(October 2, 2016 at 10:11 pm)Rayaan Wrote:Was there ever a point between those two positions where you thought that this universe -could be- let's say, not supernatural...but also, simultaneously, believed in a god? As in, not one or the other, but both?(October 2, 2016 at 9:43 pm)cactus Wrote: At the point in your life where you felt the term "atheist" was the most accurate descriptor for the degree to which you were convinced by all claims about various supernatural deities, what information, experience, or line of reasoning had led you to become aware of your own involuntary lack of belief at that time? Did you think of yourself as an atheist at the time, or are you applying this label to yourself retroactively?
You said later in your post that you arrived at your current level of conviction through study, reflection, and guidance from God (possible predestination? That's my own interpretation; feel free to re-frame the "guidance" part if that's not your intended meaning.)
I was an atheist (for a brief period though, maybe for like 2 years max) because I felt that the universe and everything else could be explained without a supernatural cause. I started to read a book on cosmology, and as I was absorbing some of the ideas I felt that this universe really is possible without needing a cosmic designer.
But later, after some more reflection, I returned to believing in God, because again I came to realize that the incredible beauty and complexity that we see around us cannot be a result of mere blind or accidental forces. I just couldn't find this thought reasonable by any measure. So, that's when I drifted away from atheism and towards belief in God. But of course, I believe that this change of heart was ultimately God's will.
And yeah, that's what I meant by "guidance," so your interpretation of that is correct.
I am the Infantry. I am my country’s strength in war, her deterrent in peace. I am the heart of the fight… wherever, whenever. I carry America’s faith and honor against her enemies. I am the Queen of Battle. I am what my country expects me to be, the best trained Soldier in the world. In the race for victory, I am swift, determined, and courageous, armed with a fierce will to win. Never will I fail my country’s trust. Always I fight on…through the foe, to the objective, to triumph overall. If necessary, I will fight to my death. By my steadfast courage, I have won more than 200 years of freedom. I yield not to weakness, to hunger, to cowardice, to fatigue, to superior odds, For I am mentally tough, physically strong, and morally straight. I forsake not, my country, my mission, my comrades, my sacred duty. I am relentless. I am always there, now and forever. I AM THE INFANTRY! FOLLOW ME!
