Do you believe in God?

[Krakken 5]

Christian, Catholic, Jewish, Buddhist, Hinduist etc?

 

I personally cannot become a Catholic i feel, there simply are too much pressure on guilt. But to be straight forward Christian trying to easen up on mistakes, that to me i feel works best for me.

 

How about you? What is your belief in.

Edited December 14, 2016 by Krakken

[zerox 1,143]

I'm an agnostic deist.

 

So I don't know if god exists but I tend to think it's more likely that he exists then not.

Edited December 14, 2016 by zerox

[VinylWubs 1,257]

Well it kinda depends. I mean, I go to a Christian college yet I don't think God is real. I WANT to know who created earth but with very little evidence supporting that God made the universe, I'm still believing that it all started with a Big Bang.

[AaronMk 280]

Buddhist

Buddhism natively doesn't recognize the existence of a god. And The Buddha is not a god. While in Buddhism there are concepts of there being "gods" (devahs), their classification of being "gods" are loose and are basically beings living at a higher plane of existence that are happier, longer-lived, and something more powerful than man. But are not the focus of Buddhism, and arguably neither is Sidartha Gautama himself. The spiritual focus of Buddhism is inward, not outward; clinging to a god in Buddhism would be going against its precepts.

 

To quote Alan Watts, you should kill God. God or gods stand in the way of the ultimate goal. But you also shouldn't kill god, not in the literal sense. It's simply removing attachment to the notion of God from your life to achieve enlightenment.

 

That said in Buddhism's nature as a faith that easily melds itself into its native environment it's not unusual for it to accept dieties. As in the case of Tibetain buddhism.

 

But the broad point still stands, there's no real focus on God in Buddhism as exists in the west for there to be a God to believe in and cling too. It takes on a similar notion as Jainism: there are higher beings but they have no impact on the world so don't cling to the notion of them intervening and instead work on the self to become as one of those.

 

Hinduist

 

Hindu*

 

God or gods aren't exactly important in Hinduism but is certainly easier, so the situation becomes much more muddled. While Siva and company are certainly important they're not explicitly necessary in the Yogic practice of Hinduism. There are other ways to attain spiritual advancement not strictly focused on worshiping a god and you can go on your life without giving them much credit.

[Sunny Fox 5,952]

I don't necessarily object to the concept of a creator deity in principle, but I don't think the fact the universe exists is necessarily evidence for such a being's existence, much less any of the other conceptual baggage the hypothetical creator is usually endowed with, such as emotions and motivations, love or hate of humans or the need to care about exactly which organ one is inclined to put into which orifice. That the universe exists is only evidence that the universe exists. Maybe the universe is naturally self starting. I'd have to ask, how did "God" create the universe? What method did He employ? Where's the power source He used? Basically, which switch did He flip to start off the whole shebang? And just saying, "oh, He has infinite power and that's how he did it" explains nothing; you might as well say it was magic.

 

And given that we live on a tiny little speck in a void vast beyond all conceivable understanding, it seems mightily arrogant to believe it exists for our sake alone. And if so, then God is extravagantly wasteful, and I don't wish to worship a wasteful God. And if God is going to punish me for that, then all his cosmic power amounts to little more than a bully offering to shove my teeth in if I don't give him my lunch money.

[Krakken 5]

I don't really think the Bible is ment to explain the physical answers, thats what you have science for.

The bible is more to explain the meaning of our existence. If we go away from God then bad things usually happens as the Old Testament accounts for. But Evolution is more to explain how our past works and history of humans. The story of Adam and Eve is more a way of God to say what our purpose is, not how life works in a scientific mind view of physical answers. So it is true in the sense of it being the purpose of life and the powerful words it contains. Or as Jeremiah says

 

Jeremiah 23:29

"Is not my word like fire," declares the LORD, "and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?

Edited December 14, 2016 by Krakken

[Corgis 574]

I lean more to their is a god out there but I don't really follow religion anymore.  I used to go to the Catholic Church (I think, there are too many different types out there) but not anymore so I'm more Agnostic then anything right now.

[Ziggy + Angel + Rain 11,303]

The strongest and most enduring belief I have is the belief and faith I have in my loved ones.  I admittedly do not believe in the Christian god or any god(s) of organized religion.

[BloodDrops 762]

 

 

the Bible

 

 

 Too many flaws in it. I don't like flaws. 

 

 

 

Buddhist

 

 

Like the idea of reincarnation. Also a higher plane is also plausible. 

 

If i had to pick, it would be Buddhist, I can't really defunct any of there beliefs as such

[Rikifive 24,209]

Well...

 

When I was a kid - kinda yes.

Now - Absolutely not... I believe in Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.

 

I'm christian, but nobody asked me if I want that 'status', as it is given by parents' choice.

I never liked going to church when I was a kid (even my parents don't go there ~ I was going there due to school ~ with classmates ~ instead of a normal lesson) and I don't go there anymore, it all is pretty weird for me.

 

When I think about few things about our world, then I just can't believe in god, because if one would exist, he'd have to be an ultimate troll and/or the worst world creator ever. Don't get me wrong please, I don't want to insult god, nor any religion, but this world is just weird and heavily imperfect to believe, that a good god exists. 

 

For example why did god create meat-eating lifeforms? He just wants to see us killing each other for food? Why we can't all live in harmony? Like cows minding their own business etc.? And if I'm not mistaking, eating certain animals is allowed by the religion, like pigs are designed for being prisoners, that are killed in the end. BUT WHY? Are pigs worse that us? Different? They don't deserve anything? And he thinks it's funny? There are more 'issues', but I'm not going into details as it's getting kinda off topic. 

 

Anyway, I never saw (a) god(s) and I never saw him/them doing anything.

There are religions all over the place, hundreds of gods, but I didn't see any of them and I'm not sure if I'd like to as most of them are weird imaginary overpowered scary entities.  :awuh:

 

At this point I can believe in Princess Celestia and Princess Luna and this will be as legit as believing in other gods, there's absolutely no difference - we never saw any of them with our own eyes. 

 

Of course, I absolutely don't mind who believes in what and I'm not judging anyone based on their beliefs. I'm sorry if anything in that post seems offensive towards anypony and/or religion. That absolutely wasn't/isn't what I want(ed) to say. Personally I'm always avoiding religion subject. 

[Alphys Hedge 671]

I believe God exists, and I'm christian, however I certainly wasn't at the status of Catholic by any means. I hated going to church, and at one point my whole family actually stopped going because we all just didn't like it.

[Nerdy Luigi 2,065]

I don't believe in any sort of higher power. I believe religion is severely outdated and explains things in a way that's way too simple with way too many continuity errors with scientific facts.

 

Though if I was religious, I would probably be invested in the Greek/Roman pantheon or a Buddhist. Though I still disagree with both quite a bit personally.

 

I've been an atheist since I was about 9.

Edited December 14, 2016 by TwillyFSniper

[Looks 130]

I believe religion is a good thing to cling in at the worst of times; it's a good thing to use for self confidence, faith, etc. I live in an area that was predominantly catholic, but now there's a protestant majority. I was raised to think that Jehovah (God) was more of a father than a king; that he loved you no matter what you did. I was a Christian throughout my life, not really shifting to a specific group of Christianity since I never even knew they existed (I considered all Christian people to be more or less the same, and clung onto the cores of Christianity almost exclusively). I used to pray from time to time, some of them actually becoming true, surprisingly. Now though... I prefer to be identified as an agnostic who views religion with a lot of respect. I've met Muslims before, I've met super extremist Christians... most aren't that bad, it mostly depends per person.

 

The reason why I became an Agnostic was because I was unable to simply believe it was... true. Sure, I prayed from time to time and some actually became true, but I considered it more of a coincidence than an actual blessing. I've read the bible (both old and new testament), and it DID teach good lessons... but it did not give direct proof as to how everything was made. Now that I think about it, perhaps I'm a Christian in the spiritual, emotional side rather than the logical side. I believe the Big Bang is the best explanation for the universe there is, currently. 

[Kaneki 1,073]

I was surprised in the answers here, since I often probably ignorantly believe that much of the Internet is anti-religious, but I guess not here. I was probably going to the wrong communities anyway...

 

As for me, I am a Christian, as there was a situation with someone that almost ended up VERY badly, which I am not comfortable sharing much of due to it's nature, and the fact that this said person has an account on MLPF (even though he hasn't ever been on it), but I'll say he wanted me to move near him when I was in no condition to take care of myself totally. The guy was someone who lived with his parents, and apparently his town's police knew quite a bit about him, criminally. It was looking much like that was going to happen as he wouldn't stop forcing it (and is still trying to this day), so I asked the Lord to help get me out of this bad situation, and it's been helping.

 

He still stalks me to this day - he recently followed my Twitter account until I blocked his account, in which case he unfollowed me.

[Willow 1,008]

 

 

I believe religion is a good thing to cling in at the worst of times; it's a good thing to use for self confidence

 

This is what I believe. I myself am not religious, I'm pretty sure I'm agnostic, but I'm not even sure of that, but religion can be a great way to cope with personal loss, awful circumstances, etc. It's good that people have something to hold onto in the worst of times to keep themselves afloat, and I won't insult them for believing in something that I don't believe them. I'll smile, say "good for you," and go about my day. It would be nice if more people acted this way.

 

I might have gotten a little off-topic. My bad. 

[Invincible 2,091]

I don't. In fact, I'll say I outright deny submission to any form of higher power. I don't dislike the notion, mind you; I just find it easier to accept that I'm prone to mistakes in colouring the reality around me because I'm a human relying on outside stimuli interacting with imperfect mechanisms that assess my existence.

 

Simply put, I find it easier to see everyone as wrong about this one, by virtue of them being mere humans.

 

With no understanding of concepts such as immortality, omniscience, omnipotence, omnipresence and ultimate morality, how could people claim to experience or sense beings which exhibit these features?

 

I think it's entirely possible to perceive beings which are greater than yourself, possibly superhuman, but to attribute them to supernatural phenomenon is something which is done in ignorance and with little factual basis.

 

I belief that you're entitled to your own definition of morality, and people should hold the standards they find endearing rather to be forced. I don't practice religion, but I find certain practices and beliefs as nice, so with those my loyalty aligns. I don't claim to follow these doctrines because I find some practices appalling.

[JeyWiz 1,097]

It this point i am agnostic. There could be some bearded guy in the sky watching us right now, maybe not. That's what i think.

[Rainblow H. Ash 5,091]

I believe in God, I just don't believe in structured religious organizations like churches. I'm the type to keep it to myself and pray in the closet. Discuss it with my close friends and family if they want to.

[Steel Accord 6,660]

Yes, Catholic with elements of Buddhism and Taoism mixed in. You want details, PM me. For now, I'll just semi-rhetorically ask, what's with all the religious threads all of a sudden? I mean even as someone who is devout, it can get exhausting after awhile.

[\/ 651]

Religion is an old form of government, nothing more. A fictitious creation meant to control others, for better or worse. I don't think it's all bad. It's done plenty of good, but it does cause misunderstanding and mistrust at times.

 

To make this clear, it's an opinion of mine, not a fact. Take that as you will.

[Anneal 2,197]

Taoism doesn't require you to believe in a god, but I'm pretty much on the fence at times. In China, Taiwan, and Japan, Taoism often gets mixed with Buddhism, which also doesn't require worship of a god, and local folk religion (in which there would be several gods). Taoism just seeks to live in harmony with the Tao, or the underlying principle of the universe that is beyond the scope of human thought. Buddhism seeks to reach nirvana, a bit like Hinduism, by removing all worldly desires and ending one's suffering. The former is based off the teachings of the semi-legendary Laozi, and the latter off Buddha. 

 

Really, the topic of the question basically assumes that you're Abrahamic. 

[yeet 2,027]

yar har fiddle di dee, being an atheist is alright to be.

[Denim&Venöm 19,274]

Agnostic. 

 

I'm open to the existence of a higher power, a divine creator and grand architect of all existence. 

 

But while I am willing to believe in god, I am not willing to believe in the religious interpretations, as all those those paint said god with some pretty negative attributes. Also said god is given the values & morals specific sets of cultures, in some very specific parts of the world, during specific time periods. Coincidence? 

 

It's actually though my attempts at writing that I think I've figured out why the monotheistic god exists in the way he does. Omnipresent. Omnipotent. All seeing. All knowing. All powerful. Yet benevolent, punishing all those socially deemed as evil sinners. 

 

What does that sound familiar?

 

• A Mary Sue is an idealized and seemingly perfect fictional character, a young or low-rank person who saves the day through unrealistic abilities. Often this character is recognized as an author insert or wish-fulfillment. 

 

Unrealistic abilities. Imbues the young or low ranking with power in a sense by bringing them good fortune should they pray and live a saintly existence. A being of ultimate power, conceptualized by beings who wish for ultimate power, and believe in a power that sees the world the same way they do, and that their actions sway said power and change the world around them, for them?  

 

The monotheistic god, is humanity's first Mary Sue/ Gary Stu.  

 

So again, while I'm open to their being a grand architect, we cannot pretend to understand that we know the intent, the means or will behind such a being. And given that, imbuing said deity with human traits, emotions, behaviors, values and morals is both pretentious and short sighted.

 

 

Besides, I'd like to believe that if god is of moral character by modern western human standards, then said god created all life with the best of intentions, and did not make us flawed. That we were made with the very tools needed to achieve in this world. That we, are the answer to our own prayers. 

[Brightbart 268]

Yes, Catholic with elements of Buddhism and Taoism mixed in. You want details, PM me. For now, I'll just semi-rhetorically ask, what's with all the religious threads all of a sudden? I mean even as someone who is devout, it can get exhausting after awhile.

I'm not sure, I've noticed that as well. Perhaps because it's the holiday season. 

Edited December 15, 2016 by Brightbart

[Envy 6,191]

No. I see no reason to believe in a deity of any kind.

 

Long backstory:

 

 

I was raised a Christian, but to be honest, I never felt anything in my years in church. I don't remember whether I consciously acknowledged this or not, but I kept on going to church convincing myself that I believed because my family and community must be feeling some connection with this higher being that I wasn't, and that someday I would understand, that this being would connect with me.

 

It never happened. Even still, it was a long, arduous process to consciously being a nonbeliever/atheist. I remember the first time (that I remember, and I only remember because I wrote this stuff in my diary lol) running into an atheist... It was in band, and he was an ex-member of the church that my family was currently a member of. I wrote in my diary that I was utterly confused by this guy being an atheist "He was a member of our church. How could this happen?" I thought. Then he was a jerk to me, and I blamed his leaving church and becoming a nonbeliever on that. I have no idea how I ever had this mindset.

 

A year later, I would start joining internet forums, and for the first time I ran into an atheist who wasn't a jerk, but instead a reasonable, well-researched individual who I looked up to for many aspects. I began to realize his arguments held much merit. I don't remember when I finally came around. I think it took emotional appeal to bring around my subconscious - I had this hardline belief that Christianity, the church, Christians are good people automatically. I have no idea how this belief ever came to be in me, it seems so out of line with my thinking.

 

It was during this time in my life that two things happened, both shattering this image:

 

1. I started becoming conscious of my sexuality, and how it was...different. Having come on the internet and being more conscious of the actual world around me, I began to see how it was that was speaking out against LGBT people. I was raised so sheltered. I never had any problem with LGBT people, and the fact that they got made fun of made me really sad and mad as a child, but I never could have imagined that the all-good Christian church had people that were against it, that they were basing it on their religious beliefs! This realization surely helped shatter the above belief. (Likewise, when I saw that sexist beliefs were oftentimes rooted in Christianity, it hurt really bad, too. I was so sheltered.)

 

2. I took AP European History. I was either too sheltered or didn't pay attention to history before this point. When I saw everything in the middle ages with the crusades, and the way that Roman Catholic Church treated people while in power, I was beyond horrified. This is what I remember completely shattering my "Christian = Good" belief once and for all, but it's been a decade now. I do not remember everything as clearly as I'd like.

 

Obviously, I could not disbelieve in God and Christianity for these reasons alone (although I will say that if the Christian God exists, I will never worship him. The Bible is so horrifically immoral that I would condemn myself to Hell sooner than I would go along with a deity that ever, ever, ever believed that slavery was okay.). But as I stated in the beginning, I never really had a belief for myself. I only believed because everyone else told me so. The very strong sense of anti-sexism/racism/homophobia/transphobia/etc. (and overall mistreatment of people) I was raised with ended up coming around and help making this conscious to me (alongside the atheist I mentioned I ran into on a forum).

 

In the end, I look at the world and universe around me and I see absolutely no indication of any deity. That's not to say that one can not possibly exist. Although I do think that the Abrahamic God can be ruled out very easily... I won't go there. A deistic being can not be ruled out, but also has no justification for belief at all. The proposed existence of a deity brings up more questions than it purports to answer (it answers nothing, by the way). Such a being could exist, but there is no justification for that belief at this point and time. A deistic being has the same probability of existing in our current state of knowledge alongside any completely random claim I could make that you can not prove or disprove. The time to believe is when there is substantial reason to believe. I think it's better to keep my beliefs grounded, personally.

 

Edited December 15, 2016 by Envy