A serious question for those who do not believe in God

[abuelo]

Originally Posted by lolabella

Being baptized and raised as a Catholic, I’ve really tried hard to believe in God. In times of personal crisis, I’ve attempted to call upon him to help me through whatever it was I needed help with. But there was never any evidence that he stood by my side when I needed strength and guidance the most. So, as others have said here, it was my own personal strength, will, and determination, that got me through most of my difficult times.

He doesn't stand by your side, he carries you through your crisis! You must just ask him.

[Kellyk]

wow...where does one start to answer this question?

Faith isn't exclusive to the religious. I "pray" it's just not to a god. Okay..this is going to sound very "60's hippy" but I let the universe guide me and I have faith that with my positive energy and of those around me that whatever is troubling me or causing strife in my life will work itself out the way it's suppose to. It always does. Some people believe that is God. I do believe in an ever present power I just don't happen to believe that there is an entity sitting in chair behind pearly gates guiding our paths. I hear people talking about the peace they find in turning to God. I try to live with an open heart (sooooo hard most of the time) and that brings me peace. I know that I am the only thing I can control in this world and it's the way I interact with the world that determines my path and the possibilities that are presented to me. It's also the way I get through the hard times.

[Mindbender]

Originally Posted by Mercy

Ok, Mindbender and Sue you said your inner resources, Power of Me... but what is that exactly?

What is it? Myself I reckon. Personality and experiences etc. Nothing mystical.

Originally Posted by Mercy

Senerio: Your kid is seriously ill, what do you do?

Assuming that I've got doctors on the case, then I investigate every medical possibility endlessly, and obviously focus on a positive outcome.

[Mercy]

Originally Posted by Sue

Well, as far as helping my child, I'd have to get the help of the medical professionals. And I'd do everything that I could to support that child, of course.

I believe that you are saying that you can help your sick child better than I can help mine because you believe in God and I don't? So, God would help your child because YOU believe in God but God would not help my child because I don't believe in God?

I certainly don't discount doctors and medical professionals, please don't read that I belive that.

I'm not saying either that God would help my child and not yours... but, if you don't believe in God in the first place why would that matter. I do believe God has the power to heal though, therefore I pray.

Originally Posted by lolabelle

Being baptized and raised as a Catholic, I’ve really tried hard to believe in God. In times of personal crisis, I’ve attempted to call upon him to help me through whatever it was I needed help with. But there was never any evidence that he stood by my side when I needed strength and guidance the most. So, as others have said here, it was my own personal strength, will, and determination, that got me through most of my difficult times.

You said there was no evidence, but how do you know that the strength and determination you received were not from God Himself? Maybe He did indeed answer your call.

[mofi]

I research to no ends, to find out all the possible outcomes of given situation, then I look at worst case and best case scenario. Try to find other people who have lived through the same experience and talk about it. Occassionally I worry alot, but in the end I am usually ok.

[lolabella]

Originally Posted by abuelo

He doesn't stand by your side, he carries you through your crisis! You must just ask him.

Stood beside me, carried me, held my hand…I’m pretty sure you understand the point I was trying to convey. Trust me when I say that I’ve sincerely asked. I’ve gone to church, I’ve prayed, I’ve lit candles….I’ve been open to the idea that God exists since that it what I’ve been told since I was a child. 38 years later, I might still perform these rituals but now it’s with a shrug of the shoulders and the attitude of ‘it can’t hurt’.

[Sue]

Originally Posted by Mercy

How would your inner strength, help your child? I can see how it would help you, but what about your child?

[quote=Mercy;1106530]
I'm not saying either that God would help my child and not yours... but, if you don't believe in God in the first place why would that matter. I do believe God has the power to heal though, therefore I pray.QUOTE]

You seem to insinuate that by praying I could help my child but that would be the only way that this God would help my child?

[jamesblonde]

Originally Posted by Kellyk

wow...where does one start to answer this question?

Faith isn't exclusive to the religious. I "pray" it's just not to a god. Okay..this is going to sound very "60's hippy" but I let the universe guide me and I have faith that with my positive energy and of those around me that whatever is troubling me or causing strife in my life will work itself out the way it's suppose to. It always does. Some people believe that is God. I do believe in an ever present power I just don't happen to believe that there is an entity sitting in chair behind pearly gates guiding our paths. I hear people talking about the peace they find in turning to God. I try to live with an open heart (sooooo hard most of the time) and that brings me peace. I know that I am the only thing I can control in this world and it's the way I interact with the world that determines my path and the possibilities that are presented to me. It's also the way I get through the hard times.

Kelly - your thinking and beliefs are right there with Kevin's. It was hard for me to fathom when we first started dating that anyone did not believe in God or the bible. It took me awhile (and many heated arguments) to learn that his beliefs were okay. He is still a "spirtual" person. He just doesn't believe the way that I do, or the way I was raised to believe. I still pray. I always will. I do find strength in prayer. But, I will never judge someone who doesn't have the same belief that I do. I don't think it matters where you find your strength, just that you do.

I also believe that if you live a good, honest life and have a warm heart you will be rewarded in the end. Some may see it as another life, some may see it as heaven, etc. But I think the key to it all is to love life and people as best you can.

[Sue]

Originally Posted by jamesblonde

It took me awhile (and many heated arguments) to learn that his beliefs were okay.

Better late than never!!

[Mercy]

[quote=Sue;1106541]

Originally Posted by Mercy

I'm not saying either that God would help my child and not yours... but, if you don't believe in God in the first place why would that matter. I do believe God has the power to heal though, therefore I pray.QUOTE]

You seem to insinuate that by praying I could help my child but that would be the only way that this God would help my child?

No... that is not what I said. I said if you don't believe in God, then why would you care if He helped you or not, it would be a mute point. I don't believe in the tooth fairy, so I'm not really concerned if the tooth fairy can help my child or not, or in any other personal matter. I do personally believe in a God that can heal, so I choose to pray to Him in time of need.

[Sue]

[quote=Mercy;1106548]

Originally Posted by Sue

No... that is not what I said. I said if you don't believe in God, then why would you care if He helped you or not, it would be a mute point. I don't believe in the tooth fairy, so I'm not really concerned if the tooth fairy can help my child or not, or in any other personal matter. I do personally believe in a God that can heal, so I choose to pray to Him in time of need.

Well, you asked me what I would do, since I didn't believe in God, as concerns a very ill child. As if my praying or not praying is going to affect what happens to that child. If it doesn't matter, why ask?

[lolabella]

Originally Posted by Mercy

You said there was no evidence, but how do you know that the strength and determination you received were not from God Himself? Maybe He did indeed answer your call.

Okay..so maybe he did. But how do I know that? If I’ve been open to the idea that he exists, then why isn’t he telling me that he is there…that he is helping me? When faced with personal strife, I can only examine what is going on in my head telling me that I can get through this, I can do this. It’s my own voice I’m hearing or that of a family member or friend standing in front of me. If it were God’s voice, wouldn’t I know? Wouldn’t God want me to know?

[Kellyk]

Originally Posted by jamesblonde

Kelly - your thinking and beliefs are right there with Kevin's. It was hard for me to fathom when we first started dating that anyone did not believe in God or the bible. It took me awhile (and many heated arguments) to learn that his beliefs were okay. He is still a "spirtual" person. He just doesn't believe the way that I do, or the way I was raised to believe. I still pray. I always will. I do find strength in prayer. But, I will never judge someone who doesn't have the same belief that I do. I don't think it matters where you find your strength, just that you do.

I also believe that if you live a good, honest life and have a warm heart you will be rewarded in the end. Some may see it as another life, some may see it as heaven, etc. But I think the key to it all is to love life and people as best you can.

I love you, man

[jamesblonde]

Originally Posted by Sue

Better late than never!!

It's funny because I don't think that I had ever met someone that didn't believe. All of my friends growing up (most catholic) and even in my early work career had some sort of religious background. Then I met Kevin. Then I found this board. I must admit, I have had my moments. My 3 yr old niece ran out in front of a car and was killed instantly. How can God allow that to happen? But, we still found strength in God and in prayer. I guess that I think as important as it is to respect the beliefs of those who don't believe, it's equally important to respect the faith of those who do.

[lolabella]

Originally Posted by jamesblonde

I also believe that if you live a good, honest life and have a warm heart you will be rewarded in the end. Some may see it as another life, some may see it as heaven, etc. But I think the key to it all is to love life and people as best you can.

Beautifully said, Jami. And I guess this is where my beliefs have also led me.