"Godless Heathens" Support thread - no bashing please :)

[NY Disney fan]

Speaking of "gifts from above", I recently experienced something of a miracle. Something I can't explain scientifically. I am agnostic (not athiest), I prefer to remain in suspended judgement. So I recently divorced my husband but was having doubts about everything. Well, I found a piece of smoking gun evidence I needed for my divorce that I found "by accident" buried inside my home that was over 10 years old. Its almost like somemone or something wanted me to find it. Very strange but I am thankful to that mystery find. Kinda solidified my agnostic beliefs.

 

[jamimb]

I

believe in God, but I have a hard time believing in a God that interferes with our lives, even when I was a Christian I didn't really believe that. If it were true, then bad things wouldn't happen to good people. It wouldn't make sense.

The Bible refers to God as my heavenly Father. Just like any good parent I believe he is present and active in every aspect of my life. We as humans have a hard time grasping this concept but God is so much bigger than anything we know to compare him to. I dont believe that God does bad things to good people (God is not a respecter of persons ) I do believe however that he allows things to happen to people sometimes but that he has a greater purpose in it all
We might not every see that pupose in our lifetime but that is where my faith comes in.
Sometimes we allow hard things, painful things happen to our children because we know its for their good. Usually they will not question it because they love us and trust us.
I have seen some very bad things happen in my own life that God has turned around and used for good.
When I was a teen my mother and 6 yr old sister were killed in a car accident and I have seen so much good come from it.
I too see things happening in this world that I dont understand but I love and trust him and know that one day the answers will be revealed to me.

 

[jamimb]

]To me, there's nothing wrong with either perspective. If you want to thank God for the sale that gave you a few extra $$ in your pocket, that's fine. If you want to be thankful to Kohl's or Walmart for putting that extra $$ in your pocket, that's fine.

Being mindful of even the smallest blessings that come into my life help me to be less negative and probably more pleasant to be around. I view God as the source of those blessings, but I don't think that you have to believe in God to see and be grateful for those blessings.

[/QUOTE]

I totally agree Sorry didnt mean to hijack thread in anyway was just offering scripture not to sway anyone but to let them see why some might thank God for all good things no matter how small. I even thank God in the bad things because I know ultimately its all for my good.

 

[Laura]

The Bible refers to God as my heavenly Father. Just like any good parent I believe he is present and active in every aspect of my life. We as humans have a hard time grasping this concept but God is so much bigger than anything we know to compare him to. I dont believe that God does bad things to good people (God is not a respecter of persons ) I do believe however that he allows things to happen to people sometimes but that he has a greater purpose in it all
We might not every see that pupose in our lifetime but that is where my faith comes in.
Sometimes we allow hard things, painful things happen to our children because we know its for their good. Usually they will not question it because they love us and trust us.
I have seen some very bad things happen in my own life that God has turned around and used for good.
When I was a teen my mother and 6 yr old sister were killed in a car accident and I have seen so much good come from it.
I too see things happening in this world that I dont understand but I love and trust him and know that one day the answers will be revealed to me.

I don't think bad things--or good things--happen for a reason. I think that's just how the universe works. I don't think god provides anything for anyone, but it makes a lot of people who are struggling feel better to believe god does.

I haven't seen much good come out of my mother's death, except the end of her suffering, and I find that thought that there should be something good about it astonishing.

 

[robinb]

I totally agree Sorry didnt mean to hijack thread in anyway was just offering scripture not to sway anyone but to let them see why some might thank God for all good things no matter how small. I even thank God in the bad things because I know ultimately its all for my good.

Thank you. Now please go away.

 

[Fitswimmer]

Being happy and thankful is one thing, but what I meant in my post was that people seem like they think God provides these sales to them specifically because they believe, not that Kohl's has sales to make money.

Similarly, as another person mentioned, thanking God when you win the game is silly. God doesn't care who wins.

True, I think there's a pretty strong narcissitic streak in anyone who thinks that God specifically targets them for special blessing above others.

 

[jamimb]

I

don't think bad things--or good things--happen for a reason. I think that's just how the universe works. I don't think god provides anything for anyone, but it makes a lot of people who are struggling feel better to believe god does.

I haven't seen much good come out of my mother's death, except the end of her suffering, and I find that thought that there should be something good about it astonishing.

I am very sorry about your mother's death. I dont mean to say that my mom dying was a good thing , it devastated me but Ill get personal just to let you know what I mean. At the time my teenage sister was heavy into drugs and when my mom died it turned her around (way around) who knows where she would be had that not happened. there are many other things as well that I wont get into but I definetly believe there is a purpose for everything. we might not even realize itnow but I believe someday it will be made known to us. Im not trying to minimize your pain and say it was a good thing your mother dying!!!

 

[MzDiz]

Isn't saying that god does things for reasons that we can't understand like saying that "my husband beats me for my own good, I don't know why, but I trust that he's making the right decision for me."
There's a fine line between positive outlook and brainwashing.

 

[NY Disney fan]

I even thank God in the bad things because I know ultimately its all for my good.

I'm supposed to thank God if my child gets kidnapped and raped? Ok

 

[Nikel]

I don't think bad things--or good things--happen for a reason. I think that's just how the universe works. I don't think god provides anything for anyone, but it makes a lot of people who are struggling feel better to believe god does.

This reminds me of something I learned in a sociology class I took last spring (Class Structure). The groups with the largest percentage of religious members are oppressed groups and those with low incomes. I found that interesting and totally makes sense to me.

 

[jcemom]

Hmm... I don't thank any god for anything, because I don't believe one exists. However, anyone who knows me would tell you I am most definitely not a negative person. Actually, I'm usually the one finding the silver lining in the black cloud, looking on the bright side, finding positive in most any situation no matter how negative it might appear. I don't need a god to thank or blame. I'm positive, I'm realistic, and I'm happy to be what I am.

If anyone else cares to thank a god for jeans being on sale, parking spaces being available, rain, or even chocolate cake for that matter, I don't care, LOL. Just don't expect me to do the same. Allow me to just be happy for the good things in my own way, you do it in your way, don't push your beliefs on me and I won't push mine on you. We'll coexist happily together. It's unfortunate that so many of the so-called christians I've encountered aren't content with that. It's not what they're taught I suppose.

The Golden Compass wasn't even on my radar, I haven't seen or heard anything about it before this thread. So, thank you for bringing it to my attention. The kids and I watched the trailers online and it looks pretty interesting. We'll see it for sure.

 

[Laura]

I'm the optimist type too, jcemom. And likewise I just think I'm fortunate when good things happen (like when we found a nice big house for cheap), not that god provided it to me because I prayed for it or was devout enough.

But no, I don't really care what other people believe as long as I'm not expected to go along with it. And I was well aware why Christians thank god for the little things before jamimb gave me my Scripture reading for the day. But I'm certainly allowed to think it's silly!

 

[Fitswimmer]

Hmm... I don't thank any god for anything, because I don't believe one exists. However, anyone who knows me would tell you I am most definitely not a negative person. Actually, I'm usually the one finding the silver lining in the black cloud, looking on the bright side, finding positive in most any situation no matter how negative it might appear. I don't need a god to thank or blame. I'm positive, I'm realistic, and I'm happy to be what I am.

If anyone else cares to thank a god for jeans being on sale, parking spaces being available, rain, or even chocolate cake for that matter, I don't care, LOL. Just don't expect me to do the same. Allow me to just be happy for the good things in my own way, you do it in your way, don't push your beliefs on me and I won't push mine on you. We'll coexist happily together. It's unfortunate that so many of the so-called christians I've encountered aren't content with that. It's not what they're taught I suppose.

The Golden Compass wasn't even on my radar, I haven't seen or heard anything about it before this thread. So, thank you for bringing it to my attention. The kids and I watched the trailers online and it looks pretty interesting. We'll see it for sure.

This Christian is...I feel exactly the same way. As long as you don't try and make me NOT believe in God and don't make fun of me or call me stupid for my beliefs-I promise to continue to do the same for you.

I know a lot of Christians that feel the way I do, we're just not as vocal as the ones who feel the misson to evangelize so strongly.

 

[NY Disney fan]

This Christian is...I feel exactly the same way. As long as you don't try and make me NOT believe in God and don't make fun of me or call me stupid for my beliefs-I promise to continue to do the same for you.

I know a lot of Christians that feel the way I do, we're just not as vocal as the ones who feel the misson to evangelize so strongly.

Did you not just evangelize on this thread? What are you doing on here?

 

[maddhatir]

This reminds me of something I learned in a sociology class I took last spring (Class Structure). The groups with the largest percentage of religious members are oppressed groups and those with low incomes. I found that interesting and totally makes sense to me.

With all of that praying you would think they would become less oppressed and have more income.....isn't that how (they think) it works???

 

[robinb]

Did you not just evangelize on this thread? What are you doing on here?

Fitswimmer is an "Honorary Heathen" and a welcome poster to this thread.

 

[Fitswimmer]

Did you not just evangelize on this thread? What are you doing on here?

If I did, it was unintentional and I apologize.

Was this the post you meant? (if not, please let me know which one so I can see where I messed up)

Being mindful of even the smallest blessings that come into my life help me to be less negative and probably more pleasant to be around. I view God as the source of those blessings, but I don't think that you have to believe in God to see and be grateful for those blessings.

I posted my position, but also that I don't believe it's required to believe in God to be a grateful person.

 

[Nikel]

Did you not just evangelize on this thread? What are you doing on here?

No, I don't think Fits was evangelizing. Fits may be Christian, but is still completely supportive and welcoming of people with alternate beliefs.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

I think calling these books "atheist" books is a mistake. As a Pantheist, I saw that these books fit very well within our belief system.

I need to learn more about this belief system. I haven't found a "definition" for my beliefs. Somewhere in the pagan/agnostic/atheist realm. If there is some sort of a god then I think that god has NO control over events, either events that impact individuals or huge groups of people. Good things happen and bad things happen - "hoping" against bad things doesn't stop them from happening, and hoping for good things doesn't make them happen. Sometimes things happen for which there is no explanation. I'd rather have NO explanation than attribute it to an imaginary entity.

What boggles my mind about the Golden Compass e-mail is this:
If the kids kill god because they want to be allowed to do what they want WHAT was stopping them from doing what they want in the first place? I thought people supposedly have "free will". So what good would it do to kill god? If you can choose to obey or NOT obey, then what difference does it make if god exists? Guess I need to read the books.

 

[maddhatir]

I'm the optimist type too, jcemom. And likewise I just think I'm fortunate when good things happen (like when we found a nice big house for cheap), not that god provided it to me because I prayed for it or was devout enough.

ITA- Just b/c you do not believe in god- does not mean you do not have a good outlook on things and that you are not grateful for the good things.

"Things" just ....happen. I do believe though, If someone walks around with a black cloud over their heads all the time- that is all that is going to come your way.

I like to think if you have positive thoughts- then you can just be....happy. No god involved.