Why should I believe in your religion and faith?

[Booko]

As for my religion's views of other religions, this is probably the clearest explanation:

There can be no doubt whatever that the peoples of the world, of whatever race or religion, derive their inspiration from one heavenly Source, and are the subjects of one God. The difference between the ordinances under which they abide should be attributed to the varying requirements and exigencies of the age in which they were revealed. All of them, except a few which are the outcome of human perversity, were ordained of God, and are a reflection of His Will and Purpose.

(Baha'u'llah, The Proclamation of Baha'u'llah, p. 114)

As for what *you* should believe, one of the principles of our faith is independent investigation of the truth. So I think that means...you will have to check things out and decide for yourself?

Enjoy your search!

 

[whereismynotecard]

I don't know... I just don't think there is a reason for life, and I intend to make the most of having to exist...

 

[tomspug]

When you say we have to seek after God, it implies that God is hiding from us. Why would the Christian God hide from us? I know the Christian Faith is one of grace (unmerited favor). It seems if we are required to seek after God, we are working by seeking after Him. There appears to be lots of work involved in seeking after God. Does that make Christianity an apparent contradiction?

It implies that WE are hiding from God.

 

[Draka]

I always have quite the time trying to explain my beliefs, but here's a quick shot at it for you.

I believe that there is a Divine Source/Energy/Deity that flows through and is a part of everything. We are a part of it and it of us and everything else. Our spirits are "peices" of it. The life force that is a part of all living beings. We contribute to it and eventually return to it after many incarnations. Gods and goddesses are manifestations of different aspects of the Source. This "energy" exists through all. All life, all space, time, universe...everything and everywhere.

By acknowledging that all is connected and a part of the Divine we recognize that all life is special and cherished. That includes all found around us in nature. We revere the life in all as we are all related and a part of the One.

There is more to it of course. That should give you an idea though.

 

[tomspug]

Wrong!

Can Everything Come to Be Without a Cause?

I didn't see any scientific data in there...

 

[Fish-Hunter]

It implies that WE are hiding from God.

If the Christian God is everything that is good and wonderful, why would people hide from Him? You do believe the Christian God is good, right? There is a passage in the Christian Bible that states God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all.

 

[Fish-Hunter]

I always have quite the time trying to explain my beliefs, but here's a quick shot at it for you.

I believe that there is a Divine Source/Energy/Deity that flows through and is a part of everything. We are a part of it and it of us and everything else. Our spirits are "peices" of it. The life force that is a part of all living beings. We contribute to it and eventually return to it after many incarnations. Gods and goddesses are manifestations of different aspects of the Source. This "energy" exists through all. All life, all space, time, universe...everything and everywhere.

By acknowledging that all is connected and a part of the Divine we recognize that all life is special and cherished. That includes all found around us in nature. We revere the life in all as we are all related and a part of the One.

There is more to it of course. That should give you an idea though.

This seems very similar to eastern oriental religions. Is that correct?

 

[camanintx]

I didn't see any scientific data in there...

Of course you wouldn't, but it shows that atheists can support an ex-nihilo creation of the universe, something you seem to believe is reserved for theists.

I actually support the theory that energy/matter has existed eternally. If you want scientific evidence of this I suggest you look up the Law of Conservation of Energy.

 

[tomspug]

If the Christian God is everything that is good and wonderful, why would people hide from Him? You do believe the Christian God is good, right? There is a passage in the Christian Bible that states God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all.

Yep. You're right there.

People hide from God because they are self-reliant. That's what sin is. And when God forces a confrontation with people or if they choose to turn to him, they feel shame because of it.

 

[tomspug]

Of course you wouldn't, but it shows that atheists can support an ex-nihilo creation of the universe, something you seem to believe is reserved for theists.

I actually support the theory that energy/matter has existed eternally. If you want scientific evidence of this I suggest you look up the Law of Conservation of Energy.

You keep using theories, but no data. Why is that?

 

[Fish-Hunter]

Yep. You're right there.

People hide from God because they are self-reliant. That's what sin is. And when God forces a confrontation with people or if they choose to turn to him, they feel shame because of it.

I am interested to hear what you have to share. Help me understand your comment about "when God forces a confrontation with people"; what do you mean by that? Is the Christian God trying to communicate with people when He forces a confrontation?

 

[camanintx]

You keep using theories, but no data. Why is that?

Maybe because there is no data telling us what existed before the universe, unless you know something every astronomer and cosmologist doesn't.

While the Cosmic Background Radiation is evidence that the universe was once incredibly hot and dense, it tells us nothing of what may have come before.

You claimed that atheists could only believe in an infinite universe. Unless you can show me where Quentin Smith is wrong, then it is your argument that fails.

 

[Fish-Hunter]

Maybe because there is no data telling us what existed before the universe, unless you know something every astronomer and cosmologist doesn't.

While the Cosmic Background Radiation is evidence that the universe was once incredibly hot and dense, it tells us nothing of what may have come before.

You claimed that atheists could only believe in an infinite universe. Unless you can show me where Quentin Smith is wrong, then it is your argument that fails.

Hi camanintx,

Could you please share what a humanist basically believes? Are humanist considered to be an athesist too? It seems claiming to be an agnostic is more honest than being an atheist, because the universe is quite large out there. On the next clear night, gaze into the stars and contemplate how small the earth is as compared to what you are looking at.

 

[camanintx]

Hi camanintx,

Could you please share what a humanist basically believes? Are humanist considered to be an athesist too? It seems claiming to be an agnostic is more honest than being an atheist, because the universe is quite large out there. On the next clear night, gaze into the stars and contemplate how small the earth is as compared to what you are looking at.

Humanism is more a philosophy of life than a religious stance. Humanism says people can find purpose in life and maximize their long-term happiness by developing their talents and using those talents for the service of humanity. Humanism makes no claims as to the origin of the universe so there is room for theists though most tend to be atheist or agnostic.

 

[RedRain]

I'm a Swedenborgian, which is a type of Christian in that we worship Jesus. The main difference between mainstream Christianity and what Swedenborgianism believes is that we believe that there is one God who is Jesus. We also believe in a process of repentance called regeneration in which a person desists from evil desires in him or herself and slowly grows closer to God and develops a greater understanding of what is good and what is evil.

We believe the Bible is made up of correspondences or, in other words, that behind every word of it there is a deeper spiritual meaning as well as the literal meaning.

We believe that God does not send anyone to hell, that people choose to go to hell because what they desire leads them there and similarly good people go to heaven because what they desire leads them there.

Add in edit: One thing I forgot. We do not believe that an individual needs to be of a particular religion to be good and to go to heaven. Anyone who lives well and looks to a higher power can be saved.

Here's some links for further info:

The Swedenborgian Church-Tenets of Swedenborgianism
Summary of New Church Beliefs

 

[Katzpur]

Why is your particular religion or faith more truthful than another one?

What a question to ask on a forum where there are so many Mormons drooling over potential converts! :drool: In all honesty, Fish-Hunter, I would love to answer your question, because I do have a strong conviction as to the truth of my beliefs. I feel, though, that it would be more helpful for you to ask specific questions about spiritual matters that you have pondered and not found answers to. Then you could see which of all the answers you get seems to you to ring true. That way you can see what different religions believe about the things that are important to you.

 

[Fish-Hunter]

What a question to ask on a forum where there are so many Mormons drooling over potential converts! :drool: In all honesty, Fish-Hunter, I would love to answer your question, because I do have a strong conviction as to the truth of my beliefs. I feel, though, that it would be more helpful for you to ask specific questions about spiritual matters that you have pondered and not found answers to. Then you could see which of all the answers you get seems to you to ring true. That way you can see what different religions believe about the things that are important to you.

Hi Katzpur,

I'm somewhat familar with Mormons because I have friends from the Mormon Faith. They are warm and wonderful family oriented people. They also seem to really care for other Mormon families, quite a close knit community of faith. I just want to know the truth if that's possible. How would I know if the Mormon Faith is true and the other religions in the world to be false? Is there some kind of religious standard or guide to make an informed choice? I don't think pluralism can be correct when trying to find the truth. When you say that your have a strong convicton as to the truth of your beliefs, are you saying that you know the truth, and other religions have missed the truth?

 

[Fish-Hunter]

I'm a Swedenborgian, which is a type of Christian in that we worship Jesus. The main difference between mainstream Christianity and what Swedenborgianism believes is that we believe that there is one God who is Jesus. We also believe in a process of repentance called regeneration in which a person desists from evil desires in him or herself and slowly grows closer to God and develops a greater understanding of what is good and what is evil.

We believe the Bible is made up of correspondences or, in other words, that behind every word of it there is a deeper spiritual meaning as well as the literal meaning.

We believe that God does not send anyone to hell, that people choose to go to hell because what they desire leads them there and similarly good people go to heaven because what they desire leads them there.

Add in edit: One thing I forgot. We do not believe that an individual needs to be of a particular religion to be good and to go to heaven. Anyone who lives well and looks to a higher power can be saved.

Here's some links for further info:

The Swedenborgian Church-Tenets of Swedenborgianism
Summary of New Church Beliefs

Thank you for sharing. I never knew of this type of Christianity. I will need to spend time reading about it. In short summary, could you share the major differences between your faith and ordinary Christianity.

 

[texan1]

I think that the Universe is beautiful and filled with amazing mysteries, the biggest mystery being how it all began. This is a huge void in human knowledge. Some people believe that a God or Creator fills that void, and that's one possibility. It requires a leap of faith. But it's not the only possibility. I used to be a theist, or was trying to be for most of my life but in my heart I couldn't believe it. Now I willingly admit that I DON't KNOW how it all began. I don't have all of the answers and I am at peace with that. I believe in enjoying my precious life while I'm here and making a positive impact on the world and the people around me before I go. If you are leaning towards finding a religion though, you should visit as many churches as you can. Good luck in your journey!

 

[Booko]

Of course you wouldn't, but it shows that atheists can support an ex-nihilo creation of the universe, something you seem to believe is reserved for theists.

Why would an atheist not support an ex nihilo creation of the universe?

Obviously it's possible, for Ike Asimov wrote an essay on the subject many years ago...back in the 70s I think.

I actually support the theory that energy/matter has existed eternally. If you want scientific evidence of this I suggest you look up the Law of Conservation of Energy.

Indeed. Asimov's essay dealt with a method of ex nihilo creation that did not violate the Laws of Conservation. It would require one heck of an assumption, but if there were a companion universe based on anti-energy it's not like we'd have any way to observe it.