Som as I mentioned before, I believe all religions have similar information. God created us all and at one time everyone worshiped the same God. The question is which god is the true God. I of cause believe that mine is just as Hindu's and others believe theirs are.

That question seem irrelevant to me.

What if we still worship various forms of the same God ?

There are myriads of possibilities that exist in this world, the question is not "which god is the true God, question for me is, whether i am happy with what i have set ae my goal (to attain whatever - salvation, eternal life; in my case in particular, my happiness and satisfaction)

What i most dislike is the notion and proclaimation - my way IS THE way, my God IS THE GOD. In this regards, anybody's guess is as good as mine.

Where is the proof ?

This sums up what was running through my mind while I was reading these posts.

Generally, most religions believe there was a point at which life began. And these religions GENERALLY accept that there is a powerful entity that willfully caused this to happen. I have no problem at all with accepting that these various beliefs all tie back to the same creator.

I use the word generally because I do not know about all religions and do not want to come across as someone who thinks they know more than they do! I love to learn about cultures different from what I was raised in. It helps me remember that my little corner of the world is not THE WORLD. It also helps me to interact with people I meet when I know a little bit about what's behind them. So far, I haven't done any intense study of other religions, but have picked up bits and pieces through books or one-on-one discussions. There aren't many practicing Hindus here in New Mexico, so that is one area where I am severely lacking.

To me the non-existence of God is irrelevant, because I believe in Him wholeheartedly. No matter where I go, I see God’s presence and I am constantly reminded of Him. Once we have experienced God personally it becomes extremely hard to deny God. We may still be able to reject Him or even openly deny Him, but deep inside we will always know He exists.

[quote]Originally posted by fish: [b] To me the non-existence of God is irrelevant, because I believe in Him wholeheartedly. No matter where I go, I see God’s presence and I am constantly reminded of Him. [/b][/quote]This has been true for me as well. I do believe also that God makes his presence known to each of us in different ways. Now it could be that because of our own life's history that each individual is more apt to notice God's presence in certain circumstances. When I go to the mountain, does God make his presence more known to me there? or am I just more likely to notice it there? (retorical question) A chicken/egg question really. There are other times when I'm suddenly aware of this presence just out of the blue.

thats a tad illogical. either you believe, in which case his existence or non existence cannot be irrelevant to you, or you don't. are you sure that you're not just saying that people who assert the non existence of god are irrelevant?

It was very interesting to read this post.

If you compare this testimony with that of an alcoholic, you won't find much difference. Negative behaviors negated by attending support meetings with other people that feel the need to change their lives.

When the person doesn't go to meetings, the negative behavior returns, but with some guilt, either leading to more negative behavior, or a return to meetings and "salvation."

Where I can have 2 margaritas with dinner and not become an alcolholic, my father can't have half a beer or else he is totally committed to getting drunk.

It seems to me that people who have the need for "religion" have to continually reinforce that belief. If there is superstition involved, that makes it easier, since in some ways it's easier to lay your problems at the foot of a "holy spirit" rather than take personal responsibility for actions you can't control.

Which is fine. In another post I mentioned that at first I thought alcoholism was just a copout for not controlling ones self. I soon realized that it was a disease and that a person would not live like that if they had a choice.

Perhaps people who claim a "personal relationship with God" have a similar need.

Is my belief in God a superstition? Maybe, if God was just a crutch, then you would be right, it would be probably superstition. However God is more than that, He is my friend, my Comforter, Counselor, Guide, Teacher, Healer, the glue that keeps me together even in times of great trouble and distress, He is Lord and ruler of my life, the Creator of heaven and earth, the same God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and of all the prophets of Israel and of countless of persons throughout History, He is Love, Patience, Mercy, Grace, Wisdom and much more. God is as real to me as anyone else on this planet. Most of the time I experience His presence and during the times that I don’t feel His presence, His promise that He will never abandon me keeps me going.

Just like Harvey the rabbit?

Though that might have been a bit too sarcastic.

I'm glad people can have that faith. An invisible friend to talk to, to pray to, to ask for guidance from, to blame, to praise.

When things go wrong, blame God, when things go right, praise God.

Until people can prove otherwise, a belief in a "God" is a superstition. Just like throwing salt over your shoulder, or not walking under ladders.

And in reference to my post comparing alcoholism with devout faith, many people who are diagnosed with OCC (Obsessive compulsive disorder) would also have similar experiences as fish describes.