I seem to be overwhelmed with not being satisfied with not knowing the answers to life and the universe.
I would first suggest to you that you come to grips with the following:
Because there are so few indisputable facts, most questions will never be answered by our (or someone else’s) opinions, conclusions, interpretations, etc.
I can't seem to just accept some ancient writings of mankinds beginning.
Why? Is it because of facts or opinions?
To have faith do you just ignore all questions that may be contrary to what you believe?
No. You research, and continue to update, your knowledge on all subjects, paying careful attention to indisputable facts versus opinions used to reach the conclusion(s). What you believe should be in harmony with the indisputable facts, as well as your own well-tested and well-reasoned opinions. In the end, there is very, very little that any of us know. Faith is based on belief, strengthened by observation, reasoning, and testing the validity of claims. Faith should be as highly regarded as all other human attributes, such as knowledge, reason, logic, etc.
When you see contridictions of religions do you just ignore it and think it's just man's misunderstandings of it's bible?
It appears that you are asking this within the confines of "Christianity" as you mention the Bible, I will answer within that context. As previously mentioned above, there are precious few facts in life. Very few scriptures in the Bible are concerned with salvation, the disagreements between branches/sects of Christianity derive from dogmatically attempting to enforce opinion over fact. For instance, all Christians accept as fact the redeeming power of Christ’s sacrifice, for this requires no interpretation, and is necessary for salvation, whereas whether hell is literal or figurative is an opinion, as both conclusions can be reached from scripture, yet how one answers that question that is unnecessary for salvation.
I wonder what God thinks of his being alone for eternity and then creating a few creatures that turned out rebelious?
The Bible assures us that he wishes all to gain salvation, and He has provided the remedy for man’s rebellious fallen state in the redeeming power of Christ’s sacrifice.
Does he really know everything from beginning to end?
Based on my understanding, He causes His purposes and prophecies to occur, rather than foreseeing all events. Other Christians would disagree with me, which is fine, as this is an opinion, not a fact, and is unnecessary for salvation.
To enjoy his existance, does he have to create things to play with like humans? He did say we were created in his image, didn't he?
God is love, and created His children in His image, not to play with, but out of love. He is our Father, and wishes us to enjoy life, and learning, forever.
Are men and angels his first creation, if so what did he do for eternity before that?
According to the Bible, spirit creatures were created first, then the physical world and its creatures. As for what He did before creation, who knows? We can hope to ask Him in person someday.
Am I going nutty in my old age? I just can't stop thinking about these things. Maybe I should try getting saved at church and see what effect it has on my life, well maybe not, my wife is saved and she worries more about things in this life than I do.
Thinking is good, but realize that most things in this life will never be known absolutely. I think many who were drawn to the JWs and some other sects because of their "answer to every question", black and white mentality, never escaped that type of thinking. In other words, it’s not only okay to say "I don’t know", but it’s the only honest answer to most of our questions. That doesn’t mean we can’t have strongly held opinions, as long as we recognize them as such.
Anyone have the answer?
An answer exists, but as discussed, we will never have all the answers, even in eternity we will continue learning. My answer is- focus on what is necessary for salvation, put that first, develop faith in that by living in accord with it, and your faith will grow. Study, research, test, and your faith will grow even more.
Well, maybe I shouldn't have asked that, so many religious nuts have posted about hearing God speak to them, knowing when the end is comming, etc.
God has not spoken to me verbally, yet He speaks to all of us through His creation and His word the Bible. Put faith in God, not men. The scriptures below shed light on those making such claims:
By their fruits you will know who is Christian and who is not- "You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they?"- Matthew 7:16
"Then if anyone says to you, 'Behold, here is the Christ,' or 'There He is,' do not believe him. For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect." -Matthew 24:23-24
"But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone." - Matthew 24:36
BA- If you develop faith in God, His Son, and His word, it will be a blessing to you.
PS- "A man who ceases to believe in God does not believe in nothing; he believes in anything." - G.K. Chesterton
