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.

I’m so sorry about your lovely boy ❤️

Thank you, I miss him so damn much! 😭

Imagine threatening people with enternal hell and pain just because they don't share your belief system, and thinking you are the good guys.

God has a plan for all over us and yes animals also have a plan and judgement. You will see your dog again when the time comes ( presuming you have been a decent person). Have you? Read your bible, the answers you seek are contained in it.

Matthew 7:7-8: "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened."

Absolutely not. I'm an Atheist. I also personally take comfort in the fact my life has no higher meaning and that nothing I do ultimately matters. Some people find it nihilistic, but it reassures me.

They mean so much don’t they? We lost our little cat suddenly a few years ago and it was heart wrenching 💔

The hypocrisy is quite impressive, you have to admit 😏

No.

But do remember to respect your ass.

"And the ass saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his ass said unto him, Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee? And he said, Nay."

• Numbers 22:30

Let's face it, the bible is a crock of old shit, isn't it.

The idea of judging animals on how good and god-fearing they have been really tickles me. I mean, how? I mean a couple of my cats are arseholes, but still, not really deserving of eternal damnation. And none of them have the remotest idea of what a god is. And what about mice? Fleas? Slugs? Plankton?

I mean even the most devout and credulous must surely think this is all a bit unrealistic and unlikely? Surely?

I won't respond to vulgarity

Clearly a cat can't read the bible, but they have thoughts and will be judged like humans ( or in an equivalent fashion). The bible isn't clear, but I believe if they embrace Christ mentally they will enjoy eternal life as human do. Obviously I am not judging anyone, but I believe an animal can be good or evil like a person and the ten commandments still apply to all living things.

So how should my dog and cat adopt a Christian mentality?

And what about slugs? Fleas? Come on now. Even you must see the ludicrousness of God judging a flea. Or is there an animal size cut off somewhere?

As long as they are sentient, the size is irrelevant, Sometimes good things come in small packages

A Christian mentality refers to a mindset or worldview shaped by the teachings, values, and principles of Christianity, rooted in the Bible and the life of Jesus Christ. It influences how a creature thinks, behaves, and interacts with the world.

Following Jesus’ teachings, Christians aim to love God and love others (Matthew 22:37-39). This includes showing kindness, forgiveness, and empathy, even to enemies, reflecting Christ’s example.

Moral and Ethical Living: A Christian mindset emphasizes living according to biblical principles, such as honesty, integrity, humility, and purity. It involves striving to align actions with God’s standards, often resisting worldly temptations.

Hope and Eternity: Christians view life through the lens of eternal perspective, believing in salvation through Jesus Christ and the promise of eternal life. This shapes priorities, reducing fear of death and fostering hope amid trials.

Service and Sacrifice: A Christian mentality often involves selflessness, modelled after Jesus’ sacrificial life. This includes serving others, giving generously, and putting others’ needs above personal desires.

Don't underestimate animals as they have souls as we do

But what should my dog and cat be doing?

btw - you don’t have to be a Christian to be a good person.

No I don't believe in God or 'a god'.

Most religions IMO are constructs to try to control 'the masses' with 'laws'.

Many wars are based on religion so no good ever comes of it IMO.

I think if someone does 'believe' that's their choice but to live your life believing in the 'after life' is nonsense for me.

Churches and places of worship are 'clubs' and a lot of people enjoy being part of something, which is fine if that's your thing.

And what would be the difference between a good flea and a bad flea I wonder?

The thoughts are what matter not the actions - if the soul is pure it will carry on to the afterlife.

Leaving aside that ‘all creatures great and small’ is from a hymn not actually what the Bible says, why do you think the Bible is ‘the word of God’? Why not the Quran or the Book of Mormon?

I think the dog and cat are atheists!!

No. It’s interesting that having faith and engaging in behavioural practices related something with no evidence to support it, meets the criteria for psychosis. The diagnosis isn’t applied to religious belief and practice only because of the large numbers of people who do it. I find the whole thing bizarre in people who are educated and intelligent.

You dont know that, please don't be silly

But humans can live like this and still not believe in god. And animals can not and still be good animals. For example, my dog and new puppy break/ broke the ‘though shall not steal’ commandment every day. They do/ did say “oh my dog” and “for dog’s sake” though so I guess that makes up for it?? 😂