Hi

[theistic_sheep]

Yes I quite like Ehrman. I am not very strong in my faith at all. I've toyed with the idea of deism, but I can't give up on the idea of God without denying perceived interactions with a God.

[psychodiva]

I think it's all a load of bollocks promoted by men to control women and sex and get money and little boys- but hello anyway

[West491]

theistic_sheep wrote

I can't give up on the idea of God without denying perceived interactions with a God.

You did not have an experience with a god. No one ever has and anyone who says they did is either lying or being deceived. Pick your poison.

[Demigod79]

theistic_sheep wrote

Yes I quite like Ehrman. I am not very strong in my faith at all. I've toyed with the idea of deism, but I can't give up on the idea of God without denying perceived interactions with a God.

Can you elaborate more on those perceived interactions? As a person who's never communicated with a deity, I'm interested to know what such an experience is like (for example, how do you know you're in contact with a god, as opposed to say, aliens or some other unknown source?)

[Irreligious]

theistic_sheep wrote

... I am not very strong in my faith at all. I've toyed with the idea of deism, but I can't give up on the idea of God without denying perceived interactions with a God.

You know, personally, I'd really like to respect your perceptions. I certainly respect your right to own them. They are yours, after all. But what troubles me is the idea of my having to be involuntarily drawn into other people's faith systems and the perceptions that arise from their idiocycratic beliefs, however benign.

I think it's galling to atheists (well, this one, at least) in a way that, ironically, only religious minorities who are held captive to the beliefs of a much larger religious group might understand.

[Smellyoldgit]

Of course, being a cantankerous old git, I'd word it rather less courteously - I'm appalled at the thought of being in any way associated with a bunch of delusional people who hear voices in their heads, talk back to them and for some reason expect me to respect it. Bollocks to it all, these people should feel embarrassed at the thought of needing to tell the world of such stupidity!

[Eternal]

theistic_sheep, it would be interesting to hear about your perceived interactions. In my experience such things are purely perception and can quite often be explained by things ranging from the power of suggestion to mental illness.

Looking at the world as a whole do you not think that it more likely that your perceptions could be deceiving you. Whether it is for comfort as a kind of self defense mechanism or just merely a strong desire for god to exist. Obviously I don't know you so this is just speculation, but it would be interesting to hear your thoughts. I quite often find that when someone believes an experience that is divine has occured there is an underlying reason, this reason and the associated experience stops them questioning or analysing their experience.

Smelly: You! Cantankerous! never. Cuntankerous maybe.

[ghoulslime]

Demigod79 wrote

Can you elaborate more on those perceived interactions? As a person who's never communicated with a deity, I'm interested to know what such an experience is like (for example, how do you know you're in contact with a god, as opposed to say, aliens or some other unknown source?)

I'm pretty sure that Quetzalcoatl once fondled my ass in a nightclub in west Hollywood. Cheeky monkey! But what you gonna do? He's God!

[clambake]

theistic_sheep wrote

I have an interest in the construction of the bible and how it has changed over the years. I don't think it is perfect, or inerrant, or even inspired (though parts might be) but it is a really interesting look at the history of religious belief among a select group of people over time.

Indeed, I highly recommend Asimov's Guide to the Bible.

And welcome

[Stargazer]

theistic_sheep wrote

I am not very strong in my faith at all. I've toyed with the idea of deism, but I can't give up on the idea of God without denying perceived interactions with a God.

Seems to me if your faith is not that strong, then your are on your way to realizing that there is no God. "Perceived interactions" with God are nothing but delusion, and it sounds to me as if you're that close to finding that out for yourself.

As yourself, TS. Have you ever experienced any evidence that is verifiable? Or are you basing what you believe only upon what others have told you? Have YOU ever been presented with concrete proof?