Why would Satan want souls? What use are they to him?

[ronedee]

Then...why do "we" exist? Why does anything exist?

What you are saying is there is no [reason] for life, except to die. And that there was no basis we are brought into being.

This may be the most dangerous part of religion, in my mind. The idea that life has some kind of greater meaning that can only be fully attained after our life is over. It gives people a reason to live a simple and complacent life regardless of circumstances and to avoid ambition or the motivation to constantly improve themselves and their lifestyle. Far too many people give up on the only life they'll ever have because they think there's a much greater life that will begin when they die. That's tragic, IMO.

I can see your point. And unfortunately many do feel that way. But, we are also co-creators with God. I have a few kids. And they will have children, as will their children...etc. This is important to me, as an earthly father and a spiritual being.

I believe that being here is a gift. The gift of Life! And the choices we make in this life on earth are far reaching. So, I don't take this life lightly. Nor, the purpose and responsibility of it.

To a logical person, that should make no sense at all. There is always a reason (cause & effect)....some reasons we aren't sure of. So we search.

There is no reason why it should be logical to expect there to be some greater, overarching meaning to the existence of the universe, or of Earth, or of humanity. As we search for the "how" of the universe it is possible we will uncover a "why." But making up a "why" because we don't understand the "how" is not a way to make progress, it's just a shortcut, and it can be an obstacle towards a better understanding of our world and universe.

Why not greater?

Just because we don't know something; means its not possible to have higher thoughts, or that we are overarching meanings of things?

Albert Einstein said, "We know nothing about [God, the world] at all. All our knowledge is but the knowledge of schoolchildren. Possibly we shall know a little more than we do now. but the real nature of things, that we shall never know, never."

[pineapplebunnybounce]

Thanks for the reply.

1. I wasn't asking about your god. I was asking about a man. So I wasn't asking if god was Christlike, I'm asking if this man was Christlike.

2. In that case, it's a little hypocritical of you to accuse atheists of not considering all possibilities regarding heaven. Especially since most atheists do acknowledge the possibility of the existence of god and heaven.

1. Ok, but I can't relate to a loving man throwing his kids in the basement. If that were the case... God would've killed us off a long time ago!

2. I've never accused anyone of, "not considering all possibilities regarding heaven". What I did say, was that every atheist has a different opinion. Which I guess they are entitled to. I just have a hard time remembering who has what!

1. Double standards it seems. It's ok for god to say live with me forever or burn in hell. But not ok for a human to tell his children live with me forever or I'll burn you in a pit. You can relate to a man, but you relate to a god who does the same thing.

2. Ok.

[Tonus]

There is no reason why it should be logical to expect there to be some greater, overarching meaning to the existence of the universe, or of Earth, or of humanity.

Why not greater?

Just because we don't know something; means its not possible to have higher thoughts, or that we are overarching meanings of things?

You misunderstand me. There is no reason to assume that there must be some greater purpose or meaning. It may make us feel better to think that there is, and if it drives us to progress in some meaningful way, then it's beneficial to do so. But wanting there to be something does not make it so.

[ronedee]

Why not greater?

Just because we don't know something; means its not possible to have higher thoughts, or that we are overarching meanings of things?

You misunderstand me. There is no reason to assume that there must be some greater purpose or meaning. It may make us feel better to think that there is, and if it drives us to progress in some meaningful way, then it's beneficial to do so. But wanting there to be something does not make it so.

I agree. But, to what do we owe our Faith? I say its more than wanting in my case. And many others.

As I told Esqui earlier... I've felt the presence of God(or a higher intelligence if you will) in my life for as long as I can remember. And it wasn't anyone putting it there! I could tell you some interesting facts, but it would go down in flames here to the masses (not necessarily you!).... and honestly, the experiences are too precious to me to be thrown to the wolves!

All that aside, over time I've been enlightened personally by events in my life. I'm not on a mission to convert anyone here, or anywhere else. It's a nice thought...but I know through the Holy Spirit, "God takes a people to Himself!" And I have very little to do with that.

As I've said over again: I'm here to learn, converse and strengthen my own faith in Christianity. And hopefully make a few friends on both sides of the issues.

Next month will be a year. I feel that I've at least made some friends!