Religion Perspectives --be heard-- or click the graphic for other topics. -Rules-F.A.Q.- I am atheist no longer - RELIGION+: all faiths & views - SPIRITUAL - Forums
Forums Home all faiths

Search
   
Members

Help

Home
Not logged in - login | Register 
Forums > SPIRITUAL > RELIGION+: all faiths & views > I am atheist no longer


I am atheist no longer
 Moderated by: mb, dc-2  

New Topic

Reply

Print
AuthorPost
Ness757
Member


Joined: Sun Jun 5th, 2005
Location: California USA
Posts: 18549
Status:  Offline
 Posted: Sat Oct 24th, 2009 10:34 pm

Quote

Reply
I haven't been here in awhile because I was undergoing some major changes in my life.  I graduated from college, became depressed for a bit, moved to California to start my new life, and now that I'm settled here it is time to put some of the new things I believe to the test (which is why I come here).

But enough about that, I know that's not why you are all here. You're here because you saw the title and thought, "WHAT THE HECK HAPPENED TO NESS TO MAKE HIM NO LONGER AN ATHEIST?"

Well I'm here to answer that as best I can.

It all started with a sore back.  To make a long story short, my lower back was hurting so I went to see a masseuse.  She was a very spiritual woman and talking to her recharged some of my spiritual gifts.  That got me thinking.

Then I started thinking more and more about my luck and how I'm incredibly lucky.  Combined with the talks I had with my masseuse, I realized that there had to be something greater powering me.

And that's why I am no longer an atheist. I believe there is a deity or "higher force" that I am subconsciously tapping into.  Basically, I don't see god as a ruler to be worshiped, but a battery to power our gifts and our dreams.  In short, I don't worship god, I use him.

zonnebloem
Member


Joined: Sun May 29th, 2005
Location: InMod, Netherlands
Posts: 13413
Status:  Offline
 Posted: Sat Oct 24th, 2009 10:49 pm

Quote

Reply
Good to see you back Ness.

And say hello to God for me :cool:

Realitycheck
Member
 

Joined: Thu Aug 10th, 2006
Location: British Columbia Canada
Posts: 5620
Status:  Offline
 Posted: Sat Oct 24th, 2009 10:54 pm

Quote

Reply
Well, best of luck to you Ness. If that is what you need, I hope it works for you. Just remember, you had all that "luck" and the gifts you were born with or developed without believing in mythological beings. Why give credit for your own abilities to something that doesn't exist?

zonnebloem
Member


Joined: Sun May 29th, 2005
Location: InMod, Netherlands
Posts: 13413
Status:  Offline
 Posted: Sat Oct 24th, 2009 10:58 pm

Quote

Reply
Realitycheck schreef:
Well, best of luck to you Ness. If that is what you need, I hope it works for you. Just remember, you had all that "luck" and the gifts you were born with or developed without believing in mythological beings. Why give credit for your own abilities to something that doesn't exist?


Apparently Ness has experienced that there is a force beyond the boundaries of the materialistic world view. The fact you haven't, doesn't mean it doesn't exist.

zonnebloem
Member


Joined: Sun May 29th, 2005
Location: InMod, Netherlands
Posts: 13413
Status:  Offline
 Posted: Sat Oct 24th, 2009 10:59 pm

Quote

Reply
May the force be with you :D

Realitycheck
Member
 

Joined: Thu Aug 10th, 2006
Location: British Columbia Canada
Posts: 5620
Status:  Offline
 Posted: Sat Oct 24th, 2009 11:05 pm

Quote

Reply
zonnebloem wrote: Realitycheck schreef:
Well, best of luck to you Ness. If that is what you need, I hope it works for you. Just remember, you had all that "luck" and the gifts you were born with or developed without believing in mythological beings. Why give credit for your own abilities to something that doesn't exist?


Apparently Ness has experienced that there is a force beyond the boundaries of the materialistic world view. The fact you haven't, doesn't mean it doesn't exist.
Facts and evidence for the existence of such a thing being what they are, the odds are in my favour.

Ness757
Member


Joined: Sun Jun 5th, 2005
Location: California USA
Posts: 18549
Status:  Offline
 Posted: Sat Oct 24th, 2009 11:21 pm

Quote

Reply
The truth of the matter is that the odds are in no one's favor.  Sure, there is a belief out there that is correct but statistically the chances of ANYONE finding it are so astronomically low we might as well believe whatever we want.

zonnebloem
Member


Joined: Sun May 29th, 2005
Location: InMod, Netherlands
Posts: 13413
Status:  Offline
 Posted: Sat Oct 24th, 2009 11:23 pm

Quote

Reply
Ness757 schreef:
The truth of the matter is that the odds are in no one's favor.  Sure, there is a belief out there that is correct but statistically the chances of ANYONE finding it are so astronomically low we might as well believe whatever we want.


You are right.

dc-2
Moderator


Joined: Tue May 2nd, 2006
Location: The Center WILL Hold, Maryland USA
Posts: 10715
Status:  Offline
 Posted: Sun Oct 25th, 2009 01:13 am

Quote

Reply
Realitycheck wrote: zonnebloem wrote: Realitycheck schreef:
Well, best of luck to you Ness. If that is what you need, I hope it works for you. Just remember, you had all that "luck" and the gifts you were born with or developed without believing in mythological beings. Why give credit for your own abilities to something that doesn't exist?


Apparently Ness has experienced that there is a force beyond the boundaries of the materialistic world view. The fact you haven't, doesn't mean it doesn't exist.
Facts and evidence for the existence of such a thing being what they are, the odds are in my favour.


Ginen the nine unrefuted citations of test-case evidence cited in this thread, the "facts and evidence" definitely put the odds agaisnt you.  Nine refuting test cases is nine too many.

http://perspectives.com/forums/view_topic.php?id=208874&forum_id=70&page=2

dc-2
Moderator


Joined: Tue May 2nd, 2006
Location: The Center WILL Hold, Maryland USA
Posts: 10715
Status:  Offline
 Posted: Sun Oct 25th, 2009 01:16 am

Quote

Reply
zonnebloem wrote: Ness757 schreef:
The truth of the matter is that the odds are in no one's favor.  Sure, there is a belief out there that is correct but statistically the chances of ANYONE finding it are so astronomically low we might as well believe whatever we want.


You are right.

What are the odds that we have the correct model of matter?  They are basically zero, since there are inexplicable observations that our current models cannot deal with.  However, we are iteratively approaching the correct model of matter.  Just as we can of the spirit realm.

TR1985
Member
 

Joined: Wed Jul 29th, 2009
Location: ALAN GRAYSON 2016!!!!
Posts: 2204
Status:  Offline
 Posted: Sun Oct 25th, 2009 01:17 am

Quote

Reply
dc-2 wrote: zonnebloem wrote: Ness757 schreef:
The truth of the matter is that the odds are in no one's favor.  Sure, there is a belief out there that is correct but statistically the chances of ANYONE finding it are so astronomically low we might as well believe whatever we want.


You are right.

What are the odds that we have the correct model of matter?  They are basically zero, since there are inexplicable observations that our current models cannot deal with.  However, we are iteratively approaching the correct model of matter.  Just as we can of the spirit realm.
Yes. However, your method really isn't worth the effort in my opinion.

AMLSurvivor
Member


Joined: Fri Mar 28th, 2008
Location: Central, Kentucky USA
Posts: 2067
Status:  Offline
 Posted: Sun Oct 25th, 2009 01:22 am

Quote

Reply
Ness757 wrote: I haven't been here in awhile because I was undergoing some major changes in my life.  I graduated from college, became depressed for a bit, moved to California to start my new life, and now that I'm settled here it is time to put some of the new things I believe to the test (which is why I come here).

But enough about that, I know that's not why you are all here. You're here because you saw the title and thought, "WHAT THE HECK HAPPENED TO NESS TO MAKE HIM NO LONGER AN ATHEIST?"

Well I'm here to answer that as best I can.

It all started with a sore back.  To make a long story short, my lower back was hurting so I went to see a masseuse.  She was a very spiritual woman and talking to her recharged some of my spiritual gifts.  That got me thinking.

Then I started thinking more and more about my luck and how I'm incredibly lucky.  Combined with the talks I had with my masseuse, I realized that there had to be something greater powering me.

And that's why I am no longer an atheist. I believe there is a deity or "higher force" that I am subconsciously tapping into.  Basically, I don't see god as a ruler to be worshiped, but a battery to power our gifts and our dreams.  In short, I don't worship god, I use him.

Ness, my ole buddy! I'm so glad for you to get a start into seeking a deeper meaning in life. Quite honestly, I've prayed for you. Now I understand you may not have the same concept of God as I do, but you've taken the first step.

BigE
Member
 

Joined: Mon Dec 26th, 2005
Location:  
Posts: 4544
Status:  Offline
 Posted: Sun Oct 25th, 2009 01:27 am

Quote

Reply
Ness757 wrote: I haven't been here in awhile because I was undergoing some major changes in my life.  I graduated from college, became depressed for a bit, moved to California to start my new life, and now that I'm settled here it is time to put some of the new things I believe to the test (which is why I come here).

But enough about that, I know that's not why you are all here. You're here because you saw the title and thought, "WHAT THE HECK HAPPENED TO NESS TO MAKE HIM NO LONGER AN ATHEIST?"

Well I'm here to answer that as best I can.

It all started with a sore back.  To make a long story short, my lower back was hurting so I went to see a masseuse.  She was a very spiritual woman and talking to her recharged some of my spiritual gifts.  That got me thinking.

Then I started thinking more and more about my luck and how I'm incredibly lucky.  Combined with the talks I had with my masseuse, I realized that there had to be something greater powering me.

And that's why I am no longer an atheist. I believe there is a deity or "higher force" that I am subconsciously tapping into.  Basically, I don't see god as a ruler to be worshiped, but a battery to power our gifts and our dreams.  In short, I don't worship god, I use him.

Good luck on your spiritual journey.  And that "higher force" can go by a lot of names.  "Ruling" is not he objective, loving is....

stumpt
Member


Joined: Thu Dec 8th, 2005
Location: Death? For An Atheist It Is Nothing., USA
Posts: 3040
Status:  Offline
 Posted: Sun Oct 25th, 2009 02:32 am

Quote

Reply
BigE wrote: Ness757 wrote: I haven't been here in awhile because I was undergoing some major changes in my life.  I graduated from college, became depressed for a bit, moved to California to start my new life, and now that I'm settled here it is time to put some of the new things I believe to the test (which is why I come here).

But enough about that, I know that's not why you are all here. You're here because you saw the title and thought, "WHAT THE HECK HAPPENED TO NESS TO MAKE HIM NO LONGER AN ATHEIST?"

Well I'm here to answer that as best I can.

It all started with a sore back.  To make a long story short, my lower back was hurting so I went to see a masseuse.  She was a very spiritual woman and talking to her recharged some of my spiritual gifts.  That got me thinking.

Then I started thinking more and more about my luck and how I'm incredibly lucky.  Combined with the talks I had with my masseuse, I realized that there had to be something greater powering me.

And that's why I am no longer an atheist. I believe there is a deity or "higher force" that I am subconsciously tapping into.  Basically, I don't see god as a ruler to be worshiped, but a battery to power our gifts and our dreams.  In short, I don't worship god, I use him.

Good luck on your spiritual journey.  And that "higher force" can go by a lot of names.  "Ruling" is not he objective, loving is....
"In short, I don't worship god, I use him."

Is this a proper attitude? Hardly can be called any kind of love.  I sat through long an tedious sermons condemning this very subject.

BTW, welcome back 757, I like your new suit, but, psst.. check your zipper;)

Last edited on Sun Oct 25th, 2009 02:35 am by stumpt

mb
S. Moderator


Joined: Fri Jan 6th, 2006
Location: Everyone Has A Choice.
Posts: 17647
Status:  Offline
 Posted: Sun Oct 25th, 2009 02:37 am

Quote

Reply
Ness, how very odd. A couple of days ago I was suddenly struck with thoughts of YOU. I mean like a brick on the head. I wondered where you weer and what you're up to. It's so wonderful to see you're still around. I'd love to catch up with what's going on in your life.

Sorry to hear about your back, but enchanted to learn that you are no longer an atheist. Although I am a Christian, I also believe that there is substantial power waiting through various other means which can lighten our loads, make us feel better etc. I don't want to create controversy here, mainly I just wanted to greet you and let you know you've been on my mind!

Irish Eyes
Member


Joined: Thu Jan 17th, 2008
Location: Montana USA
Posts: 255
Status:  Offline
 Posted: Sun Oct 25th, 2009 03:06 am

Quote

Reply
I, too, have wondered what became of you, Ness. And praying for you as well, whenever the thought of you pops into my mind. Sorry to hear about the depression. Not fun, I'm sure. I hope the changes in your life bring more positive vibes. Like John Lennon said, "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." :)

Skeptic1
Member
 

Joined: Tue Oct 23rd, 2007
Location: USA
Posts: 2575
Status:  Offline
 Posted: Sun Oct 25th, 2009 03:25 am

Quote

Reply
Ness757 wrote: I haven't been here in awhile because I was undergoing some major changes in my life.  I graduated from college, became depressed for a bit, moved to California to start my new life, and now that I'm settled here it is time to put some of the new things I believe to the test (which is why I come here).

But enough about that, I know that's not why you are all here. You're here because you saw the title and thought, "WHAT THE HECK HAPPENED TO NESS TO MAKE HIM NO LONGER AN ATHEIST?"

Well I'm here to answer that as best I can.

It all started with a sore back.  To make a long story short, my lower back was hurting so I went to see a masseuse.  She was a very spiritual woman and talking to her recharged some of my spiritual gifts.  That got me thinking.

Then I started thinking more and more about my luck and how I'm incredibly lucky.  Combined with the talks I had with my masseuse, I realized that there had to be something greater powering me.

And that's why I am no longer an atheist. I believe there is a deity or "higher force" that I am subconsciously tapping into.  Basically, I don't see god as a ruler to be worshiped, but a battery to power our gifts and our dreams.  In short, I don't worship god, I use him.


Welcome back Ness!!!  I have a couple of deep philosophical questions for you:

1) Was that masseuse "'good looking"?

2) Did the masseuse make you cry out, "Oh God, Oh God"?  :)

superwimp
Member


Joined: Sun Feb 12th, 2006
Location: Grass Valley, California USA
Posts: 977
Status:  Offline
 Posted: Sun Oct 25th, 2009 05:44 am

Quote

Reply
Ness757 wrote: The truth of the matter is that the odds are in no one's favor.  Sure, there is a belief out there that is correct but statistically the chances of ANYONE finding it are so astronomically low we might as well believe whatever we want.

Hello Ness,

     While you may never know all of the mysteries of the universe I believe that if you exercise critical thinking when various concepts are presented that an individual can separate some fact from fiction.  Now that your not an athiest you might want to take another look at the concept of reincarnation.

Eyeless
Member
 

Joined: Mon Jul 27th, 2009
Location: Ontario Canada
Posts: 293
Status:  Offline
 Posted: Sun Oct 25th, 2009 06:52 am

Quote

Reply
I was once a deist, before I became agnostic. Believing in a higher power is gratifying, awe-inspiring, relaxing, comforting and all that. That doesn't make it true though, and that enlightened, euphoric appreciation of "something bigger then yourself" didn't leave when I stopped believing.
I suppose it's a love of the universe that is compelling about religion, but the universe is magnificent regardless of what you believe.

Ness757
Member


Joined: Sun Jun 5th, 2005
Location: California USA
Posts: 18549
Status:  Offline
 Posted: Sun Oct 25th, 2009 09:27 am

Quote

Reply
TR1985 wrote: dc-2 wrote: zonnebloem wrote: Ness757 schreef:
The truth of the matter is that the odds are in no one's favor.  Sure, there is a belief out there that is correct but statistically the chances of ANYONE finding it are so astronomically low we might as well believe whatever we want.


You are right.

What are the odds that we have the correct model of matter?  They are basically zero, since there are inexplicable observations that our current models cannot deal with.  However, we are iteratively approaching the correct model of matter.  Just as we can of the spirit realm.
Yes. However, your method really isn't worth the effort in my opinion.

DC-2, as usual there is much wisdom in what you say, but TR makes a very valid point. In the cause of spirituality, you narrowing it down doesn't decrease your odds signifcantly enough to be worth doing.

Good to see you all again.  I will reply to the rest of you guys tomorrow. Right now, I have some post-partying to do.


 Current time is 08:08 pm
Page:    1  2  3  4  5  Next Page Last Page  

Free speech & free membership. Profanity prohibited.
Spammers beware: ads cost US 5000 per post or PM plus our legal fees to collect it.

Dedicated volunteer moderators make this site possible! They're not representatives of this company (except admin).
Account disabled? If you break site rules we may ban you. Email mods if in error. For legal email click terms.

Meet @OurPlace.com - LLC about us/*site use terms - Please link your site to ours! We're a big board.


Powered by WowBB 1.7 - Copyright © 2003-2006 Aycan Gulez