Demons, is there any evidence they even exist?

[DNB]

You’re unredeeming sarcasm does nothing to defend your now falsified theory.
Try again.


So. Per you. Humans alone have been granted the divine power of “conscience and sense of morality”.
Yet this has been and continues to be repeatedly falsified.

So.… since your theory has been patently falsified let us alter it. There are multiple options:
- Humanity was not created in the image of God.
- If God started it all, then clearly God created all animals with the same sense of consciousness and morality, yet this truth was somehow left out of the book called ”The Bible“ (translation = “the book” ) and probably other human writings on theology.
- There is no god.
- if this God character did create the universe and all the creatures in it (all of whom have morality), then it didn’t happen the way you think it happened.
- ….etc….etc…..there are many more that I’m sure we could all come up with, with just a little brainstorming.


You see @DNB , the theory must conform to reality.….Not the other way around.
So if your original theory is shown by the facts to be false, (as yours was) then you have to swallow you ego and pride, admit it was wrong, and try to create a new hypothesis which encompasses what we all actually see. That’s how science works.

Throughout the entirety of history, in every single culture and social group throughout the world, man has prayed to and revered a higher spiritual power. They have spent billions of dollars on religious edifices, worship centers, altars, shrines, sanctuaries, seminaries, doctorates and degrees, literature. There has been holy wars, inquisitions, honour killings, sacrifices, dissentions and factions within families, societies and nations, all in the name of religion. Man has defined himself as either a Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Buddhist, Christian or Jew - all related to religion.

In other words, have you ever met a Jewish bird, a Christian alligator or Muslim dog? Have you ever seen a fish with a crucifix around its neck, or a camel with a burka on its head?

Don't even try to equate man's intrinsic and definitive spiritual dimension, with the secular and solely instinctive nature of non humans.

 

[Hockeycowboy]

I wrote, “And although many claim that “conditions are getting better”…. I’m afraid it is technological advances that mask how bad things really are.”

To which you replied,

That makes no sense.

Maybe not to a person wearing rose-colored glasses…what’s the term? ‘Drinking the Kool-aid’?

It's technological advances that have in fact illuminated the world.

Yes, in many ways I agree. But while concentrating on the ‘illuminated’ areas that technology brings us, you don’t see the dark outcomes affecting facets of human behaviors and health altogether.

The quality overall, at least in secular democracies, is the best it has ever been in the entire history of mankind.

What “quality” of life is it, when humans can travel 240,000 miles to the moon, but many are afraid to even walk 20 ft outside their own homes at night for fear of getting mugged?

What’s the quality of the air we’re breathing now, better or worse? Why is it worse? Byproducts of manufacturing & petroleum technologies.

Now we have to deal with micro plastics in our water.

Is it “quality” when the younger family members are entranced with the most advanced HD video games, while the bonds between parents & children grow more dysfunctional due to the consequent lack of communication?

You weren’t thinking of that kind of communication though, were you?

I could mention many other aspects where society is suffering…

You’ve helped me to prove my point. You don’t see it. Technology has “masked” how bad conditions are for many.

Yes, medical breakthroughs are curing treating many health conditions, but we have more ailments afflicting us, like cancers and those caused by stress, than 150 years ago.

Just ask yourself....
Suppose you could pick any country, at any time where you will be born and grow up, which would it be?

What i wrote above, about safety & dysfunctional family bonds (ie., relationships), applies to citizens of well-to-do countries.
But I did say worldwide, did I not? People’s needs in poorer countries are just as important as the needs of those in richer countries, don’t you think?

To answer your question though: I was born in the US, and yes, I’m glad I live here.

But I don’t let the advantages of some technologies which I enjoy, to blind me to real suffering experienced by many!

Technology allows us to produce food for about 1.3 times more than the current world population; then why are so many millions starving?

Technology is wonderful, but again, not when it blinds us to the suffering of others. Or provides so much comfort for us, where it makes us apathetic toward the plight of others less fortunate.


I wonder where you get your intel. Care to provide evidence for these claims?

Regarding rising stress & unhealthy emotional levels? There are numerous papers on this!
One example:

Stress Level Of Americans Is Rising Rapidly In 2022, New Study Finds - The American Institute of Stress

Stress Level Of Americans Is Rising Rapidly In 2022, New Study Finds The 2022 results […]

www.stress.org

How many you want?

Just for the fun of it: in the US, proportionally, there's more teenage pregnancy and "broken homes" among christian families than among atheist families.

Yes, which only confirms my past statements… people can say they “follow Christ”, but their actions prove differently. Titus 1:16; 2 Timothy 3:1-5 (verse 5).

Engaging in sexual immorality, is only weakening society. Many times, children born out of wedlock increases the strain on government subsidies… ie., welfare. Or if not pregnancy, promiscuity may lead to heavy emotional damage.

 

[Hockeycowboy]

desserts, as in unhealthy and unnecessary foods, which when indulging in them often lead to gluttony or obesity, etc

So, that’s why I’m fat!
Lol.

But that’s on me. (Yes, it is…. literally.)

All kidding aside, I would classify that as an imperfection that I have, an inclination toward unhealthy eating. We all have dangerous inclinations, or leanings.

I don’t blame demons for that, just imperfections — and, specifically with food, our body’s imperfect metabolism, and lack of self-control — that we inherited from Adam & Eve.

Your mention of cigarettes though, having no benefit whatsoever, is right on.
IMO

 

[Dan From Smithville]

You don't have an atheistic perspective? ???

Please leave me alone. I'm not going to respond to you any further. I don't appreciate the harassment. There won't be a third friendly request.

 

[Dan From Smithville]

Hi DFS, wickedness and depravity defy human intellect. Therefore, to be degenerate and unsound is not human.
You have yet to explain the prevalent, and to a large degree, predominant, irrationality that is evidenced in all humans.

You're not very good at this are you. See how this works is that you make claims and it is your responsibility, your burden of proof that needs to be met. You have explain things and provide the evidence for your assertions. If you think there is a reason for what you claim, then by means provide the evidence and explanations.

I'm not going to hold my breath. Your track record hasn't been too compelling so far.

 

[YoursTrue]

Please leave me alone. I'm not going to respond to you any further. I don't appreciate the harassment. There won't be a third friendly request.

You know it's wonderful. Thank you.

 

[DNB]

So, that’s why I’m fat!
Lol.

But that’s on me. (Yes, it is…. literally.)

All kidding aside, I would classify that as an imperfection that I have, an inclination toward unhealthy eating. We all have dangerous inclinations, or leanings.

I don’t blame demons for that, just imperfections — and, specifically with food, our body’s imperfect metabolism, and lack of self-control — that we inherited from Adam & Eve.

Your mention of cigarettes though, having no benefit whatsoever, is right on.
IMO

Rationale should override reckless behaviour, and yet. it doesn't. We are motivated by hedonism, power, self-adoration, greed, and so on.
Other animals do not behave in such a depraved manner. We are spiritual creatures, and there is a spiritual warfare within all humans.

 

[DNB]

You're not very good at this are you. See how this works is that you make claims and it is your responsibility, your burden of proof that needs to be met. You have explain things and provide the evidence for your assertions. If you think there is a reason for what you claim, then by means provide the evidence and explanations.

I'm not going to hold my breath. Your track record hasn't been too compelling so far.

Your not the guy who I was writing in capital letters to earlier, are you?

 

[Hockeycowboy]

I believe a loving God would allow everyone to discover God for themselves. It is a level playing field so everyone has the same opportunity to do so, and that is fair and just.

Only a numbered few people witnessed miracles first-hand and only Messengers of God receive revelations from God.
It is not possible or necessary for everyone to have those experiences. Miracles are not the evidence for God that we are supposed to look at. If they were, God would have made miracles available to everyone.

No,….we have evidence that supports those claims.

That might be true if you are praying for something in particular, but that isn't the same as praying for assistance in general. Nobody can measure the effects of that since there is nothing to measure. Unless it is a life and death matter, I never pray for anything in particular, I just pray for assistance with my difficulties. Even if it is a life and death matter, I realize that whatever the outcome is, God knows more than I do about what is best for everyone concerned.

Good for you, @Trailblazer , for recognizing these things!
I know you’ve gone & are going through a lot of pain!

You remind me of the faithful patriarch Job. He didn’t realize who was really behind his suffering, either….he wasn’t aware that he was at the forefront of the issue that had transpired (Job chaps1&2), when Satan accused Jehovah God of protecting him, saying that was the reason why Job was faithful.

You are in a somewhat similar situation. Yet, you still love God, as Job did.

Kudos to you!

I would like to say, though, that from the Bible we do have an outline of what God loves and hates:

Psalm 15 & Proverbs 6:16-19 are 2 examples of how Jehovah views some behaviors

Best wishes to you, my cousin!

 

[Hockeycowboy]

"diversion" "was my tactic" "not sure what you believe". I'll leave your words to speak for themselves.

Please don’t take my words out of context.

What I said, was “It comes across as though you’re not sure what you believe, regarding spiritual matters.”

Especially when you describe reasonable questions as attempts to “attack” your beliefs.

 

[Trailblazer]

You remind me of the faithful patriarch Job.

I feel like Job most of the time..... when does it end?

 

[Trailblazer]

You are in a somewhat similar situation. Yet, you still love God, as Job did.

Kudos to you!

I can only say that I try to love God, and God knows that.

 

[Aupmanyav]

Let me put it this way to you...some posters here claim to hear voices and more. I won't go any further now but I wonder if you believe them as if they are telling the truth.

What is their age? Are they hard of hearing? When people are unable to hear, brain produces fake sounds to be heard. Tinnitus is an example. Old people hear talk and are startled by it, react/respond to it. It is happening with me too but I know the reason. At the moment, I enjoy my tinnitus. I use the rhythm to sing or create music.

"The most common causes are hearing damage, noise-induced hearing loss or age-related hearing loss, known as presbycusis."

Tinnitus - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Hockeycowboy]

I feel like Job most of the time..... when does it end?

Jesus said, “No one goes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
So, through Jesus, try intensely reaching out to Jehovah (Malachi 3:16) in prayer, asking Him for comfort & His peace. (2Corinthians 1:3; Philippians 4:6,7) The Bible doesn’t say that our trials will be taken away, but that Jehovah will help us to cope better with them.

Only God’s Kingdom, which we pray to “come” (Matthew 6:9,10), will completely get rid of our troubles. And accomplish His “Will (to) be done on earth.”

I can only say that I try to love God, and God knows that.

Yes, I think He does too.
Psalm 34:18.

I also think, you’re gonna love the future!

I know when I’ve posted things about what the Bible says regarding mankind’s future on this Earth, you’ve usually responded with an “optimistic” frube.

But really, what the Bible states respecting mankind’s future, is perfect health & eternal life on a paradise Earth, with no more wickedness. Remember Jesus’ words, “the meek shall inherit the earth”; he quoted from Psalm 37:9,10. And in accord with Romans 6:23, ‘God’s gift of everlasting life,’ Revelation 21:3,4 reveals the future: “The tent of God is with mankind…..and death will be no more.”

A fulfillment to the Lord’s Prayer.

Really, what normal parent doesn’t desire the best for their children? They only lack the means.
Jehovah has the desire; and He has the means.

The issues raised in Genesis 3 are almost settled! Men are “ruining the Earth.” Revelation 11:18

IMO

Hope you have a good night.

 

[Audie]

You're wrong - you did not address such acts of altruism where the compassionate or charitable person does so with no vested interest of his own. Morality does not always equate to pragmatism, especially when one ,make a sacrifice for another.
Why do only humans have a moral conduct? Like I said, animals kill or harm often indiscriminately, and never has one lost any sleep over it. And, yet, their social structure does not dissolve into chaos.
Again, you're taking man's innate spiritual endowment for granted, and trying to ascribe a mere intellectual or practical derivation for it.

You are assuming the existence made up / so-
called "spiritual endowment".

 

[Audie]

Please don’t take my words out of context.

What I said, was “It comes across as though you’re not sure what you believe, regarding spiritual matters.”

Especially when you describe reasonable questions as attempts to “attack” your beliefs.

"Out of context" is so politician w foot in mouth

 

[mikkel_the_dane]

You're wrong - you did not address such acts of altruism where the compassionate or charitable person does so with no vested interest of his own. Morality does not always equate to pragmatism, especially when one ,make a sacrifice for another.
Why do only humans have a moral conduct? Like I said, animals kill or harm often indiscriminately, and never has one lost any sleep over it. And, yet, their social structure does not dissolve into chaos.
Again, you're taking man's innate spiritual endowment for granted, and trying to ascribe a mere intellectual or practical derivation for it.

Well, you make the positive claim, so do the proof.

 

[Hockeycowboy]

"Out of context" is so politician w foot in mouth

I wouldn’t know; I’m not a politician.

 

[DNB]

You are assuming the existence made up / so-
called "spiritual endowment".

Have you not read any of the posts, Audie?
Billions of worshippers, debates, dialogues, literature, degrees, religious shrines & altars & temples, liturgies, prayers, and conduct, all in the name of religion and spirituality, all throughout the world, and the centuries. And, for the life of you, you cannot deduce that man is intrinsically a spiritual creature?
...and you call yourself a scientist???

 

[DNB]

Well, you make the positive claim, so do the proof.

And what effect would that have, at this point?