Are theists self-centered?

Question

I heard a pastor state that "everyone, at some point in their life, realizes that there is something bigger than themselves" as supporting evidence for God.

My initial thoughts were "duh." Everyday, since I can remember, everything around me is "bigger than myself." Just look at a tree or the sky. Even my apartment building in a sense. I think about all the people, time, effort, anf money that came together to build it and so far in my life the apartment exceeds anything I have personally done.

Are religious folk so unaware of anything outside of themselves that it takes this supposed revalation to convinve themselves of an higher order!?!

Look at nature, the stars, animals-the science that is not "behind things" but right in your face. A deeper contemplation is needed for theists I believe. What do you think?

Answer 1

I don't understand how this question even makes sense. So theists are self-centered because they DO believe that someone (something) is bigger/better than himself or herself?

That's strange; I would think the exact opposite, that atheists are self-centered due to their inability to accept that there are some things that they cannot explain. Isn't that the ultimate in self-centeredness (I know, it's not a word)?

I really doubt the Pastor wanted you to think of "bigger" in terms of physicality, skill set, monetary level, or anything mortal. He probably was trying to emphasize the narcissism that is so prevalent in our society. Thinking we are the one thing that matters to ourselves, and even that we control our own destiny is flawed, and that is probably more what he was getting at.

Also, to Peanutbutter, I don't think "only about myself or my God as a result of fear of punishment." I think about God as my savior who can help me with everything in my life. I can't explain the joy of feeling God while I'm in Church singing his praises. I'm not "fearful," I'm happy that he accepts me despite my flaws and inequities. Name me the person who will do that?!

I take your challenge to look at nature, the stars, and animals and I am truly amazed at what God has created; I don't say that I can explain how we came into existence, or that I even have the capability to comprehend how time and space relate to God and our souls.

To totall...: I think you're not looking correctly at why God allows "evil things" to exist. If God did not allow evil, then he would have destroyed humanity from the bite of the apple of the forbidden tree, and then none of us would exist. The simple answer is that God gives us a choice - sure he hopes we choose him, but he does not force it. I heard a cool story on how to explain why God "allows" evil. It goes:

A barber told a man while he was cutting his hair, "There must not be a God, because if there were, there would be no evil, so that proves God does not exist."
The man said back, "Barbers, also, do not exist."
"But of course they do, I'm sitting right here and I'm a barber." the barber replied.
"Then tell me, why are there people that have long, dirty, matted hair - and are unshaven?" Asked the man.
The barber answered, "Simple, because they do not come to me!"

So you see? Evil exists not because God does not exist, but because people do not come to him.

Answer 2

A lot of religious people have been bullied by their minister and priests and rabbis.

Consequently a lot of religious people feel bullied by God.

Unfortuantely, religious people engage in a form of emotional incest ' with their children and new converts. They impose an idea of God on these vulnerable people, before their sense of individual self is totally formed.

As a result, folks raised in this system compulsively feel inadequate if they are not suppressing any sense of an 'inadequate or missing self' with thoughts of the BIG GOD IDEA.

This is a from of neurosis which can be spread to other religious people. Not all Religious peole are neurotic; but many neurotic people have lost touch with their sense of self, or never had a sense of self.

Therefore, having God shoved down your throat 24/7 for many years can make you a nervous wreck.

Many people have a tremendous sense of relief the day they bring balance to their lives, and recover their selves. And that's what God prefers, balanced people, not extremo-philes!!!

P.S. Self-absorbtion is not the exclusive monopoly of religious people -- it's human nature.

Once our needs and fears are satisfied or quieted, like happy babies, we all tend to calm down and think more of others.

Answer 3

well, yeah, who or what that something is, is always open to debate. I don't think the idea of God cuts it, personally.

Reasons abound, but the main thing is, if this God is all powerful, and lets children starve, be maimed and killed for no reason and has the power to stop it, and doesn't? what kind of god is that? Even those that believe the much corrupted bible forget, it says all things come from god, so that would include good AND evil. Satan himself, if you beleive that stuff, was created by god, so everything in him came from god, so was man, so everything in him came from god, good and evil.

the story of Job tells alot, god let the devil mess with him, basically just to prove a point when the man had done nothing at all wrong. What does that tell you about this god?

Answer 4

Obviously, you do not understand what this means.

I have been through a lot of crap in my life. What helped me through it was that I understood all the bad stuff was to happen so I can become a better and stronger person. That is what this means. There is meaning from all struggles.

People either get this or they do not.

Answer 5

I find (some) only think about themselves and their God, which is as a result of fear of punishment. So it all comes down to themselves. But they do love their family, so maybe we should draw the line there?

Answer 6

Really they are either deluded or dolts, or deluded dolts.