(February 22, 2010 at 9:59 pm)fr0d0 Wrote: What would constitute 'exist'? Something tangible we don't yet have evidence 'for'? God just 'is'. To believe in him you believe that he just is. To believe, you need to accept that this isn't something you will ever limit to validatable evidence.
Is = be = exist.
Either you believe that he exists or you don't. You're contradicting yourself on almost every post now.
(February 22, 2010 at 9:59 pm)fr0d0 Wrote: As part of my faith, I believe that Jesus existed as a man, who was also completely God. 'Is' as well as existent in time. (putting aside the trinity question that I know is also a faith stance that of course you could not 'accept' as non validatable)
As part of your faith, you make an assertion that something in the physical world occured (Jesus' existence). This is demonstrable and falsifiable, and therefore a valid argument. What you must do now is provide evidence to support such a claim.
(February 22, 2010 at 9:59 pm)fr0d0 Wrote: With transcendental as an attribute does that infer existence then?
It's kind of a buzz word when you try to make the point that he can't exist in reality. Saying he's transcendental doesn't give us any more information about his existence. Here's another term that's perhaps better suited for your description - conceptual.
(February 22, 2010 at 9:59 pm)fr0d0 Wrote: What led me personally to believe in God was the consideration of relevant questions. My actual conversion on the second occasion a couple of years ago was after discussion with a committed atheist considering all the points we currently discuss here. I realised that my logical position had changed and that my personal belief stance was such that it warranted the leap of faith to believe. So I took that leap.
What were these questions?
And what's all this poppycock about you not having an experience that led you to believe when you obviously illustrated that you did? You got your personal confirmation right here. Just do a little more and say what specific questions drew you to the religion and we'll be on the same page.