Does anyone here realize there's a difference between God and Religion?

[Mr. Tree]

Seriously...It seems like everyone on Totse can't discern the two...

Can't you believe in God, without all of the rules and such? I know that's vague, but I hope some people can go out on a limb and identify with that statement...

[T-BagBikerStar]

Yeah, you believe in some all-powerful hidden spirit in the universe without all the stories and organized history to back it up.

It's like believing in unicorns to just believe in something you call "God" without reason. Why even call it "God" if its not linked to any known religion? What are the properties of your unreligious "God"?

[---Beany---]

Every religion is just another method of reaching god. Some are more effective than others but none are essential. Reaching God is inevitable for us all and you don't have to do anything apart from live and learn.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_age#Beliefs

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spirituality

[Obbe]

Yes, I do.

[ArmsMerchant]

OP, I have been saying that for years.

God is not some sort of super-sized Santa Claus, or a gaseous invertebrate, but rather the combination of energy and intelligence that created, sustains, and permeates the universe.

There are no "rules" save those you choose to impose upon yourself. Free will is absolute.

[Lord. Better Than You]

Originally Posted by T-BagBikerStar

Yeah, you believe in some all-powerful hidden spirit in the universe without all the stories and organized history to back it up.

It's like believing in unicorns to just believe in something you call "God" without reason. Why even call it "God" if its not linked to any known religion? What are the properties of your unreligious "God"?

Just because it is written, it is not necessarily true.

+

"God" can part of any theistic philosophy.

[Surak]

"God is not some sort of super-sized Santa Claus"

Oh for fuck's sakes, you stupid bitches will just redefine "God" into whatever lame ass, new-age bullshit you come up with. Next you idiots will be telling me that God is just another word for Dark Matter or something.

Get over yourselves, you fucks.

[Obbe]

Originally Posted by Surak

Oh for fuck's sakes, you stupid bitches will just redefine "God" into whatever lame ass, new-age bullshit you come up with. Next you idiots will be telling me that God is just another word for Dark Matter or something.

Get over yourselves, you fucks.

You seem to have a lot of pent up rage.

[ArmsMerchant]

Originally Posted by Surak

Oh for fuck's sakes, you stupid bitches will just redefine "God" into whatever lame ass, new-age bullshit you come up with. Next you idiots will be telling me that God is just another word for Dark Matter or something.

Get over yourselves, you fucks.

Hostility, ignorance, and vulgarity certainly makes an unattractive combination. You seem to be trying to give trekkies a bad name.

In point of fact, there is nothing "new-age" about the gospels of Thomas and Judas, the writings of St Teresa, the Vedanta, A Course in Miracles, and so forth--all of which more or less share "my" conception of God.

Take Bob Dylan's advice and don't criticize what you can't understand.

[FreedomHippie]

Originally Posted by ArmsMerchant

OP, I have been saying that for years.

God is not some sort of super-sized Santa Claus, or a gaseous invertebrate, but rather the combination of energy and intelligence that created, sustains, and permeates the universe.

There are no "rules" save those you choose to impose upon yourself. Free will is absolute.

I couldnt say it better myself. People automatically think religious ties when you mention god. If anything we can explain in physical terms, god is spiritual rather than religious. God is everything and everywhere. It is within us and its energy flows throughout space and time. I also agree there are no rules except those that you put on yourself. I remember a famous saying "No one can make you feel bad about yourself, unless you let them" well that idea can deff apply in this situation.