How Do You Choose What To Believe?

[Atheist]

Theland, how do you choose? If it's the voice of God, then you don't have a choice. But if you have a mind, then you can choose. How do you choose?

[Khandro]

Two points raised by the concept of an expanding universe; 1. It must (?), at some point have all been in the same location and 2. What is it expanding in to?

[Old_Geezer]

It's not expanding into anything. It's just creating more space between everything contained in it.

[Khandro]

That's the raisins in the fruit-loaf theory isn't it? viz. The raisins are expanding away from each other, but are still within the loaf.
I don't buy that because the baked loaf takes up more space in the oven than when it started!

Even the expansion itself is challenged;

https://www.edge.org/response-detail/11392

[Old_Geezer]

All good theories need to be challenged.

Baked loaf: there's proof that comparisons fail if taken too far. Loaf doesn't create new space so it can't be taken literally as an explanation. (In fact no comparison should be taken literally, they are just an aid to understanding.) One has to grasp the concept of new space being created. That makes things further apart without any universe limit moving into anywhere. (If it helps try to think of everything shrinking rather than the universe expanding.)

[Theland]

Articulating what I choose to believe usually invites savage rants from some, and mockery from others.
Being a believer is usually seen as an opportunity for some to express their superiority, at the believers expense.
I too follow the evidence.

[andy-hughes]

Theland - // Articulating what I choose to believe usually invites savage rants from some, and mockery from others. //

Actually, those reactions are created by you, and your persistent need to patronise, criticise, belittle, and then walk away sighing that you occupy a world with no-one else who understands it like you do.

It has little to do with what you believe, and everything to do with the way you express it.

[nailit]

Theland,
//I too follow the evidence//

No you don't. You follow theological speculation.
Where is the evidence of a magical fruit tree that causes no end of disasters (everything from earthquakes to cancer) for the offspring of those who eat from it?
Where is the evidence for talking, walking snakes?
Where is the evidence that ALL life came into existence at the same time?
There isn't any, but you believe it anyway. Personally got no problem with you believing whatever you want, but please don't say that you follow evidence when you don't, what you follow is belief and doctrine. (the very same things that you accuse atheists/evolutionists/non-believers of)

[nailit]

//It has little to do with what you believe, and everything to do with the way you express it.//
^^ couldn't have put it better myself.

Theland, you do come across at times as dogmatic as those that you oppose and then going off on a strop when questioned or pulled up on why you fail to answer questions (or completely ignore)
And You Tube vids are never convincing...

[Mamyalynne]

I grew into being the me I am in a combination of ways - parental guidance, school and life in general, my beliefs evolved from there.

I always knew I wanted to be the best person I could be and that will do for me.

[nailit]

//I always knew I wanted to be the best person I could be and that will do for me//
And Im sure that is a human trait Mamy (Hands up those of us who don't want to be the best that we can be)
Its just the way that we express that, that causes problems I think...

[Baldric]

I don't, I couldn't care less tbh.

[Mamyalynne]

Did my best, could have worded it better.

[nailit]

//Did my best, could have worded it better//
Nowt wrong with how you worded it Mamy.
Well said I thought. ;-)

[nailit]

//I don't, I couldn't care less tbh.//
Don't bother replying then. Simples.
Why bother replying saying that you couldn't care less? Duh!
Unreal! Bored much?

[Baldric]

Nailit, you asked a question, I answered it, what on Earth is your problem, fallen off the wagon again?

[Theland]

Nailit - "YouTube vids are never convincing . . ."
Really? Cutting edge scientists post on there.
But they don't convince you, because?
That's you being dogmatic with no evidence. Yes?

[Theland]

"Magic fruit tree and talking snakes . . . ."
That begins ant discussion at the kindergarten level.
But of course, you never tire of showcasing your self proclaimed superiority do you?

[nailit]

//Nailit, you asked a question//
What question did I ask?
I was ANSWERING a question. And (hopefully) trying to have a discussion.
Having a discussion with someone who interjects with
//I don't, I couldn't care less tbh//
Isnt conductive to a meaningful discussion is it?

[nailit]

//Nailit - "YouTube vids are never convincing . . ."
Really? Cutting edge scientists post on there//

You arnt really trying to tell me Theland that You Tube is the Truth Incarnate?
Theres 'cutting edge' scientists telling you all sorts of bull sh 8t.
If you really believe everything that you view on you tube is 'gospel' then there is no hope of a serious discussion!

[nailit]

//"Magic fruit tree and talking snakes . . . ."
That begins ant discussion at the kindergarten level.//

Take it up a level then.
Only quoting from your own Bible!