G.o.d (((((((((athiest))))))))))

[thewizeard]

Originally posted by Neil__@20 August 2003 - 13:52
Nigel

Is Ishvara a God in the classical definition or something other?

And the Dalai Lama stated that if Ishvara created the world then it would be perfect and the world is not.

If Buddhists are athiests as you imply (I know little of their beliefs) then this seems to me a very diplomatic way of implying that God doesn't exist without stating it directly and therefore invoking the wrath of the followers of other religions.


Neil

Another general question.

Are there many gods, one for each religion, or are different religions giving different attributes to the same God

Yes Neil, Ishvara is God.

I certainly did not mean to imply that budhhists are atheists.

The importance of there being a God of not, is not really important for a buddhist.
In the budhhist view, life consists of a series of successive states of consciousness. The first state is the Birth-Consciousnes; the last is the consciousness existing at the moment of death (that's where most of us are now), or the Death-Consciousness. The interval between the two states of consciousness, during which the transformation from the 'old' to a 'new' being is effected, is called the intermediate state. Rebirth follows. This intermediate state is called the Bardo.

The goal is to become enlightenend. That which is impeding this goal is duality. As I pointed out in a different thread, that seems now to have found it's way to the lounge. It is the illusion of ego which is the very source of the twelve links of interdependence, of which the first is ignorance in the sense of not seeing, not knowing the as-it-isness. In their ignorance mankind created God in their own image.

[titey]

Originally posted by nigel123@20 August 2003 - 09:27
In their ignorance mankind created God...

Sorry to quote you out of context nigel, but I think that sums things up nicely.

[Rat Faced]

The Lords Prayer says it all...


"Thy shall be done."

[J'Pol]

Why do people who don't believe in God always come across as being more evangelistic than those who do.

[Rat Faced]

Im not an atheist, in case that was aimed my way JPaul...

However I dont believe The Bible (or any other "Holy Book"), was guided by "God" either.

[thewizeard]

Originally posted by JPaul@20 August 2003 - 20:58
Why do people who don't believe in God always come across as being more evangelistic than those who do.

I am not sure that they do. I do think that most people tend to defend what they believe it. Some actively force their beliefs on others.

[J'Pol]

Originally posted by JPaul@19 August 2003 - 18:34
As someone, or possibly more than one person, has said in other threads. There is a big difference between belief and knowledge.

My belief in God requires no external validation. Enough things have happened in my life to convince me that "there are more thing in heaven and earth Horatio than are dreamt of in your philosophy". I have had too many experiences that I cannot accept within my understanding of the physical world.

I am absolutely convinced that when man dies he, or at least his essential being (soul if you will) does not cease to exist. It merely moves to a different type of existence. I am absolutely convinced that the universe did not just pop into existence and that there has to be something which created it. Something which belongs outside of the rules of space, time, science etc.

I chose to understand this, based on my own experiences and studies, as their being a God. I also believe that there is some sort of "after-life". People often use emotive terms in an attempt to demean this. For example the big invisible man in the sky, or the comparisons to the tooth fairy Having heard it all before it no longer angers me.

I have no idea what God is. I have little understanding of the internal combustion engine, so to assume I would be able to understand and explain the Creator of the Universe is a bit optimistic. Neither do I understand what this after-life will consist of. But I very much look forward to the adventure.

I fully support everyone's right to view the Universe as they see fit and expect them to afford me the same courtesy. Like the chap said as long as the beliefs of others do not adversely affect my right to live that's ok. Believe in the Giant Turtle Great A'Tuin if you wish.

RF - it was just a general comment. Not aimed at you.

I believe in God however that does not mean I take the Bible as being Gospel.

My beliefs are a wee bit more nebulous, as you can probably see.

I think of a lot of the holy books as parables and stories, to help folk understand.

[Rat Faced]

And nothing wrong with that JPaul....all for it.

Even most Vicars/Priests will tell you that the Bible isnt the literal word of "God".


Its the claiming that its something else that gets up my nose.

[J'Pol]

Originally posted by Rat Faced@20 August 2003 - 20:50



Its the claiming that its something else that gets up my nose.

Cocaine - for the masses ?

[fugley]

Originally posted by JPaul+20 August 2003 - 20:07--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (JPaul @ 20 August 2003 - 20:07)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-Rat Faced@20 August 2003 - 20:50



Its the claiming that its something else that gets up my nose.

Cocaine - for the masses ? [/b][/quote]
or like mass production cars and stuff like the Foc..