god help: If people are comfortable with their faith (religious beliefs) - Help.com

I think religion and politics are usually off-limits b/c they are both very controversial subjects and have been known to cause conflict even among the best of friends.

I think there is an error in the communication.
People seem to head for the trenches whenever their view of the world is challenged.

Have you ever known anyone who switched religious or political affiliations on the basis of one or two conversations?

And you will never make “points” by implying that someone’s religious or political affilations are “whacked.”

As for observing, testing and measuring “God” phenomena, please let me know when you are able to put God inside a box!

Depends how you approach them. People will naturally be defensive if you do under the impression they are idiots, whatever your talking about.

To quote:
“And yes, any belief can be justified.
But that is why we call it belief, it isn’t bound to proof.

Frederik Kerling

When people refuse to see proof, they think their belief helps them so much that losing it will cost more, then they gain from a perhaps more truthfull story.
I can tell you it is not, but one will never see that when in doubt.

And basicly, our choices of what to believe in life, makes our life the way it is now. We are shaped by the beliefs we choose to carry.

Frederik Kerling
“

And it is as simple as that. Faith especially the mainstream followers, is a dogmatic thing. They listen to the priest, but do not question him. Even though theologists for instance do do this. It is what would make them a better religious person, but this is not achievable for most people.

Faith is something people cling on to. Question it, makes them need to question other things aswell. And people generally do not like to think about all the things that might be morally or ethically wrong. Also question their faith is for many people, questioning the basis of their existence; being a follower of the faith. These people will blindly follow faith.
And I personally do not think it is a good thing. But, alas, welcome to the majority of religious people.

Again, good luck to anyone who can put God in a “box” and “measure” Him.

I think that if there is any human activity that makes God laugh, it must be attempts to make him conform to the physical laws HE invented!

Believers would say you cannot measure God because he/she/it is beyond humans. Humans cannot understand/measure God, because he/she/it is transcendent.

Or that’s what they taught us in the World Religions course.

When humans began to organize their spiritual beliefs, inevitably those who wanted power over others insisted that their own particular faith was the only way to live forever. They made faith an ultimatum, heaven or hell, no middle ground. It was a great way to build loyalty, wealth, and military power.

When people no longer have the ability to use critical thought, to question their beliefs, then others who question constitute a threat, either to their own authority or to their leaders, and a threat to the salvation of everyone. To the evangelical, a person who opposes their religious doctrine or tries to limit its influence is causing great damage by leading people to hell.

Of course, to anyone who can think independently, the imposition of religion on their life is an impediment to life here and now.

SoupNazi wrote:
I agree, Grim..their position is that god can intervene in the natural world (i.e. listening to prayers, making decisions, etc.). If that is so, then why not explore that phenomenon? If god can intervene in the natural world, then science should be able to observe, test, and measure that phenomenon.

well, being that god is a supernatural being, we wouldn’t be able to measure him, would we? it’s like trying to determine a pattern by looking at data between cause and effect, but realizing that all you have are the effects with a cause that is beyond humanity’s capacity to understand.

have you ever read the theistic proofs?
http://www.philosophyofreligion.info/…

Soup Nazi: You are right. Their is no evidence. It is a personal journey. But you have to try knowing GOD first. Then, you could take a look at creation. I have had personal experiences in my own life where I have observed some of HIS actions in my life and this is why I have FAITH. I DO believe GOD send his son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for my sins. Just be open to receiving GOD’s love and when you are open to it, he will come running to you.

I am 42 years old and when I was in my 20’s, I would have totally rolled my eyes at this. I hope you don’t dismiss me completely. I just speak from experience that’s all.