Ok I went to Catholic school, my family is baptist, and I work with Chaplains in the Navy so I got a little knowledge about a lot of religions.\n\nBut is God real or not? God had to start somewhere. You can't just have been here forever, everything has to have at least a beginning right? So where could God have come from?\n(who was gods mommy and daddy-joke)\n\nIf god was an all powerful being, why does it allow its religion that it let its son die for(that was for christians) be misinterputed into hundreds of dif. religions?\n\nAnd why is it that everyone always thinks the world is about to end when were at war?(At least in America-this was for christians also)
126992
I have grown up in a Baptist church all of my life. I believe 100% in our God. I have the same question as you. It actually all came about this last week that I have been doing a lot of research on religion. I could not help myself from thinking your same question yesterday while in church. I felt quilty myself for even thinking this but it just puzzles me to no end. \n\nMy question is where did God come from. I agree there had to have been a beginning with him. Who put him here. Who sent him to Heaven & made Heaven for him to live? He was here on Earth so did he create all the disciples & the ones that crucified his son? \n\nI will keep a watch on this question b/c I would like to see the answer or an idea of where to look for it.
66028
If seems that if God was required to create a complex world, than it would require an even more complex being to have created the complexity of God.  Would this be God's God?\n\nI do not see that using God as an explanation for the inherent complexity of the world resolves the issue at all; it simply seems to remove the question to a level where people feel more comfortable admiting that they do not know.  It is much more difficult to admit one does not understand why the natural universe, which they can see and feel and touch, exists, but much easier to admit that they don't know how God came to exist.\n\nSo the question is very good both philosophically, theologically and psychologically.\n\nAnother question you may wish to ask is: If God created heaven, where was He before such a creation?
342882
Our God is awesome. He will bring love, peace and harmony to all when the right time comes. For those people who don't believe in him, well lets just say that you better be wise to his amazing works and what power he has to change your life around if you have a little faith. My mom and i are very heavy into the bible. I'm not a big church person but i know he is there and he helps us whenever we need him and we have to do is believe. So yes God will bring peace to this earth and once his son jesus comes back all the people who didn't ever believe in them will get a serious wake up call. I love it when people ask these questions. They have more questions like this then any other. God Bless You
496946
do i have to be 18 to answer cause i can answer those questions.\n1. we don't know if the bible really came from god, it's just what the christian people say.\n2. yes\n3. No god only inspired some words and some ideas \n4 & 5.. A gain no one knows if god really created the bible, so some of the truth may have been lost \n6. No they weren't, they just wrote down what they thought god told them to write\n7. No one really knows what the "real" bible says, though the earliest version of the bible was in Latin Vulgate.\n8. Yes, go to a church and find a priest and he'll help you\n9. No, you have to believe in ur own thoughts\n10. no, these answers are supposed to be kept a secret or to be found out later on in life.\nHope it helped. even if i'm not 18...\n(and I'm NOT telling anything else)
31786
NO, God is something that someone made up to give people a reason for things that happen. anything good god did. anything bad the devil did. whatever. Things happen, that's life. I stopped believeing in god and absolutely nothing is different in my life. except for more time on sundays, and no more deciding whether the things i do are "right" in god's eyes. This belief helps keep some people in line. it is all psycological, or in your mind.People think if you don't believe in god you will go to hell. what if you don't believe in hell or satan. will he hate you to? There are all types of religions that do nothing more than give us something to reason with how the world started.
335501
Let's begin with the question, "Do you believe in God? Do you believe in a Creator and that you are a creation?" If you do, then you have to believe that God is represented somehow throughout our World and Humanity. \n\nIf you look at World Religions you will see that the God of Abraham which is worshipped by three World Religions (Judaism, Christianity and Islam) has made his presence known in recorded history for nearly 4200 years and worshipped by 55% of the world's population. \n\nI w'ont argue about the validity of Judaism or Islam. That is not for this discussion. However, I will argue about the validity of Christianity.\n\nAs for the argument that Jesus never existed. The fact that The Roman Military destroyed the city of Jerusalem and all the local records in 72CE might prove it difficult to say whether Jesus existed or not. There is evidence that the disciples of Jesus lived and that they they were willing to sacrifice their lives for this new Religion. this in itself would make one want to pause. Let me ask you, "What would you be willing to die for?"\n\nThe letters of the Apostle Paul were written beginning in 45CE. This is only fifteen years after the crucifixion, not quite a generation removed from the event. Since this was an oral culture (Ours is not), they were very good at remembering; Also, the Gospels were written between 70CE and 96CE. There was very little time lapse between the event and the recording of that event. This would mean that there would be an accurrate retelling of events that occurred in the life of Jesus and the early Church.\n\nThere is also the writings of Josephus and Roman records that refer to the Christian sect that were followers of Jesus that was growing throughout the Roman Empire. It is interesting that Christianity grew from about 3,000 on Pentecost to over half the Roman Empire by the year 320CE and continues to grow to it's current estimated number of 2.2 Billion people today. Also,worldwide today more Christians are martyred for their faith every year than throughout the whole Roman persecution (50CE-330CE). Why would someone be willling to die for something that was not true? \n\nFinally, the issue boils down to this. In all other Religions, people are required to work to achieve that place of honor in their god's eyes. In Christianity, Salvation comes through the person of Jesus Christ, Lord and Saviour. If you believe that Jesus died on the cross in order that your sins may be forgiven and that in His Resurrection, you have been given the gift of Eternal Life in God's Kingdom, your sins are forgvien and Salvation is yours. You are free from the bondage of sin to live a life as a disciple of Jesus.\n\nAre you willing to take this step?\n\nIn answer to your second question, why are there so many denominations, the reason lies in the fact that we are human and because of our humanness we are fallible. Humans see things differently from one another and tend to be disagreeable in areas of emotional concern. This of course plays out in religious belefs. There may be many denominations but only one Church led by the Living Person of Jesus Christ
378264
Everyone has a choice, God does not "make" Muslims, etc. He may know someone will make choices that turns them into a Muslim, but God values our choices. Look, if God wanted to just let everyone into heaven that loved him, and cast away the rest into hell, he can do so WITHOUT putting us on earth first. But why would he let us be on earth when he knows we wont serve him anyway? Well imagine if you were created straight in hell... You could easily argue, "God I never had a choice to follow you!", but since you were on earth you DID have choices, and so you get to understand why you go to heaven or hell. Remember though, no one goes to hell if they doesn't deserve to be there according to God's judgement. So why didn't God create just Christians? Well, firstly that would be a form of force since we'd all be destined to go to heaven. Secondly, God might use the life of a non-believer to somehow affect another person into believing. If no one was criticising the Bible, for instance, you probably wouln't have historians and archeologists who back up the Biblical claims with as much evidence as possible. If you didn't have those scholars defending the Bible from skeptics, you might not have as many people who believe in the Bible. At the last, remember that God's knowledge and foresight exceeds are own, and what we may not think is "woth it" he does. Plus think about it, do you think us mere humans are worth the sufferings Jesus undertook? I don't want anyone suffering for me, but it just goes to show how sometimes God might do something we think is wrong, but to him it is extreme mercy and love.
415193
I am a Christian in the sense that I try to live like Christ did.  He was kind and loving to all people and forgiving of those who did not act appropriately.  He made no judgements, just offered his teachings and suggestions.  GOD did not create religion.  PEOPLE did. Mix in the human need to compete, and you now have many different religions. RELIGION doesn't matter to god. IT's what is in your heart.\nI can not believe that God would create millions of people just to let them "go to hell" \nSO YES, God works through all people.
17098
(please read all of this, even if it does look long and boring. you'll be glad you did)If you are asking these questions just to help you decide what to believe, I have some advice for you. If you want to believe the truth but don't know where to find it, buy a Bible and read it from beginning to end. It all is centered around Jesus Christ, God's son. See, God created in the 7 days of creation. Unfortunately, man sinned. So therefore,God gave his only son to die for us as a sacrifice. And because of Him, we can go to heaven if we choose to believe in Christ and be baptized, as I have. But, if we don't believe in Jesus, and live a life of sin, we will be punished by being sent to hell. And by the way, there is no such thing as "purgatory." Catholics think that man can be purged of sin and still go to heaven, but God says that you either go to heaven or hell. Again, I highly advise you to buy a Bible. May God truly bless you through His word. God loves you!
25043
I have waited to answer this question to see what others would say. It is interesting. Unless you have a personal relationship with me, you really do not know me, just "about me", which is the same thing with Jesus. \nI genuinely thank those who spoke such kind and gracious words, I am humbled and grateful. \nOK, to answer, we will start at the beginning. I have always assumed there was a God. I was raised initially in the Catholic church, but I did not like the repetitive rituals or the standing when the priest walks in. My mother did not force me to continue the Catechism classes, and I continued my search for God into my teens. \nOn Thanksgiving evening, 1970, I was cruising in my friend Steve's 1955 T-bird around the towns surrounding Eglin AFB, Florida. We walked around an old cemetary and we got to talking about the spirit world. It sort of gave me the shivers. Steve asked me if I had ever been "saved". What is that? It is asking Jesus Christ into your heart. Something inside me said, "Isn't that what you have been looking for all your life?" That night, I asked Jesus into my heart and to be my Lord and Savior.\n\nMy approach to the Bible changed over the years. Before I met Jesus, it was a confusing array of religious writings and myths. \nAfter I met Jesus, it became a curious array of religious writings that may be true. \nAfter receiving the Holy Spirit a year later, it became personal love letters to me. \nDuring my high school years, it became a book of do's and don'ts that I could not quite live up to. \nDuring my college years, I came upon my mentor Chuck Smith, of Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, who guided me through the Bible, verse by verse. The Bible became my life and foundation for living.\nDuring my single working years, I graduated to my next mentor Chuck Missler, who showed me the importance of types, how the old relates to the new, how the Bible is an intrigate message by One author. The Bible WAS and proved to be the Word of God! \nFive years under him and other great teachers, and I married Julie (Juliart). I was have been blessed to pass on all I have learned her and to my children and also to people stuck in cults, those confused by manipulative religions, and see the freedom the Word of God brings. \nThirty five years since that night in Florida, I have decided to pass all I have learned on to you. But in all things, be like the Bereans in Acts 17:11. Receive everything I have to give with joy, but check the scriptures daily to see if these things are true. I consider what I impart here as "Handfuls Dropped on Purpose" (see study below).\n\nSo to answer this question once and for all. I am just like my other fellow Christians who just love the Bible and have a personal walk with its Author. An old Jesus Freak from the 70s who's life's motto is...\n\n"Have Bible, Will Babble."\n\npregowtwins-Julie cracked up at your post. I could hear her across the house!\nmikeiam20-Your post reminded me of a line in Close Encounters. "Einstein was probably one of them." (looking at the alien mothership) ;)
622930
I am Christian and I recognize everyone believes in God. Even atheists, but they believe themselves god in a different way than theists think of God.\n\nHowever, some people may believe in a false God. Couldn't that be true?\n\nSo you are correct in that it is a great starting point to springboard into the truth of Jesus Christ being God.\n\nthanks for the question.
148612
I believe that, if there is a God, he would be accepting enough to allow all good people into heaven, no matter their religion, race, age, or beliefs.\n\nBesides, why does it matter what happens when we're dead?  You shouldn't spend your life waiting for heaven, when this is the life that truely matters.  People spend their lives looking to God for all the answers instead of figuring out things for themselves.  Find your own answer to life, quit begging God to do it for you.\n\nFinally, people shouldn't be fighting over religion.  It's stupid.  Believe in what you want to believe in, and quit arguing with people over whose religion is right.  It's a fight that will never, ever win.  From what I've heard of God, he's all-forgiving, or something like that.  I highly doubt he'd condemn Jews or Muslims or Christians or whatever to hell if they're wrong.\n\nBut I'm an atheist, so what do I know? ;)\n\nSorry that I rambled a bit and got a little preachy.  It's late.
193289
It is an eternal question that we'll never know the answer to until we are dead.  I'd sit there when I was younger and think who made God and who made the being that created God and who made that being.  I think our sense of beginning and end is not in line with the big picture.  Our minds aren't ready for the truth.
483201
God is not man made. God is real, but man has very unpleasant opinions of God. Most people notice that God seems to be made in our image, instead of us being made in His. I hate the fact that religion has tainted the name of God so much that people are disgusted by the idea that He even exists. True love -without the abstract principle of justice involved- does not require such stringent protocol. It should not, and does not require one to act in a particular way or do a particular thing. God is absolutely powerful, no? I have heard it said that absolute power demands absolutely nothing. What would the Source of All Things demand of anyone? What would that Source do with Allegiance? What would that Source do with Worship? These are not necessary. God is real, and God is the epitome of love. Unlike man, God demands nothing, and there is no 'justice' that will stand between Him, and His children.
400319
To me none of this makes any sense. Things like this is what made me question the validity of religion in the first place.\n\nI DO believe in the ultimate being. This world & its functions didn't create itself. There were programs to follow & rules set forth.\nSure the universe probably came from a big bang. But something had to make the bang possible. Evolution all well & good, yes, but something was programmed to make that possible.\nI'm not an atheist because of religious reasons but rather for logical reasons. Something had to come from something.\n\nBut I don't believe in this Satan Devil character at all.\nIt's hokey.\nGod created an assistant???\nWhat the hell does God need an "assistant" for anyhow?\nThis is not limited mankind this is Ultimate Being!\nGod needs nothing but God.\n\nIn fact this whole thing about God needing us makes no sense either. For what?\nIf God needs others then God is limited and not the ultimate being. And if what we refer to as God is not the ultimate being than who is? I ain't got time for no middlemen. Who's the top dog?\n\nMy theory on this whole universe is that it is nothing more than God exploded. All pieces and parts within are fractions of the whole, the ultimate. From a simple rock to the species of mankind to oil sludge.\nWhy this happened no one will ever know. We're only fractions and we can only get fractional information.\n\nIt is true. God always was and always will be. But hell if we'll ever know why that is or why it should be.\nJohn Lucas
638482
i'm catholic too..... but sometimes i wonder if i'm a very good one. lol. \n\nthats the whole idea man, we dont know where we come from. if you believe in god, how is it that god existed before everything else?? theres just no answer. and if you believe in the big bang, or anything else like that, well..... there was nothing, and then stuff just exploded? what caused that?\n\nsee what i mean? theres not any real way to explain it. but thats what faith is about. i dont care what it says in some book. no book has all the answers. but, faith is about not having all the answers, and just looking inside and trying to connect with what you really feel, whatever that is, and being able to believe in it, and believe that theres more out there than what we understand in this life.\n\nthat said, whatever you believe in, its fine by me. whether its god, or buddah, or allah, or jehovah, or whatever.... you can believe in a can of creamed corn for all i care. lol. its not like i have all the answers.
559793
man, i feel bad for you. you're playing on the wrong team. God is so real. it seems like everyday he's proving himself (to me anyway). i mean there are times i look back and it could have only been God that got me through. God gives me peace, protection, and he is a great provider. My first year in college I didn't have a job or a dime to my name, but God made a way for me. He made is so that I was never hungry, and that I never wanted for anything. to you God might be an "invisible friend" but for me he is my best friend. the bible is a guide that tells us how to live. and if people live right they dont have to fear God. he gave his only son for us, do you really think that he wants to destroy us? to cripple us with fear? No, thats not him, he is loving. I'm sorry if you feel that God has failed you, or that he's not real, because you're missing out.