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  • #46
    Is There A Higher Power?

    If your answer to this question is no, then this article is for you, and there are three questions for you to consider. I do not aim to make you believe in any particular God, so for the purpose of this article, God refers to a higher power that at this point we need not put an identity to.

    These are just questions to start you thinking a little more into the topic, and attempt to use rational logic to reason the possibility of God’s existence to the atheist, which you are, by the way, if you answered no to the title question.

    1. Do you believe that the blue whale exists?

    If your answer to this question is yes, then consider why you believe that. Did you ever come close to a blue whale, and seen it live, touched it and felt it, or sailed by it? For the average person, the likely answer is no. Yet we vaguely know it as some kind of fact. That is probably because we have seen the blue whale on TV, perhaps on National Geographic or some other documentary, read about it in a book or encyclopedia, or found pictures and descriptions of it off the internet, even though the blue whale is an exceedingly rare mammal.

    All these are third-party accounts, since you never saw it face to face, yet you believe them. Somehow, you trusted the credibility of those sources or resources. You took by faith that someone has seen it, encountered it, and believed their documentation of it, be it in whatever form. In that case, why not believe the bible, which is a compiled account of many authors who have experienced God? Why not believe your friends, who have encountered God in their own unique and special way? If I challenged you to prove that the blue whale exists, you would take me to personally see one; similarly, your Christian friends would try to invite you to church or other gatherings so that you can see for yourself. Why not give it a try?

    If your answer to this question is no, then you at least should admit you do not know all there is to know, and hence, perhaps, consider the possibility of the existence of a higher power. Or read up a little more.

    2. Do you believe that dinosaurs exist?

    If your answer to this question is yes, then consider why you believe that. Similarly, have you ever seen a living one in existence? Hollywood theme parks do not count, by the way. Yet we also accept it as some kind of fact. It is odd, considering that none of the people living today could have ever seen it live those millions of years ago. In fact, we cannot even be absolutely sure how many years ago they roamed the earth.

    This time round, you took by faith that archaeologists and scientists had properly put together the fossil evidence and constructed correct models of what the dinosaurs looked like back then, even though no one could possibly know exactly. It is at best an educated guess, supported by technology. It is all circumstantial evidence that can only be explained by the possibility of dinosaurs. Likewise, looking at the many religions that have been around for centuries or longer, they are all circumstantial evidence that something must have transpired to inspire them. We do have some archaeological evidence anyway, for instance, the discovery of the dead sea scrolls validate some books of the bible. With that many people believing in some higher power, surely the possibility of the existence of a God cannot be that minute?

    If your answer to this question is no, then you need to come up with some viable explanation for the extraordinarily large and different fossils that had been discovered all these years that do not match any species of animals in existence today. Good luck.

    3. Do you believe that aliens exist?

    If your answer to this question is yes, why do you believe something that has no empirical evidence, especially since many of the photographs that were claimed to be of UFOs were proven to be hoaxes? Isn’t it a great leap of faith to believe something like this? If you had based your belief on things such as crop circles, how the Egyptians could have built the pyramids with their primitive technology, and similar ideas, these are merely interpretations of circumstantial evidence. If you can believe that something extraterrestrial exists, why not a higher power? If you can believe that a crop circle must be left behind by something extraterrestrial, why not consider that life itself, being vastly more complicated, similarly must have had intelligent and deliberate design?

    If your answer to this question is no, why not?

    Although extraterrestrials have yet to be discovered, it is altogether possible that they exist, whether it is probable or not. Humans have such limited knowledge of the universe, as well as technology. Since the universe is technically limitless, or at least, vastly huge, why can’t there be the possible existence of aliens in some remote part of the galaxy? How much of the universe have we humans combed? Similarly, just because we haven’t seen a tangible existence of a higher power here on earth does not exclude the possibility of the higher power being located elsewhere. Even with advanced technology, there are still things that cannot be tracked by what is tangible or visible. All the superstitions about ghosts and spirits must have some cause somewhere, and just because science cannot prove or capture it yet does not imply that the spiritual dimension cannot possibly exist either.

    Is it not easier to accept the mere possibility of the existence of a higher power, because someone somewhere claims to have some experience of it, rather than insist on the non-existence of a higher power, which cannot be proven without searching the entire universe, assuming we can cover only the known three dimensions?
    ** Since 2006 3 X Pro Pickem' Champion; 4 X Runner-Up and 3 X 3rd place.
    ** To download Jesus Loves Me ring tones, you'll need a cell phone mame
    ** If God doesn't fish, play poker or pull for " the Packers ", exactly what does HE do with his buds?
    ** Rather than love, money or fame - give me TRUTH: Henry D. Thoreau

    Comment


    • #47
      Originally posted by HarveyWallbangers
      Originally posted by Fosco33
      - Elsewhere (Midwest, Plain States (less N Dakota)) and the Upper NE coast have arguably the best education in the country (by stats) and possibly the world.
      What do you mean "less North Dakota?" North Dakota ranks very high in education. There are many ways to measure, but they rank high in most key categories--like high school graduation rates (1st), test scores (1st in SAT test scores, generally top 5-10 in ACT test scores), percentage of college graduates, high school graduates with college acceptances (1st), etc. There's no way to absolutely rank states on education (various reports differ, depending on the criteria), but it's clear that North Dakota ranks near the top in education.

      Much of what you wrote is true, but you lose credibility with a statement like that.

      The only thing they rank poorly in is the amount they spend/student (like many rural states), and that's about the most assinine criteria to go off. Just look at the difference in teacher's salaries and cost of living (e.g. it takes a lot less to build and maintain school infrastructure), and that will explain away most of those differences.
      I didn't mean that, Harv. Quick typing, I guess. What I meant to say is that N Dakota has the highest belief in a higher power (93%) and thus an anomaly amongst it's neighboring states and others listed (~85%). Honestly, I have no knowledge of ND's education system. No disrespect meant.

      What I was getting at was trying to determine was this anomoly exists... any ideas?
      The measure of who we are is what we do with what we have.
      Vince Lombardi

      "Not really interested in being a spoiler or an underdog. We're the Green Bay Packers." McCarthy.

      Comment


      • #48
        Originally posted by Fosco33

        I didn't mean that, Harv. Quick typing, I guess. What I meant to say is that N Dakota has the highest belief in a higher power (93%) and thus an anomaly amongst it's neighboring states and others listed (~85%). Honestly, I have no knowledge of ND's education system. No disrespect meant.

        What I was getting at was trying to determine was this anomoly exists... any ideas?
        Apology accepted.


        I thought most of your other points were valid.
        "There's a lot of interest in the draft. It's great. But quite frankly, most of the people that are commenting on it don't know anything about what they are talking about."--Ted Thompson

        Comment


        • #49
          Originally posted by woodbuck27
          In fact, the herb "ganja" (marijuana) was regarded as "wisdomweed," and Rasta leaders urged that it be smoked as a religious rite, alleging that it was found growing on the grave of King Solomon
          This is rich. Maybe some magic mushrooms are growing on King Solomon's grave, too!

          Actually, Rastafarians are no more ridiculous than other religions, so I should not pick on them.

          Comment


          • #50
            Originally posted by Harlan Huckleby
            Originally posted by woodbuck27
            In fact, the herb "ganja" (marijuana) was regarded as "wisdomweed," and Rasta leaders urged that it be smoked as a religious rite, alleging that it was found growing on the grave of King Solomon
            This is rich. Maybe some magic mushrooms are growing on King Solomon's grave, too!

            Actually, Rastafarians are no more ridiculous than other religions, so I should not pick on them.
            I spent two weeks in Barbados in May 1985 and had the unique opportunity to meet several Rasta men Harlan - really Beach Boys and they are very cool people.

            I spent some quality time, getting acquainted with their ways and found them to be very soulful and also very high at times.

            They believe - even the beach sand lives.

            BIG Ganga Maan ! Ohhh . . my Gaud Shit.
            ** Since 2006 3 X Pro Pickem' Champion; 4 X Runner-Up and 3 X 3rd place.
            ** To download Jesus Loves Me ring tones, you'll need a cell phone mame
            ** If God doesn't fish, play poker or pull for " the Packers ", exactly what does HE do with his buds?
            ** Rather than love, money or fame - give me TRUTH: Henry D. Thoreau

            Comment


            • #51
              I'm going to jump into this subject even though I hate these threads as they scare the crap out of me. First off, I'm 14, 15 in a few days. One thing that disturbed me was I think someone on page 1 said he's baptized so he's fine. Not true. You need to accept Christ into your life.

              In my short life I've grown more in faith. The main reason is thanks to a few friends who grow up in a strict Christian lifestyle. They have influenced me greatly. I've been around these people. They believe in Jesus.... and their life is better because of it. You may even see my friend playing college football some day. The fact is since I've grown in faith my life has gotten better. Truth is most of you don't want to believe and are scared to death. FAITH, FAITH, FAITH.......... Faith is believing something you cannot be sure of.

              Comment


              • #52
                Well, as a fellow believer, I'm proud of you. Others will be scared crapless by such a fundamental Christian.


                Keep the faith, and don't let anybody belittle your beliefs.
                "There's a lot of interest in the draft. It's great. But quite frankly, most of the people that are commenting on it don't know anything about what they are talking about."--Ted Thompson

                Comment


                • #53
                  Harv, I think this youngin' may be ready for a trip over to CE. I bet he'd be loved over there. Christian-Encourager.com is a stop some of us made on our journey here.

                  I was thinking about this thread the other day. There is a phenomenon that has been studied that religious people heal faster (Brady Poppinga, Reggie White anyone?) The odd part about this phenomenon is it applies globally regardless of the religion of the patient. I don't know how it applies, but there it is.

                  justanother, you should know that Nutz is not always speaking seriously unless he's talking about defensive schemes or the offensive line. Then he's dead serious.
                  "Greatness is not an act... but a habit.Greatness is not an act... but a habit." -Greg Jennings

                  Comment


                  • #54
                    Originally posted by justanotherpackfan
                    I'm going to jump into this subject even though I hate these threads as they scare the crap out of me. First off, I'm 14, 15 in a few days. One thing that disturbed me was I think someone on page 1 said he's baptized so he's fine. Not true. You need to accept Christ into your life.

                    In my short life I've grown more in faith. The main reason is thanks to a few friends who grow up in a strict Christian lifestyle. They have influenced me greatly. I've been around these people. They believe in Jesus.... and their life is better because of it. You may even see my friend playing college football some day. The fact is since I've grown in faith my life has gotten better. Truth is most of you don't want to believe and are scared to death. FAITH, FAITH, FAITH.......... Faith is believing something you cannot be sure of.

                    Congratulations young MAN. Fear not in YOUR FAITH.

                    May you be bless'd "in your strength", prudence and faith all your LIFE. That FAITH is more than the cornerstone of how to deal with LIFE's challenges. It's YOUR solid foundation. ALWAYS - YOUR FAITH.

                    I'll pass this inner part of me onto you people - the basis of who I am and I only ask that you consider what I am going to disclose. Am I afraid of those of you who will read this and spurn me. NO !

                    Some more about woodbuck27:

                    Thanks to my blessed parents and theirs. . .

                    I went to Sunday School from 4-19 years of age, and attended every Church function I could from Junior and Senior Church Choirs, Mission Band (that teaches a Christian, love of his fellow man), Cubs and Scouts and later High - C ,as a teen on Sat. and Sunday nights.

                    All that, is the foundation of what is best in me. Yet, I am humble to myself. I am far from perfect and often challenged by that imperfection. How I react to life is only in me. Action - consequence and through my Christian Spirit patience and renewal. Many will laugh, sneer and scoff at that. Have at it as you may. I have FAITH in my strength and my path.

                    I trust that every person has something to teach me. As a Christian, I'm challenged to open my mind,heart and feed my soul - from a standpoint of respect for all people. Is my LIFE easy as a Christian - NO !

                    I do have faith daily, and in that realize that it's easier to cope with so many LIFE struggles.

                    I realize that as a Christian I am hated/despised by some, yet I must return no harm. As a Christian I am challenged not to hate the WAR between Isreal and Lebanon ,that challenges us today to take a stance. I must not despise politics gone bad in my Country and World wide. Not hate the greed of men, and the rebellion of those less worthy financially, on the innocent, especially the elderly. I must not hate the young men in Africa that could give a DAM who they infect with the HIV Virus - thus a morality issue, is the basis of the fact, that over 1 million people are Aids victims just in Zambia alone.

                    As a Christian today, I believe OUR challenges are overwhelming at times, but for FAITH.

                    All that is what I fall on - to make me a better human being, when I make mistakes and slip and fall, when life takes me to task, or when I'm in any way confused /troubled by daily life events and inter-reactions. My FAITH.

                    My Christianity is my foundation of strength. For that I am extremely grateful.

                    IF NOT FOR MY FAITH !??
                    ** Since 2006 3 X Pro Pickem' Champion; 4 X Runner-Up and 3 X 3rd place.
                    ** To download Jesus Loves Me ring tones, you'll need a cell phone mame
                    ** If God doesn't fish, play poker or pull for " the Packers ", exactly what does HE do with his buds?
                    ** Rather than love, money or fame - give me TRUTH: Henry D. Thoreau

                    Comment


                    • #55
                      Great stuff, Woody!
                      "There's a lot of interest in the draft. It's great. But quite frankly, most of the people that are commenting on it don't know anything about what they are talking about."--Ted Thompson

                      Comment


                      • #56
                        Originally posted by HarveyWallbangers
                        Great stuff, Woody!
                        In FAITH, Harvey.

                        Thank You - my Christian Friend.
                        ** Since 2006 3 X Pro Pickem' Champion; 4 X Runner-Up and 3 X 3rd place.
                        ** To download Jesus Loves Me ring tones, you'll need a cell phone mame
                        ** If God doesn't fish, play poker or pull for " the Packers ", exactly what does HE do with his buds?
                        ** Rather than love, money or fame - give me TRUTH: Henry D. Thoreau

                        Comment


                        • #57
                          I believe in the power to get high.



                          tyler
                          Receive thy new Possessor: One who brings
                          A mind not to be chang'd by Place or Time.
                          The mind is its own place, and in it self
                          Can make a Heav'n of Hell, a Hell of Heav'n.

                          "Paradise Lost"-John Milton

                          Comment


                          • #58
                            I replied that I do believe, but wonder sometimes. The fact that we question it makes me believe it. We seem to always be searching. That, to me, is evidence of something missing.

                            I grew up in a conservative Baptist home. It didn't take long for me to get out of that institution once I became a man.

                            Here's what my biggest problem always was:

                            If God is omniscient, he knows the future, and that's what they preach, then He would have known that Adam would sin and Billion would eventually die and be burned and tortured forever for not "accepting Christ as Savior". This is what I told my Pastor. If you knew the future, before you had kids, and you saw that just one of them would be raped, tortured and killed, but the others would live successful happy lives, would you still procreate, knowing that one child's fate? I wouldn't! Because, for the rest of my life, I would know that "I" was the cause of that child's pain and suffering, because I still chose to bring said child into the world. This is my problem with organized religions idea of ETERNAL punishment. It has never made sense to me. I believe there is an order and design, otherwise, why the hell are we even here, but I don't believe any organized religion knows what their talking about. Most of them have changed their rules as time goes by anyways, which is a joke in itself. OK, I'm done. Hope I didn't offend anyone.
                            "...one thing about me during the course of a game, I get emotional and say things my grandmother lets me know about later. But nobody wants to win on that field anymore than I do, no one." Brett Favre

                            Comment


                            • #59
                              Well I'm a believer. To my knowledge, the existance of a God has never been scientifically proven as of late. However the the power of prayer has been proven. Studies have been done in hospitals on patients with identical illnesses. One patient has people praying for them, the other does not. Go ahead and guess which patient recovers on the most consistant basis.
                              "Litre is French, for give me some f*ckin cola!"

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                              • #60
                                Have any of you seen that story about gemstones falling from the sky? I would give the link but I forgot what the site is called. I will ask my friend and post it later.

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