Do you believe in God/a higher power?

[CuriousAboutWhatYouThink]

Not religion. I have no time for organised religion and the associated man made rules.

But do you believe in 'something'?

For context, my grandad was a CofE vicar but my parent rebelled against it and we were brought up broadly l in the religion (eg we celebrated main religious festivals like Easter and Christmas) but not as practising Christians and without a particular belief in God.

As an adult, I have friends of different faiths and none and it's something we have discussed from time to time. It's also something I used to discuss with my grandma who had a very strong belief in God but also believed the Bible until she became older when she still had a strong faith but admitted she thought the Bible was largely nonsense!

I suppose I've always felt that there is 'something' but I refer to it as the universe. I don't know, I always feel that there has been 'something' looking out for me.

That doesn't mean bad things have never happened because they have and religion/belief doesn't protect anyone from that. And it doesn't mean my life is anywhere near perfect because it's not. But the universe has always seemed to 'step in' when needed.

I don't know. I'm going through a tough time at the moment but I have a feeling everything will turn out to be OK because it always does.

No. I've never heard a description of a god / higher power that seemed coherent and that made sense to me.

Ironically everything bad in the world is due to humans thinking they’re better than each other, their ego, their arrogance. I think God /religion actually keeps you more grounded and humble as you are the same infront of Gods eyes. Think it also depends on which religion, but my religion certainly teaches me that.

@CuriousAboutWhatYouThink You might enjoy Seeking Wisdom by Julia Cameron. She talks about prayer and higher power a lot. I've just listened to the audiobook.

It could always be worse or better or something else could have happened. Its like the whole idea that its lucky only this one bad thing happened when it could have been several bad things - lucky would be nothing bad happening!

I didn’t mean you're arrogant BTW op, it was more of a general comment about this universe idea that people have not a personal comment

No.
People cannot accept the prospect of death. Hence many choose to believe in something irrational and unsubstantiated.

In some ways I can see it would be nice to suspend your critical thinking in order to comfort yourself but it certainly causes enormous division, cruelty, war and death itself when it empowers religions or cults.

No.

But that’s not true is it? All those people fighting over who’s god or religion is the true one. Religion isn’t grounding people in that example, it’s literally fueling the fire.

Even in your post you’re referring to how superior your religion is.

Nope.
We go back to the same state as before we ever existed.
Infinite nothingness.

Am fine with that.

Organised religion is a control mechanism to try and make people behave in a certain way.
god doesn’t exist anymore than heaven or hell.

I agree with you.

Nope.

Yes. I believe in God and actually Jesus too.
I don’t believe it he bible especially though.

and I don’t prescribe any particular rules to my life other than to try to be loving.
don’t have any restrictive views or ‘morals’ on sex/sexuality or anything else associated with formal religion.

Absolutely believe in God, 100%

Alpha is the gateway to Anglican Christianity, organised religion. I'm an atheist op, a very firm one, but I recommend a book called "God as Nothing" if you're seeking some sort of faith in a divine entity that doesn't require hoop jumping. My very religious friend gave it to me with hopes! Also potentially have a look at Buddhist teachings.

@butterdish93 genuine question:

Why that god and not any of the thousands of others?

I do believe there's something. I don't know what. I think it gives me comfort. Even if I'm wrong, no harm done. I don't follow religion.

What people are fighting about religion ?

Nope.

What evidence of a god is there? I’m intrigued that so many people ‘believe in’ gods without any actual evidence?!

Yes I believe in god

There is only the moment, nothing else exists.

@PegDopei didnt mention a specific God.
if there is a God, it’s the same God for everyone.

Superior is the wrong word. I follow my religion becuase it makes sense and think it’s the right and true one, why else would I chose it. I don’t think that makes me superior to any other human which is what you are implying and that’s wrong.

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