I've kind of decided that I believe in God now. I've really been thinking about it over the past few days. I've seen the power by which faith gives people strength, courage, and hope. I don't think the effect of faith on people's lives can be explained in purely natural terms.
I'm thinking of converting to either Roman Catholicism or Greek Orthodoxy.
So anyways - do you have any thoughts, opinions, bits of information, etc., you wish to share?
And no, I'm not a troll.
2007-12-24 17:40:47 · 16 answers · asked by Nowhere Man 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I mean no offense by this. Just trying to explain something...you don't think the effects of faith can be explained? Look up "placebo". Same concept.
2007-12-24 17:45:04 · answer #1 · answered by Master Maverick 6 · 8⤊ 0⤋
I have seen the power of Alcohol, It gives people Courage, And Strength and It also lowers inhibitions...So what? I can have faith that a purple dinosaur is going to appear in my back yard on March 7th but that doesn't mean it is going to benefit my life in any positive way. Imaginary friends might make us feel better but I would rather accept the truth and live a fulfilling life.
You have been struggling with this "Conversion" Problem and more than likely it stems from your inability to educate yourself. You keep thinking that it will somehow make your life more worth living if you are part of some kind of group. You seem more like a follower if anything to me.
2007-12-25 01:48:31 · answer #2 · answered by Pathofreason.com 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
What's a troll? I won't condemn you for your beliefs. You have a right to believe whatever you want, so long as you do not try to force those beliefs on others. I do have a suggestion though. Why not try mental telepathy or something like that? I believe you'll find that what you think is faith; actually comes from within a persons' own mind. Happy Holidays.
2007-12-25 01:54:22 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Well, I'll basically lightly place my beliefs on you and maybe they may help you make a desicion! I am a theisitic evolutionist. I believe that God, invented evolution. And much like some sects of the Catholic religion, I believe that not all of the Bible is meant to be taken literally, but more as a lesson.
I also believe that there is no way to play God. Some people say getting put on life support or choosing genetic traits in your baby is like playing God. But I believe since God knows the past, present, and future. He destined that baby or that person to be that way. And another one of my beliefs is that religion and state should stay as far away from each other as possible. You shouldn't vote for a person because they're Mormon, or Christian or Bhudist......But of course their religion will play some role in their choices because they are human. And I slightly believe that religion and science should not confilct within each other. Because if you think about it, without religion in the way, science would be alot further...... Well, I'll let that sink in on you. :)
2007-12-25 01:49:32 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
My Methodist friend married an Orthodox woman and was so impressed with the church he converted, but as an atheist that's all I know. I don't press for details but they're a happy couple with lovely children.
I'm not going to pressure you one way or another. We live in a nation of religious freedom and it's your own choice which I will not criticize.
Old Cherio, you remind me a lot of my father. And that's a real compliment, I assure you.
2007-12-25 01:44:41 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
"I've kind of decided that I believe in God now."
and
"I don't think the effect of faith on people's lives can be explained in purely natural terms."
Then you would be wrong.
2007-12-25 07:53:21 · answer #6 · answered by bestonnet_00 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You know, I was just about to ask this question! Is there something in the water?
That power you see comes from psychology. The human mind is still very much a Pandora's box, we don't know everything yet.
Besides, that power, coming from belief, doesn't prove the existence of a god. It just proves that that belief gives you power.
2007-12-25 01:48:12 · answer #7 · answered by Equinox 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
hmm. both of those religions are interesting. old and filled with traditions. they can be fun im sure. but just because you believe in god doesnt mean you need to join a religion. it doesnt mean you need to go to church and sing songs or pour your change in the cups that pass in the church pew. i find organized religion no different than a 'cult'. sure it sounds extreme.. but i find the lines between them very thin. i believe in god and i cant call myself a specific type... i wont follow any church or leader of humanity. and i think faith .. doesnt need a director other than me. i set the rules for my life and my personal spirituality. and i think nature is god. god is nature.. everything that is beautiful in nature is god. and nature is my church. my sanctuary. and i never thought you where a troll.
2007-12-25 01:59:49 · answer #8 · answered by daria 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I went the other route, from theism to atheism. But if I had to choose I would go with Orthodoxy. It appears to be more faithful to its message with less scandal.
2007-12-25 01:45:43 · answer #9 · answered by fierce beard 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
So you've been drinking a lot lately? Faith also creates terrorists, mass murderers, and suicides, including a 6-YO little girl who committed suicide so she could be with her mommy in heaven. So how is this a good thing?
I don't think you've thought very thoroughly.
2007-12-25 01:51:09 · answer #10 · answered by Brent Y 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋