by AK - Jeff 37 Replies latest jw experiences
a JW trait that you have not been able to "shake loose" perhaps?--PSacramento
It's good to have differing opinions. Then you can compare your singular perspective against that of another.
We should be cautious about saying that one who disagrees is holding on to cultlike or JW thinking. Often, when looked at from another's perspective, the same claim could be made about you.
It's good to have differing opinions. Then you can compare your singular perspective against that of another.
Absolutely, as long as they are not condesending or done with a misplaced air of intellectual superiority.
We should be cautious about saying that one who disagrees is holding on to cultlike or JW thinking. Often, when looked at from another's perspective, the same claim could be made about you.
Never been a JW, nor am I part of any organized religion BUT you make a valid point of course.
Zid,
No one alive can state for a certainty that God exists.
By the same token, no one alive can state for a certainty that God does not exist.
We can BELIEVE either one , but we cannot PROVE either one.
We can view the same evidence, or lack of it, and come to different conclusions about God's existence.
No one has the absolute knowledge to say whether there is, or is not, a God.
That is reality.
Now, if that is too real for some to accept, that's on them.
JudgeDreadWarlock
Absolutely, as long as they are not condesending or done with a misplaced air of intellectual superiority.
PSac, just because you aren't an intellectually inferior believer doesn't mean the VAST majority of believers aren't either. You're a smart enough guy to look around you and see what belief and believers have done to this world. Don't take it personally when people with unfounded views are treated condescendingly. Sure it is a generalization and a stereotype but for the most part it fits.
No one alive can state for a certainty that God exists.
By the same token, no one alive can state for a certainty that God does not exist.
We can BELIEVE either one , but we cannot PROVE either one.
We can view the same evidence, or lack of it, and come to different conclusions about God's existence.
No you can't. There is no evidence that God exists. Beliefs are not conclusions.
Why is it so difficult for so many believers to admit that they simply BELIEVE? Why try to convince others that there is evidential support for their belief, or that they have examined the universe and come to the conclusion that they believe? It is NOT possible to examine the evidence and come to ANY thoughts on an invisible sky-person WITHOUT PRECONCEPTION THAT SUCH A BEING EXISTS.
Why is it so difficult for so many believers to admit that they simply BELIEVE?
Because that is not true. Because they believe... based on SOMETHING. Not nothing.
Why try to convince others that there is evidential support for their belief, or that they have examined the universe and come to the conclusion that they believe?
Because it is true.
It might not be proof, but there is evidence for God, and for their faith. Even if that evidence amounts to no more than the accounts and pages and teachings in a holy book.
It is NOT possible to examine the evidence and come to ANY thoughts on an invisible sky-person WITHOUT PRECONCEPTION THAT SUCH A BEING EXISTS.
If that were true, then no one would ever have started to believe in the first place. (and never mind one person in one place... but all cultures, even isolated ones had or developed a belief in a spiritual god/gods/goddess/what-have-you)
Peace,
Tammy
No one alive can state for a certainty that God exists.
By the same token, no one alive can state for a certainty that God does not exist. -Judge Dread
Actually people can and do state "for a certainty... God exists" and others can and do state "for a certainty... God does not exist". There's ample proof of that on this board, the rest of the internet and in just about every other nook and cranny where 2 or more people gather. Now should they make such categorical statements? My opinion is probably not. As a reverent agnostic I hesistate to say inflammatory things to either true believers or die hard non-believers. I think less dogmatism on both ends of the belief/disbelief spectrum makes for more peaceful coexistance, and makes JWN a more healing place for us refugees
-free
Yes, people from both camps do state for a certainty either way.
I do.
I mean, I can allow for the possibility that it is all made up or mistaken or whatever... but I don't actually believe that. Faith is an assured knowing.
However, I can state that without attributing anything negative toward someone who believes otherwise.
Peace,
Tammy
You mean... "The assured expectation of things hoped for, the evident demonstration of realities, though not beheld?" Hebrews... something.
Wow... some stuff just sticks with you, huh? I can't believe I can STILL rattle that off.
Wow... some stuff just sticks with you, huh? I can't believe I can STILL rattle that off.
Funny :)
And yeah, that would be the passage I would use to back that up. Also Christ's actions themselves... I mean, He didn't act as if He mostly believed God was there. He knew it.
Peace,
Tammy
