God: Real or a figment of mans imagination?

Scientists, philosophers and atheists have long argued that God and spirituality are constructs of the human mind. A group of neuroscientists at the University of California at San Diego has identified a region of the human brain that appears to be linked to thoughts of spiritual matters and prayer. Their findings tentatively suggest that we as a species are genetically programmed to believe in God.

does it mean that God created our brains, or that our brains created God?

SCIENTISTS believe they have discovered a “God module” in the brain which could be responsible for man’s evolutionary instinct to believe in religion. Anthropologists and Darwinian theorists have frequently speculated that religion may have developed as a self-policing mechanism as cooperation with others became useful. With their intelligence and skills at making weapons, there was little to stop early humans from slaughtering each other like wild maniacs, until they began to fear unseen beings even bigger and badder than themselves. This sort of adaptation has always been considered a purely psychological function, but now we have the first evidence that the religious instinct may be physically hard-wired right into our noggins.

http://atheistempire.com/reference/brain/index.html

That the Big Bang is a theory does not make it irrelevant and able to be dismissed. It’s a theory that is accepted by the vast majority of the scientific community. Simon Singh’s book Big Bang: The Most Important Scientific Discovery of All Time and Why You Need to Know About It discusses a lot of the evidence that supports the Big Bang, including the most recent observations.
Here’s a site that gives a breakdown: http://www.thekeyboard.org.uk/The%20Big%20Bang%20Theory.htm

But back to my original point, nowhere in this forum, at any time, have I seen a Christian give an explanation of creationism. How did it happen? Why did it happen the way it did? What is the evidence to support creation? All that ever gets said is, “nature is really complicated and orderly so it must have taken someone really smart and powerful to do it”. That is not evidence, and it’s also based on incorrect reason. Much about the universe is chaotic and full of flaws in the so-called design.
Typically, Christians will debate the Big Bang without even understanding it, but this is usually to distract people from debating creationism, which has very little support and absolutely no evidence.

Even the website you posted earlier has very little actual reasoning to support the existence of God. Aside from the nature part, it also says the Bible was revealed because God’s word had to be put in a cultural context. Why would God put his word in the context of one specific culture? Surely he must have known that the difference between cultures and their languages would slow the spread, prevent a completely accurate translation of the message, and also result in people ignoring certain parts?

Sorry, I’m not buying any of it.

The “something from nothing” arguement no longer applies. If you do a little research on quantum physics, you’ll see that even in a complete vacuum, total emptiness, there are still fluctuations at the quantum level that produce particles. They APPEAR to come out of nowhere, but they really don’t. And when the initial process happened, there was no dust or radioactive junk; mostly dark matter. There has never been any such thing as “nothingness”. We know that now.

But anyway, arguing against the Big Bang doesn’t prove creation. Creationism explains nothing. HOW did God create galaxies? HOW did he create circulatory systems? And WHY are there so many flaws in so many species on this planet, if God is perfect in his design? If the answer is, we don’t know how God did it, only that he did…well, that’s weak.

“Think about your brain, and how it works, and your body, and figure out how it could just happen to be.”

It didn’t just happen to be. Evolution and natural selection are not random, but very meticulous processes that happened over a very long period of time. They indeed make sense and there is substantial evidence for them (of course, that’s been debated to death on this forum).

I personally believe in the Big Bang, the only valid explanation for the beginning of the universe. I am agnostic; I do not think it’s possible to prove or disprove the existence of God. I do think that man invented religion, largely because of our long-time dependence on nature for survival and the need to explain (and appease) the forces of nature when we didn’t understand them.

“Where God came from is beyond the understanding of men. “

This is why creationism isn’t taken seriously by the scientific community and also why it’s not taught in public schools. While the Big Bang is very detailed and most of it very specific, Christians tend to simplify it to “a speck of dust exploded into the universe”, making it sound illogical. Yet, when questioned about their own theory of creation, it’s always “God’s existed forever and his ways are beyond the understanding of man and he just made everything for his glory.”

The Big Bang is confusing to many people, and may at first be above understanding. But after taking some time to study and learn the concepts behind it, it can eventually be grasped, unlike, apparently, God and his ways.

One must also wonder why God would fashion an innate curiosity about the world in human beings, which would lead them to study the world around them and draw conclusions based on what they observe that run contrary to God’s existence?

its funny, because people say have an open mind, when they are just as stead-fast in their own beliefs as I am in mine…

but anyways…

how can you be SO sure that jesus was the real prophet, I mean allah’s [[allah btw is islam for God]] prophet its mohammad, and he to did much of the same things as jesus did. many religions focus on a single supreme being, myth, entity, spirit, what have you, and all seem to have a messenger. who says that jesus, or even mohommad were prophets, and not someone else?

also…

the last line in your post amblessed, says “he loves you and wants you to accept God’s free gift to man - Jesus”. so your telling me that your God sacrificed, tortured, murdered one man, and presented it to the world in a little box wrapped up all pretty, with a big red bow on top… I think not. not to mention the fact that, how can you sin, if you dont believe, seeing as there is nothing that says you are sinning? I.e. little kids believe in santa clause with the entirety of their heart, until one christmas eve they see mom and dad putting presents under the tree from “santa”, finding out that it has been said mom and dad all along, the little child no longer believes. if he no longer believes, how can santa possibly exist [[which im pretty sure we all agree he doesnt lol]]???

* rnealw facts in science are theories. Theory - from Websters dictionary. 1: the analysis of a set of facts in their relation to one another 2: abstract thought : speculation 3: the general or abstract principles of a body of fact, a science, or an art
4 a: a belief, policy, or procedure proposed or followed as the basis of action b: an ideal or hypothetical set of facts, principles, or circumstances —often used in the phrase in theory 5: a plausible or scientifically acceptable general principle or body of principles offered to explain phenomena
6 a: a hypothesis assumed for the sake of argument or investigation b: an unproved assumption : conjecture c: a body of theorems presenting a concise systematic view of a subject
Actually Science can neither prove of disprove spirit and God is spirit so Scientic itself state that it can not disprove God.

Santa does so exist! You know that tingly feeling you get as Christmas approaches? That’s proof that Santa is real.

Your aware that the official name of the big bang is “ The big bang theory.” it can not be proven as a fact. And to reword one of your quotes semi1900 The Bible is confusing to many people, and may at first be above understanding. But after taking some time to study and learn the concepts behind it, it can eventually be grasped. Think about it.

enna, I have to wonder whether you’ve actually followed your own advice. If you read the Bible cover to cover, you can’t help but come to the realization that no god had anything to do with it.

It’s obvioulsy a compilation of myths, legends, propoganda, and poetry.

as I said in a previous answer, I do not DISBELIEVE, but neither do I BELIEVE. I feel I cannot make that presumption without any sure proof. I have read PARTS of the bible, as most people do. to me however, I found it hypocritical and biased, so I prefer not to boggle my mind with it. and again, I cannot say the devil does or doesnt exist, because I do not know.

I havent got a clue, and quite frankly, im not alone, as a matter of fact, no one knows for sure. and while we may never know WHY it did, there is still proof that it happened.

and if God is real, who or what created Him?

oh, and no need to pray for me, but thank you kindly

Think about your brain, and how it works, and your body, and figure out how it could just happen to be. Not to mention all the other intricacies in the world. It is beyond me, as to how anyone can think that a powerful intelligence is not behind it all.

God is not real. The concept of gods grew out of ancient astronomy.

How many fictional characters do we say “well yah, but maybe he’s real anyway!’. None I’m aware of, other than gods.

you want proof that he exist what proof do you have that he does not exist have you ever read the bible? do you belive that the devil exist?

God is real to me. I have had so many miracles happen in my life, I have to believe there is a God. God is very real and personal to me.

Ok, but other than the Bible, what other proof is there that God truely exists? And even the bible was written by man, not God.

I agree 100% with you semi1900, and I too believe it is impossible to truely know whether or not God exists… and yes I realize I said I KNOW he doesnt exist…but thats to get more response…

In my opinion God is Real. Man is something he created. I have an unshakable faith in that fact. I’m not going to Bother with a long winded answer ( others will do that.) But I will peay for you.

read the whole bible staring with the first page ending with the last it will take a while but when you are dont trust me you will understand so much of what is going on around you not only that you will no for your self weather you are a beliver or non beliver and that very important cause nobody can tell you like the bible its self if you read somthing you dont understand prey and ask for understanding and read it again

Well God does harden the Hearts of some unbelievers. . . . Yes it says that in the Bible. . . And Typically, Atheist will debate the Existance of God without even understanding Him. I’ve had a long day of Wandering around Carlsbad Cavern. . . . and I’m tired but I will get back on this I promise.

theories explain facts Theory - hypothesis: a tentative theory about the natural world; a concept that is not yet verified but that if true Would explain certain facts or phenomena; “a scientific hypothesis that survives experimental testing becomes a scientific theory”; “he proposed a fresh theory of alkalis that later was … Now Explain how does a hypothesis explains a fact?

ok but WHY would God create a place where his own creations don’t believe? It’s called Free will. . . . you can’t help but come to the realization that no god had anything to do with it. I’ve read it from cover to cover and think God has everything to do it. I doubt you read it with an open mind. . . .

christians debate the existence of god, without understanding him themselves.

another question: if an adult male was to kidnap, rape, and murder a 6 year old boy, is he going to hell, or will he go to heaven if he gets saved? if you say he goes to heaven, then where is god on behalf of the 6 year old innocent boy?

in my opinion, the idea of god and intelligent design and such is a load of bull. ever wonder why there seems to be fewer and fewer true believers? well there are. I credit this to the fact that as a race, we have gotten smarter [kind of lol] and therefore come to understand that these myths were formed so people could have an answer for why something happened the way it did. now-a-days, we are much more advanced and are able to explain things once only explainable through god.

and dont think my “hardened heart” is because of god. if anything, its because of the mcdonalds and burger kings on every other corner these days. =]

You’re right libbie, I was wrong. Since that post, I’ve learned that Santa doesn’t actually exist.

…that is what you wer refrring to, right?

I am a Deist! (One who believes in the existence of a God, but denies revealed religion; a freethinker.)

de·ism (de’iz’?m, da’-) n.

The belief, based solely on reason, in a God who created the universe and then abandoned it, assuming no control over life, exerting no influence on natural phenomena, and giving no supernatural revelation.

“Do we need God or does God need us?”

Consider the possibility that:

1. There is a God!

2. That this God Inspired/Created the Reality that allows for the existence of the universe(s), and the relevant “laws” necessary thereto.

3. That this God Inspired/Caused the individual Spirits that exist and that those Spirits continue the effects of Creation just as a child continues to create after its parents have created it.

4. That the Reality of existence is really in a non-physical realm.

5. That the Spirits, while in the non-physical realm, devised/caused the existence of physical reality to come about and caused it to be advanced through the principles of evolution (simply a tool). And that evolution governs the progress of both animate and inanimate things.

6. That the Spirits Created the ability for themselves to “descend” into their physical creation from the non-physical realm (Incarnation and Reincarnation).

7. That Spirits, while in the non-physical realm, are able to know the problems, hurdles and potential outcomes that are going to befall the particular entity that they are going to inhabit, prior to inhabiting it, yet choose to inhabit anyway because of their own “growth” desires/needs.

8. That the events of the physical world (death, pain, suffering and “evil”) are not significant to the Reality, which is the non-physical realm, wherein our Spirit’s true existence is, and therefore requires no intervention by God.

9. Spirits in the Non-physical realm may, at times, offer suggestive guidance to entities in the physical realm in order to assist them along their chosen path or purpose but such guidance is usually through inspiration (hunches) and dreams.

10. That the purpose of it all is for the experience of God and that eventually all Spirits will gravitate back into the Oneness of God.

My rationale of and for God is explained in the document at the link below which I wrote several years ago:

A Search For Truth

http://www.asearchfortruth.com/old 

(If it’s not an “active” link then simply copy and paste it into your browser’s Address box.)

God needs us but not as creatures of worship! God needs us because we, in returning to the Oneness of God, make God Whole.

From my chosen path I stray, Yet my God any’er turns away; For I have learned – and understand, That where God is – is where I am!

Absolutly Nothing Existed. . . . . not Even a single Atom. . . and BANG. . . We have all these gases and dust and radioactive junk. . . . .which forms complex Galaxies. . . .

So What caused the bang?

“Well God does harden the Hearts of some unbelievers. . . . Yes it says that in the Bible.”

You may want to clarify this further, it certainly isn’t a selling point for Christianity.

I believe that He’s real. In fact, for myself, I KNOW that He’s real. But I also know that this fact will be of no interest to anyone else - something you just KNOW is very important for you (like you just KNOW when you’ve fallen in love for real, or you just KNOW when you see your baby for the first time that you’ll do anything for that squalling bundle) but it’s not very important to anyone else.

I don’t think that there’s much to be gained from scientific arguments - science is great and if you know God you see His hand in it but if you don’t it’s unlikely to lead you to Him.

The most unshakable evidence for God’s existence, and more importantly for His transforming power, is going to be in the lives of people He’s changed. This is a scary thing to say, because I’m inviting non-believers to look at Christians and judge God by what they see in our lives. And I think that’s what a lot of you are doing already and that’s one reason you don’t believe. Scary. But do look with an open mind - look for the good as well as the bad, please.

My husband became a Christian after hearing Nicky Cruz speak. Nicky Cruz was a heroin-addicted, murderous gang member and he came to Christ very slowly, very hesitantly and with a lot of set-backs. But when my husband heard what God had done in that man’s life, he decided that God was real and a life following Him was going to be worth it. So, although discussions and debates and study are valuable, the witness of what God actually does in the people we meet is surely the most convincing ‘proof’ He’s giving for His existence.

I view God as a projection of human wants, needs, and fears. We seek in God what we feel is missing in our lives.

This too is why I think even nonbelievers like myself should study religion. To understand religion is to better understand what it means to be human.

Where God came from is beyond the understanding of men. sorta like forever, when did it begin and when will it end. . . Here is a good artical concerning whether God exist or not. http://debate.org.uk/topics/apolog/godexist.htm You can enter the words “ Christian apologetics “ in google and get an interesting list of links.

neal, I was a devout young earth creationist when I first read the Bible cover to cover. That was the spark that led me to doubt. So you are correct that I didn’t have an open mind. However, it was closed in the opposite direction you suggest.

The Bible is the best tool for deconverting Christians ever invented.

ok but WHY would God create a place where his own creations don’t believe? what is the purpose of His even creating us then? to satisfy Himself? it seems to me as though He likes to see the death and destruction that has come to this planet, very much in fact. and as I have said before, there is absolutely NO proof that He exists, the only thing close was written my man, something we call the Bible…

in addition to semi1900s last comment, WHY did he create us in the first place?

* WHY did he create us in the first place?

We were made to honor him.

yeah I’m with you on this one girl, I honestly don’t think he exists..

god is real its all about blind faith

rnealw in science, a theory is a logical or mathmatical explanation, or a testable model of the manner of interaction of a set of natural phenomena, capable of being tested through experiment or otherwise falsified through empirical observation. In science “theory” and “fact” do not stand in opposition. Theories in science are based on fact.

Definitely Real - this is what I know to be true: God being pure cannot even look upon sin - man, even in his very best state is a sinner - on judgement day, either: your sins are covered by the blood-shed sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross (salvation and only salvation - being a nice person isn’t good enough - even at our very best, we are but filthy rags), and remembered no more or they are not (your sins are not covered) - where God’s great love comes into play is, He provided a WAY (Jesus) for us not to perish and live in Heaven with Him (He certainly didn’t have to do this but did because He loved us so) - if you read carefully John 3:16, this is exactly what it says - each person will either accept or reject, you must decide for yourself and yes, it’s so important, it has eternal consequences - He Loves you and wants you to accept God’s free gift to man - Jesus…Hope this helps !!