I wish that I had a Faith

Mollygo

If you have, or do not have a faith, and don’t skit, or rudely describe the faith of others, or dismiss other’s choice to have or not to have a faith what’s wrong with that?

If you choose to have or not to have a faith but do skit or rudely describe the faith of others or dismiss other’s choice to have or not have a faith, that says more about you than anything else.

Agreed, but only if. If those with faith don't impose it on us, and our legal system, re homosexuality, the choice to die if suffering unbearably, abortion, and so much more.

As long as people keep their faith private, and don't want to impose it on the rest of us, on the education of our children and our own private lives.

It's certainly a truism that there is no scientific proof that "God" exists, but it's also true that many famous scientists have believed in one, including Albert Einstein. By definition, the absence of proof requires "faith" to underpin such beliefs, so to suggest that lack of proof somehow undermines that, misses the essential nature of faith itself. I was brought up in a strict Catholic family, an experience which in later years has dissuaded me from following any organised religion. Nevertheless, I do believe that there is "something" beyond this mortal coil, but as I obviously can't prove that, I guess I do have a faith of a certain kind, albeit rather undefined.

Being gay wasn’t mentioned above. As I said, the moral law still applies. The prohibition on gay sex (not ‘being gay’) is part of the moral law, is repeated in the New Testament, and still applies.

Albert Einstein did not believe in God.

Quote from Einstein from 1954:

It was, of course, a lie what you read about my religious convictions, a lie which is being systematically repeated. I do not believe in a personal God and I have never denied this but have expressed it clearly. If something is in me which can be called religious then it is the unbounded admiration for the structure of the world so far as our science can reveal it.

Germanshepherdsmum

Maybe they wish to spend more time with their family.

I think that’s true of many Christians. If I was the only one involved, I’d be very happy to die now. But I have adult children who are still young, and an elderly mother, and they need my support. So overall I don’t want to die yet.

Lots of people don’t believe in God. Are we supposed to be impressed that Einstein was one of them (as we knew)?

Germanshepherdsmum

Lots of people don’t believe in God. Are we supposed to be impressed that Einstein was one of them (as we knew)?

Not, not impressed as such. Just to understand that when someone says Einstein believed in God (*Nanadana*, 17:11), they are incorrect. As are you GSM, when you say that is something we knew. Obviously some of us didn't.

Probably best to read every post before you start to try to pick holes in another posters comments and views.

I am very content to be agnostic…

Skye17

Being gay wasn’t mentioned above. As I said, the moral law still applies. The prohibition on gay sex (not ‘being gay’) is part of the moral law, is repeated in the New Testament, and still applies.

So why doesn't the Anglican Church still condemn homosexuality and gay mariage (which does involve sex)?

Fleurpepper You’d have to ask the C of E leaders who want to change things. My guess is they either think that other things matter more than what the Bible says, or they adopt strained interpretations to make the Bible say what they would like it to say. (However, there are theologians who are in favour of same-sex marriage, both Christian and non-Christian ones, who say that the Bible does forbid gay sex.)

There are probably as many, or even more, ways of beign a Christian, as ways of being a Muslim.

I had an overdose of the Baptist faith as a child.
If I wasn't going to church it was prayer meetings and Billy Graham rallies .
I started to find the Pastor from our church overwhelming .
He disapproved of my having Cathloic , Jewish and Muslim friends and my free thinking .
Fortunately, my grandma sided with me .

But my faith has never left me .

I read the bible and pray .
I pray several times a times a day .

A couple of years ago, I annoyed the vicar of our C of E church .
And I had a huge discussion about Islam with one of my Muslim friends yesterday - so I haven't changed !

Faith should be a private matter- and not have an influence on the education of our kids, our Laws and Government. I am happy to respect all my family and friends who are religious, coming from so many different backgrounds in Christianity, Judaism or indeed Islam- which have the same roots. And others who are Hindus or Buddhists, or Jains, or .... as long as they don't expect my life to be influenced by their faith.

Have you thought of going to a Quaker meeting FannyCornforth?

No creeds, no expectations laid upon you. That doesn't mean some of them don't have very strongly-held views but you aren't required to follow them. The emphasis is very much on personal spirituality. An hour of stillness on a Sunday morning – it can be a bit unsettling if you're not used to it but the idea is to empty your head of distractions and see what comes to you.

I'm not trying to sell something here. I used to be a Quaker but for personal reasons I have distanced myself from them, and it's true that some individuals can be a bit up their own backsides but you can find ways of dealing with them. In the past Quakers were helpful in helping me finding my own way through difficult times.

Franbern

I most definitely do not 'envy' people who have a faith in supernatural beings, gods, etc. Feel rather sorry for them. They have been unable to properly grow up and become adults.

When my children were young they believed in Fatrher Christmas, Tooth Fairy, etc. etc. When I was young I desperately wanted Peter Pan to fly in through my bedroom window, along with Tinkerbell!!!

By secondary school age, nobody had to tell me or my children (or in later times my g.children) that this was all childhood fantasy - thwir own common sense and edcucation opened up their world to understand that.

As a totally atheistic family, we can enjoy any of the 'religious; celebrations which involve food and parties. ll of us at very mixed ages are totally happy with having no religious 'faith',

Never felt any need of one, We have One Life, Let's live it to the full.

No need to feel sorry for me Franbern.

Obviously being an atheist doesn’t lead you to being tolerant of others or showing some respect for others with thoughts that differ from your own. Being sarcastic is not necessarily an enviable trait in anyone with faith or otherwise.

Well said, Doodle. For anyone to suggest that those who have faith "have been unable to grow up and become proper adults" is not only appallingly rude, it displays a hurtful personality trait which is both immature and unattractive.

Oh dear, now I am immature as well as unatttactive. AND rude!!!! Just because I wrote how I feel Who says that Truth is good!!!! Oh dear, perhaps I should just give up and withdraw from society!!!!

I AM very tolerant of people with different faiths. Indeed, I would say that some of my close friends regularly go to Church, Synagogue, Mosque, etc. Good Luck to them, their choice, and at least, they live in a place where this is totally acceptable. Cannot help my feelings of slight amusement at (to me) this strange wish to have some sort of higher being controlling their lives.

I cannot say I have respect for these believes, I think they are very wrong, so why should I 'respect' that?. I never put them down, indeed I rarely discuss faith with any of them. But I do not hide my own humanitarism.

I started this thread almost two years ago.

And it’s been regularly popping up now and again for all of that time.

I’ve really enjoyed reading other’s thoughts on their faiths; and, also thoughts from those, who, like me have a lack of a real faith.

There has never been any nastiness on the thread until yesterday.

It would be a real shame if it continues in this way.

Hi Fanny ,

Sorry , I didn't realise that it such an old post !
I think that the Quaker Church might be right for you .
I'm really sorry about the nastiness .
I thought of you yesterday and I remembered you in my prayers .
God Bless .

Franbern. “I am tolerant” “ I never put them down”. Obviously you do not speak your Truths to your friends. You save your thoughts for mocking those on GN. You also have a strange idea of tolerance.

Of course you have your opinions but is it necessary to share them in such an unpleasant way. Is it not enough to say I am an atheist if you have to make a comment at all.

Be amused as much as you like but I think your post says more about you than any comments I make.

Interested to hear what people have to say about paganism? What about the white witches? Druids etc? They have a lot to say about saving the planet and looking after nature. I have a few pagan friends and tbh they are so peaceful and kind and caring. So, what is religion really all about?

Thank you Esmay what a lovely thing to say

And for Doodle, just because

LRavenscroft I’d be interested to hear from pagans too, I am very drawn to that way of thinking.
My late maternal grandmother was very pagan-y (although she probably didn’t realise it -though I must have mentioned it).
She had the biggest love for, and understanding of, nature in anyone I have ever known.
I’m extremely fortunate that she taught me a lot.

Shall I start a Pagan thread?

Indeed it must be a consolation to believe Almighty Providence controls human affairs. But that belief is a cop out. It's the prerogative of adult humans to take responsibility for their actions and beliefs.

FannyCornforth

Thank you Esmay what a lovely thing to say

And for Doodle, just because

LRavenscroft I’d be interested to hear from pagans too, I am very drawn to that way of thinking.
My late maternal grandmother was very pagan-y (although she probably didn’t realise it -though I must have mentioned it).
She had the biggest love for, and understanding of, nature in anyone I have ever known.
I’m extremely fortunate that she taught me a lot.

Shall I start a Pagan thread?

I am in the process of reading the books by Elizabeth Goudge and she is very nature orientated in her writings of the first half of 20th century with a lot of folklore thrown in for good measure. JJR Tolkien also embraced a land of mythical beasts. Both had deep Christian faiths but it did not stop them exploring alternatives in their writings. I stand with them.

A pagan thread would be a great starter.

What did they used to say about politics and religion? Neither should be ever be discussed.
I don’t necessarily believe that but both subjects are certainly divisive.