Staredit Network > Forums > Serious Discussion > Topic: Why do you believe?
Why do you believe?
Dec 31 2008, 11:27 am
By: Hercanic
Pages: < 1 « 5 6 7 8 913 >
 
Polls
Why did you choose your particular religion?
Why did you choose your particular religion?
Answer Votes Percentage % Voters
It's what I was raised to believe. 3
 
5%
None.
I don't know much about other religions, so I default to what I know. 1
 
2%
None.
It appeals to me. 4
 
6%
None.
I had a personal experience that convinced me. 5
 
7%
None.
Faith. 5
 
7%
None.
______________. 9
 
13%
None.
N/A, I am not a theist. 45
 
63%
None.
Please login to vote.
Poll has 72 votes. You can vote for at most 1 option(s).

Jan 19 2009, 9:45 pm EzDay281 Post #121



Quote
I think it's one of those things like how they say you can never start a sentence with 'and', 'but', or 'or'
No.
"And," "but", and "or" are conjunctions. They require two subjects to make sense.
In any case, this is all rather off-topic ...



None.

Jan 20 2009, 4:40 am Kellimus Post #122



Quote from Hercanic
Quote from Kellimus
.........You didn't catch the joke.

Biased is not a word, it is bais and can only be bais.. At least that's what every English teacher I've had has informed me.
Biased is a word. I have seen it used in published books and articles before. Did your English teachers provide a reason why they think it can only be bias?

Well taking into consideration that the English teacher I had has been the English teacher at that school for the past 25+ years and she's basically married to English, it would have been from her own experience.

But she did mention how English is always changing. So they probably changed the rules a bit since she's been teaching.

But that's English for you. No wonder foreigners hate learning English, we have too many stupid rules that are added constantly.



None.

Jan 22 2009, 6:03 am CecilSunkure Post #123



Quote from Doodan
How exactly does the fossil record prove theism? I doubt a bunch of archeologists compared fossils and said "Look at how the claws on these crustaceans changed shape over time. There must be a God after all!" As I said already, having holes in the evidence for one theory does not automatically disprove it and support the opposing theory. Please fill me in.

Well, it doesn't prove theism, it supports it. Basically what we have a is a very large range of varying animals in the ground that are just there, some extinct and some not. But all of these animals are found in fully functional states (despite being dead) and highly specialized.. There are no "inbetweens" or missing links, and the few links that have been "found" have been discredited as far as I know. Some people claim that there were biological scaffolds from when animals were evolving from one trait to another, as to avoid encumbrance or severe crippling during evolution from say, water to land. There just is no evidence for any links between animal evolution, and if there were we should uhm, find them everywhere? So yeah, archeology is a hindrance to any Evo theory, and even supports theism. If theism were true what would we find in the ground? A ton of animals in fully functioning and specialized states.

Quote from Doodan
And I don't have an agenda.

Imma have to call bs on this, as you explain your agenda in the following sentences, particularly the one where you demean religions by calling them medieval, and implying that they are simply old and useless. Although I do agree about the part concerning education. I don't think ANY sort of origin of life should be taught AT ALL, unless there is a specific class to be taken in highschool as an elective, which teaches many perceptions of the origin of life. I don't Biology needs to have Evo or Creationism, or UnIntelligent design, or anything taught mixed in with it. Biology should be taught, not religious beliefs (Yes evo is a religious belief..)

Quote from Doodan
I just like to stand back in awe at the scientific discoveries, as I'm sure many scientists did as they made them. What grinds my gears is when the discoveries are fought by religious influences that are trying to force schools to teach what is essentially medieval knowledge that's repackaged to appear more modern. The scientific "agenda", as you call it, is more like "Look what we found!" Sometimes those discoveries disprove what religion claimed on certain subjects. If there's any agenda that I or any scientist for that matter has it's defense of the new.

Now I don't think there is such a thing as a "scientific agenda" which I refer to. I think I am the one that uses science to back my arguments. And yes, science disproves certain aspects of certain religions.Yeah, finding dinosaurs is a great discovery, however it is easy to find something and come up with a wrong conclusion. Lets say I "discover" the moon. That would be miraculous if nobody else had noticed the moon before. Then suppose I go to say that I think the moon is made of cheese because of its color. I came up with a bad conclusion despite an amazing observation. Just because someone finds bones doesn't mean they know that they evolved.

Quote from Doodan
I agree that we should save evolution debates for an appropriate topic,...

Too late..

Quote from Doodan
...but science does play a large factor in my beliefs (or, more appropriately, lack thereof). To me, it looks like a record going back billions of years that shows repeatedly how God did not reach down and touch the earth.

We don't have a record that we know goes back millions of years. Nobody knows for sure how old the earth is with scientific data. This last quote has a priori in it that consists of believing that the earth is millions of years old before you ask how "god" could have made it.

Post has been edited 1 time(s), last time on Jan 22 2009, 6:11 am by CecilSunkure.



None.

Jan 22 2009, 4:45 pm Syphon Post #124



Quote from CecilSunkure
We don't have a record that we know goes back millions of years. Nobody knows for sure how old the earth is with scientific data. This last quote has a priori in it that consists of believing that the earth is millions of years old before you ask how "god" could have made it.

Yes, we do. It's called the fossil record.



None.

Jan 22 2009, 7:45 pm JaBoK Post #125



Unless you're willing to claim that God put pre-decayed samples of K-40 in fossils, you're heading down a slippery slope when you say that fossils support theism. And even if you do want to say that God is trying to trick us in to disbelief by adding said samples of K-40, then I'd drop the argument that the world isn't millions of years old.

That being said, the fossil argument for theism commits the fallacy of assuming that just because certain in-betweens haven't been found, they never existed and all species were just put on to the world as they were by God... just because. Firstly, many many stages of evolution have actually been found, and second, many of the species to which you are referring have only been found a few times. If I take a million different species/individual dinos on the progression of a certain dinosaur, and pick seven to fossilize, then obviously there are going to be some jumps. On terms of general evolution, there is quite simply no evidence for creationism, and no evidence against evolution. Now, the only problem is the question of where the first cell came from, and guess what? Teach evolution in the right way and you make no comment about whether or not it was intelligently designed. I know that there was a cell, and that it split, and that it changed. That's all, because I'm not fool enough to commit intentional fallacy on God or the lack thereof.

I have no problem with religious people, who believe that God is the answer to the unsolved mysteries of life. What I do have a problem with, on the other hand, is religious people who claim that God was the answer to those problems we've already solved. It's irrational, foolish, and bull-headed, and it gives other religious people a bad name. Lastly, whether or not you like it, fundamentalist religions are medieval, and have all held some very very ignorant beliefs in the past. As an individual it is your job to reconcile your beliefs with reality, when we learn more about the latter. If you refuse to modify your faith-based convictions based on what you know, then yes, you are in a medieval mindset, you are ignorant, and there's no avoiding it. Evolution moves closer to being proven with every discovery, and it's time for creationists to wake up, smell the roses, and realize that even though forms of life evolved and the Bible isn't a historical document, God may still exist. In fact, I would go so far as to say that modern discoveries in science have brought the conclusions closer to dualism, you just won't see it till you drop the mindset from the dark ages and take on one more appropriate for the 21st century.



None.

Jan 23 2009, 3:46 am Syphon Post #126



No one was using the fossil record as an argument for theism...



None.

Jan 23 2009, 4:01 am JaBoK Post #127



Quote from CecilSunkure
Well, it doesn't prove theism, it supports it. Basically what we have a is a very large range of varying animals in the ground that are just there, some extinct and some not. But all of these animals are found in fully functional states (despite being dead) and highly specialized.. There are no "inbetweens" or missing links, and the few links that have been "found" have been discredited as far as I know. Some people claim that there were biological scaffolds from when animals were evolving from one trait to another, as to avoid encumbrance or severe crippling during evolution from say, water to land. There just is no evidence for any links between animal evolution, and if there were we should uhm, find them everywhere? So yeah, archeology is a hindrance to any Evo theory, and even supports theism. If theism were true what would we find in the ground? A ton of animals in fully functioning and specialized states.
Earth to Syphon.



None.

Jan 23 2009, 4:50 am Doodan Post #128



Quote from CecilSunkure
Biology should be taught, not religious beliefs (Yes evo is a religious belief..)

I was planning to do a longer rebuttal, but I think this quote alone pretty much epitomizes the chasm between our opinions. Evolution is not a religious belief. It is a scientific theory. I do not pray to Darwin. I do not pray to science for comfort or for sick loved ones. I do not think that Richard Dawkins is a prophet that will slaughter the infidels. Anyone who takes evolution seriously does not, in any way (despite your incorrect impressions), consider it a religious belief. I believe in evolution in the same way I believe New Zealand is in the southern hemisphere (despite having never visited) or that Abraham Lincoln existed (despite having never met him). There is evidence for evolution that I find convincing and that is why I think it is the explanation for life (99.25% of scientists agree as well, I should add - the very people who devote their lives to trying to understanding the universe).

So, I ask you, what kind of evidence supports theism? Evidence being defined as "Facts or observations presented in support of an assertion." (wiktionary.org) A bacteria's ability to develop resistance to vaccination (which would demonstrate a useful mutation that changes the creature and helps it survive) is what I would consider evidence for evolution. The wide variety of birds in the present day contrasted with the smaller number of species that existed millions of years ago is what I would call evidence for evolution. What sort of information leads you to draw a direct correlation between the information itself and your conclusion (which seems to be that some sort of supernatural intelligence occasionally creates brand new species)?

EDIT: Clarification

Post has been edited 1 time(s), last time on Jan 23 2009, 5:49 am by Doodan.



None.

Jan 24 2009, 4:31 pm Syphon Post #129



Quote from JaBoK
Quote from CecilSunkure
Well, it doesn't prove theism, it supports it. Basically what we have a is a very large range of varying animals in the ground that are just there, some extinct and some not. But all of these animals are found in fully functional states (despite being dead) and highly specialized.. There are no "inbetweens" or missing links, and the few links that have been "found" have been discredited as far as I know. Some people claim that there were biological scaffolds from when animals were evolving from one trait to another, as to avoid encumbrance or severe crippling during evolution from say, water to land. There just is no evidence for any links between animal evolution, and if there were we should uhm, find them everywhere? So yeah, archeology is a hindrance to any Evo theory, and even supports theism. If theism were true what would we find in the ground? A ton of animals in fully functioning and specialized states.
Earth to Syphon.

Whoops, missed that.

Quote from Doodan
Quote from CecilSunkure
Biology should be taught, not religious beliefs (Yes evo is a religious belief..)

I was planning to do a longer rebuttal, but I think this quote alone pretty much epitomizes the chasm between our opinions. Evolution is not a religious belief. It is a scientific theory. I do not pray to Darwin. I do not pray to science for comfort or for sick loved ones. I do not think that Richard Dawkins is a prophet that will slaughter the infidels. Anyone who takes evolution seriously does not, in any way (despite your incorrect impressions), consider it a religious belief. I believe in evolution in the same way I believe New Zealand is in the southern hemisphere (despite having never visited) or that Abraham Lincoln existed (despite having never met him). There is evidence for evolution that I find convincing and that is why I think it is the explanation for life (99.25% of scientists agree as well, I should add - the very people who devote their lives to trying to understanding the universe).

So, I ask you, what kind of evidence supports theism? Evidence being defined as "Facts or observations presented in support of an assertion." (wiktionary.org) A bacteria's ability to develop resistance to vaccination (which would demonstrate a useful mutation that changes the creature and helps it survive) is what I would consider evidence for evolution. The wide variety of birds in the present day contrasted with the smaller number of species that existed millions of years ago is what I would call evidence for evolution. What sort of information leads you to draw a direct correlation between the information itself and your conclusion (which seems to be that some sort of supernatural intelligence occasionally creates brand new species)?

EDIT: Clarification

This.



None.

Jan 24 2009, 11:07 pm Brontobyte Post #130



There is no god. :omfg:



None.

Jan 25 2009, 2:53 am Kaias Post #131



Quote from Kellimus
But that's English for you. No wonder foreigners hate learning English, we have too many stupid rules that are added constantly.
You'd rather have a static language that didn't change with the generations? Doesn't exist. Quit complaining.



None.

Jan 25 2009, 3:12 am Syphon Post #132



Quote from Kaias
Quote from Kellimus
But that's English for you. No wonder foreigners hate learning English, we have too many stupid rules that are added constantly.
You'd rather have a static language that didn't change with the generations? Doesn't exist. Quit complaining.

Regardless of that, accourding to wiktionary, bias has been in standard English for at least 261 years.



None.

Jan 25 2009, 10:08 am ClansAreForGays Post #133



Quote from Kaias
Quote from Kellimus
But that's English for you. No wonder foreigners hate learning English, we have too many stupid rules that are added constantly.
You'd rather have a static language that didn't change with the generations? Doesn't exist. Quit complaining.
What about French?




Jan 25 2009, 2:23 pm Symmetry Post #134

Dungeon Master

Quote from ClansAreForGays
Quote from Kaias
Quote from Kellimus
But that's English for you. No wonder foreigners hate learning English, we have too many stupid rules that are added constantly.
You'd rather have a static language that didn't change with the generations? Doesn't exist. Quit complaining.
What about French?

Go to France, learn French. Then go to Quebec.



:voy: :jaff: :voy: :jaff:

Jan 25 2009, 5:21 pm Syphon Post #135



Quote from name:Killer_Kow
Quote from ClansAreForGays
Quote from Kaias
Quote from Kellimus
But that's English for you. No wonder foreigners hate learning English, we have too many stupid rules that are added constantly.
You'd rather have a static language that didn't change with the generations? Doesn't exist. Quit complaining.
What about French?

Go to France, learn French. Then go to Quebec.

Then go to Haiti, or New Orleans.



None.

Jan 25 2009, 5:27 pm Aster Post #136



Ok, to return to the original topic, and to put aside my Lordship of Evil for a moment.. this is the clever story i tell them here on Earth..
Edit: haha disregard that i suck cocks

Post has been edited 1 time(s), last time on Jul 16 2009, 8:10 pm by Aster.



None.

Jan 25 2009, 7:36 pm Syphon Post #137



I agree 100% Aster. I hate it when Christians demonise Muslims, without ever realising it's just an extension of Christianity. You never hear about Jews demonising Christians in the same way.



None.

Jan 25 2009, 7:52 pm Kellimus Post #138



Quote from Syphon
I agree 100% Aster. I hate it when Christians demonise Muslims, without ever realising it's just an extension of Christianity. You never hear about Jews demonising Christians in the same way.

How is Islam an 'extention' of Christianity?

Muslims do not believe in Christ, they believe in Allah.. Christianity (all forms of it, Catholisism, LDS, Christian, etc...) followers worship Jesus Christ... So how is Islam an 'extention' when they only pray/worship Allah, which is their word for 'God'?



None.

Jan 25 2009, 7:54 pm Kellimus Post #139



Quote from Aster
Ok, to return to the original topic, and to put aside my Lordship of Evil for a moment.. this is the clever story i tell them here on Earth..
I was raised as a Catholic, but recently began the long process of converting to Islam. Why? Because 1. my family has roots in Islam 2. I feel like, in its unadulterated form, the Koran has a lot to teach us. It's only the idiot Muslim leaders of today who reshape it and twist it for personal gain 3. I was never sure in my faith after many years of Christianity.. yet after only a few months of exploring Islam I can honestly say I have a stronger belief in it than i ever did in Christianity 4. it was the final religion given to humanity, the Torah came first, then the Bible, then the Koran. it's all a continuation of the same story anyways, so whether you're Jewish, Christian, or Muslim you have the same core beliefs, I suppose.

At least, that's what I tell people. :bye1:

What about Hinduism? That's been around longer than Christianity (Not too sure about Judaism though)...



None.

Jan 25 2009, 8:36 pm MasterJohnny Post #140



Quote from Kellimus
Quote from Aster
Ok, to return to the original topic, and to put aside my Lordship of Evil for a moment.. this is the clever story i tell them here on Earth..
I was raised as a Catholic, but recently began the long process of converting to Islam. Why? Because 1. my family has roots in Islam 2. I feel like, in its unadulterated form, the Koran has a lot to teach us. It's only the idiot Muslim leaders of today who reshape it and twist it for personal gain 3. I was never sure in my faith after many years of Christianity.. yet after only a few months of exploring Islam I can honestly say I have a stronger belief in it than i ever did in Christianity 4. it was the final religion given to humanity, the Torah came first, then the Bible, then the Koran. it's all a continuation of the same story anyways, so whether you're Jewish, Christian, or Muslim you have the same core beliefs, I suppose.

At least, that's what I tell people. :bye1:

What about Hinduism? That's been around longer than Christianity (Not too sure about Judaism though)...
Hinduism is not a Abrahamic religion and is before Judaism concepts.
Judaism concepts were before Christianity.
Buddhism is also before Christianity but after Hinduism.

so the time line goes Hinduism > Judaism > Buddhism > Christianity.



I am a Mathematician

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