Christianity over God(s)..? Is that wierd?

[wolty]

Hiya oberg, welcome to the forums. I hope all goes well with you and your journey through life.


Sent telepathically.

[DanDare]

Hi Oberg,

a pleasure to read such a frank introduction. You fall under the definition of atheist, i.e. you don't have a belief in any gods. You may not know it but there are many priests in a similar position to you but their ability to deal with it is much, much harder because they are deeply tied into their role.

Look forward to seeing more of your posts around the traps.

[Mjt]

Hi there nice to meet you. Hope you enjoy the forum.
It's gonna be ok.
You're gonna be ok

[oberg]

Originally Posted by Darwinsbulldog

Hi Oberg,

Are you a "cultural Christian" then?

I am not sure if there is a standard definition for a "cultural Christian". But looking at it from what seems to a common-sense approach, I must be. I wonder, though, if we aren't all cultural christians, given the overall civilising effect of christianity over the ages.

Perhaps its a matter of whether the tradition should continue. Because, lets face it, if you remove the big stick, it really is nothing more than a social tradition, coupled with some moralising and some meditation.

[oberg]

Originally Posted by Logic please

Hi oberg, welcome to the forum, hope you enjoy the community and support.

Dan is a former evangelical minister who transitioned to atheism while still in the ministry. You may find that it helps your thinking about the issues that you've canvassed. I'll provide a link later, if needed.

Your post raises a lot of other issues, which I'll look at addressing later.

Have fun.

Thanks, I will find his book "Godless" and give it a read.

[oberg]

Originally Posted by Crocodile

So basically you are confused about your beliefs. Is that about right?

Something about "putting words in your mouth" rings a bell here. No I am not confused. The literal sense and definition of God is clearly ridiculous, as is the literal reading of the bible in its entirety. So I am not "confused" as you put it. Actually, I am more torn, and have realised I am suffering from cognitive dissonance .. ... I like the social circle.

You can get all that being a muslim or scientologist. And even better when you're a muslim too. Been there, done that.

Well, I wouldn't want to swap to another religion. That would be silly.

That means your religion sounds even more stupid, because now you need to believe that the universe is its own father, died on the cross, and that the universe commands everybody to stone each other to death.

Yeah, maybe. I probably didn't explain the concept correctly at all. As I mentioned above, taking everything in christianity literally is a major problem, as it is clearly nonsense. There is nothing super-natural. By definition nature is all there is, and science can discover (eventually) all there is to know ... if we live long enough as a species.

But super-nature is by definition, above or outside nature,and by our previous definition, cannot exist, as everything is nature, even us. So I meant simply that a better definition of god, is nature, the universe and everything, without all the literal rubbish.

It may have scared you into being a moderate lutherian protestant whatever.

Not at all. Lutheranism doesn't frighten me. The bible does as does the fire and the brimstone business. Anything that needs to frighten or con people to make them stay is wrong...a bit like Amway.

Lutherans are very gentle folk with a lot less finger pointing than most, I think.

Well have a look around; plenty of resources available at your disposal.

[oberg]

Originally Posted by DanDare

Hi Oberg,

a pleasure to read such a frank introduction. You fall under the definition of atheist, i.e. you don't have a belief in any gods. You may not know it but there are many priests in a similar position to you but their ability to deal with it is much, much harder because they are deeply tied into their role.

Look forward to seeing more of your posts around the traps.

You know, the term atheist, while obviously literally meaning a-theist, or not interesting in a theology or deity, has taken on more than just that meaning. I am not sure whose fault that is.

I am actually a little confused about a label to describe someone who doesn't believe in something that doesn't exist. I wouldn't want to have another label. I just like the simple term 'Human'.

As Mr Black said, perhaps I am already a Humanist...seems like a lable I can live with.

But, I take your point. Thanks.

[riddlemethis]

Oberg, you've had some great advice in the recommendation of Godless. Do get your hands on it ASAP.

My point to you would be that, if the ontology of god isn't sensible, then what's the point of trying to change it? Doing so in the manner you propose renders it inconsequential. God is nature? So what? We have a word for nature, and it's not god :wink:

[Centauri]

Originally Posted by oberg

Well, I wouldn't want to swap to another religion. That would be silly.

I wouldn't believe in a superstitious religion like christianity. That would be silly.

[ClayMonk]

Originally Posted by oberg

I am making progress but I though I might make contact here to see if I can reach some clarity as to the "God Illusion"...rather than the delusion.

Hi oberg

Having been a Christian up until only 12 months ago, I think it was a delusion, not an illusion. I sounds bad, but hey, it is what it is.

I got to the point where everything about Christianity didn't make sense and I tipped over the edge - I'm glad that I did. It sounds you're looking over the edge ready to tip. I'm here if you have any questions regarding anything about that process, or about anything about Christianity that makes no sense. I don't know everything of course, and I'm not trying to de-convert you but I might be able to help in one way or another.