TOTALLY GEEKED!

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

Something else to discuss.

Bonny22Pye · Guru

This better sums up an Atheists POV

What is the Purpose of Life?
by Luke Muehlhauser on October 5, 2009 in Ethics,General Atheism

I recently received an email containing a single line of text:

What is the purpose of life?

That question has been given thousands of different answers, nearly all of them banal. It is very hard to say anything new or illuminating on the subject.

The best writing on the subject I’ve read is a series of blog posts by Alonzo Fyfe.1 Roughly, the first half of this post is a summary of Fyfe’s series, and the second half is my own contribution.2

The Christian view is that God has created an epic stageplay that embodies the struggle between good and evil, and that he has given each person a particular role to play, like Frodo in The Lord of the Rings or Harry in Harry Potter. Thus, the purpose of life is assigned to you by the Director. You are an actor in his stageplay, and your purpose is to play your role according to his script.

But if God does not exist, we find ourselves alone on the stage without a director. We have to come up with our own purpose, and craft our own story. We have to figure out on our own what really matters and what to fight for.

Let us consider an important question:

Would you prefer it to be true that you were created with a divine purpose in life?

My answer is “No.” I would not like to have been created with a divine purpose in life.

What matters is the quality of a purpose, not it’s source.

To illustrate, Fyfe writes:

jesus_caricaturePerhaps I was created by a God who got bored and who was seeking some way to entertain himself. He came up with the idea of creating a planet and populating it with people who he [programmed to] have a strong disposition to accept religious teachings without question. He then went to different groups and said, “You are God’s chosen children. You have a right and a duty to rule over the world. All others are infidels who should be either converted or killed.”

When he was done, he sat back in His heavenly recliner with his heavenly beer and potato chips and watched the unfolding drama of Survivor Earth, and he saw that it was good. Or, at least, he was entertained.

Would I prefer to be a toy built to generate conflict and drama for the sake of entertaining some God?

It would be true, in such a case, that I was created for a divine purpose. However, what matters is the quality of the purpose, not its source. In this case, the purpose has a particularly low quality.

Not only would I prefer not to have such a purpose, I would go so far as to actively thwart God’s purpose if that were the case, and would count my life as having meaning in doing so. I would work to promote cooperation and well-being over conflict and suffering and, if this went against the purpose of my Creator, then so be it.3

So God need not provide purpose in life, for what matters is the quality of a purpose, not it’s source.

Also, God cannot provide the purpose of life because God does not exist.

But the usual atheistic answer to our question of purpose is not much better. Atheists often say:

We get to choose our own purpose in life. Whatever we choose to do, that is what has value.

But such invented value is a fiction. If I am talking about a person and I can choose where he was born, what happened to him at age 5, and what he looks like, this should be taken as evidence that I am talking about a fictional person. I can’t make those decisions if we are talking about a real person, about whom certain facts already exist and cannot be decided by me. And if a person can “choose” a purpose to life on a whim, this should be taken as evidence that she is talking about a fictional purpose.

Instead of adopting the purposes of a fictional God or inventing my own fictional purpose, I want to say something like this:

Let’s leave the world of make-believe behind. Let us look instead to discover what the real world has to offer us. If there is meaning and purpose to life it is there to be discovered. And if there is no meaning or purpose to be discovered, let us not pretend that there is. Let us admit this fact and move on with our lives.4

nihilism

So, is there objective purpose to be discovered in the universe, or does it happen to be the case that life is ultimately purposeless?

It depends what we mean by “purpose.”

If “purpose” means “that for which we were intentionally designed by an intelligent Creator,” then purpose does not exist. If “purpose” means “such as to bring about ends that have intrinsic value,” then purpose does not exist (because intrinsic value does not exist).5 Under these definitions, “purpose” does not exist.6

But that is not the end of the story.

To see why, consider the term “water.” For centuries, nearly everyone used the term “water” (in any language) to refer to an element. Then, in the 18th century, Lavoisier discovered that the stuff we had been calling “water” all this time was not an element. It is a compound. But this does not mean there is no water. It just means we had our concept of water mixed up. It is still worthwhile to use the term “water,” though it does not, after all, refer to an element.

The same goes for “atoms” and “malaria,” which are not, it turns out, indivisible or caused by bad air.7

What does this have to do with purpose?

We have learned that God-given purpose is fictional, that intrinsic purpose is fictional, and that personally invented purpose is fictional. But perhaps there is a sensible meaning of “purpose” which refers to something that does exist, just as there are sensible definitions for “water” and “atom” and “malaria” which refer to things that exist, despite our initial conceptual confusions about those terms.

For example, perhaps “purpose” has something to do with objective value. If objective value exists, then purpose exists. Or perhaps we might consider the various projects we take on (such as the project to raise one’s kids or feed the poor or make the world a better place) and ask whether they have objective value. If a project has objective value, then perhaps we can say that such a project provides true, meaningful purpose.

I have another proposal. I think a good synonym for “purpose” is “calling.” Are there things we are “called” to do? We are not called to do anything by gods or by intrinsic values, for these things do not exist. But are we nevertheless “called” to do some things?

Put another way, are there things we “ought” to do with our lives?

Ought, Value, and Moral Value

Ought, in this sense, is a moral term. Our question about purpose turns out to be a question about objective moral facts. Are we “called” by objective moral facts to do certain things or live a certain way? Are there any objective moral facts calling us, or is morality purely relative?

I think objective moral facts exist, and that they can provide a “purpose” or “calling” to life.8

I’ve written about this more thoroughly in other places, but let me make a quick summary here.

Value (in the general sense, not the moral sense) is a relation between states of affairs and reasons for action. So a word like “good” means “such as to fulfill the reasons for action in question.” Thus, a “good” butter knife is one that spreads butter well, because the reasons for action in question are the owner’s desires to spread butter well. And it may be “good” for a bank robber to bring a gun, if we understand that the reasons for action in question are the robber’s desires to successfully rob a bank.

That is a semantic point, about the meaning of our words. Now I want to make an empirical claim.

I claim that desires are the only reasons for action that actually exist. Many other reasons for action have been proposed – intrinsic values, divine commands, categorical imperatives, etc. – but they do not exist.

If this is correct, we can simplify our notion of “good” as “such as to fulfill the desires in question” and “bad” as “such as to thwart the desires in question.”

So that’s a brief account of value.

What, then, of moral value?

When we think of morality we usually mean some universal consideration of reasons for action. (This, again, is a semantic point.) And some reasons for action might be stronger than others, and outweigh them. So the desires of gays to marry might initially provide some reason for action to allow gays to marry, but God’s divine commands are overriding reasons for action, so the universal consideration of reasons for action ends up showing that the prohibition of gay marriage is moral.

But if desires are the only reasons for action that exist, then morality is concerned with a universal consideration of desires.

I also hold that desires – not actions – are the primary objects of moral evaluation. So a morally good desire is one that tends to fulfill other desires, and a morally bad desire is one that tends to thwart other desires.

I have grossly simplified things in this post, but the end result of this and a great deal more that has been left unsaid is that objective moral facts “call” us to encourage desires that tend to fulfill other desires and discourage desires that tend to thwart other desires.

So there you have it. Depending on your definition of “purpose,” we might say that:

The purpose of life is to encourage desires that tend to fulfill other desires and discourage desires that tend to thwart other desires.

Now this turns out to be superficially similar to some popularly proposed purposes of life to “make the world a better place” or “promote well-being,” but it is both more explicit and more rationally justified (not with what I’ve written here, but elsewhere).

Another way to put it is to say that the purpose of life is to promote a harmony of desires.

Vette · Owl drink to that!

I like it, pretty clever, I shared it on facebook hope you don't mind

Southern_Belle · Nothing's Impossible

Love this! Did you guys watch "God's Not Dead"?

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

VetteGirl wrote:
I like it, pretty clever, I shared it on facebook hope you don't mind

LOL! Not at all! That's where I got it!

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

Southern_Belle wrote:
Love this! Did you guys watch "God's Not Dead"?

I did, it's on Netflix now. It was probably the best Christian movie I have ever seen.

Great story, recognizable faces, great actors, good pace, kept me interested.

The old woman, the one with Alzheimer's, at the end was awesome. Such a moment of pure clarity would have to be God and nothing else.

Blankie · Guru

I don't really get the point of the thread.

It would be nice if there could be some tolerance of others' views.

I believe in God, and have a very strong faith.

But atheists don't threaten me. They have the right to believe what they believe. Or not believe.

We do more harm with the judgment.

Live and let live.

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

The point is to discuss.

Blankie · Guru

lilyofcourse wrote:
The point is to discuss.

We'll see. I think I'll check this thread at the end of the "discussion". My prediction is it will be about 90% bashing and maybe 10% discussion.

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

Well, until your post, it was a discussion.

So thanks for the stir.

Tinydancer · Guru

I saw this on facebook as well. Actually it makes you think about both sides. Looking at it like this makes you understand why we argue like we do (both sides). A bunch of people with totally opposing views yet we all come here often anyway. It just goes to prove that as much as we think others are intolerant we still come hear to argue, discuss, console, reveal, announce, and relate to each other. TG rocks!

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

I like how it answers both questions with the same words.

Tinydancer · Guru

Exactly. You have to read it both ways in order to see just how the differences can still be so much the same.

Vette · Owl drink to that!

I don't see it as an attack on anybody. It defines atheism and Christianity using the same words, I think it's cool and kind of unifying.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

Worm food. End of story.

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
Worm food. End of story.

Gaga has embraced happy hour I see! biggrin

Tinydancer · Guru

Worm food. It's what's for dinner... biggrin

I know what to do_sometimes · Frozen Sucks!

I really don't care which religion or no religion someone is, just be nice.

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

Dont ever laugh

as a Hearse goes by

for you may be the next to die

They wrap you up

in a big white sheet

from your head down to your feet

They put you in a big black box

and cover you up with dirt and rocks

and all goes well

for about a week

and then your coffin begins to leak

and the worms crawl in, the worms crawl out

the worms play pinochle on your snout

They eat your eyes, they eat your noes

they eat the jelly between your toes

A big green worm with rolling eyes

crawls in your stomach and out your eyes

your stomach turns a slimy green

and puss comes out like whipping cream

you spread it on a slice of bread

and thats what you eat when your dead

and the worms crawl out and the worms crawl in

the worms that crawl in are lean and thin

the ones that crawl out are fat and stout

your eyes fall in and your hair falls out

your brain comes tumbling down your snout

and the worms crawl in, the worms crawl out

they crawl all over your dirty snout

your chest caves in and your eyes pop out

your brain turns to saurkraut

they invite their friends, and their friends too

they all come down to chew on you

and this is what it is to die, i hope you had a nice goodbye

did you ever think as a Hearse goes by

that you might be the next to die

and your eyes fall out and your teeth decay

and that is the end of a perfect... day

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

What I take away from it is it is all about perspective. And it can be changed.

JPT · Senior Member

There are plenty of us atheists that don't even think about what you posted in the OP. We don't sit around chewing on our non believer status.

Most of us just sit and listen to how Christians think we are somehow "Lost" or "lacking in hope or purpose" No, we are decent people who treat others as we would like to be treated.

If you are a believer, fine! It gives you hope and comfort, and that's not any skin off my back.

Now when you want to codify your religious beliefs into civil law, I might not be all that agreeable. I don't walk into a church and tell them how to practice their faith. So please don't walk into my sphere and tell me how to live my non believing life.

Regards,
JPT, atheist.
Not afraid of burning in hell.

WYSIWYG · Guru

I really don't care which religion or no religion someone is, just be nice. - I know what to do_sometimes

_________________________

Perfectly said!

Mellow Momma · Sniff...sniff, sniff. Yay! A Bum!

JPT wrote:
There are plenty of us atheists that don't even think about what you posted in the OP. We don't sit around chewing on our non believer status.

Most of us just sit and listen to how Christians think we are somehow "Lost" or "lacking in hope or purpose" No, we are decent people who treat others as we would like to be treated.

If you are a believer, fine! It gives you hope and comfort, and that's not any skin off my back.

Now when you want to codify your religious beliefs into civil law, I might not be all that agreeable. I don't walk into a church and tell them how to practice their faith. So please don't walk into my sphere and tell me how to live my non believing life.

Regards,
JPT, atheist.
Not afraid of burning in hell.

My thoughts exactly. The OP's post about what atheists think is literally nothing like my belief system at all. It could not be any more off base. So I hope those of you who believe don't think that is how atheists think. Because it's way off base.

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

So enlighten us.

Honestly.

I believe this has been a civil thread thus far.

Can we share our thoughts and opinions here without arguing?

I will if you will.

Open, discussion. No name calling or bashing from either side.

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

JPT wrote:
There are plenty of us atheists that don't even think about what you posted in the OP. We don't sit around chewing on our non believer status.

Most of us just sit and listen to how Christians think we are somehow "Lost" or "lacking in hope or purpose" No, we are decent people who treat others as we would like to be treated.

If you are a believer, fine! It gives you hope and comfort, and that's not any skin off my back.

Now when you want to codify your religious beliefs into civil law, I might not be all that agreeable. I don't walk into a church and tell them how to practice their faith. So please don't walk into my sphere and tell me how to live my non believing life.

Regards,
JPT, atheist.
Not afraid of burning in hell.

"Your sphere". The world belongs to everyone. The religious do not have to confine their religion to church.

flan327 · Itty bitty's Grammy

lilyofcourse wrote:
Well, until your post, it was a discussion.

So thanks for the stir.

Oh, PLEASE...

Blankie is one of the most gracious souls on here.

Back on GT, there was a time when Czech and I started "dueling threads..." one Christian, one agnostic, to see which could get the higher post count. THAT was fun & light-hearted.

I for one do not appreciated being lectured. I'm not a child.

flan

Tinydancer · Guru

I thought this was going to be a good thread to have an actual discussion. I guess civil discussions about this topic just are not possible on this board.

flan327 · Itty bitty's Grammy

You're not new here.

A civil discussion about religion...or politics...or abortion...

flan

Tinydancer · Guru

flan327 wrote:
lilyofcourse wrote:
Well, until your post, it was a discussion.

So thanks for the stir.
Oh, PLEASE...
Blankie is one of the most gracious souls on here.
Back on GT, there was a time when Czech and I started "dueling threads..." one Christian, one agnostic, to see which could get the higher post count. THAT was fun & light-hearted.
I for one do not appreciated being lectured. I'm not a child.
flan

Who was lecturing you? She was talking to Blankie and you had to jump in as usual. It was a civil discussion until you both had to come get your digs at lily. For someone who claims to be SOOO COMPASSIONATE you certainly like to get all over certain posters and give your friends a free pass.

Tinydancer · Guru

flan327 wrote:
You're not new here.

A civil discussion about religion...or politics...or abortion...

flan

Well with that attitude of course it won't happen but I'm sure it'll be blamed on those pushy religious people who wanted to discuss and not insult.

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

flan327 wrote:
lilyofcourse wrote:
Well, until your post, it was a discussion.

So thanks for the stir.
Oh, PLEASE...
Blankie is one of the most gracious souls on here.
Back on GT, there was a time when Czech and I started "dueling threads..." one Christian, one agnostic, to see which could get the higher post count. THAT was fun & light-hearted.
I for one do not appreciated being lectured. I'm not a child.
flan

This had nothing to do with YOU. Wow.

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

Tinydancer wrote:
I thought this was going to be a good thread to have an actual discussion. I guess civil discussions about this topic just are not possible on this board.

Notice who started the arguments? But they will be the first ones to complain and point fingers to others for arguing. Geesh. Some people simply live to create conflict. Misery loves company, I guess.

flan327 · Itty bitty's Grammy

Lawyerlady wrote:
flan327 wrote:
lilyofcourse wrote:
Well, until your post, it was a discussion.

So thanks for the stir.
Oh, PLEASE...
Blankie is one of the most gracious souls on here.
Back on GT, there was a time when Czech and I started "dueling threads..." one Christian, one agnostic, to see which could get the higher post count. THAT was fun & light-hearted.
I for one do not appreciated being lectured. I'm not a child.
flan
This had nothing to do with YOU. Wow.

So the OP was intended for everyone except me? I didn't get that memo.

flan

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

flan327 wrote:
Lawyerlady wrote:
flan327 wrote:
lilyofcourse wrote:
Well, until your post, it was a discussion.

So thanks for the stir.
Oh, PLEASE...
Blankie is one of the most gracious souls on here.
Back on GT, there was a time when Czech and I started "dueling threads..." one Christian, one agnostic, to see which could get the higher post count. THAT was fun & light-hearted.
I for one do not appreciated being lectured. I'm not a child.
flan
This had nothing to do with YOU. Wow.
So the OP was intended for everyone except me? I didn't get that memo.
flan

Well, since you claim to be neither an atheist or a Christian, the OP has nothing to do with you, now does it? And the OP is not a lecture.

Tinydancer · Guru

She was talking about that specific post and you know it but deflect away as usual.

Dona Worry Be Happy · Vette's SS!!

If religion inspires you to end a cycle of abuse, as is in many cases, I think it is a very good thing. Lily has often talked about a rough past that ended once she found god. God was and is a positive influence in her life.
But if you use religion as a means to deny others, or as an excuse to strap a child's hannds in a bucket of ice water and force him or her to look at porn, then no, your religious beliefs suck, and I will put the freedom of other people over your freedom to be a jerk because a book told you it was okay.

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

Well.

I tried.

Anyone that would like to continue a civil discussion? I really do want to understand what makes a person not believe. How they think and feel about it all.

I refuse to think that adults can't talk openly, even heatedly, about things and not take things said personally.

If you can not, then please keep your thoughts to yourself on this thread.

JPT · Senior Member

Lawyerlady wrote:
JPT wrote:
There are plenty of us atheists that don't even think about what you posted in the OP. We don't sit around chewing on our non believer status.

Most of us just sit and listen to how Christians think we are somehow "Lost" or "lacking in hope or purpose" No, we are decent people who treat others as we would like to be treated.

If you are a believer, fine! It gives you hope and comfort, and that's not any skin off my back.

Now when you want to codify your religious beliefs into civil law, I might not be all that agreeable. I don't walk into a church and tell them how to practice their faith. So please don't walk into my sphere and tell me how to live my non believing life.

Regards,
JPT, atheist.
Not afraid of burning in hell.
"Your sphere". The world belongs to everyone. The religious do not have to confine their religion to church.

Absolutely, but civil law belongs to all, church beliefs belong in church. Live your life and faith, fine! But I will contest laws that put Christian religious beliefs into a civil code that affects me.

Case in point. Here in our area, there are counties and cities that restrict alcohol sales on Sunday. This is the influence of Baptists (mostly) that eschew drinking alcohol at all. So they demanded and got laws prohibiting it on Sunday.

Now those whose beliefs don't include alcohol prohibition are affected by the rules of a certain sect. My thoughts, heck if YOUR faith is asbtaining, then abstain. Don't force everyone else to abide by those religious rules.

It would be the same if Catholics demanded a law that no birth control could be sold on certain days because THEY don't believe in it.

When I say my "sphere", I meant placing a religious rule in place that puts restrictions on others that don't share the same rules.

Oh, and I will say that I've run into plenty of those who profess to abstain from alcohol for religious reasons wandering around the liquor store.

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

I don't want another thread about rights. That's not the point.

I want to know how and why we do or do not believe one way or another.

And what would it take to change this. Either way.

Dona Worry Be Happy · Vette's SS!!

I do not believe ever since I read the Bible from cover to cover, straight through.
Before that, I WS fairly religious.

flan327 · Itty bitty's Grammy

lilyofcourse wrote:
Well.

I tried.

Anyone that would like to continue a civil discussion? I really do want to understand what makes a person not believe. How they think and feel about it all.

I refuse to think that adults can't talk openly, even heatedly, about things and not take things said personally.

If you can not, then please keep your thoughts to yourself on this thread.

What makes me NOT believe?

I've said this before, I think.

Do I believe that human beings are the highest form of life in the universe? No.

That being said, I think the Judeo-Christian image of God is too limiting.

I have always felt complete in my self. Living a good life, having friends & family & a job I love...that's enough for me.

flan

flan327 · Itty bitty's Grammy

lilyofcourse wrote:
I don't want another thread about rights. That's not the point.

I want to know how and why we do or do not believe one way or another.

And what would it take to change this. Either way.

I can't think of anything.

flan

flan327 · Itty bitty's Grammy

Dona Worry Be Happy wrote:
I do not believe ever since I read the Bible from cover to cover, straight through.
Before that, I WS fairly religious.

Dona,

I would be interested in hearing more, if you have the time to elaborate.

flan

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

Dona Worry Be Happy wrote:
I do not believe ever since I read the Bible from cover to cover, straight through.
Before that, I WS fairly religious.

Can you explain this please?

Tinydancer · Guru

I find strength and peace through my belief. It lifts me up and keeps me humble. Praying helps me when I'm troubled or even when I'm overjoyed. I can't imagine ever living without the love I feel whenever I think of what Jesus did for us and how God has a plan even if I don't.

Blankie · Guru

flan327 wrote:
Dona Worry Be Happy wrote:
I do not believe ever since I read the Bible from cover to cover, straight through.
Before that, I WS fairly religious.
Dona,
I would be interested in hearing more, if you have the time to elaborate.
flan

I'd love to hear more too Dona, if you'd care to. No judgment from me.

FNW · Guru

I would like to hear more from Dona, too.

I can only speak from my own experience. I was raised Catholic, and I believe. My ex-husband was never taken to church. Religion was never discussed, one way or another. My ex always told me he felt he was missing something. He did not know what to believe because he was "lost" when it came to religion, he told me. I like to think that if he was raised with beliefs, any beliefs, he might have been a happier person. He thought this as well.

Because of this, I feel it is important for my children to be raised with faith.

Blankie · Guru

flan327 wrote:
lilyofcourse wrote:
Well.

I tried.

Anyone that would like to continue a civil discussion? I really do want to understand what makes a person not believe. How they think and feel about it all.

I refuse to think that adults can't talk openly, even heatedly, about things and not take things said personally.

If you can not, then please keep your thoughts to yourself on this thread.

What makes me NOT believe?
I've said this before, I think.
Do I believe that human beings are the highest form of life in the universe? No.
That being said, I think the Judeo-Christian image of God is too limiting.
I have always felt complete in my self. Living a good life, having friends & family & a job I love...that's enough for me.
flan

I agree with the bolded very much. I hesitate to share about my beliefs here, however. Past experience on this board overwhelmingly shows that many folks will slam and criticize what they don't agree with. We'll see if that happens on this thread.

I'll share just a little. I have a very strong belief in God and a very active prayer and meditation practice. I was raised Catholic, but I'm not a practicing Catholic any more, although I do still embrace and respect Jesus' teachings. I also embrace other wise teachings, some Buddhist, some Native American, as well as the spiritual aspects of 12 step programs. No, my practice doesn't fit in the Christian box. My practice doesn't fit in any box.

Because IMO God doesn't fit in any human box. Religion is a human creation. It is what human beings say God is. To me, God is much, much bigger than what any one religion says God is. Jesus was a Way-shower, but he was certainly not the only Way-shower. I respect the teachings of other religious and philosophical figures down through history. And I believe that God speaks in many ways besides through the Bible.

So we'll see what you do with this. It would be nice to think that we can actually have a thread where people don't bash. But that would require open-mindedness. I hope I'll see some here. One can always hope.

flan327 · Itty bitty's Grammy

Blankie,

I cannot begin to tell you how much I love your response.

flan

Tinydancer · Guru

Blankie wrote:
flan327 wrote:
lilyofcourse wrote:
Well.

I tried.

Anyone that would like to continue a civil discussion? I really do want to understand what makes a person not believe. How they think and feel about it all.

I refuse to think that adults can't talk openly, even heatedly, about things and not take things said personally.

If you can not, then please keep your thoughts to yourself on this thread.

What makes me NOT believe?
I've said this before, I think.
Do I believe that human beings are the highest form of life in the universe? No.
That being said, I think the Judeo-Christian image of God is too limiting.
I have always felt complete in my self. Living a good life, having friends & family & a job I love...that's enough for me.
flan
I agree with the bolded very much. I hesitate to share about my beliefs here, however. Past experience on this board overwhelmingly shows that many folks will slam and criticize what they don't agree with. We'll see if that happens on this thread.
I'll share just a little. I have a very strong belief in God and a very active prayer and meditation practice. I was raised Catholic, but I'm not a practicing Catholic any more, although I do still embrace and respect Jesus' teachings. I also embrace other wise teachings, some Buddhist, some Native American, as well as the spiritual aspects of 12 step programs. No, my practice doesn't fit in the Christian box. My practice doesn't fit in any box.
Because IMO God doesn't fit in any human box. Religion is a human creation. It is what human beings say God is. To me, God is much, much bigger than what any one religion says God is. Jesus was a Way-shower, but he was certainly not the only Way-shower. I respect the teachings of other religious and philosophical figures down through history. And I believe that God speaks in many ways besides through the Bible.
So we'll see what you do with this. It would be nice to think that we can actually have a thread where people don't bash. But that would require open-mindedness. I hope I'll see some here. One can always hope.

I find this fascinating. I was raised Catholic as well but found that I couldn't handle all the bad things that were coming out about the Priests and how the Church not only covered it up but sent them on to molest more innocent victims. I now belong to a very nice church that doesn't seem to have all the drama that some people have experienced. I feel at home with these people and I love and admire the Pastor. I often struggled with my beliefs while attending the Catholic Church as a child but I've always kept my faith in Jesus and God. They transcend all the dirty things that man has done while claiming to be God fearing and righteous. I definitely agree with what's bolded in red.