Serious question for theists: [Spirituality & Religion]

@Emosaur The problem is, to fully explain this would require an extremely lengthy discussion on what free will truly is, and the nature of God in relation to man. Possibly far too much for a forum like this one.

When we say that God knows every blink of our eyes, every beat of our heart, the common misconception is that we each only have one path and it is carved in stone. That is neither accurate, nor would it be free will.

The fact is, when God created the universe, He created the science, laws and principles it would operate by, then set it all in motion. He did not sit down and write out a script for us all to follow unwaveringly.

When we say He sees everything we will ever do, this in no way means He sees only one possible path or outcome for any choice we make. He sees them all... Literally thousands upon thousands of possible outcomes for every possible decision. He knows tgat if you turn,right instead of left, the thousands of things that could happen to you because of that choice.

You are not a puppet on a string. You are free to make that decision on your own. If He intervenes, then where was your will, where was your choice?

As I said, there is so much more I could add here, but it would take all night, and to be honest, I'm not sure how interested you are in truly understanding why I believe as I do.

I'm not interested in trading insults or trying to convert anyone. Just willing to discuss civilly with those truly wanting to know.

@Emosaur as I said, I have been in your shoes (far longer than you have been alive going by your age range), and personally have no interest at all in trying to convert you. I'm not stupid enough to believe tgat anything I could possibly say would convince you, and I am good with that. It's between you and God and nothing either of us will say will change tgat.

It wasn't hard to guess tgat you are only interested in belittling the beliefs of others (as I said, been there, done that over and over again). I may never convince you God is real (not going to try), but there's no possible way you will ever convince me again that He isn't. So it seems we are at an impasse.

@PrivateHell [quote]The fact is, when God created the universe, He created the science, laws and principles it would operate by, then set it all in motion. [/quote]
When did that become an established "fact"? The fact is, "god" doesn't exist in the real world, it's just a mythical being. :)

@Sharon said it before, not interested in being drawn into old, stale arguments. I answered for a discussion and because the OP stated he wanted to know. If you don't believe, that's between you and God, not my care or concern.

I know what I know, and won't be swayed no matter how you insult or ridicule.

@Emosaur have a great day. Feel free to contact me when/if the time ever comes that you legitimately want an honest discussion.

@Emosaur never said it was. But as I say, I'm not here to argue, or be ridiculed. Have a great day.

@PrivateHell [quote]If you don't believe, that's between you and God, not my care or concern. [/quote]
Wrong, it's nothing to do with your imaginary friend.

[quote]if the time ever comes that you legitimately want an honest discussion.[/quote]
If you were willing to engage in an honest discussion, you wouldn't misrepresent your unsupported opinions as established fact. That's just hubris.

@Emosaur I provided the same thing you provided... My perspective. The difference is, I do so without ridicule or mockery of your beliefs (or lack thereof). I became to the post hoping to have a civil conversation. Sometimes you can, sometimes you can't. Not everyone is mature enough for that.

@Sharon the second statement was not directed at you, therefore did not concern you.

And, you are not the exclusive keeper of facts. My point of view is every bit as valid to me, as your are to you. I have misrepresented nothing here, merely stated my view as the original post requested. I'm sorry if you lack the maturity to handle a differing belief civilly, but it really isn't my concern either way.

@PrivateHell You presented opinion as an established fact. That's just the sort of dishonesty I've come to expect from christians.

In case you're unaware, when you post to an open forum, anyone is entitled to comment on it. Also, throwing childish insults at your opponents, such as calling them immature, doesn't strengthen your case, it weakens it. HTH.

@Sharon how is my presenting opinion as fact any different than what you yourself have done? I have heard no evidence to support your claim tgat God is mythical? But I recognize the old circular patterns here, "rules for thee but not for me".

Funny how you can call me "childish" and accuse me of insulting you, given every statement you have made toward me so far has perfectly fit tgat description, and aside from an observation (backed by our interaction) about you maturity, I have been nothing but courteous.

How many times do I have to say this? I honestly don't care to win you over to my beliefs, so I have no "case" to be made. I merely wanted a civil discussion. You are the one that has prevented that.

@PrivateHell [quote] I have heard no evidence to support your claim tgat God is mythical?[/quote]
There is no evidence that your god is real. As Bertrand Russell showed with his teapot analogy, it is for the one making the claim that something exists to prove that claim, not for other to disprove it. Do you accept that such entities as The Flying Spaghetti Monster, The Invisible Pink Unicorn, The Tooth Fairy, Santa Claus, etc. etc. are all real? There is no evidence they aren't.

That pattern you recognize is the one where your god is real, absent evidence it's not, but others aren't real, absent evidence they are. It's called double standards.

I asked when your opinion became established fact and then, as a demonstration, presented my opinion as "fact". You immediately jumped on your high-horse implying I was being insulting by ridiculing your beliefs. Double standards again.

When I pointed out that presenting your opinions as established fact is not the way to begin and honest discussion, you imply I lack maturity. Once again we see the usual christian double standards.