.
No, it should be left behind through education and better epistemology. I just want people to think about why they believe what they believe.

Do you seriously only believe through epistemology? I shouldn't think you had enough hours in the day to get along that way!

 

[Mark Quayle]

I literally want you to fall to your knees before a sovereign God in tears of repentance. If not, then tears of frustration at the failures of atheist ideology will do just as well.

Okay. So your goal here is to make atheists cry by frustrating them. And you're also only talking to atheists to antagonize them, yes yes? Posting a lot is proof of that, yes yes?

Paulomycin's not explaining his whole purpose. He knows what it takes to make atheists think over what they had assumed. I'm starting to think he is completely right. Though I know not all atheists are the same, they seem to have this shell built up, that expects Christians to be nice, or stupidly antagonistic. But it has to be frustrating to run into not nice and not stupid, yes?

 

[Mark Quayle]

Exactly! I’d like to think, that if your god exists, that we’re judged on the basis of ‘daily acquisition of additional education.’

Are you in the habit of misrepresenting what someone has said?

 

[Mark Quayle]

I am probably the most conservative politically atheist here.

Hmm. Then can I assume you don't think the First Amendment wants all religion out of state matters? I.e. that no mention or use of any religion should be not only respected, but permitted, in government?

 

[Mark Quayle]

I don’t believe we choose our beliefs. They are an aggregate of everything we’ve come to learn about reality. If it’s the case a “just” god exists, then one should be judged on those merits alone.

So you believe in absolute cause-and-effect? Whether decided to believe or not, our beliefs are caused?

 

[Moral Orel]

But it has to be frustrating to run into not nice and not stupid, yes?

I dunno. I'll let you know if that ever happens.

 

[cvanwey]

Yet you continue to return here, nearly every day, to compulsively pick at the same old scab. That wasted time tends to add up. If theism is such a non-issue, then why continue making an issue out of it? I can only conclude that it's due to militant activism, or some kind of spiritual OCD. "Because it's entertaining," is really the lamest excuse an atheist can make.

Though I have no idea why @Clizby WampusCat comes here, I'll give you (some) reasons (I) come here...

- It's boring to engage people who think exactly the way I do.
- Talking about religion (or) politics at the family dinner table can start WWIII. But here; it's anonymous
- I like to know what makes others tick.
- Talking about religion seems to engage/include/connect with so many lateral interesting topics
- To keep my mind sharp
- To learn if what current ideas I have 'should' no longer be grounded or warranted in reason
- Coming here instantly opens one up to an entire globe of sometimes conflicting ideas to explore
- Therapy... I too used to be a Christian. I still like to know why others believe, since it was a part of my life prior
- Here in the states, Christianity is still quite a large belief held. Hence, the unbeliever falls within the vast minority population. This arena is a place to vet out topics of 'concern' -- (and hopefully not get kicked off the forum for doing so).
- Thus far, CF looks to be the best platform, to explore all related questions and ideas

Maybe more.?.?.?. These are just some of the reasons I frequent this arena... Would you mind taking a stab at post #85? If you've already answered in the past, feel free to copy/paste

 

[HitchSlap]

Are you in the habit of misrepresenting what someone has said?

Only when they make smug assertions. Get what you give.

 

[HitchSlap]

So you believe in absolute cause-and-effect? Whether decided to believe or not, our beliefs are caused?

Not sure what you mean by absolute cause and effect, but no matter how hard I try, I just can’t believe there’s a Lamborghini in my garage.

 

[Mark Quayle]

Not sure what you mean by absolute cause and effect, but no matter how hard I try, I just can’t believe there’s a Lamborghini in my garage.

Lol no I suppose you can't. Wishes aren't horses.

By 'absolute cause and effect' I mean it is pervasive. Nothing happens without being caused, except, logically, First Cause.

 

[HitchSlap]

Lol no I suppose you can't. Wishes aren't horses.

By 'absolute cause and effect' I mean it is pervasive. Nothing happens without being caused, except, logically, First Cause.

Is it logical to think that everything has a cause except this one thing?

serious question

 

[Clizby WampusCat]

Yet you continue to return here, nearly every day, to compulsively pick at the same old scab. That wasted time tends to add up. If theism is such a non-issue, then why continue making an issue out of it? I can only conclude that it's due to militant activism, or some kind of spiritual OCD. "Because it's entertaining," is really the lamest excuse an atheist can make.

Where did I ever say theism is a non-issue? I like talking about these things, I want to know other peoples views, I always learn something in the discussions, I want to better articulate my positions this allows me to do that, theism affects everyone and can affect some people adversely (see gay people), I want people to believe true things and have good reasons for their beliefs (this makes society better).

If God exists I want to know so maybe there is good evidence out there. Until I get that evidence I cannot make myself believe.

 

[Clizby WampusCat]

No. I added the word, 'magic'.

Why?