God?

[Jonas]

I feel like the search for God is much simpler than most make it out to be, however, it is a difficult concept to understand that I will never truly understand. I once had something people would call a "spiritual journey" where I was in a transcended state where my thoughts and actions were altered into communicating with this so called "God." I wouldn't call it so muchWhat I took away the most from a mind opening experience; Every living thing struggles to survive and wants to live on. This desire to "live" is what connects living things to other living things. Some call this "God" but that name doesn't do it just in our current society. Many "individuals" (notice how I use quotations lol ) believe in religions in which case there is a so called "God" that watches our actions everyday and once we die, will decide if we are punished or sent to heaven. This is one of the dumbest things I can think of. Why would a God want to punish his creations if he is the one that created them in the first place?
Most people need to believe in something to keep their minds at ease, to live on. If this is done by believing in a false hope for a future in heaven from religion by following the religious "rules" then let them have their minds at ease. But I think it is a shame that humans need a religion with rules to not commit actions that aren't morally correct. Loving each other and loving being around each other is the closest thing to a real religion as I can think of. Any thoughts? I am open to explaining anything that is unclear or too vague because I understand that those of you that are similar to me, you understand how much meaning is lost from the idea in your head to the words that other people understand. Well I have to go now because my college roommate wants to get dinner and I'm hungry and always forget to eat. Adios!

 

[Bird]

I am religious. I believe God loves us, we are His children, and He wants us to be happy. However, I also believe that our agency, and ability to choose our path, is a gift that He will never take from us. As such, bad things happen to good people because of other people's agency, that God won't take from them either. And because of our agency, we will make bad choices, and those choices will have consequences. Also, we can learn and grow from bad things. And I don't think God meddles much in the world. I think He watches over us, and provides blessings, but I don't think He drastically alters people's lives very often; only in certain circumstances, for reasons we can't always see yet. And I believe all of this leads to a way for us to be happy in the end, whenever that is. I think according to logic and reasoning, there will be consequences for our actions, whether they are good or bad, but in the end, I believe God wants us to be happy, and will help us however possible. I don't think He wants to punish us. That is not the God I believe in. I don't think I exactly answered any questions, those are just some thoughts about this subject. Also, I want to emphasize- these are MY beliefs. I am sharing because it was brought up. I don't want to convince everyone to believe the same thing. I don't want to argue about whether or not people should believe this. I don't really care. These beliefs work for me. Other people have different views that work for them. I think that is appropriate. I don't want to force my views on others, and I don't want them to force theirs on me. However, I am usually happy to discuss and share personal values in a purely academic and informational manner. Rambling reply. But those are my thoughts on the matter. Also, I might come across as defensive. I don't know. If I do, it is because my religion isn't usually popular and I don't share my views much. But I like to discuss things like this in a friendly and open manner, so I want to give it a try here. Hope this is somewhat relevant to your thoughts!

 

[justin_havu]

Another religious person here. I believe God loves us all, and I'm grateful for the gifts He's given me. I also believe He gives us various challenges in our life, either for a day, or for a lifetime (such as having Asperger's, for example.) I believe that with enough faith, He will guide us and give us the tools we need, and put the right people in our lives, to take these challenges head on, and hopefully overcome them. I certainly don't believe He would present us with something we can't handle, and if so, there's always a path to victory.