There will be millions of things to do, in an infinite amount of time... People will regain the thrill if they stop doing things like that over long periods of time, so while you wait you simply go do the other million things you could be doing, and maybe you will be able to create your own things for amusement. There are Billions or even maybe an infinite amount of things you could be doing... and you will always regain interest because time makes us lose, but also regain interest.
Is God so daft and intolerant that he can't stand the thought of people questioning him? Does he want us to be a bunch of servile air-heads? (Not saying anyone is.) Hmm, let me try to supplement Pigglez's explanation. Life is often compared to a roller coaster, right? The ups and downs; the exhilaration of accelaration. Imagine Heaven as just those exciting drops. At first, it gets your blood pumping; what about later? You forget what it's like without the dips in life and everything blurs and becomes one. You lose the complex variation that makes life such an adventure and you're left with a mindless, short-lived ecstasy. Excited? Not anymore.
But if you decide to stop to do other things... then you are just continuing. Trust me, if I'm wrong and heaven exists and you can physically never lose that feeling of happiness, Id think thats awesome. But besides the fact I dont see that happening, the very idea is what tells me it cant exist.
I've explained this to Pigglez already. But if you get bored, you do something else regardless... In the real world we do this already, if we get bored of something we move to something else until we regain interest in what we lost interest in the first place, it's a never ending cycle, and considering there are millions of different activities to do in heaven so, we could never get bored or lose momentum. If you believe we have spirits, auras, or essence then heaven is a very possible possibility.
WAIT JUST ONE DARN SECOND We're assuming we would forget all the sad parts in life. What if we don't and we still have something to compare our happiness to? EDIT: Ooh, but you still don't know if that is what happens. Still, I tried.
I think the point he is trying to make is not that we will get bored, though that is not really a problem you showed that, but that there will be no sadness, and you need the sadness for the happy to mean something. If everything was always happy then happy is no longer special.
Like stated previously, you're still comparing the type of life now to Heaven, with the only change as eternal. You don't know what Heaven is like, and the Earth is cursed. Before the Earth was cursed it might as well have had infinite happiness. I'm not saying "they don't exist because of what you believe." The sole reason I said that we are going to live on a new earth is because you're claiming it as super fantasy land. The point is you don't know what Heaven is all about, you don't know if happiness is temporary, you don't know if it gets repetitive! You're basing a definition of Heaven off the things you figure.
It doesnt matter. The point isnt on its repetitiveness. Its on the fact that happiness all the time = no happiness, as ninja just stated. If everyone is special no one is. Like that, if you are always happy... you never are. Somewhat. Really just that without sadness you no longer have anything to compare the happy times to. Thats why it becomes boring. Thats why it doesnt matter how exciting the thing you are doing is. It will become boring because you have no sadness to compare.
Maybe I should've emphasized on the word I used earlier: joy. The fact is that we don't need a comparison to believe in something. There doesn't need to be a belief in no gods to believe in a god. What makes it a comparison? You don't know. The fact that you know NOW what happiness is is how you experience it forever in Heaven. Sad times on earth = happy time in Heaven. Even if you say people who never lived on earth don't have a comparison, they have infinite knowledge of everything in Heaven. What about the garden of eden? They experienced a perfect place, though they had nothing bad to compare it to. Then when they received curses, they had it. In the same way you now experience temporary happiness, and eternal life in Heaven.
Diablo: Maybe you are right. Maybe I cant compare it to life on earth. But maybe I am. You said it yourself, you can't know. Nice colors btw with Imagination. I don't believe science as all the answers, nor do I imagine it does. I know it doesnt. Its still working on finding them. I don't think religion is working to find the right answers. I think religion would be a lot better if it took all of its huge flaws and instead of saying you cant really argue or prove them wrong, religion should go back up its statements with facts. Thered be no questioning it then would there? Thats what science is trying to do. its not just stating its hypotheses and then forgetting to do the experiment. 1. I mean productive as in something that can be beneficial to mankind. If I have all that time, maybe I could spend it helping humanity better itself, but I cant because I am dead. 2. I think I even said in that post or in another, that episode isnt a great example, or what Im staking my points on. I just used that scene as an example of how long periods of happiness without sadness can lose its thrill. I didn't say anything about religions involving reincarnation... I just said that I think dying is like before you were born. You dont even know. .... Hellz yea it would be! _______ Also, I forget who it was that said so, but someone said they like the idea of heaven and hell because they hate the idea of not existing anymore. Isn't that not really being very appreciative of the finite life you have now? You have this life, enjoy it while it lasts, rather than worrying about what will happen to you after. To just want to make sure you keep on post mortem... enjoy what you have, rather than hope for more.
I must thank you Pigglez, when I first read your statements on our finite lifetime and all that comes with it I took in a deep breath and loved it. I really do care about this life and it being finite makes it all the more sweet. I am not going for broke, I want to live this life to the fullest because I know that it will end someday, while if you believe in an after life you can spend your life trying to please a God that might or might not exist. If he does not then you wasted your one and only life. I can never take those chances, I do not want to gamble with my life. This is good night from me and thank you so much Pigglez for real, those sentences really got me to just love life.
Though it may be a trial, does that mean he won't accept honest questioning? None at all? I don't love him less by questioning, it's just the way he made me.
Its funny how you hate us when we say "Atheists have terrible lives" (not that I agree with this) and when you say "Christians have terrible lives devoting it to God" I almost find it funny because its not like you have lived the greater portion of your lifetime serving God and knowing whether or not it was enjoyable, the fact is, what you just said, is based on ASSUMPTION. You say life is enjoyable in these conditions.. etc, but you haven't even experienced half of your life's worth yet.
Lol I guess it is. Since there is no real evidence for or against it... so its really a stalemate. 1) Yes, because ghosts are soooo productive in todays society. lol... not that I really believe in them either. 2) Meh I explained my side, you yours... stalemate. EDIT: To ninja: Thanks XD To aMoeba: Actually, most of us have, since, at least for me, I converted from Judaism, so I know what its like to live that way. Im not saying our way of life is better at all, just saying I personally enjoy my way of life, and that hoping for the afterlife while you still have this one to live seems pointless and unappreciative. But Im not calling you or all christians that, just saying that if you do that, thats wrong imo.
It's not that I don't believe in the cause, but I'm just unsure if it will... idk; work? The way people are going about the cause? That's my real qualm.
in the last census over a million americans said their religion was "jedi". Well would you look at that, star wars was created by a single imaginative guy! who'd of thunk it. if you ask me, there is probably something bigger going on up there, but it isn't what the bible says it is. So mabey jesus was real and he was a nice guy, but who's to say that the stories of him weren't exagurated by the people that saw it? if i write a book about barack obama, and 2000 years later people belive he had the ability to command giraffes to do his bidding beacuse i said it in a book and the evidence of the truth had been lost over time, who's to say the bible isn't the same thing?
the Bible states many prophecies that the messiah would accomplish when they came. Jesus performed almost all of these near impossible and not likely coincidental miracles. the pharicies(sp?0 at this time also studied the Bible and kept record of the prophecies. i think that explains most truth in the Bible besides other evidence of biblical events.
Wrong... Oh my....I apologize for the harshness o the this critic, but that was the most ignorant statement I have ever read. There are 65 Books talking about God, his loving, caring, humble, forgiving self. 65. "For God so loved the world he gave his only begotten son, so that the world might be saved through him." -John 3:16 Does that not sound like it's spreading truth? [Or supposed truth{Religion}] How about: "I am the WAY the TRUTH and the LIFE, no one comes to the Father except through ME." -John 14:6 About God, and who he is: (Numbers 23:19 NIV) God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? (Deuteronomy 3:24 NIV) "O Sovereign LORD, you have begun to show to your servant your greatness and your strong hand. For what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do the deeds and mighty works you do? (Deuteronomy 4:24 NIV) For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God. (Deuteronomy 4:31 NIV) For the LORD your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your forefathers, which he confirmed to them by oath. (Deuteronomy 6:4-5 NIV) Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. {5} Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. (Deuteronomy 9:3 NIV) But be assured today that the LORD your God is the one who goes across ahead of you like a devouring fire. He will destroy them; he will subdue them before you. And you will drive them out and annihilate them quickly, as the LORD has promised you. (Deuteronomy 10:17 NIV) For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. (Deuteronomy 20:1 NIV) When you go to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army greater than yours, do not be afraid of them, because the LORD your God, who brought you up out of Egypt, will be with you. (Deuteronomy 20:4 NIV) For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory." (Deuteronomy 33:27 NIV) The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He will drive out your enemy before you, saying, 'Destroy him!' (Joshua 1:8-9 NIV) Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. {9} Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 23:3 NIV) You yourselves have seen everything the LORD your God has done to all these nations for your sake; it was the LORD your God who fought for you. (2 Samuel 22:32-34 NIV) For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God? {33} It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. {34} He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. (2 Chronicles 30:9 NIV) If you return to the LORD, then your brothers and your children will be shown compassion by their captors and will come back to this land, for the LORD your God is gracious and compassionate. He will not turn his face from you if you return to him." (Ezra 8:22 NIV) I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we had told the king, "The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him." (Psalms 10:4 NIV) In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God. (Psalms 33:11-13 NIV) But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. {12} Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance. {13} From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind; (Psalms 37:30-31 NIV) The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks what is just. {31} The law of his God is in his heart; his feet do not slip. (Psalms 46:1-2 NIV) For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. According to alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. {2} Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, (Psalms 46:4-5 NIV) There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. {5} God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. (Psalms 48:14 NIV) For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end. (Psalms 50:6 NIV) And the heavens proclaim his righteousness, for God himself is judge. Selah (Psalms 54:4 NIV) Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me. (Psalms 59:9-10 NIV) O my Strength, I watch for you; you, O God, are my fortress, {10} my loving God. God will go before me and will let me gloat over those who slander me. (Psalms 62:7-8 NIV) My salvation and my honor depend on God ; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. {8} Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Selah (Psalms 68:19-20 NIV) Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Selah {20} Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign LORD comes escape from death. (Psalms 73:26 NIV) My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (Psalms 84:11-12 NIV) For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. {12} O LORD Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you. (Psalms 94:22 NIV) But the LORD has become my fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge. (Psalms 116:5 NIV) The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. (Psalms 144:15 NIV) Blessed are the people of whom this is true; blessed are the people whose God is the LORD. (Proverbs 30:5 NIV) "Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. (Isaiah 61:1-3 NIV) The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, {2} to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, {3} and provide for those who grieve in Zion-- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. (Matthew 12:28 NIV) But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. (Matthew 22:32 NIV) 'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob' ? He is not the God of the dead but of the living." (Mark 1:15 NIV) "The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!" (Luke 7:28 NIV) I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he." (Luke 10:9 NIV) Heal the sick who are there and tell them, 'The kingdom of God is near you.' (Luke 16:16 NIV) "The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John. Since that time, the good news of the kingdom of God is being preached, and everyone is forcing his way into it. (Luke 17:21 NIV) nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you." (John 4:24 NIV) God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." (John 6:33 NIV) For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." (Acts 10:34 NIV) Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism (Romans 5:5 NIV) And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. (Romans 6:23 NIV) For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 7:1 NIV) Do you not know, brothers--for I am speaking to men who know the law--that the law has authority over a man only as long as he lives? (Romans 14:17 NIV) For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, (1 Corinthians 1:9 NIV) God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful. (1 Corinthians 4:20 NIV) For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. (1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV) No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. (1 Corinthians 14:33 NIV) For God is not a God of disorder but of peace. As in all the congregations of the saints, (2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV) And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (Galatians 6:7-8 NIV) Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. {8} The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. (Ephesians 4:24 NIV) and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. (Hebrews 4:12 NIV) For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Hebrews 11:16 NIV) Instead, they were longing for a better country--a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. (Hebrews 13:16 NIV) And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. (1 John 1:5 NIV) This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. (1 John 4:7-9 NIV) Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. {8} Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. {9} This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. (1 John 4:16 NIV) And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. (Revelation 21:3 NIV) And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. A way of thinking?...that's just self refuting...