Religion: Fact Or Fiction?

It was suggested on another thread that we take a discussion there and open a new thread about it, that's what I'm doing.

Is religion real? If you say yes, how can you actually prove that a god does exist? Where's your solid, unquestionable proof?

Let's discuss...

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If there were solid, unquestionable proof about God or Buddha or Tao or Allah, then we wouldn't need to discuss anything.

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Anthony Korahais
Website: http://www.FlowingZen.com
YouTube: http://www.YouTube.com/FlowingZen

“	Originally Posted By: Antonius If there were solid, unquestionable proof about God or Buddha or Tao or Allah, then we wouldn't need to discuss anything.	”

One of my points exactly!

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One thing to consider, spirituality is different from an organized religion.

Buddha never claimed to be a god, and other than the religous sect of Taoism created by humans, Taoism is not viewed as a god, it just is, takes no sides, has no purpose, is neither good nor evil.

Unlike Christianity, Catholicism, Islam, and whatever else, who claim that their god is the one and only and not only that but their god is the supreme god who created all and everything.

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Here's a good question...........Why are there so many different religions ? Would it be possible that humans NEED to think there is something greater than them ? Something or someone is actually in control of thier life ? Is it the human mind that created this possible subconscience need. Maybe man needed to think there was something better after death. A paradise,if you will. I just find it a bit strange that there are so many different religions.

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"-when you yourself know that a thing is good, that it is not blamable, that it is praised by the wise and when practiced and observed that it leads to happiness, then follow that thing.”

I came across this recently while researching something on religion, it really opened my eyes to the truth about god!

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“	Originally Posted By: Mei Hua Unlike Christianity, Catholicism, Islam, and whatever else, who claim that their god is the one and only and not only that but their god is the supreme god who created all and everything.	”

It;s not really like that, Judaeism/Christianity/Islam all worship one God and ascribe creation to him.

Every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God

Hebrews 3:4

There was a time when you did not exist. You were brought into existence by others and you are constantly sustained by many causes, inside and outside. The universe is made of many parts that come to be and pass away and each depends on others for its beginning and its continued existence. But what about the universe as a whole? Is it a necessary that exists of itself? How can it be if it is made up of all these parts, each of which depends on others? There must be something necessary and unchanging that grounds and sustains our changing world.

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Faith itself, compelled by the Holy Spirit, possesses an inner dynamism that necessitates deeper understanding. ~Thomas Weinandy O.F.M.

“	Originally Posted By: FightingFat It;s not really like that, Judaeism/Christianity/Islam all worship one God and ascribe creation to him. Every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God Hebrews 3:4	”

But to be a builder, you yourself must first be built, so who built god?

I build houses among other things, and if I build something that has a flaw or is imperfect and thus defective, I'm at fault and it shows that I made a mistake and am imperfect.
With all that's gone wrong over the centuries in the name of God, all the evil, all the bad, doesn't that imply that the builder is himself not perfect? And if God is supposed to be perfect, why do you worship one who claims so but in reality isn't, thus proving that he's lying to the people to gain their trust and adoration?
Or, if God is the builder but is imperfect, doesn't that truly mean that God really isn't the builder but that someone else/thing is? And how do we know that this other really has any plan for us? This could explain all the bad, because the real master doesn't give squat about us and so "God's" hands are tied from any intervention.

Another thing about building, when I build something, I always leave some characteristic mark that identifies my handywork, no matter how small or minute, other people familiar with me can always tell if I did something by my craftsmanship.
So doesn't it follow that if God is the builder of all things, how come there is no trace what so ever of him? And even though he might be a powerful being, there would still be a way to trace his mark because with the creation of something, something of yourself goes into it and so a mark is made, why can we find no mark of God?
Because he doesn't want there to be a trace is not a real answer, it's just a way of avoiding answering the question, like if I said I shoot lasers out of my eyes and sneeze thousand dollar bills but don't have to prove it because I said I can do this and so it's true, doesn't add up to truth.

Could it be because we made god ourselves and thus he is merely an entity of our design, and because we wanted soemthing that couldn't be found, we can't find him?

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somebody care to proove that god/allah/budda/universe/spagetti monster DOES NOT exist????????........if you could actually allow yourselfs to break out of our current tunnel realities you may find that proof of beleif/disbeleif of anything is possible..............

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grapple - looks like an apple tastes like a grape

I'm impressed that with the 5 Fiction options, the two people who voted for it picked the same one. I wonder what the odds of that are.

“	Originally Posted By: johnny_rockets_559 I'm impressed that with the 5 Fiction options, the two people who voted for it picked the same one. I wonder what the odds of that are.	”

Maybe the work of God?

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“	Originally Posted By: Wingnut somebody care to proove that god/allah/budda/universe/spagetti monster DOES NOT exist????????........if you could actually allow yourselfs to break out of our current tunnel realities you may find that proof of beleif/disbeleif of anything is possible..............	”

I don't need to prove he/they don't exist, you need to prove they do, which you still can't in any possibility do, so break out of your tunnel reality, and investigate the facts and what's reality.

I live in a solid gold mansion and wear a robe of solid jewels, I fly, don't need to breathe, and have the strength of a thousand men, I don't need to prove it though, you need to prove I don't.

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I can't speak for other religions, but in Buddhism, the "proof" is there. Your proof comes from direct experience as you follow the teachings of the Buddha. For example, if you meditate correctly and diligently, you will eventually catch glimpses of the ultimate cosmic reality (Tathagata). This is a personal journey, so the concept of proving it to the masses is irrelevant.

Also, I think it is significant that Buddhism does try to convert anyone, and it does not say that it is the only way. On the contrary, Buddhist sutras talk about the "84,000 Doors", which is a symbolic way of saying that there are many, many paths to the ultimate destination.

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Anthony Korahais
Website: http://www.FlowingZen.com
YouTube: http://www.YouTube.com/FlowingZen

Good post Antonius.

Taoism is much the same way, it does not seek to convert, it believes all have a place in the world as long as they practice tolerance, acceptance, and peace, this includes religions.

Though the Taoist Yin/Yang theory has been confirmed and proven by physics; for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. So science has proven that Taoism is valid and given proof that there is some truth and fact to our beliefs.

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Wingnut, I posted this link in another thread, but I'll say the same thing I said then to you now.

Reflect upon the whole answer, see if there is any validity and truth to the statement provided.

http://www.positiveatheism.org/mail/eml9878.htm

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