I don't know whether God exists of not. I'm just saying it's as likely as the Universe springing into existence of its own accord.

I would think he's saying that there is a different between believing ancient religious texts are the word of God, and holding a broader view that there may be a God.

Personally I don't think there is, but where a person uses their beliefs in a benign or personal way, it's not really anyone elses business. I would agree that it may not be rational, but I'm not sure that we should close the door or have complete hostility for anything spritual or 'greater than us' above making ourselves central.

If we're to do that then a 'rational' alternative would be to look after our planet, you know, our home. But any views in that direction have been politicised to hell too left and right. What's next in line, viewing DNA as king? What, happily conversing with Black or Jew hating Twitter extremists about race? Great. Or perhaps basing our entire self on he/she/them/whatever pronouns or diversity quotas and shouting down or blotting out anyone who doesn't instantly get or adhere to that?

When peoples God is to become especially politicised in either direction, realistically what you see is them gradually losing touch with their humanity, with others, any potentially genuine interaction passes through a contrived filter or bubble that is removed from actually ever knowing a person, one which they fail to realise remains even in their dream outcome version of society. These outlooks become little different from a cult or religion anyway. So yes, there are certainly big issues with where fire and brimstone religions can take people, but a spiritual view of life, a bigger than us, a less me, me , me, wonderment. Is that really so bad in the big picture?

'Love' isn't rational either but I doubt you're kicking your mrs out of the door as result . We most certainly don't all need a God, but 'my God' some people clearly need something they're not getting from whatever (often social media) filter they knowingly, unknowingly, but certainly hopelessly, apply to life and believe to be 'rational'. So I think your outright dismissal and belittlement is somewhat misplaced even though I'm certainly not big on religion by any means.

Edited by footythoughts (14 May 2023 10.23pm)

i was preached at on Croydon high street. A very compelling argument that their God was the one true god. Followed by a request for my Bank Sort Code details.

Kayla did Anfield & Old Trafford

I think I read that the State has made the Church aware of its presence by prosecuting Justin Welby for doing 25 mph along the Albert Embankment (limit 20 mph).

There, but for the grace of God, we all go.

I would have thought that my responses would have made it clear that I'm perfectly aware of that.

I'm not sure where all the rest of this comes from.

I have a blanket attitude toward all forms of religion, although some are more troublesome than others, it has to be said.

The concept of a God being can be argued about endlessly, but it is completely pointless and irrelevant to the real world. It has no evidential basis beyond archaic religious concepts.

Religion is a blight on humanity. Its ability to inspire, control and encourage moral behaviour in a society can be achieved without the dogma, the fear, the fairy tales or the piety.

My thought is that people have to believe in 'something', and one form of irrationality is unfortunately often exchanged for another form which people inevitably declare to be 'the truth' or all that matters. That's because there are so many different lenses through which to live life. While that doesn't have to be the case as many have a balanced outlook, the uncertainly of life can often be co-opted and filled with meaningless political sh!te that arbitrarily detaches a person from others, as we often see.

As you say there's little point believing in a God if you see no reason to, or see it as irrational. Many sit there. Nothing is all bad though, and some have touched on the feeling of a greater purpose or wonderment and clearly those traits in and of itself is hardly a bad thing, only if misused. Do you find much wonderment in your life, Hrolf? Or is that a childish shielding from depressing realities? Or are there many varied ways of viewing life, rather than one size fits all? People find their own way and if they personally mean well and treat others with respect who cares what they believe. There will always be war, hatred and control, you certainly don't need religion for that and often in todays global conflicts it barely factors in.

Besides, lots of people are more spiritual, a belief in something greater or unknown doesn't always comes with a finger point or prescribed list of ideas of how other people should behave.

Edited by footythoughts (15 May 2023 1.14pm)