RE: Before We Discuss Whether God Exists, I Have A Question
March 4, 2018 at 12:43 pm
(This post was last modified: March 4, 2018 at 1:04 pm by Whateverist.)
(March 4, 2018 at 9:23 am)Catholic_Lady Wrote: Jenny, I think where people may be getting hung up is that having hope is part of having faith. The 2 go hand in hand. There is no concrete proof that God exists, but we *hope* that He does.
Of course, if it was somehow made 100% clear that God indeed was not real, there would be no reason to hope anymore and I would just face the reality. But as everyone knows, It's almost impossible to disprove a negative and probably impossible to disprove the existance of God. So there will always be room for faith and hope, and people will keep hoping.
I think faith is key for hope. It just doesn't have to be in faith in a god. You can have faith in the basic goodness of your fellow human being (a stretch I know). You can have faith that something deep within will enable you to find your way to better times.
For that matter it is quite possible to live the best life one can even without hope. Sometimes extreme circumstances will extract an especially inspiring life.
(March 4, 2018 at 10:20 am)J a c k Wrote: Due to my slightly modified work schedule, I’ve been having to stay at work for lunch. I usually try to avoid the break room, but I’ve been having no choice. It’s common for coworkers to try to convince me that there’s a god by sharing their stories. I just smile and nod as I scroll through my phone. Nothing I say will even be considered, so there’s no point in discussion. I’ve learned this and accept it.
Have you tried Jenny's suggestion? Cut them off at the beginning and ask if they really want to have a discussion about the existence of God. Then drop the bomb, that you would be willing to suspend your disbelief for the purpose of the discussion so long as they could do the same with their belief. If they take you up on it you might even suggest that you 'switch chairs', with each of you making the other person's best case and then giving feedback on your efforts. Then run back here to give us the full report.
(March 4, 2018 at 11:20 am)Catholic_Lady Wrote: But that's what I'm saying though. Of course we (well, at least myself) only want to believe in it if it's true. If I found out God didn't exist, trust me, there would be no reason for me to lie to myself. But the point is it's impossible to know with 100% certainty whether it actually is or is not true.
*my bold*
As you already acknowledge, there is no conclusive proof that God does not exist. So long as someone believes there is a supernatural watchmaker/puppeteer behind the reality we see who can reach through the veil in any way It chooses and reveal or remain concealed as it chooses and who can discern and retain the knowledge of every minute action, thought and feeling of all the billions and billions of human beings who have ever lived ...
There is no way to catch such a being "in the act" unless It chooses to be caught. So your belief is perfectly safe. But wouldn't you agree it sounds incredibly far fetched on the face of it?
