Posted by Deneb on August 7, 2005, at 15:30:21
In reply to Re: Religious friends and my unease » Deneb, posted by Dena on August 7, 2005, at 14:23:17
> How can you know you're an atheist (to be against faith in God), when you claim that you don't know much about religions (which are mankind's attempts to reach God)?
> I guess, in order to be an atheist, you should know what it is you don't want any part of...
Hmmm...I'm not against faith in God, that is, I'm not opposed to it in any way. I guess I think I'm an atheist because I don't believe there is/are a God or gods/spirits/souls etc. My skeptcism applies to all areas in my life and not just faith. I know that faith can be very comforting to many people and I know I am missing out on something potentially beneficial, but I just don't believe things until I have evidence and even then there is always the potential the evidence was wrong/misleading.
I really do need to learn more about religions though, I should read some religious texts etc. to understand others better. It will also help whenever religious references are made in books and elsewhere. :-)
I have nothing against religion, in fact, I think it is a very good thing for some people. Recently I told a friend that I will pray for him if he believes in God. I will pray for other people even though I am an atheist because some people will be comforted by friends who pray for them. I guess to me it is not really about communication with God, it is about wishing people well.
> One book that I've recommended to my atheist friends (or agnostic, as most of them actually were) is "Finding Faith" by Brian McLaren... an easy-to-read, unoffensive, honest search for faith in God...
Sounds interesting, I might read it when I have some time. I also need an Idiots' guide to the Bible and other religious texts if you know of any. :-)
> He wrote it for those who are searching, but not sure what they're searching FOR.Right now I'm just searching for new experiences, knowledge and fun times. :-)
Thanks DenaP.S. You posted the wrong Amazon link, but I corrected it above. :-)
poster:Deneb
thread:538674
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faith/20050510/msgs/538737.html