Religious affiliations of Prius owners

Then who created the creator of the universe? And who created that creator?

Something happened for the universe to be what it is today. Whether it was created or has always been, no one knows all the details yet. And we may never know. However, I doubt it has to do with anything conscious or complicated(like how the brain works). That's not something I believe, it's just my default understanding of it since there's no evidence to suggest otherwise. To believe some complicated consious being created it is akin to believing bible stuff and has no evidential basis in reality and is nothing more than an unsubstantiated belief.

 

So, Stev0, there's really no such thing as an atheist? Because if there were, they would exist, and that would make them an agnostic? I haven't heard that one before.

 

Get out! Now that's cool.

 

From dictionary.com: Atheist: One who disbelieves or denies the existence of God or gods.

I think you may be coming to incorrect conclusions, based upon an incorrect definition of the term.

I also find it a bit surprising that demonstrating to atheists that they're really agnostic is one of your favorite pastimes.

dictionary.com: Pastime: A pleasant means of amusement; recreation.

It seems this question is of a bit more serious nature than that.

 

That seems to be a stretch to lump the big bang theory in with a certain faith of god. I personally feel that the big bang is an interesting scientific theory about how our universe was first started. Even though it's hard to pinpoint a certain timeline, it's at least scientific and not idealogical (IE no scientist would say it would prove/disprove evidence of a "master creator"). To me, one of the most basic conflicts with faith (no matter what religion) is whether you believe "god" is omnipotent. Having a belief about what could have caused our big bang is still far removed from knowing whether there really is a god. I personally feel that mankind will always struggle with this paradox....the meaning of "faith" will always be a constant during our existance.

 

If one defines "God" with the narrow definition of "All-knowing omnipotent being who runs the Universe", then yeah, I'd be an Atheist.

However, since it's absurd to believe in such a being, I use the definition "Creator of the Universe". So far, with all the competing theories, the Big Bang has the most evidence (with the Flying Spaghetti Monster coming in a close second). And, of course, THAT begs the question: what created the Big Bang in the first place?

So yeah, still Agnostic.

 

There is no first place. There is no beginning. Time seems linear only to those who dwell within it.

That cliche, "we see the world not as it is, but as we are" is true.

 

And there in lies how there can be a coexistence of scientific logic and faith. I don't think mankind will live to be able to know the existance of what your god is (which appears to be "what really did create the big bang"). For all we know, our big bang was a start of a marble game with some really big beings relative to ourselves. Maybe there are universes within universes. I have no way of knowing, so I assume that there was a "god" that created what we experience. Whether that god provides any persuasion or coercion is pertinent to current theologies (and I think is across the board with Christian sects, Muslim sects, and Jewish sects). Just look at current debates in the US about whether some of our diest forefathers should be lumped into "our Christian forefathers". Not being certain if there is a god vs not having any sort of faith in a god seems to be the accepted definition of agnostic vs athiest.

Perhaps a real world example of the difference between agnostic vs athiest is if you would be offended by using the words "under god" in a pledge? To me, I have no problems...because I see god as just being whatever belief in our creation. I assume some athiests do feel offended by it since they believe the universe is too complex to be able to fathom even acknowledging a "god".

 

That sounds about right. At least, it seems a reasonable working definition.

 

OK, that's making more sense to me. So, basically you're holding out until we know why the bang was big?

 

As this discussion has evolved into creation v. something else, take a look at "The Fingerprint of God" by Dr. Hugh Ross an astronomer. His research into origins is fascinating and literally hangs on the well-behaved balance of just two atoms! This is a must read for athesiets, Christians and everyone else interested in this topic!

My Prius was created. How about yours?

Happy Motoring,

Tom

 

Actually, the universe came from something, or somewhere. We just do not know what or how. This concept requires zero belief in any god.

To deny the presence of a "creator" as is popularized in many religions is simply common sense. To deny the possibility that some event began the universe which may or may not have had something to do with other forms of life is ignorant, in my opinion. Such a concept requires absolutely zero belief in any god and simply accepts the fact that we really do not have a clue as to how the universe began just as we are still unable to cure the common cold.

 

Ah, so you admit you're an Agnostic. Good.

 

Christian

if EVERY person understood "eternity" the world would be a lot different ....

 

aliens.

 

mine evolved from a lower machine form, 'the wheel'

 

Even back then hybrid vehicles were all the rage. The cross between the horse and donkey was big advance.

 

No... we must go back even further to the primordial ooze where gears were formed.

 

and cogswell's cogs!

 

Why does the universe have to come from "something or somewhere"?

The universe IS. It may change, grow, shrink, morph -- but it is.

Insisting that there has to be some sort of "before" is taking linear time beyond its function - which is to keep everything from happening all at once. We are within time, so it is hard to comprehend not being within time -- but I don't believe the universe is within time. Time is part of the universe - not the other way around.