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[Simon]

Zan, you are confusing me now.

I believe smoking is completely different to what I am talking about. Smoking is an actual addiction that causes physical harm. Are you implying this of religion? You believe God doesn't exist Zan, but many do. Who are you to say that they have been fooled? I believe this is slightly arrogant of you Zan.

A footballer will pray, thanking God for his blessings. This is his choice. I do not believe it comes from a 'need'. Consider this scenario: If A asks B, why do you need to believe in God? B answers, because he exists. A states, why do you feel the need to believe that he exists. B, because he does. See where this 'need' argument goes?

With regard to Stephen Hawking; of course, if you discount the possibility of God and look at it purely from a scientific point of view, then yes, there is no point in questioning any further. However, if you are open to the concept of spirituality, then you will question further. This is obvious. Especially when considering, that when science brought forward the theory of the beginning of the Big Bang, it meant a beginning, which fits in perfectly with religion.

[Filitsa]

Hello Steve0505,

Perception is sensory. When we die, our senses die. I think it's possible for one to perceive the dying process but not death.

[miltiades]

Humanity , decency , logic , self respect , integrity , peace loving activities and forgiveness . Embrace these values and you are fulfilled. The " Creator " becomes inconsequential when logic is in control of brains' thinking.
A little wine also helps !!

[Chimera]

Zan, you are confusing me now.

Tee hee, hee!

You have now been sucked into the Black Hole Zanathustra.

[zan]

Zan, you are confusing me now.

I believe smoking is completely different to what I am talking about. Smoking is an actual addiction that causes physical harm. Are you implying this of religion? You believe God doesn't exist Zan, but many do. Who are you to say that they have been fooled? I believe this is slightly arrogant of you Zan.

A footballer will pray, thanking God for his blessings. This is his choice. I do not believe it comes from a 'need'. Consider this scenario: If A asks B, why do you need to believe in God? B answers, because he exists. A states, why do you feel the need to believe that he exists. B, because he does. See where this 'need' argument goes?

With regard to Stephen Hawking; of course, if you discount the possibility of God and look at it purely from a scientific point of view, then yes, there is no point in questioning any further. However, if you are open to the concept of spirituality, then you will question further. This is obvious. Especially when considering, that when science brought forward the theory of the beginning of the Big Bang, it meant a beginning, which fits in perfectly with religion.

Sorry Simmon

I believe that what I am saying is not slightly arrogant but very arrogant but I don't know how else to put it. I do believe that some are still being fooled by ancient beliefs and the fear of not believing is bringing in the need. The same as in smoking...The reaction of not getting a fix is bringing about the need.

I feel I must repeat the fact that I have no real malice against religion because I have met some gentle souls and some, like a vicar at a christening that spent an hour telling us how bad we all were. It was a bloody happy occasion and I just wanted to throttle him. I did not shake his hand afterwards and he was amazed. I was not rude, I just skirted around him.

I just think if we used all that energy and money for that matter in a faith in humanity then it would serve us all better. Stop the praying and lets have some action. I do not believe but I will use the phrase; If there is a God then let him alone and let us take on the responsibility.[/i]

[Steve0505]

Thanks for that Filitsa I stand corrected

[Filitsa]

Logic is not enough, Miltiades. Emotion is a crucial part of humanity. On the one hand, it's what allows us to feel compassion. On the other hand, it's what drives some to behave irrationally. I would say the Creator becomes inconsequential when logic tempers emotion.

[Simon]

Well now of course we are simply down to the fact that you do not believe, which is a personal choice and does not need to be debated any further.

[zan]

Logic is not enough, Miltiades. Emotion is a crucial part of humanity. On the one hand, it's what allows us to feel compassion. On the other hand, it's what drives some to behave irrationally. I would say the Creator becomes inconsequential when logic tempers emotion.

So is religion a controller of emotion.

[Filitsa]

It may be for some, but as evidenced by current world affairs, it isn't for all. Anyway, that's not my point. Miltiades implies that certain people of religion wouldn't need to concern themselves with the Creator if they exercised logic in their affairs. I say we need to acknowledge the emotional aspect of our humanity, and in so doing, temper our emotion with logic/reason, in order to aspire to that which is good.