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[Psyco Jelly]

I've noticed that the majority of religion threads posted here are concerning Atheism. (Wait, should it  be capitalized?) Also, the vast majority of those not on the Atheist side of the debate are Christian. Both sides seem to be extremely steadfast in their belief(or lack thereof). This is a topic for people who want to actually discuss and criticize other people's belief systems.

I have a fluid belief system, so I will change my belief in the metaphysical from time to time, when they contradict my worldview. This is a place to post if you are actually seeking to develop your religious or philosophical beliefs.

I myself am a polytheistic pagan, who believes that gods, as we call them, are neither omnipotent nor omniscient. I think that they influence our actions indirectly, as well as disguise their works as explainable phenomena.

How about you?

[Yanlin]

Finally somebody who at least tries to make sense of gods.

Your belief aligns with mine. I don't believe "God" is as depicted by Abrahamic religions. Pagans make a bit more sense to me. If gods are not omnipotent or omniscient, it solves the issue. Now personally, I'll require proof of this before I convert. I hold Atheism as my default. Occam's razor I'm afraid.

But then, Atheism is the disbelief in god. By the... Definition of God... Your gods aren't actually gods. They're spirits. Or whatever the hell those religious zealots want to call them.

This means that Atheism still holds true over this. Atheists can believe in spirits.

It's all just a word game by now.

[Psyco Jelly]

But words represent ideas.  my gods can be called spirits, forces, entities, beings, or countless other things. All of these are true in a way, but I don't think any one word can sum them up. I've always respected atheists for being so secular, the best ones are concerned only for human happiness, rather than the favor of a greater being. To me, a person's welfare trumps all other needs.

Many Christians I know try to antagonize atheists as all being complete jackholes, and rubbing their atheism in peoples face.

Anyone who knows an atheist knows they aren't like that. Well, some are. What shocks me is how [INSERT GROUP A] condemns [INSERT GROUP B] for pointless reasons, and turns a blind eye to their own vices. This applies almost anywhere.

[Rilder]

I consider myself a Hellenic Polytheist, who doesn't rule out Ásatrú (Aesir Faith Aka Norse gods) , I used to hold the Egyptian Pantheon in high regard but not really as much these days.

My beliefs are mostly sparked from my enjoyment of Greek/Roman History, plus who doesn't love a God who likes to come down from his high throne to shag a couple lasses? 

[Yanlin]

But words represent ideas.  my gods can be called spirits, forces, entities, beings, or countless other things. All of these are true in a way, but I don't think any one word can sum them up.

Ugh. So true.

But let's just make the distinction. Paganism does not conflict with Atheism because Pagan gods are not the kind of gods Atheism looks to disbelieve in.

Or for better wording, Paganism does not conflict with Atheism because Pagan gods are actually more along the lines of spirits and not gods.

I'm sorry, but by definition, a god is an omnipotent, usually omniscient being. Benevolent or malevolent has no bearing on this.

plus who doesn't love a God who likes to come down from his high throne to shag a couple lasses? 

Christians.

[Ampersand]

I worship Joe Pesci.

[Awayfarer]

I'm a not anything. I'm fond of Zen Buddhism, so if it helps to have a category to file me away in, just call me Buddhist.

At some point it occurred to me that regardless of the existence or non-existence of god(s), my day to day life doesn't change. I'll have my coffee, do the laundry and cook supper either way.

I'm sorry, but by definition, a god is an omnipotent, usually omniscient being. Benevolent or malevolent has no bearing on this.

Actually throughout history many, many gods have not been portrayed as omnipotent or omniscient. Take a look at any just about any ancient polytheistic religion: their gods frequently only have power over certain aspects of life. For example, Zeus couldn't muck about with seahorses and Poseidon didn't have much to say about the afterlife. These powers and responsibilities were split.

[Rilder]

These powers and responsibilities were split.

Much like a game development team!

[Andir]

But your spirits are only an explanation you created to solve a puzzle that you have no other answers for...

ie: This is odd... I don't know how to explain it, therefore it must be an intelligent outside force trying to hide from me.

[Yanlin]

So this means that Toady is god!

I'm starting a new religion. Dwarftheism!

[Andir]

So this means that Toady is god!

I'm starting a new religion. Dwarftheism!

I'm in... as long as we keep the cat slaughtering morals in place.

[Rilder]

So this means that Toady is god!

I'm starting a new religion. Dwarftheism!

I'm in... as long as we keep the cat slaughtering morals in place.

Every sacrifice of a cat increases your favor with the Almighty Toad.

[Yanlin]

BEHOLD THE GIANT TOAD!

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

[MrWiggles]

But your spirits are only an explanation you created to solve a puzzle that you have no other answers for...

ie: This is odd... I don't know how to explain it, therefore it must be an intelligent outside force trying to hide from me.

Right, he created his Gods, no, gods? (Does it matter?) to provide an simple fast blanket answer to anything he/she doesn't understand.

Admittedly though by taking out being all powerful and all knowing, it does absolve many issue with god(s).

It seem like they use it to feel comfy with random chance of life. 'I hit lots of red lights today, oh Erris(sp), must be having fun with me today!' (Note: Not saying you believe in Erris(sp), I have a friend who uses her as a poetic device.)

But hey, if security blanket makes the OP feel more in control of the world. Then I'm good. I do hope though he doesn't disengage any crit. thinking skill he has for other things in his life.

[viskaslietuvai]

I worship Joe Pesci.

George Carlin, you are missed.

... he looks like a guy who can get things done. Joe Pesci doesn't fuck around. In fact, Joe Pesci came through on a couple of things that God was having trouble with.