If You Discovered That God Did Not Exist How Would It Change Your Life? (myths, bible)

[MontanaGuy]

To be totally honest, I would feel very sad for my family members who are deeply religious. I know that one of my sisters in particular has had some tough problems in life and has come to rely on her faith so I wouldn't be happy at all. I do think it's an interesting idea to consider from a philosophical standpoint but there's no doubt that it would shatter many people's lives.

[jeffncandace]

"The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and all science. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead: his eyes are closed." --Albert Einstein

I feel that the supposed non-existence of God would rob us of much of this wonder and awe, if not most or all of it. Ultimately, IMHO, I feel that atheism is based on pessimism...

"No pessimist ever discovered the secret of the stars, or sailed to unchartered land, or opened a new doorway for the human spirit."-- Helen Keller

[Needaplace]

I realized there was no god when I was 19, I am now 27, it kind of sucks looking at life, but I think you look at life more realistically, you see how corrupt people are like the disgusting Republicans who have control of this country

It definetly makes you smarter, but it kind of sucks becuse this world is built on lies corruption and greed so it makes you sad and lonely

[cjseliga]

I think I would react the same way if I discovered that Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy never existed, I would cry my eyes out and then move on with life!

[jeffncandace]

Originally Posted by Needaplace

I realized there was no god when I was 19, I am now 27, it kind of sucks looking at life, but I think you look at life more realistically, you see how corrupt people are like the disgusting Republicans who have control of this country

It definetly makes you smarter, but it kind of sucks becuse this world is built on lies corruption and greed so it makes you sad and lonely

Wow, what a hopeless feeling. Hope you someday realize that there is more to this life than cynicism.

[sun queen]

Originally Posted by MontanaGuy

Yes, I know. Trouble is my middle name. This is actually in response to the question that was posed awhile back asking how we would respond to the obvious return of Jesus so it's just the same thing in reverse. Obviously this wouldn't change my life at all because it's what I already think. But for those of you who do believe, if somehow you were suddenly made aware with absolute certainty that God was not real how would that knowledge change your life?

Respectfully, I submit:
U r asking someone who believes an impossible question. Belief in and of itself precludes any such supposition. What makes a Believer a believer except his or her belief in GOD? The very nature of a Believer is to believe. It is impossible for anyone who is truly a Believer to be "made aware" or have "absolute certainty" that God is not real. Your proposition could only be acceptalbe to Non-believers. GOD IS REAL! Obviously I am a believer and I am glad about it. This is the only way it is possible for me to address your question

[MontanaGuy]

I would like to add that as an atheist I don't find the world to be a depressing and hostile place. In fact, when you really accept the fact that this is your only chance at life it seems to make that life all the more important. I actually have a fairly optimistic view for the progress of humanity and I don't think that as mankind gradually accepts the reality that a God in heaven is just a mythology that we're going to go into some sort of tailspin. I've never believed in God and yet I have morals and I care about people. I really don't think I'm so unusual and I act morally not because I'm afraid of being punished but because I actually want to.

[emjbulls]

It wouldn't change my life at all. If people need God to do right by humanity, they are not good people to begin with. If people need God to make sense of their life or get their act together, then they are weak. I'd be more afraid for the people who can't think for themselves than have any worries for myself.

I guess I have a different view of a supreme being then most of the people here, and I openly ponder if one does or doesn't exist.

[GCSTroop]

I'm really surprised at the amount of believers who responded to this post. To be honest I was expecting a more "That'll never happen so I won't respond to this" kind of attitude. I already know (based on my own thoughts and beliefs) that God does not exist. It wouldn't have any effect on me personally, but like others have said, I wonder how it would effect those whose only moral values stem from their belief in God.

On the other hand, perhaps it would make the world a better place. Would there still be terrorists after this discovery was made? Would religious persecution and religious genocide (particularly in Darfur and Congo) still exist?

Of course, I think for any believer, the only way to disprove this would be for God himself to come down and say "I don't exist." In which case, that would completely negate this entire conversation

People's character can be largely attributed to their own beliefs and that's part of what makes each one of us unique. As frustrating as it is to try and explain to a believer the reasons I don't believe, I am sure it is just as equally frustrating the other way around.

It'd be an interesting time to see what would happen if what I already hold to be true was proven so for others. For me, it'd only confirm what I already believe to be true.

[TravisW]

I'd skip church a lot more often.