939 replies to this topic

[KurtVerbose]

What happens if you're a pastafarian and go on an atkins diet?

[oblomov]

What happens if you're a pastafarian and go on an atkins diet?

 

Well Kurt, I'm glad you asked that question because it gives me the opportunity to demonstrate proof of His noodlyness's existence.

Firstly no Pastafarian would ever go an the Atkins diet because to do so would be a denial of His existence. A refusal to partake of carbohydrates, and in particular pasta would be the equivalent in Christianity of a refusal to partake in the sacrament.

There are all types of carbohydrate but pasta is the pinnacle of the carbohydrate expression of the existence our Lord, particularly the spaghetti grown on the Sacred Spaghetti Trees in northern Italy.

 

What happens when someone goes on the Atkins diet and thereby deliberately instigates a failure to partake in carbohydrate consumption? Well it's quite obvious, they're denying interaction with our Lord and without his support their bodies immediately begin to wither away and if they were to continue and deny his existence long enough they would eventually die. This is absolute proof of his existence, because without Him in your life you die.

 

You will obviously see the irrefutable logic of my argument and as a rational being I would expect you to convert and become a Pastafarian immediately.

 

[KurtVerbose]

Actually, that's true. I did a non-carb diet and lost 17kg. It's a good job I saw the error of my ways and 'retoxified' before I withered away totally.

[iceman]

Do i believe in God?

 

I do not know why but i have resisted posting in this thread thus far but perhaps it is because it is an age old debate that invariably, inevitably, hurts or insults somebody somewhere and that is something that i do try my very best to avoid. Perhaps it is time to take the risk though and share my thoughts, hopefully, in a way that does not belittle, blaspheme or otherwise upset anybody in any way. My most sincere apologies to you if i do not manage to do this successfully and i hope for your forgiveness.

 

In My Very Humble Opinion...

 

..a belief in God requires a belief and a trust, as well as an understanding, in and of the means that taught of his existence. Someone may of course be lucky enough to have met a talkative burning bush but should they have not been that lucky, then they will be at the mercy of someone else's original interpretation of the literatures and latterly, the unmolested delivery of those by yet others. This of course is not a guaranteed recipe for disaster but the sceptic in me does worry that the self profiting, greedy and untrustworthy core that, along with other traits (both good and bad) at the centre of a natural human need for self preservation, will discolour the very nature of the delivery of a religion to the uninitiated.

 

Of the religions i have seen/heard of, they all seem to be a very very good recipes for a harmonious society and the continuation of mankind. In general though, the same can not be said however (in my humble opinion) for the cooks preparing that recipe for consumption or, for that matter, the dining etiquette and pallet of their diners.

 

We all know...that in the end it comes down to 'Faith' but what i struggle with, is that i do not have 'faith' in mankind or more precisely, in mankind's ability to interpret, deliver and build with and educate within, the responsibilities and boundaries of that faith either safely or wisely. History is the greatest teacher of all and unfortunately, even as we speak, the words of religions have been and are being manipulated by malevolent spin doctors to assert their own control with words that teach of self control. They twist and turn words and their meanings into razor sharp weapons of war, using the true message of the seeds of creation and it's beautiful continuation, into a way and means to propagate perpetual fear and destruction. That is the involvement of man and it always has and will be. The message of a once truth can no more be plucked from the ancient intricate layers of mankind's interpretations than a bath can be filled with the grains of sand pinched from the tail of a whirlwind. Any person that fills that bath to what is a satisfactory level to them, has my respect, any person that then believes enough in their own skills and judgement to trust that truth lays in there, has my greatest respect of all.

 

I have met some truly wonderfully pure and beautiful people through my varied life but none, not one single one, would i trust to deliver the word and world of their god without (even subconsciously) succumbing to it sifting through certain filters. Filters of 'Reasoning' that the 'human condition' erect through our lives and our beings in order to either protect us or to allow us to profit beyond the boundaries set by our own consciences or equally so, to allow what to our core values, under the guise of 'survival' is an acceptable combination of the both.

 

I feel that i should add that i do indeed have a belief system, one that i have arrived at by my own means, one embracing my own values in the sanctity of life and of mother earth and nature, all kept in a/the perpetual balance of the universe...if that is a belief in God, then my answer is ''Yes i believe in God''

 

PS...although, having said that last sentence...over the years i have stumbled across various pagan belief systems which are surprisingly similar to my own. (...i readily admit that i'm an old hippy lol).

 

 

Blessings and balance to all...

 

..icey  

[slindborg]

^^^ works for me...

 

Believe in what you like, just dont push it on others who dont want it (and even if they do want it, it might not be right for them)

[Mangham54]

Do i believe in God?

 

I do not know why but i have resisted posting in this thread thus far but perhaps it is because it is an age old debate that invariably, inevitably, hurts or insults somebody somewhere and that is something that i do try my very best to avoid. Perhaps it is time to take the risk though and share my thoughts, hopefully, in a way that does not belittle, blaspheme or otherwise upset anybody in any way. My most sincere apologies to you if i do not manage to do this successfully and i hope for your forgiveness.

 

In My Very Humble Opinion...

 

..a belief in God requires a belief and a trust, as well as an understanding, in and of the means that taught of his existence. Someone may of course be lucky enough to have met a talkative burning bush but should they have not been that lucky, then they will be at the mercy of someone else's original interpretation of the literatures and latterly, the unmolested delivery of those by yet others. This of course is not a guaranteed recipe for disaster but the sceptic in me does worry that the self profiting, greedy and untrustworthy core that, along with other traits (both good and bad) at the centre of a natural human need for self preservation, will discolour the very nature of the delivery of a religion to the uninitiated.

 

Of the religions i have seen/heard of, they all seem to be a very very good recipes for a harmonious society and the continuation of mankind. In general though, the same can not be said however (in my humble opinion) for the cooks preparing that recipe for consumption or, for that matter, the dining etiquette and pallet of their diners.

 

We all know...that in the end it comes down to 'Faith' but what i struggle with, is that i do not have 'faith' in mankind or more precisely, in mankind's ability to interpret, deliver and build with and educate within, the responsibilities and boundaries of that faith either safely or wisely. History is the greatest teacher of all and unfortunately, even as we speak, the words of religions have been and are being manipulated by malevolent spin doctors to assert their own control with words that teach of self control. They twist and turn words and their meanings into razor sharp weapons of war, using the true message of the seeds of creation and it's beautiful continuation, into a way and means to propagate perpetual fear and destruction. That is the involvement of man and it always has and will be. The message of a once truth can no more be plucked from the ancient intricate layers of mankind's interpretations than a bath can be filled with the grains of sand pinched from the tail of a whirlwind. Any person that fills that bath to what is a satisfactory level to them, has my respect, any person that then believes enough in their own skills and judgement to trust that truth lays in there, has my greatest respect of all.

 

I have met some truly wonderfully pure and beautiful people through my varied life but none, not one single one, would i trust to deliver the word and world of their god without (even subconsciously) succumbing to it sifting through certain filters. Filters of 'Reasoning' that the 'human condition' erect through our lives and our beings in order to either protect us or to allow us to profit beyond the boundaries set by our own consciences or equally so, to allow what to our core values, under the guise of 'survival' is an acceptable combination of the both.

 

I feel that i should add that i do indeed have a belief system, one that i have arrived at by my own means, one embracing my own values in the sanctity of life and of mother earth and nature, all kept in a/the perpetual balance of the universe...if that is a belief in God, then my answer is ''Yes i believe in God''

 

PS...although, having said that last sentence...over the years i have stumbled across various pagan belief systems which are surprisingly similar to my own. (...i readily admit that i'm an old hippy lol).

 

 

Blessings and balance to all...

 

..icey  

 

 

In pretty much all ways... That describes my position/view.

[Mangham54]

^^^ works for me...

 

Believe in what you like, just dont push it on others who dont want it (and even if they do want it, it might not be right for them)

 

And that also goes for the 'non-believers' who so far in this thread have been those who are 'keen to convert'.

 

[slindborg]

I comandeth theee to not believe in a magical fairy tale.... PS I'm off christmas shopping

[Ormes]

Do i believe in God?   I do not know why but i have resisted posting in this thread thus far but perhaps it is because it is an age old debate that invariably, inevitably, hurts or insults somebody somewhere and that is something that i do try my very best to avoid. Perhaps it is time to take the risk though and share my thoughts, hopefully, in a way that does not belittle, blaspheme or otherwise upset anybody in any way. My most sincere apologies to you if i do not manage to do this successfully and i hope for your forgiveness.   In My Very Humble Opinion...   ..a belief in God requires a belief and a trust, as well as an understanding, in and of the means that taught of his existence. Someone may of course be lucky enough to have met a talkative burning bush but should they have not been that lucky, then they will be at the mercy of someone else's original interpretation of the literatures and latterly, the unmolested delivery of those by yet others. This of course is not a guaranteed recipe for disaster but the sceptic in me does worry that the self profiting, greedy and untrustworthy core that, along with other traits (both good and bad) at the centre of a natural human need for self preservation, will discolour the very nature of the delivery of a religion to the uninitiated.   Of the religions i have seen/heard of, they all seem to be a very very good recipes for a harmonious society and the continuation of mankind. In general though, the same can not be said however (in my humble opinion) for the cooks preparing that recipe for consumption or, for that matter, the dining etiquette and pallet of their diners.   We all know...that in the end it comes down to 'Faith' but what i struggle with, is that i do not have 'faith' in mankind or more precisely, in mankind's ability to interpret, deliver and build with and educate within, the responsibilities and boundaries of that faith either safely or wisely. History is the greatest teacher of all and unfortunately, even as we speak, the words of religions have been and are being manipulated by malevolent spin doctors to assert their own control with words that teach of self control. They twist and turn words and their meanings into razor sharp weapons of war, using the true message of the seeds of creation and it's beautiful continuation, into a way and means to propagate perpetual fear and destruction. That is the involvement of man and it always has and will be. The message of a once truth can no more be plucked from the ancient intricate layers of mankind's interpretations than a bath can be filled with the grains of sand pinched from the tail of a whirlwind. Any person that fills that bath to what is a satisfactory level to them, has my respect, any person that then believes enough in their own skills and judgement to trust that truth lays in there, has my greatest respect of all.   I have met some truly wonderfully pure and beautiful people through my varied life but none, not one single one, would i trust to deliver the word and world of their god without (even subconsciously) succumbing to it sifting through certain filters. Filters of 'Reasoning' that the 'human condition' erect through our lives and our beings in order to either protect us or to allow us to profit beyond the boundaries set by our own consciences or equally so, to allow what to our core values, under the guise of 'survival' is an acceptable combination of the both.   I feel that i should add that i do indeed have a belief system, one that i have arrived at by my own means, one embracing my own values in the sanctity of life and of mother earth and nature, all kept in a/the perpetual balance of the universe...if that is a belief in God, then my answer is ''Yes i believe in God''   PS...although, having said that last sentence...over the years i have stumbled across various pagan belief systems which are surprisingly similar to my own. (...i readily admit that i'm an old hippy lol).     Blessings and balance to all...   ..icey

Well written buddy... sums it up for me in general too...

[KurtVerbose]

I do not know why but i have resisted posting in this thread thus far but perhaps it is because it is an age old debate that invariably, inevitably, hurts or insults somebody somewhere and that is something that i do try my very best to avoid. Perhaps it is time to take the risk though and share my thoughts, hopefully, in a way that does not belittle, blaspheme or otherwise upset anybody in any way. My most sincere apologies to you if i do not manage to do this successfully and i hope for your forgiveness.

 

I'm offended.

Why can't you capitalise your I's?

[iceman]

 

I do not know why but i have resisted posting in this thread thus far but perhaps it is because it is an age old debate that invariably, inevitably, hurts or insults somebody somewhere and that is something that i do try my very best to avoid. Perhaps it is time to take the risk though and share my thoughts, hopefully, in a way that does not belittle, blaspheme or otherwise upset anybody in any way. My most sincere apologies to you if i do not manage to do this successfully and i hope for your forgiveness.

 

I'm offended.

Why can't you capitalise your I's?

 

 

Lol....i assure  you that it is not by accident. I do not believe that i am important enough to warrant a capital (the lower case i in iceman is also intentional). I do apologise if 'i' offend you lol

[iceman]

 

Do i believe in God?   I do not know why but i have resisted posting in this thread thus far but perhaps it is because it is an age old debate that invariably, inevitably, hurts or insults somebody somewhere and that is something that i do try my very best to avoid. Perhaps it is time to take the risk though and share my thoughts, hopefully, in a way that does not belittle, blaspheme or otherwise upset anybody in any way. My most sincere apologies to you if i do not manage to do this successfully and i hope for your forgiveness.   In My Very Humble Opinion...   ..a belief in God requires a belief and a trust, as well as an understanding, in and of the means that taught of his existence. Someone may of course be lucky enough to have met a talkative burning bush but should they have not been that lucky, then they will be at the mercy of someone else's original interpretation of the literatures and latterly, the unmolested delivery of those by yet others. This of course is not a guaranteed recipe for disaster but the sceptic in me does worry that the self profiting, greedy and untrustworthy core that, along with other traits (both good and bad) at the centre of a natural human need for self preservation, will discolour the very nature of the delivery of a religion to the uninitiated.   Of the religions i have seen/heard of, they all seem to be a very very good recipes for a harmonious society and the continuation of mankind. In general though, the same can not be said however (in my humble opinion) for the cooks preparing that recipe for consumption or, for that matter, the dining etiquette and pallet of their diners.   We all know...that in the end it comes down to 'Faith' but what i struggle with, is that i do not have 'faith' in mankind or more precisely, in mankind's ability to interpret, deliver and build with and educate within, the responsibilities and boundaries of that faith either safely or wisely. History is the greatest teacher of all and unfortunately, even as we speak, the words of religions have been and are being manipulated by malevolent spin doctors to assert their own control with words that teach of self control. They twist and turn words and their meanings into razor sharp weapons of war, using the true message of the seeds of creation and it's beautiful continuation, into a way and means to propagate perpetual fear and destruction. That is the involvement of man and it always has and will be. The message of a once truth can no more be plucked from the ancient intricate layers of mankind's interpretations than a bath can be filled with the grains of sand pinched from the tail of a whirlwind. Any person that fills that bath to what is a satisfactory level to them, has my respect, any person that then believes enough in their own skills and judgement to trust that truth lays in there, has my greatest respect of all.   I have met some truly wonderfully pure and beautiful people through my varied life but none, not one single one, would i trust to deliver the word and world of their god without (even subconsciously) succumbing to it sifting through certain filters. Filters of 'Reasoning' that the 'human condition' erect through our lives and our beings in order to either protect us or to allow us to profit beyond the boundaries set by our own consciences or equally so, to allow what to our core values, under the guise of 'survival' is an acceptable combination of the both.   I feel that i should add that i do indeed have a belief system, one that i have arrived at by my own means, one embracing my own values in the sanctity of life and of mother earth and nature, all kept in a/the perpetual balance of the universe...if that is a belief in God, then my answer is ''Yes i believe in God''   PS...although, having said that last sentence...over the years i have stumbled across various pagan belief systems which are surprisingly similar to my own. (...i readily admit that i'm an old hippy lol).     Blessings and balance to all...   ..icey

Well written buddy... sums it up for me in general too...

 

 

Thank you very much  

[iceman]

 

Do i believe in God?

 

I do not know why but i have resisted posting in this thread thus far but perhaps it is because it is an age old debate that invariably, inevitably, hurts or insults somebody somewhere and that is something that i do try my very best to avoid. Perhaps it is time to take the risk though and share my thoughts, hopefully, in a way that does not belittle, blaspheme or otherwise upset anybody in any way. My most sincere apologies to you if i do not manage to do this successfully and i hope for your forgiveness.

 

In My Very Humble Opinion...

 

..a belief in God requires a belief and a trust, as well as an understanding, in and of the means that taught of his existence. Someone may of course be lucky enough to have met a talkative burning bush but should they have not been that lucky, then they will be at the mercy of someone else's original interpretation of the literatures and latterly, the unmolested delivery of those by yet others. This of course is not a guaranteed recipe for disaster but the sceptic in me does worry that the self profiting, greedy and untrustworthy core that, along with other traits (both good and bad) at the centre of a natural human need for self preservation, will discolour the very nature of the delivery of a religion to the uninitiated.

 

Of the religions i have seen/heard of, they all seem to be a very very good recipes for a harmonious society and the continuation of mankind. In general though, the same can not be said however (in my humble opinion) for the cooks preparing that recipe for consumption or, for that matter, the dining etiquette and pallet of their diners.

 

We all know...that in the end it comes down to 'Faith' but what i struggle with, is that i do not have 'faith' in mankind or more precisely, in mankind's ability to interpret, deliver and build with and educate within, the responsibilities and boundaries of that faith either safely or wisely. History is the greatest teacher of all and unfortunately, even as we speak, the words of religions have been and are being manipulated by malevolent spin doctors to assert their own control with words that teach of self control. They twist and turn words and their meanings into razor sharp weapons of war, using the true message of the seeds of creation and it's beautiful continuation, into a way and means to propagate perpetual fear and destruction. That is the involvement of man and it always has and will be. The message of a once truth can no more be plucked from the ancient intricate layers of mankind's interpretations than a bath can be filled with the grains of sand pinched from the tail of a whirlwind. Any person that fills that bath to what is a satisfactory level to them, has my respect, any person that then believes enough in their own skills and judgement to trust that truth lays in there, has my greatest respect of all.

 

I have met some truly wonderfully pure and beautiful people through my varied life but none, not one single one, would i trust to deliver the word and world of their god without (even subconsciously) succumbing to it sifting through certain filters. Filters of 'Reasoning' that the 'human condition' erect through our lives and our beings in order to either protect us or to allow us to profit beyond the boundaries set by our own consciences or equally so, to allow what to our core values, under the guise of 'survival' is an acceptable combination of the both.

 

I feel that i should add that i do indeed have a belief system, one that i have arrived at by my own means, one embracing my own values in the sanctity of life and of mother earth and nature, all kept in a/the perpetual balance of the universe...if that is a belief in God, then my answer is ''Yes i believe in God''

 

PS...although, having said that last sentence...over the years i have stumbled across various pagan belief systems which are surprisingly similar to my own. (...i readily admit that i'm an old hippy lol).

 

 

Blessings and balance to all...

 

..icey  

 

 

In pretty much all ways... That describes my position/view.

 

 

Nice to be sharing that same boat with you then good Sir  

[iceman]

^^^ works for me...

 

Believe in what you like, just dont push it on others who dont want it (and even if they do want it, it might not be right for them)

 

Happy to see that what i wrote works for you too, welcome aboard lol

 

Personally, i don't mind seeing a little 'push', if someone's belief system is strong enough that they feel compelled to share, then that is fine by me (i do the same when i find a good service centre or get a great deal) but the problem arises when that nudge becomes a push becomes a shove becomes...a problem. Restraint, empathy and a balanced compassionate understanding of the wants and needs of others, should be at the forefront of any credible religious belief system, so i'd hope to see anything above a gentle nudge taught as being unacceptable.

[oblomov]

Do i believe in God?

 

 

..a belief in God requires a belief and a trust, as well as an understanding, in and of the means that taught of his existence.
 

 

Therein lies the crux of the God problem. Religion itself as a vehicle for belief.

 

I would argue that for any religion to have credibility (in all senses) that it should meet certain criteria all of which can be covered by the term 'life supporting'. That is, any religion could be considered a genuine religion as opposed to simply a belief system masquerading as a religion. However genuine religions are also belief systems.

 

I would also argue that if there is a supreme being there must by definition be only one, therefore all genuine religions must be different expressions of the same ultimate reality.

 

The following criteria would seem to me to be essential in the definition of a genuine religion; so, in no particular order and tautologically inclusive:

• Ahimsa as an overarching principle that is repeated below.

• Compassion toward others.

• Respect for the religious beliefs and customs of others.

• Doing no harm to others.

• The acceptance of all other races as equal.

• Forgiveness. I would qualify this by saying that such forgiveness is not the bestowed forgiveness of any perceived God, but rather the forgiveness of man towards man.

This brings us to very the origin of any religion and that usually, (but not always) stems from a single teacher and that teacher is invariably 'enlightened' in a spiritual sense. Enlightenment in this sense is a very interesting concept as it refers to someone who has in some way transcended the normal understanding of the phenomenal world and has become 'one' with the underlying reality that supports all existence. So, do/did these 'enlightened' people really have a genuine experience or were they just delusional?

 

In the Hindu, Buddhist and Jain religions, the pursuit of 'enlightenment' is the very purpose of man's existence. Christ was enlightened. Buddha was 'enlightened' Hinduism has a long tradition of 'enlightened' individuals such as Ramana Mahrshi https://en.wikipedia...Ramana_Maharshi

 

In the present climate Islam merits a special mention. I'm not sure where the Prophet Mohamed comes in relation to enlightenment, but, the Sufi Mystics http://http://www.ag..._mysticism.html certainly believed it was possible to have a direct experience of God. When correctly interpreted Islam teaches that the rights of all should be protected, that individuals of all belief systems should be allowed to hold and convey their opinions without the threat or intimidation. Apostasy is man's invention not God's, as a form of control, and is not part of Islam. And, interestingly Mohammed said

"There will come a time upon the people when nothing will remain of Islam except its name only and nothing will remain of the Qur'an except its inscription. Their mosques will be splendidly furnished but destitute of guidance. Their divines will be the worst people under the heaven and strife will issue from and avert to them." (Mishkat, Kitab al-'Ilm; Kanz al-'Ummal, 6:43).

 

The point I'm making is that underlying all religion of value is an alleged universal truth, an alleged reality which though it exists is beyond the understanding of ordinary men, but has nevertheless allegedly been revealed to a few 'worthy' individuals. This 'understanding' is theoretically available to anyone who has sufficient desire for it.

 

All religious texts emanating from an 'enlightened' teacher are a 'map' of how to get 'there'. This, is where all problems arise. If you can't read/understand the map, you end up in the wrong place. Then there are those (many) who for selfish reasons start by deciding where they want 'there' to be and then, deliberately manipulate and misread the map for their own ends.

 

Edited by oblomov, 09 December 2015 - 10:00 PM.

[casino]

Well everyone's happy. We all understand each other and know not to cross anyone's moral/religious values. Happy happy joy joy. So just to be clear, not wanting to sit on any fence, any halfway house.. Yep I believe in God. I believe He exists both down here and up in heaven. Now I'm happy too. Just like everyone else. Oh and a very merry Christmas to everyone. Whatever you do or don't believe.

[KurtVerbose]

Too you too Pete.

[ghand]

Spent a night watching Jans brother die an horrific death in hospital from lung cancer two days after the funeral of her mother who also suffered a very long time.When you see someone take a last breath and become free from months and months of suffering and pain at last then it gets you thinking and I did think while holding his hand and putting his oxygen mask back on every time he tried to rip it off , Do I believe in God ? do I fcuk and if he did exist he's nothing but a bastard in my view. Just had my Athiest views reinforced yet again 👍. The worst bit is I will now sit in a church and listen to a vicar telling me how great and loving and wonderfull this God is. Oh yes him that created cancer, Lukemea and Ebloa and so on for a laugh, What did they do to deserve that from this God ? Just the same as the youngster who played in my garden with my youngster who this God decided needed killing off with Lukemea despite all the prayers from hundreds in our church at the time,the reason I now think it's a joke. Made up crap to help some people deal with life and then death. Happy Christmas to you also fella, We will have to agree to disagree for ever I think 👍🙂 I do hope I meet this God of yours so I can tell him what I think of him before he sends me to burn for being such a bad bastard 😂

[KurtVerbose]

He did all that to test your faith. You failed the test.

 

I failed much sooner on the basic logic that a god exists, so he didn't have to put anyone close to me through an horrible death to test my faith.

 

Sorry to hear about your experience.

Edited by KurtVerbose, 10 December 2015 - 10:06 AM.

[ghand]

He did all that to test your faith. You failed the test.   I failed much sooner on the basic logic that a god exists, so he didn't have to put anyone close to me through an horrible death to test my faith.   Sorry to hear about your experience.

Thanks 👍 and I forgot about the "testing faith" bit oh and the " Gods will" bit that's the normal get out clause for all the sh*t we get.