Quote Originally Posted by delusionsofNORMALity
i suppose that god is best defined as an intelligence behind the creation and operation of the universe and religion as a vehicle of social control and/or change through mysticism. why do most people insist on linking the two? it seems to me the ultimate conceit that a man could understand the desires of an intelligence capable of the creation of everything and yet almost all religions claim to do just this.
It would be nice to seperate G-d and religion, but some people need religion to help validate thier views. I believe that G-d is many things, and yes I do believe he has a will for his ceation and every part of it. It's not about conceit, it's more about our desires to know our maker. Sure, it's impossible to fully understand something so much bigger than ourselves, and a futile endeavor to try, but what we can do is assume that he/she/it wants the best for what he made.

modern religions give their followers a list of rules supposedly handed down from a deity and require them to follow those rules and to worship that deity in hopes of a future reward. it doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that the only difference between government and religion is worship. of what possible use could worship be to an entity capable of envisioning and creating all of reality? maybe it's the rules that are important and the worship that is mere formality. for the most part these rules can be summed up by saying be nice and treat others with respect, all the rest seems to be nothing more than political posing and flowery prose.
I'm not one who blieves that G-d demands, or needs worship at all. (Obviously) Rules are meant to be broken, and being nice just doesn't cut it when we're to know thyself. (Imo) Sure, it's good for those around you, but what does it do for self? The flowery prose is more than that as it touches on a deeper subject...condition if self, and that is what matters. We all have an opportunity to feel peace, contentment, serenity and joy in this lfe, and sometimes religion can help us achieve this state. The kicker is that most religion has been so organized and has far too many manmade rules placed to help keep the peace. The truth is that we all come to 'realization' in our own time and on our own terms. Self evaluation, and a good sense that we are all the same and in the same boat can lend some leadway into acceptance, btut it's not an easy road for most.

god, however, has nothing to do with rules. this is an intelligence far beyond anything we could ever dream of and many religions would have us believe that we were created in his image, the audacity of that conceit amazes me. if this god were to even notice this one species on this one little rock floating in space, i doubt it would care whether we were screwing our neighbor's wives or eating pigs or whatever.
Audacity? Please delusions...we are a great deal like G-d. (Imo) I should know, he's my homey, yo! We create, we destroy, we have great power, great minds, and we all wear a crown, meaning we are the dominant one's in our 'known' existance. We are kings and far too many trade in thier kingship for lesser realitities.

As far as what G-d cares about, how can we know? We can't, but religion serves as a means of becoming that which has been deemed G-ds will by man. If you think about it, all religious rules are manmade, but many of them serve as great tools to help one find satisfaction in this life. Then again, many of them serve for controling purposes, and can bite my salty chocolate balls. (Not all of them, but some)

maybe the blessed are those who are thankful that the universe was created (by whatever) and that they are alive. maybe you only have to be nice and treat others with respect to be amongst the chosen. maybe we should enjoy the life we have and try to improve it instead of worrying about what comes after. if god is out there somewhere maybe we should just say a quick thanks and get on with our lives.

YES!!! :thumbsup:
JunkYard Reviewed by JunkYard on . If God Exists... do you really think he would limit his presence to one single religion? I know there are many Atheists who have no belief at all. Do you really think that because of thier disbelief, that God, if he exist would deny them if thier heart was in the right place? God is many things, imo but above all else he is Love. I realize that the Bible states that none come to the father but by Christ, but couldn't this just mean that if we do as Christ did, and embrace the father as love, that we can Rating: 5