Importance of God?

[stoogmeister]

Even if God does exist, should we really care? Does it matter? Why should we obey 'him'?

[doristwonk]

It seems to me that if God does exist, and he is as omnipotent, allseeing and has the universal powers ascribed to him, then he must have made us in such a way as suited him, and therefore what ever we do must have been determined by him completley without our knowledge or aquiescence. This therefore makes me realise what a lot of opportunistic carpet bagger and freeloaders the clergy are. The are simply selling "insurance" against a cicumstance that they have invented purely to be able to sell insurance! This applies to all the religions that have "salvation", and my how well the clergy have done out of it.

[doristwonk]

I should have pointed out that, God or no God, the rules of civilisation demand that each and every member of society should be able to carry on their lives peacefully and without any form of harm or interference emanating from any other member of society. Just how the politicians see this is another matter, they are just as much in the carpet bagging business as the clergy, but unfortunately the clergy have helped them to brutalise civilisation by holding the populace in the "meek" waiting to "inherit the earth" position.

[Fluffyudders]

Whatever role God has intended for us, we are obviously meant to get on with by ourselves, otherwise he would make his existance slightly more obvious. I agree with doristwonk about the clergy, I think that organised religion is merely a form of control through fear. My own personal belief is that the point of life is to believe in God of your own free will, to come to believing in him despite his absence and without the 'aid' of religion. But then I'm strange.

[Nelli]

The way I see it is that, God isn't ordering us to "obey him, or go to hell". It is more like "If you abide by my teachings, you will be enlightened". So it's more than just believing, I suppose you could say it's not like some big 'Life assurance scam' it's as though God can help you as long as you learn from his teachings. Sorry people it's 8:50 and haven't had enough coffee to find my words yet. Hope this kinda makes sense.

[coggles]

Fluffyudders, I couldn't have said it better myself.

[coggles]

Oh, sorry, I don't mean you're strange! I agree with your answer. So, does that mean we are both strange....?!!!!

[dave_in_cw]

There's a great series of books on the subject called "Conversations With God" by Neil Donald Walsh. Also that film "Leap of Faith" with Steve Martin I found quite entertaining. I must agree that the clergy have been mostly a bunch of hypocritical scam artists! To hell with them! Stoog, if God does exist, maybe he/she/it would not want you to obey anything.

[doristwonk]

Ask yourself this. Why did an all seeing, all powerful, omnipotent being need to create creatures "to do his work/will/etc"? He could have done everything himself to perfection. If God (supposing he exists) had wanted creatures to praise him and make a big fuss of him then surely he would have made them to do just that and made them so that they would do it without question. He also would, being omnipotent, be there to tell each one personally what to do, instead of relying on some set of prats to concoct a rule book that is about as much use as a Haynes manual, and contains even more errors and 'orrors. (The Haynes manual however only makes monetary demands for the initial puchase.)

[answerbankin]

i dont believe that god exists and im not religious at all, i dont need it, i just live my life the way i want, but not at the expense of others. i dont need to be told whats right and wrong and what i should and shouldnt do, but i can understand that some people are weak and may need guidance by believing in god and following religous teachings.

[doristwonk]

The reason that some people are weak and need guidance is the fault of society. The lack of suitable high profile effective role models. Moses had this problem, which is why he shot up the mountain and came back with his 10 commandments (rules for civilised living together in harmony). What we need is more honest, worthy leaders that people can look up to, but what have we got? Dont answer that. Go and have a look at www.angelfire.com/realm3/accord. You may find it interesting, if not slightly revolutionary.

[Greedyfly]

I have never believed in God & I very much doubt I ever will. It just seem's to me that this world is too cruel for any 'higher force' to have created it. I admit there are many good things in life and the world but... sometimes you just wonder why it is the way it is.

[answerbok]

freewill and destiny; you get a bit of both; it's like you're on a train. You can move about where you want on the train, freewill. [but woe betide you if you upset a guard or fellow passenger or fall out the window.] However you can't control the route, destiny. God is the driver, so to speak, so have fun on the train but don't fret too much about where it's going because it's unstoppable. And the communication cord? Not figured that into the analogy yet; and thoughts of Hijack? not figured that either; maybe it's a cr�p analogy. but you get my drift.. :-)