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I thought I became an atheist at one point in my life when I was young, when my fervent prayers were not answered to my satisfaction. I stopped praying, visiting temples, or attending services. I just stopped caring, but it never occurred to me that now that I dont care everyone should also stop caring. Now, in maturity, i worship, pray, and believe in my own way. I also see the value and comfort it brings those who do visit temples and attend services. We all have our paths and all paths lead to the same divinity.
What i would like to understand, if that is possible, is why American atheists believe someone like me is not a true believer or that a religion such as mine that allows me the freedom that I take is not true religion. The religion never changed, I changed.
As to reforms the religion still has those texts within. People who no longer want to be governed by those laws, and still pray, worship by the text changed. Others did not, they still observe them. Why do American atheists even care what the religious practitioners do when it does not affect them in any way? Or if does, how?
I can only speak for myself, but I FULLY support you finding any means that improves your personal happiness and peace of mind, be it any religion, or otherwise. My only caveat is that it not be harmful, nor intrusive in accomplish it's goal of providing you those things by lessening those for others.
to say that religion should not exist, or humanity would be better off without religion
is no different than saying organizations for black people should not exist, or humanity would be better off without organizations for people to gather together and sing.
it demonstrates a fundamental excruciating intolerance.
to say that atheism and atheists should not exist, or humanity would be better off without atheism
is no different than saying organizations for religious people should not exist.
it demonstrates a fundamental excruciating intolerance.
I would change that to: I don't see how anyone could have beliefs ABOUT WHAT GOD WANTS without first having an understanding about what a god is. [And even then, I'm doubtful].
Yes but if god doesn't exist, then those wants are an extension of the believer not god. So an understanding of what that person believes god to be, is not synonymous with understanding about what god wants, unless you conflate god and the believer, as the same thing.
Yes but if god doesn't exist, then those wants are an extension of the believer not god. So an understanding of what that person believes god to be, is not synonymous with understanding about what god wants, unless you conflate god and the believer, as the same thing.
I can only speak for myself, but I FULLY support you finding any means that improves your personal happiness and peace of mind, be it any religion, or otherwise. My only caveat is that it not be harmful, nor intrusive in accomplish it's goal of providing you those things by lessening those for others.
Thanks for the caveat, but what makes you believe you need to provide one? How can my belief lessen others peace?
Perhaps you just need a little expansion to see what I meant. "Just because they have a lot of unnecessary, incorrect, and deleterious beliefs ABOUT what God wants from us doesn't necessarily negate their belief and inner conviction IN the existence of God."
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cyno
I don't see how anyone could have beliefs ABOUT WHAT GOD WANTS without first having a belief IN GOD. Rather a given.
That was my point. Phet seems to think they determine belief in God so if they are wrong or incorrect or need to be changed belief in God should evaporate. He just has the causal order wrong.
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