The Never-Ending Debate: Does G-d Exist?

There is a question that is so important that it spouts wars, murder, hate, anger, and tragedy. There are two main sides to this question and, of course, there are many branches of these two main sides.

The question?
Does G-d exist?

The main problem of this question and debate is the people that argue and debate it. You see, the debate is pointless, yet we continue to debate. And arguing, in any circumstance, is pointless because people tend to become angry and once anger enters the conversation, everything goes downhill. Besides, the debate stems from people trying to change another's opinions. And we all know this intention does not go well all too often.

Now of course, I have my personal opinions. But for the sake of this blog, I will refrain from expressing it until the end. (And I am not Jewish, although I write G-d in this format - it is only out of respect for Jewish beliefs.)

Before I truly begin, I want to properly express to you my intentions for this blog. I promise you that there is no hidden or secret agenda. I just want to clarify some things from as much of on objective view as possible. Also, I by no means claim to know everything. Or, for that matter, to even know that much. The information provided in this blog is partial at best (as is just about any information) and is supplied only to feed your thoughts. In the end, this information has been stated on many blogs before this one; I am just summing it up together with a new spin - no anger.

In actuality, I suppose that I don't have all too much to say, although I am sure that I will post more blogs that elaborate more on the details and my personal beliefs, this is more of an overview. So here is my short generality (if that is even possible) for the question, Does G-d exist?

I'm going to focus more so on the two main sides and the basics of the variations of these sides. Obviously, the main branches are: yes, G-d does exist, and no, G-d does not exist. Then there are the different belief systems of these views. These belief systems are, in essence, an expression of applied philosophy; how we live and express our belief systems (by the way, all views are to some extend a belief system).

This is all fine and dandy until humans try to persuade other humans to believe what they believe. First of all, this is a completely preposterous idea because it logically does not make sense. What we practice is styled as faith. Faith means to trust or have confidence, not to believe in (this is a connotation). True faith means trust. For example, "I have faith in G-d" means "I have trust in G-d". (Or the G-ds, or whatever it is that you have faith in.)

That being said, it is not our place to convince others to choose a certain path. That is not what G-d presumes to do, thus who are we to do this? I believe that we can all agree that whether or not there is a G-d, the idea of a G-d is far greater than the idea of a human. Therefore, what He does not do, we cannot do. You might now say, well Scripture says to do this or that. But here is yet another pitfall. WE are not the ones doing anything, if we are asked or told to do something; it is through the Holy Spirit that these things are accomplished, not through us. For those that have faith (I mean no condemnation to those who do not have it), you are well aware that you are called to surrender all that you have and are to G-d. And it is by this and only this that we are asked or told to do something in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (or whatever your faith is). Basically, by surrendering your all to G-d, you are trusting in Him completely (or as completely as humanly possible) and are thus "dying unto yourself". You become an empty vessel and allow G-d to use you for His Greatness. "May Your will be done and not mine."

Now, the average Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Jew, etc., does not surrender themselves to G-d 100%, all the time. This is because we are human. Just because you say "yes" once, does not imply that you are saying "yes" always. This here is another mistake that "religious" folk make. They assume that the above statement is true. (Of course, not all do, this is just a generalization for conversation sake.) Most religions teach that the Spiritual Life is a journey and that journeys have ups and downs and that it is through these ups and downs that they must rely on G-d and trust in Him, therefore, we are constantly striving to trust enough to say "yes".

Here is where many non-religious believe that religion is a "crutch". And I completely see where you are coming from. It is a very good point. But while you choose to help yourself and seek help only in friends, that is fine. Religious choose to seek help from a higher power and, through the Holy Spirit (for Christians), seek help from friends. I ask that you not condone us for this. Because, in truth, as much as you (and most people, including myself, for that matter) hate having religion shoved down your throat, we hate people claiming that our faith in G-d is a "crutch". It is very insulting. And for the record, I apologize for the insults that you have had to endure from other religions.

Goodness, I'm not really doing a very good job at this whole "objective" point of view thing. : ) As you can probably tell, I am a Christian myself. I think I would have done better at the whole objective idea if I had more knowledge of other religious belief systems. And while I do know the basics of some, I do not know their practices on an intimate level. Sorry if I have (and I probably have) done your religion injustice.

So, I suppose I will close with this statement.

As Christians, we are taught by Sacred Scripture that G-d has granted us free will. This might not make sense to most, but you must understand (and I am not asking you to accept this teaching, but to accept that this is our belief) that we are not capable of understanding the "mystery" (this is what we call something that we believe to be true, but do not fully understand) between free will and that life is predetermined. And by this free will, we are not meant to try and force others to believe our beliefs, no matter how much we believe them to be Truth. We were given the choice of whether or not to believe, and therefore everyone else is given the same choice. If someone asks us for help or is interested in our beliefs, then by all means evangelize. But it is our duty to discern G-d's call and glorify Him. And if we truly do this well, then this will be enough to show others that what we believe is real.

On a personal note, I hate organized religion. I think that it is responsible for much of the suffering in the world. But I also think that as human beings, we know no other way to worship G-d. (Or whatever or whomever it is you worship.) I believe that G-d meant for there to be only one religion, but because people lack humility and selflessness, and claim to be holier than others and because they make judgments, we have many religions. And these many religions fight each others and persecute one another. It is a shame, it really is. Many Christians claim to be things they are not, and it is so frustrating to hear them belittle others and do that whole "fire and brimstone" spiel.

Did any of you see the movie "the Mist"? Yes, I know, it was a stupid movie. But there was a quote in there that I love. "Hey lady, I do believe in G-d, I just don't believe that He is the blood-thirsty, asshole you make Him out to be." Anyways, I thought it was humorous.

And just for the record, I was raised in Methodist/Baptist churches, I then became agnostic. Then later, I converted to the Catholic faith... so I guess I'm really going to hell. : )

I know that this blog is incomplete in many ways, forgive me for that. But I suppose you can look at it as an opportunity to fill in the gaps yourself. And please, I beg of you, try not to be rude or let someone get under your skin. And if you want to rip into me for being Catholic or Christian or whatever, then message me privately. : ) I'm used to being told I'm going to hell. Anywho, peace!

(BTW, if you have any questions, please, feel free to message me! I'd love to hear from you.)