Popular Post XenoFish Posted November 7, 2017 Popular Post #1 Share Posted November 7, 2017 A lot of the time in the section. Threads often end up in a war between belief and disbelief. I want to turn this on it's head with a few questions. I do not intend for this do devolve into a flame war between believers and nonbelievers, but to ask a few honest questions. What kind of person are you because of your beliefs? How does your beliefs affect your lives? Have they made life better? Worse? This goes to both the atheist and theist (even pantheist) out there. 12 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Will Due Posted November 7, 2017 #2 Share Posted November 7, 2017 How about you answer your questions first. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XenoFish Posted November 7, 2017 Author #3 Share Posted November 7, 2017 11 minutes ago, XenoFish said: What kind of person are you because of your beliefs? I have progressively become a better and more grounded person because of my beliefs. How does your beliefs affect your lives? It doesn't change much, just my view of things. Have they made life better? Worse? Definite improvement. I don't take much as serious as I used to. Nor am I held up to some unobtainable standard. Your turn. 9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I'mConvinced Posted November 7, 2017 #4 Share Posted November 7, 2017 14 minutes ago, XenoFish said: What kind of person are you because of your beliefs? Just a human being on the spectrum. Principally non-violent, friendly, sociable and generous to a point. I am also fully aware that I am only like this because of my privilege and position. How does your beliefs affect your lives? It has freed me. I feel no guilt about who I am or what purpose I serve. This doesn't mean I don't have questions or seek answers, I am just acceptant that I'll never know the 'truth' as it is beyond the limits of humans to know. Have they made life better? Worse? I can't answer this. Sometimes I wonder if the comfort taken by those with blind faith is desirable. Ignorance really can be bliss...but it's also ignorance. What I can tell you for sure is, whether you have faith or not, your mental health is separate to those beliefs and the most important factor in leading a happy life. 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post +Nuclear Wessel Posted November 7, 2017 Popular Post #5 Share Posted November 7, 2017 (edited) Quote What kind of person are you because of your beliefs? I'm not really sure as to how to address this, for a couple of reasons: a.) I don't know what kind of person I am. I have been labeled many things in my life--"kind", "pleasant", "generous", "funny", "warm", "helpful", "manipulative", "selfish", "cold", "repulsive", etc. Pretty much any derogatory or positive term you can think of to describe a person, I have been called likely at least once. b.) How would I know that I am this kind of person because of my beliefs? It's difficult to know for sure. Sorry if that seems nitpicky, btw. I just can't seem to come up with a good answer for this one. Quote How does your beliefs affect your lives? I lack a belief in a god. Does this affect my life? Sure. My parents generally feel uncomfortable talking about god with me (or anything to do with gods in general) because I simply don't share the beliefs that they do. Going to church is out of the question, as is attending funerals. I don't attend funerals, to me they are pointless--I grieve in my own way, and I find it awkward to be in the presence of individuals who are overcome with negative emotions. I'm grieving enough--I don't need to share that with the world. Quote Have they made life better? Worse? On the whole, I think my belief--rather, lack thereof--has encouraged me to live this one life as best as I possibly can. I have 30% lung function--I only walk this road once, so I am doing every little thing in my power to make my life as comfortable as possible... much moreso in the last few months. I have worked myself up to jogging 1.55km (my current max, just achieved today), I have started to be very proactive about my financial situation (i.e. working very hard towards achieving good marks in my classes so as to improve my chances at receiving a positive review when I apply for jobs), etc. I'm really trying to turn these negative things in my life into positive things because I only get to live this life once. It is beautiful, it is precious. To be able to look at those points of light is nothing short of amazing; the thought of those points of light being galaxies, comprised of billions of stars that may be orbited by planets with intelligence that have their own social structures, languages, technologies, etc... who may even be looking at the point of light--the galaxy we belong to--is amazing to me. I only get to experience this once, as do we all... and I am going to ensure that I do it as comfortably as possible. I don't know if it's better or worse than having beliefs... I will never know. Edited November 7, 2017 by Nuclear Wessel 10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sees Posted November 7, 2017 #6 Share Posted November 7, 2017 1 hour ago, XenoFish said: A lot of the time in the section. Threads often end up in a war between belief and disbelief. I want to turn this on it's head with a few questions. I do not intend for this do devolve into a flame war between believers and nonbelievers, but to ask a few honest questions. What kind of person are you because of your beliefs? I don't consider positive thinking a belief - it's a focus, just as dwelling on negativity is. I have a positive mindset. If you ask those that know me what kind of person I am the most common description would be caring. How does your beliefs affect your lives? Having a positive mindset affects my life profoundly for the better! I am able to turn negatives around, i.e. find a positive direction from them now - it may be something small but it is sufficient to prevent needless misery/prolonged suffering. Have they made life better? Worse? Answered above This goes to both the atheist and theist (even pantheist) out there. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Illyrius Posted November 7, 2017 #7 Share Posted November 7, 2017 (edited) 1 hour ago, XenoFish said: What kind of person are you because of your beliefs? I think my beliefs make a positive impact upon me. I try to think as life as only one as stations along the cosmic journey. I also think about the principle of Karma alot, or in the words of the Bible "you shall reap as you soweth" or something like that. Not too much in Bible so probably it is not a correct phrase but the sense is I think recognizable. I think my beliefs also make me more curious because they are opened to any sort of investigation.. don't know what else to say. It is inspirational in some strange way but I can't describe it with words so easily. 1 hour ago, XenoFish said: How does your beliefs affect your lives? I make statues of mythological creatures. 1 hour ago, XenoFish said: Have they made life better? Worse? I have to pay for the clay to make statues. But it is fun. So better. +++++ Excellent topic by the way Edited November 7, 2017 by Mr. Argon 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Illyrius Posted November 7, 2017 #8 Share Posted November 7, 2017 Though this topic at first sight doesnt have a "vs" nature I would like it to stay on this section of the forum. It is interesting this way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XenoFish Posted November 7, 2017 Author #9 Share Posted November 7, 2017 4 minutes ago, Mr. Argon said: Though this topic at first sight doesnt have a "vs" nature I would like it to stay on this section of the forum. It is interesting this way. The point of this thread is for those who wish to reply to really ask themselves those questions. Our beliefs affect how we perceive things. So depending on the belief what effect does it have on you and your life. In a way you can ask yourself, "Is this good for me?" 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Illyrius Posted November 7, 2017 #10 Share Posted November 7, 2017 1 minute ago, XenoFish said: The point of this thread is for those who wish to reply to really ask themselves those questions. Our beliefs affect how we perceive things. So depending on the belief what effect does it have on you and your life. In a way you can ask yourself, "Is this good for me?" Sounds fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guyver Posted November 8, 2017 #11 Share Posted November 8, 2017 2 hours ago, XenoFish said: A lot of the time in the section. Threads often end up in a war between belief and disbelief. I want to turn this on it's head with a few questions. I do not intend for this do devolve into a flame war between believers and nonbelievers, but to ask a few honest questions. What kind of person are you because of your beliefs? How does your beliefs affect your lives? Have they made life better? Worse? Maybe a more difficult question than it seems on the surface. I guess I'd call myself a theist, though I'm not completely familiar with the term except in the most basic sense. The problem with answering the question "what kind of person are you" is.....in comparison to what? Everybody else? Now I've got a subjective value judgment to make. No insult, I'm sure you mean the questions in a straightforward manner, and I'm probably making it more complicated than it needs to be. I'd say, well as people go, I'm pretty good.....but serial killers are people so.....yeah....in comparison to a serial killer - I'm an angel. People can be alot of things, and I do respect the notion of self-reflection and mindfulness....these are positive. To be as direct as possible......I'm the kind of person who believes in leaving this place better than I found it. Have my beliefs affected my life for better or worse? I don't really know, and I don't even really know what I believe. I do believe that life sucks - but can also be quite incredible at times.. So....I guess that's a long winded way of saying, I have no clue. But I'm not clueless. Oh shizer - I'll just be quiet now. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Illyrius Posted November 8, 2017 #12 Share Posted November 8, 2017 5 minutes ago, Guyver said: To be as direct as possible......I'm the kind of person who believes in leaving this place better than I found it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Illyrius Posted November 8, 2017 #13 Share Posted November 8, 2017 (edited) 1 hour ago, sees said: don't consider positive thinking a belief - it's a focus, just as dwelling on negativity is. Yes. I would agree with this. My belief also makes me feel more connected to Cosmos as i consider everything in it as alive (though on a different level of counsciousness). And everything is consciousness, only on different levels (vibrations) so to speak. This gives me a sense of Devotion. Edited November 8, 2017 by Mr. Argon 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XenoFish Posted November 8, 2017 Author #14 Share Posted November 8, 2017 16 minutes ago, Guyver said: The problem with answering the question "what kind of person are you" is.....in comparison to what? Everybody else? Now I've got a subjective value judgment to make. What kind of person are you because of them? Perhaps I should've worded it better. Fault may be on me with that one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tcgram Posted November 8, 2017 #15 Share Posted November 8, 2017 3 hours ago, XenoFish said: What kind of person are you because of your beliefs? I am a more compassionate person, I tend to want to see good in everyone. 3 hours ago, XenoFish said: How does your beliefs affect your lives? I draw strength from my belief to deal with all that happens in my life. Self realization that we are all mortal and this life will end. Have they made life better? Worse? My faith has made my life better, it has filled an emptiness which I carried with me for many years. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mysticwerewolf Posted November 8, 2017 #16 Share Posted November 8, 2017 What kind of person are you because of your beliefs? > I I am definitely NOT the religious type, I don't believe in god or the devil( most of the time), but I do not force my beliefs or lack thereof on anyone else. How does your beliefs affect your lives? >' my life could be better... a whole lot better, but I don't believe that has anything too do with my beliefs. Have they made life better? Worse? > I really can't answer this one I have never been able to step into some ones life and live that life for a time to see what the difference is. This goes to both the atheist and theist (even pantheist) out there.> I believe that there has to be something out there beyond what I know, but what???? most likely we are all nothing more than the 'kibbles and bits' or 'cat chow' of some other reality. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Walker Posted November 8, 2017 #17 Share Posted November 8, 2017 13 hours ago, XenoFish said: A lot of the time in the section. Threads often end up in a war between belief and disbelief. I want to turn this on it's head with a few questions. I do not intend for this do devolve into a flame war between believers and nonbelievers, but to ask a few honest questions. What kind of person are you because of your beliefs? How does your beliefs affect your lives? Have they made life better? Worse? This goes to both the atheist and theist (even pantheist) out there. There are so many ways I could answer this. I will go for the most basic. I believe in my self, and in humanity. I think these two things go together. Because i believe in myself and like my self, it s easier to believe in all humans and to like them, given that we are all much the same. This has made me optimistic, forward looking, positive and trusting. It means that I LIKE who I am, and i like almost every person I meet in life. I speak to a dozen new people everyday, (generally down the street now that i am no longer working) and strike up a conversation with them about something, because i like, trust, and find them interesting No one has EVER been rude, abrupt, or unpleasant. They have meant my life has been extremely happy, content, "successful" etc They (belief in self and humanity) have meant that I believe I can do anything i want to do, and can change the world in significant ways. And because i believed, I did I can't judge what my life might have been like without these beliefs, because i have had them since infancy However, i do not know of any ways in which my life might be have been any significantly better, or improved, form what it has been, so i suspect they have made it better 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GlitterRose Posted November 8, 2017 #18 Share Posted November 8, 2017 I guess you wouldn't call it a staunch belief. It's more of a hope, really...or a feeling, that there's more than this. I think it does comfort me to think of neverending light and all of us being a part of it at some point. Even if that just makes my death experience less traumatic, it's a win. As for guiding my life, I think the Golden Rule is a great guiding principle, and could still be divinely inspired regardless of whether or not the Christ figure is an archetype. 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Podo Posted November 8, 2017 #19 Share Posted November 8, 2017 What kind of person are you because of your beliefs? Pretty calm. I don't react to things emotionally, and do everything I can to minimize how much my feelings influence my day to day life. How does your beliefs affect your lives? I don't jump to conclusions. I don't believe stuff unless it can be proven. I don't apply sentimentality to material things, and rarely even to people. I don't grow attached to ideas or concepts. I do not see our lives or our very existences as notable or special in any way, which allows me to enjoy my existence that much more. Have they made life better? Worse? Better. It's a lot of emotional effort to care about everything and everyone around you, to give weight to the opinions of others, to grow attached to things and ideas. It's much easier to simply...not. I have limited amount of ****s to give, and now I can allocate them to the few things I do care about, rather than wasting cycles on things that I do not. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ozymandias Posted November 9, 2017 #20 Share Posted November 9, 2017 On 07/11/2017 at 9:00 PM, XenoFish said: What kind of person are you because of your beliefs? Although reared in a religion I rarely attend church. I'm a Christian who believes in 'doing unto others as I would like them to do unto me'. How does your beliefs affect your lives? They have educated my conscience and equipped me with a moral compass. Have they made life better? Worse? In my case I think they have made my life better on the whole. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davros of Skaro Posted November 9, 2017 #21 Share Posted November 9, 2017 On 11/7/2017 at 4:00 PM, XenoFish said: What kind of person are you because of your beliefs? On 11/7/2017 at 4:00 PM, XenoFish said: How does your beliefs affect your lives? On 11/7/2017 at 4:00 PM, XenoFish said: Have they made life better? Worse? 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MauriOra Posted November 11, 2017 #22 Share Posted November 11, 2017 On 08/11/2017 at 10:00 AM, XenoFish said: A lot of the time in the section. Threads often end up in a war between belief and disbelief. I want to turn this on it's head with a few questions. I do not intend for this do devolve into a flame war between believers and nonbelievers, but to ask a few honest questions. What kind of person are you because of your beliefs? How does your beliefs affect your lives? Have they made life better? Worse? This goes to both the atheist and theist (even pantheist) out there. I Am Kind. What are you? My Thoughts affect my Life. What about you? Yes. And you? There is No Better or Worse or Rather The Better or Worse is Our Self.. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Illyrius Posted November 11, 2017 #23 Share Posted November 11, 2017 1 hour ago, MauriOra said: My Thoughts affect my Life. What about you? Yes. Very good point. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Only_ Posted November 11, 2017 #24 Share Posted November 11, 2017 A pessimist is a man who looks at the world with one eye closed. An optimist is a man who looks at the world with both eyes closed. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MauriOra Posted November 11, 2017 #25 Share Posted November 11, 2017 5 minutes ago, TruthSeeker_ said: A pessimist is a man who looks at the world with one eye closed. An optimist is a man who looks at the world with both eyes closed. I Love That... Keep Shining a Light... Truth seeker. . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now