I am an atheist, see the reason-can some pantheists, polytheists give reasons for my doubt.?

If you are questioning yourself about the existence of God, what does that say?
"Seek, and you will find"

You cannot find what does not exist.

There are several "entities" that control us no matter how we try to reason them out, escape them, deny they are there...
They are Time and Chance. From them come death, change, presence or lack of fortune, and many many others.

It's not that hard to leap from these concepts to actual deities that personify them. Once the door is open for one... it can beopen for many, unless you have "commandments" to prevent that. But then you start separating the aspects of your deity into multiple faces (holy trinity)...

Humans need things they can relate to, and the human form (or something that behaves as though it might, in a distant way, "give a care") is something we relate very well to.

But can we really Know any of them? I don't think it's possible to "know" a concept like you would "know" a neighbor.

It's possible that atheism is right, agnosticism is right, and all the pan/polytheists are also right.

God is not what is. Rather 'He' is what is felt. You cant believe in the destructive power of a hurricane unless u feel it. And if u dont does it mean its not there? Lastly, pls dont mix things up in ur head based on what u hear people say about god. We re all in a loop as to the mysteries of our physical existance let alone our spiritual. The best way to lead ur life is maintain the straight road and turn right - that should lead you somewhere positive. Cheers.

I am a pantheist and polytheist...so perhaps I can help. Basically I see the gods as part of everything. They are natural force: the sun, the moon, the wind, the rain, the plants, the animals, lightning, clouds, etc. As a system, you can really feel the depth of it...that there is something more than just the surface aspects...that there is a connection between these, us, and our environment. The nice thing about polytheism and pantheism is that when you have your more atheistic days (its a continuum really)...it doesn't break or test your faith as the sun is still there, the winds are still there, etc. Whereas belief in the christian god which no one sees...when you have a more atheistic day...your belief is tested or broken.

The christian god used to be part of the Canaanite or Phoenician polytheistic pantheon. He was called Yaw, Yam, Yawu, etc...then later in the Judaism Yahweh. He tried to take over the pantheon and was ejected...then he started his own deal. Funny thing is...in Phoenician mythology....he was the serpent...not the other way around :).

idolno1, just to point out that CIRCLE meant a flat disc. So the Bible is supporting the earth as being flat, like a coin.

Best of luck staying rational, abhi.

Ignore every religion in the world. Afterwards, just think about a simple principle - causality. Cause and effects. Everything that happens must have a cause. It's a logical fundamental truth.

Therefore, I believe in a supreme power that impulsed this Universe, that sparked the Big Bang if you want. Thus, now we see the effects: the Nature, the Life, the Death, the Cosmos.

God is so supernatural that in that in the "natural mindset" you cant conceive it. Faith is so powerful. Even small faith. BElieving is powerful. I guarantee if you CHose to ask God to reveal Himself to you in some small way ..and seek Him. You will find otherwise. Just because He doesn't make sence to you doesn't mean He isn't real. And ya know what ..TRUTH exists...wouldn't you want to know you sought and opened yourself up to really knowing if God is real. "I know HE is" and I really cant make you see what God has done for me...but Heisi personal and will meet you personally where you are at. You have nothing to lose, becuase you already believe not...but you may gain a whole new world by asking.

Before you can doubt God you have to know who God is. You have to know the concept of God, do you even know?

If I have a book in my hand and tell you it is a book, and you reply it is a pen. Then your knowledge of what a book actually is would be flawed. I know it's a book but you don't'

Now if I showed you a new object or machine that no one has ever seen before and I ask you, "who would be able to provide details of the mechanism of this unknown object?"

You would say "the creator of this object" right? Or you might say "the producer" or the manufacturer."

So in that, ask yourself who is the creator of the universe, the world, YOU! There has to be a "producer," "manufacturer," or "creator."

The bible states the earth was round long before Galileo as well. About 1300 years in fact, so that in itself should say a lot.

Isaiah 40:22:
It is he that sitteth upon the CIRCLE of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in.

So the earth was known to be round in biblical days.

The thing is, even if God came down and did the Icky shuffle in front of you with big neon signs that said I AM GOD, you still would choose to not believe cause it is you yourself that proclaim to be god of yourself.

God chooses us and not the other way around. Sorry to break it too you. :)

sammylou- There was no word that would have described a "sphere" in biblical times. They knew of sphere like shapes such as the fruits they ate, but didn't have words to describe a circular object in 3D form.

pigpo1- How so? Is that all you have to contribute to this conversation?

why would you need a reason for your own doubt?
If your content to live without god- then your reason for doubt is not even necessary.

you are what you choose to think & you need no reason to disbelieve. You dont need to justify your own doubt to anyone- unless your not really an "atheist" @ heart- then I could see some reason for any doubt on your part...:)

Listen, just think about your body and how it functions think about every organ your heart your eyes and tell me if a powerful being (God) did not create man and the world think about the animals what could have started it all, there must be a God. I pray that God touches your heart and that one day you will see the truth before it is too late. Love You!

Neither 'claiming to be god' or 'controlling others' are conditions for being god.

God is the sum total of all energy and it's flow in the universe. All matter is energy and intermingles in a self consuming/self sustaining flame.

The real condition of 'God' is that it's a reality of the universe that is complete and incomprehensible to anyone. Real 'pan-theism' is a matter of seeing the divine as manifest in everything. Everything is unique and everything is connected.

You're damn right there's no cosmological landlord looking over our shoulders while we ********--but that doesn't mean the world is not a sacred place.

And actually, anybody can claim to be god, or controll other entities. Look at the catholic institution or any world government.

As a method of rejecting oppressive societal norms, atheism is fine. But as an actual life-philosophy it's too limiting. I've found it more conducive to knowledge to consider anything to be possible, and to rather than 'believe' in something just weigh the options and think what you like. What works for your mind.

Ummm.....is it because the bible is a collection of stories based on Myths passed down from generation to generation? The Bible is a gift of Wisdom and Philosophy. Does God exist? I beleive so or I wouldn't be a nun. It is up to you to decide what your divinity source is. No one can force you to accept anything less than what you heart accepts as your answer to our source of existance.

You doubt because you think rationaly it's as simple as that.

You don't know your doubt and your certitude. You will say sorry because I am not all-knowing.

polytheist here!

Ok, let me put it other way-There are so many people who say- they Know God and he is Really great. I say I don't know God.

I do not believe that even the gods can "be God" - as you say nothing that powerful,all knowing or all controlling. But there sure as hell are beings far more powerful than we.

without your having seen, felt, and experienced the gods - I cannot prove their existence. But I do think that if that is the path you are to walk, the gods shall reveal themselves - you -will- know them - and struggle as we do to explain.