mega thread Everypony's Religion And Why?

[CosmicHooves 2,705]

Honestly, I believe in supernatural forces on a scientific level.

I will not go around though, calling Christianity or other religions "fairy tales" or "absurdities".

It's utter slap in the face to people who have that belief.

I think the main reason why some people act this way is because they've had bad experiences with Christians or people of other religions in the past.

And also saying that that "you have a hard time accepting that there is no God" is like saying, "I'm obviously right and you're just an ignorant fool".

Some people think that their belief system is absolute truth.

Were any of us there to begin with?

No.

Even I'm not 100% sure of my belief system.

And I'm pretty sure technically none of is are.

Edited June 19, 2014 by Emerald Starlight

[Arctic Night 884]

Not saying you are right or wrong on this one, all I will simply say is this character limit suck:

 

Absence of evidence, doesn't mean evidence of absence.

You know what, I absolutely agree. That is a point Carl Sagan emphasizes in his book The Demon Haunted World. If you claim that there is an invisible, immaterial dragon living in your garage (this is something similar to the example he used) I shouldn't take your word for it until you can somehow prove the dragon is there. But it is just as arrogant of me to assume that there could be no possible chance of an invisible dragon.

 

Mind you, Mr. Sagan appeared to be more of a pure agnostic. I am an agnostic atheist. The reason I am still an atheist is mostly because the likelihood of God (as he/she/it is described by mainstream religion) seems so improbable to me that I mostly dismiss the idea, and live my life as though God does not exist.

 

However, I will never assert that I am 100% sure that God does not exist. This is not anymore consistent with the scientific method than asserting that God does exist. I can only say that I am certain enough not to call myself "agnostic."

 

This is the Spectrum of Theistic Probability, copy & pasted from Wikipedia.

1. Strong theist. 100 per cent probability of God. In the words of C.G. Jung: "I do not believe, I know."
2. De facto theist. Very high probability but short of 100 per cent. "I don't know for certain, but I strongly believe in God and live my life on the assumption that he is there."
3. Leaning towards theism. Higher than 50 per cent but not very high. "I am very uncertain, but I am inclined to believe in God."
4. Completely impartial. Exactly 50 per cent. "God's existence and non-existence are exactly equiprobable."
5. Leaning towards atheism. Lower than 50 per cent but not very low. "I do not know whether God exists but I'm inclined to be skeptical."
6. De facto atheist. Very low probability, but short of zero. "I don't know for certain but I think God is very improbable, and I live my life on the assumption that he is not there."
7. Strong atheist. "I know there is no God, with the same conviction as Jung knows there is one."

So I guess you could say I am a six. I would like to make it clear that if I say "God does not exist" what I really mean is "I am almost completely confident that God does not exist."

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spectrum_of_theistic_probability

[Steel Accord 6,660]

Honestly, I believe in supernatural forces on a scientific level.

I will not go around though, calling Christianity or other religions "fairy tales" or "absurdities".

It's utter slap in the face to people who have that belief.

I think the main reason why some people act this way is because they've had bad experiences with Christians or people of other religions in the past.

And also saying that that "you have a hard time accepting that there is no God" is like saying, "I'm obviously right and you're just an ignorant fool".

Some people think that their belief system is absolute truth.

Were any of us there to begin with?

No.

Even I'm not 100% sure of my belief system.

And I'm pretty sure technically none of is are.

 

I would hope not. It's called "Faith" for a reason after all. It's believing in something that can't be proven, but knowingly accepting the risk and reward. On the flip side, any scientific model is, by it's nature, necessarily incomplete. Closing the book on any scientific study is calling a hypothesis a physical law of nature.

You know what, I absolutely agree. That is a point Carl Sagan emphasizes in his book The Demon Haunted World. If you claim that there is an invisible, immaterial dragon living in your garage (this is something similar to the example he used) I shouldn't take your word for it until you can somehow prove the dragon is there. But it is just as arrogant of me to assume that there could be no possible chance of an invisible dragon.

 

Mind you, Mr. Sagan appeared to be more of a pure agnostic. I am an agnostic atheist. The reason I am still an atheist is mostly because the likelihood of God (as he/she/it is described by mainstream religion) seems so improbable to me that I mostly dismiss the idea, and live my life as though God does not exist.

 

However, I will never assert that I am 100% sure that God does not exist. This is not anymore consistent with the scientific method than asserting that God does exist. I can only say that I am certain enough not to call myself "agnostic."

 

This is the Spectrum of Theistic Probability, copy & pasted from Wikipedia.

1. Strong theist. 100 per cent probability of God. In the words of C.G. Jung: "I do not believe, I know."
2. De facto theist. Very high probability but short of 100 per cent. "I don't know for certain, but I strongly believe in God and live my life on the assumption that he is there."
3. Leaning towards theism. Higher than 50 per cent but not very high. "I am very uncertain, but I am inclined to believe in God."
4. Completely impartial. Exactly 50 per cent. "God's existence and non-existence are exactly equiprobable."
5. Leaning towards atheism. Lower than 50 per cent but not very low. "I do not know whether God exists but I'm inclined to be skeptical."
6. De facto atheist. Very low probability, but short of zero. "I don't know for certain but I think God is very improbable, and I live my life on the assumption that he is not there."
7. Strong atheist. "I know there is no God, with the same conviction as Jung knows there is one."

So I guess you could say I am a six. I would like to make it clear that if I say "God does not exist" what I really mean is "I am almost completely confident that God does not exist."

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spectrum_of_theistic_probability

 

Meh, whatever floats your boat. It's not about what one thinks, but what one does in life that matters after all. Got to love good ol' Carl (Sagan), and I'm a HUGE fan of Jung.

 

I guess on that scale, I would probably be a 21/2. I know that makes no sense, but it's the best I can classify myself as.

[Arctic Night 884]

Honestly, I believe in supernatural forces on a scientific level.

I will not go around though, calling Christianity or other religions "fairy tales" or "absurdities".

It's utter slap in the face to people who have that belief.

I think the main reason why some people act this way is because they've had bad experiences with Christians or people of other religions in the past.

And also saying that that "you have a hard time accepting that there is no God" is like saying, "I'm obviously right and you're just an ignorant fool".

Some people think that their belief system is absolute truth.

Were any of us there to begin with?

No.

Even I'm not 100% sure of my belief system.

And I'm pretty sure technically none of is are.

I would say, from a scientific standpoint, being capable of questioning your own hypothesis is a very good sign that you have the determination necessary to seek Reality as it is, not as you want it to be.

[Steel Accord 6,660]

I would say, from a scientific standpoint, being capable of questioning your own hypothesis is a very good sign that you have the determination necessary to seek Reality as it is, not as you want it to be.

 

Tell that to Twilight here:

 

 

Really you think she would have just interviewed Pinkie on what her various twitches corresponded to and saw if they matched what happened. BOOM! You've just scientifically proven prophecy.

Edited June 19, 2014 by Steel Accord

[Arctic Night 884]

Tell that to Twilight here:

 

 

Really you think she would have just interviewed Pinkie on what her various twitches corresponded to and saw if they matched what happened. BOOM! You've just scientifically proven prophecy.

I agree. That Pinkie Pie could predict specific events was a testable proposition. And in a world with unicorns and magical creatures, I never understood what was so abnormal about Pinkie Sense to begin with.

[Steel Accord 6,660]

I agree. That Pinkie Pie could predict specific events was a testable proposition. And in a world with unicorns and magical creatures, I never understood what was so abnormal about Pinkie Sense to begin with.

 

I guess it was just because in Twilight's experience, chiefly among unicorns, magic manifested in very specific and individually designated ways. Unicorns cast spells, spells are related to individual passion or interest. Among earth ponies though, the magic is more subtle and can manifest in different ways that aren't directly controllable.

 

Even then though, it's not like there is no scientific precedence for mutations and abnormalities in biology.

[LightningGearV3.01 52]

What I believe in..Is myself. And god. Why I believe in god, I ask?

 

Because god interacted with me. Its a long story. Lets just say stuff happened that would only happen in the bible and leave it at that, okay?

[Mr. Forest 135]

I am a atheist. I do not believe in any religion. I have no problem with people who do have a religion they believe in as long as they don't use said religion to harm or judge others. I do like some of the stories from the Bible though, especially the story of Moses. The Ten Commandments (1956) and The Prince of Egypt (1998) are two of my favorite movies of all time, and I cannot wait for Ridley Scott's Exodus: Gods and Kings (2014).

Edited July 17, 2014 by Watchful Guardian

[ReGen 1,466]

Atheist. I simply do not believe in the existence of a god or gods. I can't find any logical reasoning that there exists an all-knowing and all-powerful diety, and I am not likely to change.

 

However, others are free to believe what they want, as do I. I can get down with the whole spiritual side of Christianity and Islam and such, but the beliefs and ideals are what turn me away. Which is why i'm likely to practice Buddhism.

 

But Celestia is totally real, yo.

[Deathstroke 1,564]

Islam because i have been a muslim since i was born and am proud of it! No one is gonna change me nor i will change and to haters you can burn in where you belong: in hell!

Edited July 16, 2014 by Desert guardian

[Steel Accord 6,660]

in hell!

 

Yeah it's that last part that bothers some people. I mean, I love your passion and enthusiasm for your faith as I think it's something many people lack these days. However, is passing judgment on people for passing judgment on you really right?

Atheist. I simply do not believe in the existence of a god or gods. I can't find any logical reasoning that there exists an all-knowing and all-powerful diety, and I am not likely to change.

 

However, others are free to believe what they want, as do I. I can get down with the whole spiritual side of Christianity and Islam and such, but the beliefs and ideals are what turn me away. Which is why i'm likely to practice Buddhism.

 

But Celestia is totally real, yo.

 

As someone who incorporates Buddhist practices into his faith, I can tell you it's a good thing to take up. Meditation and self-exaltation, good stuff.

[Deathstroke 1,564]

Yeah it's that last part that bothers some people. I mean, I love your passion and enthusiasm for your faith as I think it's something many people lack these days. However, is passing judgment on people for passing judgment on you really right?

 

As someone who incorporates Buddhist practices into his faith, I can tell you it's a good thing to take up. Meditation and self-exaltation, good stuff.

I mean those true haters that hates anyone who's a muslim and want to kill those innocent people that did nothing to them we didn't do anything to them yet they want to kill us for no reason?! Yeah they can burn for all i care

Edited July 17, 2014 by Desert guardian

[ReGen 1,466]

As someone who incorporates Buddhist practices into his faith, I can tell you it's a good thing to take up. Meditation and self-exaltation, good stuff.

 

Precisely! I find it to be the perfect religion (even though it isn't much of one)! It just focuses on bettering yourself and doing good for all. A lot of people could use it!

[LZRD WZRD 1,929]

I'm an atheist, but that's because I haven't found any good lzrd gods to believe in yet

It's tough being a lzrd (or a wzrd for that matter) living in this human world

edit: All kidding aside, I just see no reason to accept any of the claims religions make since they lack any evidence to support them. Simple logic

[NightGuard 251]

Agnostic as I think that God is real, but the Bible is fucking bad! It teaches hatred, homophobic behavior and belief in slavery.

Btw if you're starting to doubt your faith, don't be!

There is many archeological evidence that supports Christianity and the events within the Bible.

God to me has his reasons for doing what he does.

He acts different in the Old Testiment than the New.

I consider everything God does to be just though.

If he does what he does for a reason. Why does he allow Gays to be burned alive, and Slaves to be beaten.

If this bible is lies and a manmade book made by bigot minded people like I believe, I will accept God as my lord and savior when he meets me at Heaven's Gates and tells me his actual beliefs.

Edited July 17, 2014 by NightGuard

[Pinkamena-Pills 6,839]

Pinkieism/Pinkieanity or whatever you want to call it.(i honestly don't need a name for my personal religion)

 

In short i just wish Joy upon all life and do my best to find Joy in my most darkest times.

 

It keeps me calm and it keeps the urge to despise all of humanity and die in a ditch because some of my fellow humans sicken me away.(however you guys here are awesome!  ) 

Edited July 17, 2014 by Pinkamena-Pills

[Invincible 2,091]

Pinkieism/Pinkieanity or whatever you want to call it.(i honestly don't need a name for my personal religion)

 

In short i just wish Joy upon all life and do my best to find Joy in my most darkest times.

 

It keeps me calm and it keeps the urge to despise all of humanity and die in a ditch because some of my fellow humans sicken me away.(however you guys here are awesome!  ) 

Pinkieanity sounds amazing. Can i join your cult?... Do you have to take a blood oath to always follow laughter or something though?

[Pinkamena-Pills 6,839]

@,Anyone can accept Pinkieanity! All you have to do is accept the teaching of Pinkie: To(in short) wish Joy to all life and live not in hate,but in Joy! 

[Steel Accord 6,660]

Precisely! I find it to be the perfect religion (even though it isn't much of one)! It just focuses on bettering yourself and doing good for all. A lot of people could use it!

 

I think many Buddhist would contest you, gently, on their faith "not being a religion" as it's seen that way by many. It doesn't strictly have to be but most who practice it do so in a spiritual and religious sense.

I mean those true haters that hates anyone who's a muslim and want to kill those innocent people that did nothing to them we didn't do anything to them yet they want to kill us for no reason?! Yeah they can burn for all i care

 

I get it, but again, is retribution any better than slightly better tempered revenge? Why not work to spread peace through education and understanding of one's faith?

Edited July 18, 2014 by Steel Accord

[GreyScholar 1,584]

Agnostic as I think that God is real, but the Bible is fucking bad! It teaches hatred, homophobic behavior and belief in slavery.

If he does what he does for a reason. Why does he allow Gays to be burned alive, and Slaves to be beaten.

If this bible is lies and a manmade book made by bigot minded people like I believe, I will accept God as my lord and savior when he meets me at Heaven's Gates and tells me his actual beliefs.

I would suggest, especially for the Old Testament, to keep in mind that what is read is cultural and social structure of the time not so much the word of the Almighty God. Not every action in the Bible by the children of Israel is of God or even most of their actions. Heck, time and again God had actually punished his chosen people for the actions they committed and even those of his most favored such as Saul, David, and Solomon. Bigotry and slavery are produces of the time which can still be seen today, do not be so quick to point fingers and say the Bible is BS because it has unpleasant bits. History has events and scenes which are not going to be pleasant or happy.

 

I would also recommend considering the marked difference between the general feel of the Old and New Testament. Of the teaching of Jesus Christ when compared to what was believed and followed in the Old Testament. This I believe is no accident, but a change that would lead to the division from Judaism to that of Christianity, 

[LZRD WZRD 1,929]

I would suggest, especially for the Old Testament, to keep in mind that what is read is cultural and social structure of the time not so much the word of the Almighty God. Not every action in the Bible by the children of Israel is of God or even most of their actions. Heck, time and again God had actually punished his chosen people for the actions they committed and even those of his most favored such as Saul, David, and Solomon. Bigotry and slavery are produces of the time which can still be seen today, do not be so quick to point fingers and say the Bible is BS because it has unpleasant bits. History has events and scenes which are not going to be pleasant or happy.

 

I would also recommend considering the marked difference between the general feel of the Old and New Testament. Of the teaching of Jesus Christ when compared to what was believed and followed in the Old Testament. This I believe is no accident, but a change that would lead to the division from Judaism to that of Christianity,

(This kind of goes with what you said)

 

I caution people from going away from biblical religions just because you don't like certain things in the bible. You have to realize it has been translated so many times (incorrectly and probably maliciously) that current versions surely do not reflect the original version (which would be the true word of Yahweh). In this case, I highly discourage bible literalism but also discourage the dismissal of the religion altogether (this is coming from an atheist). You must look at the facts yourself and decide whether or not you believe in a biblical religion.

Edited July 18, 2014 by LZRD WZRD

[Steel Accord 6,660]

(This kind of goes with what you said)

 

I caution people from going away from biblical religions just because you don't like certain things in the bible. You have to realize it has been translated so many times (incorrectly and probably maliciously) that current versions surely do not reflect the original version (which would be the true word of Yahweh). In this case, I highly discourage bible literalism but also discourage the dismissal of the religion altogether (this is coming from an atheist). You must look at the facts yourself and decide whether or not you believe in a biblical religion.

 

Completely agreed, there is so much more to any given faith than just it's holy text.

 

As a rule of thumb, life is what's ultimately important for people who are religious. How we live it, how we treat it, how we see it, etc.

[John 793]

Ever since I was born, I've always had this innate feeling that I must serve an ultimately good, kind, wise and benevolent being in order to be fully emotionally and spiritually fulfilled.  The thought of this brings me true happiness and peace with myself, which isn't explainable through speech or typing.  I feel as though a grand being to serve and learn from would fill a void inside of me and give my existence meaning and depth.  It saddens be that there are no such people worth serving on this planet.  That being said, I can turn to my religion (Catholicism) to try for a spiritual connection with my God.  The only problem is that I'm taking a bit of a personal dice roll on weather or not he exists.  If there is no Grand King/Queen within the scope of existence, I don't know if my life is worth living.

 

It saddens me a bit to watch FIM and see how great of a ruler Celestia is to her subjects.  Sucks that we don't have any people in charge on this planet like Celestia...

 

Edited August 19, 2014 by John

[Steel Accord 6,660]

Ever since I was born, I've always had this innate feeling that I must serve an ultimately good, kind, wise and benevolent being in order to be fully emotionally and spiritually fulfilled.  The thought of this brings me true happiness and peace with myself, which isn't explainable through speech or typing.  I feel as though a grand being to serve and learn from would fill a void inside of me and give my existence meaning and depth.  It saddens be that there are no such people worth serving on this planet.  That being said, I can turn to my religion (Catholicism) to try for a spiritual connection with my God.  The only problem is that I'm taking a bit of a personal dice roll on weather or not he exists.  If there is no Grand King/Queen within the scope of existence, I don't know if my life is worth living.

 

It saddens me a bit to watch FIM and see how great of a ruler Celestia is to her subjects.  Sucks that we don't have any people in charge on this planet like Celestia...

 

 

First off, Catholic brohoof!

 

Secondly you don't think anyone alive or dead is worth following or admiring? I mean, Einstein, Martin Luther King, Walt Disney, Bruce Lee, Joan of Arc, Michio Kaku, none of these guys are good, kind, wise, or benevolent in your eyes?