What do you feel when you encounter people who believe that God doesn't exist?

There is no doubt in my mind that something higher exists. To think that the whole universe and our ability to process thoughts, ideas, senses, the ability to build things, to make choices, to love, to harm, or to do anything is a miracle in itself. That our bodies can heal themselves, that thoughts attract results, that a rock is actually alive, that a bird can fly with the complexities of aerodynamics, that we are able to read and type and communicate over a box of eletricity. That there is not complete and total blackness is a miracle to me. To me, everything is a miracle. I cannot write that off as science or coincidence. And since I wasn't the one who created it, there is no doubt in mind that there is something greater than me that did.

Very well said, Limitup!!! I couldn't have said it better myself. I believe that for all the negativity that has been carried out in God's name, that infinitely more good has been accomplished in His name. We just tend to remember the negative. Further, that it's a faith in the existence of a Supreme Intelligence that allows us, or reminds us, to reach for the goodness within, as we interact with the world each day. I have a rather unconventional view of spirituality, but that does not prevent me from recognizing that choosing the goodness in our hearts is a choice. We could just as easily choose the ugliness to present to the world. Believing in a Higher Power helps us to remember that we are forever faced with that choice. And, since goodness is generally contagious ... I concur with your supposition that believing in a Supreme Intelligence stimulates happiness.

Wow ladyluna. I think you have just said it better than me. Desiderata. You say "shame on you". I could give an uninformed and emotional gut reaction by giving an unhealthy and hurtful comment, but I choose to say thank you for your comment. I will consider what you say and take it to heart. I suspect that comment was derived from a misunderstanding from a comment in one of the posts above. To be a good person has nothing to do with who you call God or if you call something God at all. It is about treating each other with respect and goodness.

Sure would. You seem like a good, smart guy (or gal, sorry I didn't check). And I would have replied to the last comment with a simple "no worries", but we make more when we use big, fancy, and prophetic words Ha ha. Kudos all.

Excellent point. Many of us only seriously consider these thoughts and ideas on their deathbed. And many of us have pondered these ideas more deeply since early childhood. Our learning curves are all different and we all have different perceptions and points of views on these same principles. "...that everything is as it should be." Great line. It is sometimes difficult to see that things in this world can be incredibly great and peaceful if we truly intend them to be. "..learn something that I didn't get this time around..." I think it would be incredible if when we come back to this world (if we do in the sense of reincarnation), that we will not have to learn these lessons over again. It would be incredible, would it not, if we had the understanding and discipline level of those such as Jesus or Buddha*, already instilled in us at birth? Imagine the spiritual progress we could make in that lifetime. *Even if Jesus or Buddha did not exist (a whole other topic), I think my point will still be understood.

Hi Limitup, Great response, and thank you for really reading my post. I appreciate your having taken the time. As for your statement: " ... if we had the understanding and discipline level of those such as Jesus or Buddha already instilled at birth?" On a soul level, I believe that we do have the understanding of Christ or Buddha or Lao Tzu from birth. I believe all three worked diligently to explain this to their contemporaries. God is within and all around. The spirit of the lion is the spirit of the tree, etc .... We just spend our whole lives remembering that we knew it all along. As to the notion of atheism: for a time, many years ago, fueled by my own disappointments and disgusted that THE PLAN wasn't paralleling my plan, I too denounced the existence of a Supreme Intelligence. I wasn't floating downstream, enjoying the majesty of the river banks, instead I was trying to paddle upstream, getting more flustered with each increment of failure. I believe that most people experience a similar moment in time. At that moment, some recognize that floating downstream, TRUSTING that the river will do as rivers do, is more reasonable, more comfortable, and infinitely wiser than paddling against the current. Others continue to paddle upstream, resentments building with each stroke. The river will carry us downstream without question. Knowing when to step ashore is up to us. If we are struggling, paddling against the current, we're more inclined to miss the big waterfall up ahead. Trusting in THE PROCESS and appreciating the ride, make for a more pleasurable trip. One of my favorite movie quotes is from "The Color Purple". It is: "I think it pisses God off when you walk by the color purple in a field, and don't notice it." Hmmm! Now, there's some food for thought.

I'm sure you're familiar with the "Seven Deadly Sins" otherwise known as "The Seven Cardinal Vices"? I believe that my two examples above: the river, and the color purple, exemplify why Pride is considered the worst of them all. It is pride that that makes men think that there is none greater than us all. Sadly, it is prideful stubborness that motivates man to believe that this is all there is, just a series of coincidences, and it is also prideful stubborness that motivates man to believe that his is the only accurate belief.

That is so true! and very well said btw...

LOL Touche`

I agree with you completely Myrrdin..

You'd be surprised at the power of prayer and what God can do!

I agree! I never doubt God existence and I will never ever doubt it! Your right it's so surprising but we have to respect everyones beliefs!

Many people find strength from within. Frankly, I do believe in God. But you must question whether these people who begin to heal because of their faith in God are actually healing because of God or because they believe that God will take care of them. Is it the power of the mind or the power of faith?