To Yuyutsu. We've talked quite a bit. And though we both agree on the need of love and being moral, we disagree on who God is, or even what He is. I am lucky to say I know His love. It's not my own love, so He isn't just a deeper part of myself (though searching ourselves is a wonderful thing, God is greater still). I wish you well and am glad for our conversations. God loves us. All of us. But we are more to Him then our bodies. To Him we are His creation that He made and loved. With us there is a battle over us, and with that battle is another battle of either reverence or rebellion. Jesus taught that our enemies are not flesh and blood, but He listed some titles for the unseen spiritual world. It is my theory that we are allowed to be in the crossfires of an enemy, and in death and even dementia, because of the other battle to rebel against God or not, lead by the unseen forces.

To AJ Phillips. We've talked about this at length. You seek poof, then search for God yourself. He is real. If you search for Him and can't find Him, then let's talk more. Until then, as much as I'd like to, I can't drag you to the truth. It's the calling of many Christians to lead others to God, but the responsibility to find Him still is in your hands not mine.

To HereNow. Jesus not only existed, He still does. But perhaps that conversation is further down this topic. First I want to let you know, by my own observations that God is real, and that by being closer to Him, we are better for it.

To a Special Delivery. If you get a message from God you will be held accountable to it. But if you do not seek God what do you know of His merit? A blind voice leading other blind voices that have not sought God either. Seek Him to see if there is merit in your conclusion.

To Josephus and ttbn. Thank you both for your support and the active challenges to many of the other's views. I have one more request if you can though. I've given one observation with what I've seen and what I know. If you guys can give some of your observations and what you know with relation to God, it hopefully might bring a spark to many people who don't believe in God and don't care to. To hopefully at least look into God bring real and finding the light.

It's a personal request, and with done of the posters on OLO, (none do far that have responded) I know That would be furl to more mockery. So no worries if you decide not to. I appreciate your support, and your challenging the narratives of those who don't believe.

There is a difference between virgin conception and virgin birth. Mary never had sex with a man before Jesus Birth, to ensure her child was in the lineage of David. She was still a virgin at Jesus birth. God is one not three; God is one but has revealed his character, actions and wisdom in various ways, but especially in Jesus Christ. Human life is meant to be personally sacrificed for others welfare, especially those who cannot find the way, the truth and the life. The presence of the Spirit of God is present in lives that know forgiveness, a love that cares for others, especially the weak, the oppressed and sick. Character that spreads joy and peace, is long suffering and self controlled.

//Love the Lord with all your heart.//

Yeah... nah.

How about I don't, and just pretend that I do?

I love Jehovah, he's so terrific, I feel great now that I've been born again, it's like a nice cleansing colonic irrigation of love. Hooray for Jesus! Now I'm off to nag some disbelievers until they see the error of their futile, empty, meaningless lives. That will make Jesus love me even more! Then I'll get into heaven for sure, because heaven definitely exists and there is zero chance that we just die when we die, no siree, and if Jesus loves me enough that's my golden ticket to the good afterlife which makes this whole caper worthwhile.

Happy now?

Josephus,

Stop taking every criticism of your belief system as a personal attack on yourself. You conservative folk can be such snowflakes at times.

<<What we want to know what are the positive ways of life that you follow that gives you direction and hope.>>

Or, YOU want to know that, at least.

If you narrow your question down a little, I’m sure you’ll get more responses. Not everyone is foolish enough to base every facet of their lives on one idea.

<<Of course Jesus never existed, we just made up the dates on our calendar.>>

Jesus didn’t have to exist for Christian holidays to appear on our calendars, only the belief that he did.

<<There is more evidence Jesus existed than Julius Caesar ...>>

No, there’s not.

http://www.richardcarrier.info/archives/7862

--

Not_Now.Soon,

Yes, we have indeed discussed the question of the existence of a god at length. Unfortunately, though, you have not yet provided a reason as to why one should opt for the less rational explanation for so-called personal experiences, particularly not in light of co-incidence and confirmation bias.

<<You seek poof, then search for God yourself.>>

What object evidence should I start looking for? Subjective experience is too unreliable.

<<He is real.>>

You have not yet demonstrated this. I know you really, really, really believe this to be the case; but belief, no matter how strong, is not the same as knowledge.

<<If you search for Him and can't find Him, then let's talk more.>>

You forget that for half my life, I was utterly convinced that I had found Him. I stopped believing because I realised that I could not rationally support my beliefs.

<<… the responsibility to find Him still is in your hands not mine.>>

Firstly, no, it’s not my responsibility to play ‘hide and seek’ with a god who supposedly wants a relationship with everyone. It is His responsibility to reveal Himself in a way such that belief in His existence is rationally justifiable.

You forget, too, that there are about 4000 other gods to search for. How did you rule all the others out?

Religion has been around for so long, and for me
it's such a personal matter. I pray regularly.
I find through prayer a peace that I don't find
anywhere else. I would find it difficult to live
without a belief in God. I find that prayer and
meditation reconnects me with my source.

Anyway, I'm not out to convert anybody. I have
enough on my plate just trying to cope with my
daily life.