The God Delusion (who's read it?)

[Nick]

So I'm in an agnostic point in my life. Leaning more towards believing.
I was recommended the book The God Delusion. Who's read it?
What are your thoughts on it?

[Nick]

Your theory about God not caring about the world actually follows a very common belief from many people in the world. It's called Deism, I believe. It's the belief that, yes, a god did create the world, but after he created it, he simply left it to fall into chaos without care, rhyme, or reason. I actually did believe this for a while. However, after studying some mythology and concepts and mannerisms of gods, I can't see that one all-powerful being could have the cruelty to leave a helpless world to itself. I find it completely unreal.

One thing my mind focused on when reason the last little bit of your message is this, (and please don't take offense to this, this is simply a belief of mine. Nothing personal against you): Believing in a god is simply a mindset that having someone of a divine nature looking over you and everything you do. I believe that people who believe, and who pray, simply want to believe that by engagin in such things will bring them greater peace of mind because they believe that a higher power has heard their cries and will take care of it accordingly.

What are your thoughts on this?

[Agonies Creep]

No offense taken at all, I don't claim that there deffinately IS a god nor that there deffinately ISN'T a god. I haven't seen enough evidence either way to say for sure. The whole DNA & chemical structure issue is simply a point brought up by a MAN (who like all men is mortal & flawed) but, I have ALOT of respect for his opinion. I never count out ANY possibility & no matter how impressed I am with this guys intellect, there is always the possibility that he (& myself as well) are just a couple of pot heads pissing in the wind.
I think it's very arrogant of people to think they understand the thinking of something as complex as a "god" just because they read a book that was written by men, hundreds of years after the death of christ. It is supposed to be a collection of individual "scrolls" which date back to the days of christ but, I've seen on the history channel that some scrolls were left out because they wern't considered important enough by the MEN that wrote the bible. Religion has been used by corrupt men to control the masses for years & I think it's fucked up that so many people kill each other over their beliefs in various superstitions.
I've always tried to be a good person simply because it makes the world a better place to do good & not be an asshole. Some people are naturally assholes & need to be threatened with burning in fire for eternity, before they straighten up. religion can be a good thing as long as morons don't go killing over it
You said you thought god did care about the world, what specifically makes you say that? I'm not argueing with you just cuerious. I've had many wonderful things happen to me in life & maybe it was god but, it could have easily just been a coincadence.

[Nick]

I used to be (believe it or not) a hardcore Christian. I spent a month in Guatemala preaching. I spent an entire summer selling Christian literature door-to-door and helping people on their spiritual walk. I would go around California preaching at various churches, doing my best to get others to believe. But I was a victim to tradition and close-mindedness. I was following religion as I had been taught it. And knowledge without self-study and evidence is simply brainwash. I started searching for myself what was real. I learned that there is no hard evidence proving that there is a god. I looked for the evidence, but haven't found any. So far what I have come up with is that all that 'knowledge' that I believed I possessed is all pointless propaganda unless it can be backed up. Which so far I haven't been able to do.

[dethvault99]

Ihave a belief that their is a god. But what kind isnt really that important.
I think that to many people want to conform to religion just because that is what they tell you to do!
I think more people should be indipendent, we all havethe abbility of good and evil inside us.
So what does it matter what kind of god ore gods, goddessses ect. just as long as you live your life the right way.
For me that is not conforming to any one religious idea or belief. I agree that most organized religion is hypicritical dont do this dont do that, how about live stress free and just love! Thats hard enough to do isnt it?

[Nick]

I agree with you. People do conform because it's what they arte told to do. Although the christian world would tell you that it is what you have to do to be saved. I call bullshit on that. Conformity, to me, is sin. People don't think for themselves anymore. They simply take in what they are taught without second thought or personal discovery. It makes me sick. People say that I am close-minded because I have a general disbelief in god. But honestly, who is more close-minded, Me for going out and finding out what I believe instead of just taking in all the christian propaganda that I have been taught to believe all my life? Or them for simply accepting it to be the truth without discovery? If you're honest with yourself and listen to reason, I believe that you will most likely agree that they are the close-minded ones.

What are your thoughts on this?

[shelby]

ive never heard of this book. what is it about? im curious...

[Nick]

The God Delusion is a book that is mainly for agnostics, but also for religious individuals who are curious about the validity of the belief in God. It tells how there is no logical proof backing up proof of a god. It proves this through events that have taken place, individual tragedy, and also with science. It goes through the main arguments presented by religious people.

So in short, it proves that God does not exist. I would highly recommend that you read it, especially if you are having doubts of your own about religion, God, or anything within the spiritual side of anything.

Nick†Cross

[Tanna]

This book is just another book thats leads people to atheism by twisting the bible and promoting evolution. I am against organized religion though I am a follower of Christ( Because Christ was against organized religion as well). I do not have a blind faith but I have tested God, the Bible, and books and lectures from dawkin's and others. Most have not done the research necessary and though educated there theory's and so called proofs lack because they don't have a open mind to really learn the truth. But are rather hell bent on proving their" point" There is a movie you should all see called "EXPELLED no intelligence allowed" in the end dawkin's is confronted in an interview on his beliefs very eye opening stuff. also look at my profile I have some questions on my blog for those who believe in evolution. We have to realize that human beings do evil things like jim jones, hitler, stalin, charles manson ,me, it doesn't matter what they "representing" men do atrocious things whether atheist or christian. Anyway I love you all and I wish you all peace and joy

God Bless
Tanna

[Nick]

First off, I used to be a hardcore christian. So I know religious views like the back of my hand.
Second, I believe Atheists to be very open-minded people because they don't just accept what religious views they were fed growing up. They search for themselves and base their beliefs off of what they find and they don't just take someone elses word for it.
Third, just a question, but being a christian as you are, why do you listen to and support heathenistic music such as Otep? I don't intend to steer you away from it, but being a christian and listening to this music is sort of a contradiction in your lifestyle. You can't deny that.

And you know what? I'm not atheist, (as you would know from reading my intro), and I do lean toward believing in God. But either way, I support a heathenistic lifestyle. And I can justify it all I want, but, and no offense, christians always argue that they're right and I'm wrong. So there is no reason for debate because when it comes to religion, christians have a tendency to look past debate and attack the person.

Anyway, that's my stand on things.

[Tanna]

nIck I understand what you are saying, atheists test the so called "truths" right? I feel that they do to a certain extent but I would beg to differ that they are more open-minded. Atheism is a "belief" that there is no God or gods, no creator. I have spent countless hours trying to talk to atheists about my faith from a scientific, and archeological type of view. We have discussed many issues the cosmos, carbon dating, and the bible to name a few. Most of my atheist friends stooped to a blatant ignorance when evidence for Gods existence was presented. Basically what i'm trying to say is to be open-minded you can't have any bias towards another belief until there has been evidence presented that, that belief is a farce. You say that atheist search for truth and arent accepting the religious views they were fed growing up? but do you think that all atheist are scientist? do you think they all go dig up the proof themselves that they don't take someone else's word on not Einstein's, not hitchens, not marx, not darwin, not otep?

why do I listen to heathenistic music? because I am a sinner saved by God's grace I am better than no one ..I am not perfect, but there was one who was and bore my sins nay the sins of all the world. So I try to follow my Lords steps, I don't hate atheists how can I attack them I love them. The Truth must be found out so this debate is necessary. I pray for this band and I take there words in conviction and contemplation. I know that Christianity is in a crisis in america we have forgotten the true Lord Jesus and used his name for gain and treachery in doing so have led many brothers and sisters away. so I leave you with this verse.

"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves"
— Matthew 7:15

I love you
Tanna