Religion-Related Conflicts

[xxemo_kittyxx]

I've been raised under the teachings of a certain religion for my whole life. I prefer not to mention what it is, but maybe one fact about it that you should know about is that it is very prone to extremism. My parents are very conservative and although they claim to have moderate views when it comes to religion, though I still believe that they're pretty strict. I have questioned the existence of God a few times, but in all of those times I always resort to believing that God is real.

Right now I'm at a point where I do believe in the existence of a higher being (God), and in the same concept as the religion that I was brought up with. On the other hand, there are some aspects of its teachings that I don't agree with. I feel that my current faith/the faith that I claim to be already has my ideal concept of what God is, but there are some things, mostly concerned with morals that I don't exactly agree with. An extreme example might be premarital sex: as with most other religious teachings it is prohibited, but I see nothing wrong with it as long as you are not in a committed relationship with someone else and there is consent from both sides.

I can't talk to anyone in real life about this. My closest choices are the counselor at the counseling center in college, who I've been seeing for CBT (she's also a clinical psychologist) and my younger sister. But on the other hand, I feel that neither one has enough knowledge with these kinds of matters. Anyone in the religious society would damn me and start saying all these things like, "If you don't do this that this that you'll go to hell", which is the reason why the conflict is there in the first place. It's always been about hell and heaven and sins and rewards blah blah, sometimes I feel that the concept itself is depriving me from being who I am.

I don't expect to find advice here, but I am asking if anyone has ever been in my situation and if so, what did you do and how did you resolve it (if it was ever resolved). I am fully aware that ap.net is a terrible place to seek advice, but in the spirit of positivity I believe that this place has its own share of open-mindedness that is probably just about equivalent to the number of douchebags that come here.

[danielineffigy]

http://kiddmillennium.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/jesus-thumps-up1.jpg

[saysmydoctor]

http://kiddmillennium.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/jesus-thumps-up1.jpg
/thread

[danielineffigy]

On a more serious note, you're 19 years old. You can make your own decisions. The only reason you believe in god is because it's a familiar concept to you and you've convinced yourself that there are only two options, if your parents religion is true or false.

Considering there are hundreds of variations of your religion with minor differences, you could save yourself a lot of wasted time by choosing to believe in a "higher power" or not, then just accepting that you'll never confirm a religious detail as long as you live.

[Wisdom Tooth]

I've been raised under the teachings of a certain religion for my whole life. I prefer not to mention what it is, but maybe one fact about it that you should know about is that it is very prone to extremism. My parents are very conservative and although they claim to have moderate views when it comes to religion, though I still believe that they're pretty strict. I have questioned the existence of God a few times, but in all of those times I always resort to believing that God is real.

Right now I'm at a point where I do believe in the existence of a higher being (God), and in the same concept as the religion that I was brought up with. On the other hand, there are some aspects of its teachings that I don't agree with. I feel that my current faith/the faith that I claim to be already has my ideal concept of what God is, but there are some things, mostly concerned with morals that I don't exactly agree with. An extreme example might be premarital sex: as with most other religious teachings it is prohibited, but I see nothing wrong with it as long as you are not in a committed relationship with someone else and there is consent from both sides.

I can't talk to anyone in real life about this. My closest choices are the counselor at the counseling center in college, who I've been seeing for CBT (she's also a clinical psychologist) and my younger sister. But on the other hand, I feel that neither one has enough knowledge with these kinds of matters. Anyone in the religious society would damn me and start saying all these things like, "If you don't do this that this that you'll go to hell", which is the reason why the conflict is there in the first place. It's always been about hell and heaven and sins and rewards blah blah, sometimes I feel that the concept itself is depriving me from being who I am.

I don't expect to find advice here, but I am asking if anyone has ever been in my situation and if so, what did you do and how did you resolve it (if it was ever resolved). I am fully aware that ap.net is a terrible place to seek advice, but in the spirit of positivity I believe that this place has its own share of open-mindedness that is probably just about equivalent to the number of douchebags that come here.

Live the life you want to live. Being spiritual and being religious are two different things. Religion has poisoned so many things and killed countless numbers of people. You can believe in a high power and still be a good person. Everyone sins including your preacher, pastor, rabbi, or whatever else you may look up to for spiritual growth. Read your chosen book and decipher it your own way the way that feels right to you.

[xxemo_kittyxx]

Live the life you want to live. Being spiritual and being religious are two different things. Religion has poisoned so many things and killed countless numbers of people. You can believe in a high power and still be a good person. Everyone sins including your preacher, pastor, rabbi, or whatever else you may look up to for spiritual growth. Read your chosen book and decipher it your own way the way that feels right to you.

This is what I've been trying to do, which gets hard sometimes because it's written in a language I don't understand (as with other holy books because I take it that most are not originally written in English) and the translation has a bias factor. I would love to learn the language it was originally written in, but then again doing so would probably require me to contact those who will potentially judge what I believe in. Not to mention my parents believe that you can't just "read it and decipher it in any way you like" without consulting some higher religious intellectual authority. Actually when you think about it that way, part of the problem is I don't know how to communicate to my parents about how I choose to practice my faith. I mean, I don't want to do things that I don't believe in but at the same time I don't want them to think that I've turned against what they've been trying to get me to believe in, because it's actually not like that.

[happyweasels]

Actually, your situation is almost exactly the same as mine.
All I can really tell you is to live your life based on YOUR beliefs, and not let anyone tell you what to think
It is really hard to get your parents to understand, but that's not really up to them anymore

[k0d1ak]

Follow your heart, this is one of the few times when that is not totally asinine advice. You can really do no wrong as long as you are true to yourself.
Reading the original text of your holy scripture is wonderful and all, but not everyone has the ability to translate from the vernacular of society's a thousand years or more ago. At some point you have to have faith and let that guide you.

Respect your parents and they are likely to respect you. Perhaps you have differences with your parents regarding your views on religion... chances are they have differences between the two of them! What is important is that you take this sort of thing seriously and consider the moral and eternal implications of your decisions.

The little secret that most people never actually talk about: just about nobody, practitioners and preachers included, have 100% faith in the dogma for their organized religion. So perhaps you see benefits in being part of an organized religion, or perhaps that is not right for you... perhaps just not right for you right now.

All that said, it might be best to toe the line for the time being. Communities can be unreasonable in these sort of situations, so it might make sense to pursue your spiritual growth privately and publicly save face. Believe it or not, I have a feeling that there are more people that are doing this little dance than you realize.

But then again, like any good advice, chances are you were already thinking all of this and I am just here to re-affirm your position.

[Car Crash Dream]

This is my opinion: Religion (or lack of) is a personal experience. It is different for every person because every person lives a different life. Believe in what you think is right, not what others tell you is right, because right and wrong is an opinion, and you're entitled to you own.

[Brand-new-123]

You're a muslim?

[BalancingacT]

Jakarta. Totally Muslim.

EDIT: I apologize for adding nothing of significance.

[lumenmilitans]

i used to be a missionary for an organization i thought was Catholic. it became a church within the Church; thus conflicts were plentiful.

i had to seek hard to find the Biblical and moral rationale of Catholic teachings in the Catechism, but it was worth it.

try to reconcile yourself to both the scriptures and teachings your religion promotes; if the teachings do not reflect the scripture, then you can have peace knowing that whether or not you decide to have faith in God the way your religion teaches, you make your decision informed and not ignorant. you would not be at fault.

peace! [:

[GeeBee]

This is my opinion: Religion (or lack of) is a personal experience. It is different for every person because every person lives a different life. Believe in what you think is right, not what others tell you is right, because right and wrong is an opinion, and you're entitled to you own.

Rather, believe in what is demonstrably true.

[Knatuhlee]

I have been in the exact same situation as you. and i know how much it sucks when everyone is around you has these extremes beliefs that you just cant agree with, but you still want to believe, well whatever it is you believe is or isnt right about your religion.

it really messed me up. but i was 18 and at a point where i had to make my choices. and you know what.
i left my surrondings and went to a church where i agreed with what they were teaching.
i told everyone that was affected by the situation (my parents, pastors and friends that church. it was a really small church...cult.)
that i just couldnt agree with what they were teaching, and i was getting out it. (it seriously was like a cult)
people were mad, and rumors spread. and that sucked. but whatever i was free.
and it was the best decision i ever made.

[brenByah]

Any religion is full of bias, and views will more than likely be forced upon you. I've certainly experienced it with my faith. It has caused my own family to disconnect with the church we've been attending for years (long story short, they've gotten far too political for our taste, which is something we feel the church should stay out of). Many seem to think there's a particular and certain way to interpret these holy books, but no one can seem to agree. I think you should just follow it the way you feel most comfortable, and the way that works best for you. I read the book The Year Living Biblicially(I recommend it) in which one man tries to live by the literal meaning of the Bible for an entire year. He comes to the conclusion that it's truly impossible to follow the Bible (or any holy book really) completely literally. You MUST pick and choose what works best for you. I think that's your best bet. If you still believe in a higher power, but don't agree with all of the teachings, follow your faith in your own way, or find an institution that more closely reflects your views.

[apsterling]

Just do what you want and don't let anyone stop yu.

[ArtForLovers]

Recently I feel like I have been going through my own religion. I was brought up Catholic, but never really paid much attention to it. Then once I turned 16 or so I become super religious and my brain was like a sponge, soking up spirituality like water and renamed myself Christian, not Catholic. However, now I don't think too much about organized religion and just focus on God. I live my life how I feel is morally right, love God, and leave religion out of it. It's all political and just sets rules that don't always seem viable. So my advice to you is find out what is important. Figure out if it's religion and the rules holding you back or God in general. Don't let yourself stop continuing your search for your higher being, whoever that may be.

[Lunar]

Judging from your location, you're doubtlessly Muslim. Just go out and suck as many Jakartian cocks as you can and then tell your parents to suck a fuck.

[ace1112]

give up on organized religion it was designed for no other reason than as a protection methood the powerless used against the powefull. it has always been just about power which is certainly not what our god of questionable existence is about or as i can imagine would aprove of.

[mattattack]

do what you what makes you happy. pretty simple.

[loudpunkguitar]

any religious role model or leader who wouldn't have a conversation with you about questions and doubts without making you feel bad or giving you a guilt trip is not worth the dust in their bones. if they judge and lambaste you from the get go, then you are seeking the wrong counsel. i don't know which faith tradition you are referencing, and i am not trying to jump to any conclusions about it. what i do know is that some of the most groundbreaking conversations i have ever had in regards to my pursuit of God came from very devout friends who allowed me to air my thoughts no matter how much disagreement their was between us and our ideas. i recommend you find someone like that; someone who is not just a spiritual role model, but someone who also has a real relationship with you so that you can talk it out.

[:-)]

Any religion is full of bias, and views will more than likely be forced upon you. I've certainly experienced it with my faith. It has caused my own family to disconnect with the church we've been attending for years (long story short, they've gotten far too political for our taste, which is something we feel the church should stay out of). Many seem to think there's a particular and certain way to interpret these holy books, but no one can seem to agree. I think you should just follow it the way you feel most comfortable, and the way that works best for you. I read the book The Year Living Biblicially(I recommend it) in which one man tries to live by the literal meaning of the Bible for an entire year. He comes to the conclusion that it's truly impossible to follow the Bible (or any holy book really) completely literally. You MUST pick and choose what works best for you. I think that's your best bet. If you still believe in a higher power, but don't agree with all of the teachings, follow your faith in your own way, or find an institution that more closely reflects your views. This is excellent advice. The book recommendation is right on too

[roughroads]

Your environment has a heavy impact on who you are until you're mature enough to develop an identity of your own, and religion is no exception. It takes some individualistic thinking to develop a belief system right for you because no one religion speaks for your you personally. You shouldn't feel any obligation to label your personal thoughts on morality, or conform to a system to which you do not believe.
Believe what you think is true, or what you believe is right. Thats the best advise i can give.

[xxemo_kittyxx]

You're a muslim?

Jakarta. Totally Muslim.

EDIT: I apologize for adding nothing of significance.
Well I'm not going to mention anything but just because my location says "Jakarta", it doesn't exactly mean that I'm Muslim. Most of the people who are from Indonesia and go on English message boards are expats, especially in the case of music-related boards. Just a thought :)

any religious role model or leader who wouldn't have a conversation with you about questions and doubts without making you feel bad or giving you a guilt trip is not worth the dust in their bones. if they judge and lambaste you from the get go, then you are seeking the wrong counsel. i don't know which faith tradition you are referencing, and i am not trying to jump to any conclusions about it. what i do know is that some of the most groundbreaking conversations i have ever had in regards to my pursuit of God came from very devout friends who allowed me to air my thoughts no matter how much disagreement their was between us and our ideas. i recommend you find someone like that; someone who is not just a spiritual role model, but someone who also has a real relationship with you so that you can talk it out.

Its quite difficult at this stage, and in some ways I'm still trying to accept other people's differing interpretations. I have a friend who's of the same faith as I am, but her family environment has taught her to do a certain behavior that is disregarded in our religion. We got into this little debate over the rights/wrongs of it and in the end concluded to the fact that it all depends on interpretation, and in fact we both agree on the same interpretation. Still there were times when she would do "this behavior" for her own hedonistic convenience rather than her beliefs and that's what kind of disturbs me when I talk to other people on free interpretation of scriptures.

[punk89]

I was raised Mormon and was a strict follower of it until I was about 18. I came to the same kind of religious crisis as you, as it is very hard to reconcile feelings of doubt with such a strict religion. Eventually I took a 2 month road trip alone to think about it, and I realized that it is possible to be spiritual without having to practice an organized religion. Ever since I left the church I have been much happier and healthier. Just believe what feels right to you.

[xxemo_kittyxx]

I was raised Mormon and was a strict follower of it until I was about 18. I came to the same kind of religious crisis as you, as it is very hard to reconcile feelings of doubt with such a strict religion. Eventually I took a 2 month road trip alone to think about it, and I realized that it is possible to be spiritual without having to practice an organized religion. Ever since I left the church I have been much happier and healthier. Just believe what feels right to you.

So what did you do on that trip? Just wonder around and think or go around asking about things from different people?

[punk89]

So what did you do on that trip? Just wonder around and think or go around asking about things from different people?

I just drove around the country and slept in my car. I did talk to a lot of different people, and I thought hard about what feels right to me. I came up with several basic ideas to believe in. Love, compassion, nature, and music are the most important things to me. I have more specific beliefs I've formed since then, but again, it's just what feels right to me.

[Car Crash Dream]

Rather, believe in what is demonstrably true.
Most religions cannot be demonstrated. This isn't my religion but if you pray for something, you aren't instantly bestowed with it, or possibly ever.

[Big_Guy]

I've said this before and I'll say it again.....it's fine to believe in a higher power if it helps you get through the day, but realize that religion in general does no good for anybody. it's all bullshit.

basically you got a bunch of idiots thinking that their shit is the best when in reality they are all wrong. "God(s)" is what you make him/her/them. you don't need some bs religion shoved down your throat when it's all the same.

that said, I'm perfectly content being atheist.

[xxemo_kittyxx]

I just drove around the country and slept in my car. I did talk to a lot of different people, and I thought hard about what feels right to me. I came up with several basic ideas to believe in. Love, compassion, nature, and music are the most important things to me. I have more specific beliefs I've formed since then, but again, it's just what feels right to me.
That's pretty interesting. I wish I could do that but that doesn't seem feasible right now hahah.

I've said this before and I'll say it again.....it's fine to believe in a higher power if it helps you get through the day, but realize that religion in general does no good for anybody. it's all bullshit.

basically you got a bunch of idiots thinking that their shit is the best when in reality they are all wrong. "God(s)" is what you make him/her/them. you don't need some bs religion shoved down your throat when it's all the same.

that said, I'm perfectly content being atheist.
I have no problem with atheists and their beliefs, but you are definitely overgeneralizating with that statement. In the end, it all comes down to faith and whether or not you want to believe in something is a personal choice. Religion might be good for some and it might not be good for others. Saying that it "does no good for anybody" is a contradiction to what is observably true because if it was, there would be no such thing as religious therapy or religious intervention which has actually helped many people with substance abuse and mental disorders. Yes, it does not work on everyone with these problems, but lets not ignore the few who did benifit from it. The whole point of me asking things on this thread is not because I want to get out of my religion, but because I want to practice it in my own way. You probably need to know as well that not belonging to an organized religion or not claiming to believe in one in Indonesia means that you are not legally acknowledged as a citizen. I for one, am against hypocrisy and I'm trying to find ways where I could steer off that path.

[Big_Guy]

That's pretty interesting. I wish I could do that but that doesn't seem feasible right now hahah.


I have no problem with atheists and their beliefs, but you are definitely overgeneralizating with that statement. In the end, it all comes down to faith and whether or not you want to believe in something is a personal choice. Religion might be good for some and it might not be good for others. Saying that it "does no good for anybody" is a contradiction to what is observably true because if it was, there would be no such thing as religious therapy or religious intervention which has actually helped many people with substance abuse and mental disorders. Yes, it does not work on everyone with these problems, but lets not ignore the few who did benifit from it. The whole point of me asking things on this thread is not because I want to get out of my religion, but because I want to practice it in my own way. You probably need to know as well that not belonging to an organized religion or not claiming to believe in one in Indonesia means that you are not legally acknowledged as a citizen. I for one, am against hypocrisy and I'm trying to find ways where I could steer off that path.

yeah, I don't really see how saying organized religion is shit is a generalization.

it is unnecessary and has more to do with a club or something than it does with faith.

and one thing you have wrong is that atheism is a belief. it's a lack of belief by definition.

[liveloud4life]

I haven't seen anyone on here say this and maybe it's a pretty conservative opinion and maybe I'll take alot of crap for it but I'm still gonna say it.
I don't believe in the whole, "just believe whatever's right for you" thing. Don't get me wrong, you have every right to do what you want, people have been given free will, but religion isn't everyone's best guess based on whatever belief lets them do exactly what they want. Religion is based on a belief in God taken from whatever scripture your religion uses. That being said, if you accept that text to be the divine instruction for that religion, you're not free to just pick the things in it you want to do and decide that you feel differently about other parts. And I'm sure someone will tell me that it's just a book and it's not actually 100% divinely inspired, but if that's true 1) why do you choose to follow any of it? and 2) what are the odds you're going to pick the things that are truly God's will? Everyone doubts. I doubt the authenticity of the Bible and the plausibility of a higher power all the time, but I continue to choose to stand by these things and even though I'll never be sure about any of it, it's kind of an all or nothing belief.

More to the point of your question, if the people advising you are unwilling to hear and aid with someone's struggles and would chastice someone to the point of fear and scaring them away from their beliefs, then they have entirely the wrong mindset about encouragement and fellowship and evangelism. Do they not want to strengthen followers and help somone when they are like you, in desperate need of advice and consolement? They should recognize that everyone is human and has doubts and instead of becoming angry at you, attempt to answer your questions and confirm your beliefs.

It seems that nearly everyone my age believes organized religion to be totally corrupt and pointless, and I would agree that 99% of religious organizations today are of no use to anyone. But I think this is for a reason that I haven't heard that many talk about. Our entire culture is completely obsessed with self. Every preacher/pastor/religious leader included, all anyone is concerned about is their desires and feelings and opinions. People search for a religion with their beliefs already firmly in hand trying to match up a religion with their beliefs. They go to worship service to be entertained and so someone will make them feel good about themselves and like they're good spiritual people who are going to heaven. And that's why organized religion sucks. Everyone is there to be pleased. Religion was never supposed to be about people. It's about God. A WORSHIP service is intended to WORSHIP God according to his instructions, not so we can find a church that plays music we like. If you believe the Bible is God's word, then you live your life by it because God created us and that's His will for us, not because deep down that's what you want to do. If you don't believe that, then there's nothing wrong with doing whatever you want, but I don't understand how people claim to believe the Bible AND that they can choose whatever ideals to live their life by that they want.

[arife]

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[xxemo_kittyxx]

I haven't seen anyone on here say this and maybe it's a pretty conservative opinion and maybe I'll take alot of crap for it but I'm still gonna say it.
I don't believe in the whole, "just believe whatever's right for you" thing. Don't get me wrong, you have every right to do what you want, people have been given free will, but religion isn't everyone's best guess based on whatever belief lets them do exactly what they want. Religion is based on a belief in God taken from whatever scripture your religion uses. That being said, if you accept that text to be the divine instruction for that religion, you're not free to just pick the things in it you want to do and decide that you feel differently about other parts. And I'm sure someone will tell me that it's just a book and it's not actually 100% divinely inspired, but if that's true 1) why do you choose to follow any of it? and 2) what are the odds you're going to pick the things that are truly God's will? Everyone doubts. I doubt the authenticity of the Bible and the plausibility of a higher power all the time, but I continue to choose to stand by these things and even though I'll never be sure about any of it, it's kind of an all or nothing belief.

More to the point of your question, if the people advising you are unwilling to hear and aid with someone's struggles and would chastice someone to the point of fear and scaring them away from their beliefs, then they have entirely the wrong mindset about encouragement and fellowship and evangelism. Do they not want to strengthen followers and help somone when they are like you, in desperate need of advice and consolement? They should recognize that everyone is human and has doubts and instead of becoming angry at you, attempt to answer your questions and confirm your beliefs.

It seems that nearly everyone my age believes organized religion to be totally corrupt and pointless, and I would agree that 99% of religious organizations today are of no use to anyone. But I think this is for a reason that I haven't heard that many talk about. Our entire culture is completely obsessed with self. Every preacher/pastor/religious leader included, all anyone is concerned about is their desires and feelings and opinions. People search for a religion with their beliefs already firmly in hand trying to match up a religion with their beliefs. They go to worship service to be entertained and so someone will make them feel good about themselves and like they're good spiritual people who are going to heaven. And that's why organized religion sucks. Everyone is there to be pleased. Religion was never supposed to be about people. It's about God. A WORSHIP service is intended to WORSHIP God according to his instructions, not so we can find a church that plays music we like. If you believe the Bible is God's word, then you live your life by it because God created us and that's His will for us, not because deep down that's what you want to do. If you don't believe that, then there's nothing wrong with doing whatever you want, but I don't understand how people claim to believe the Bible AND that they can choose whatever ideals to live their life by that they want.

I respect your opinion and agree with some of it to a certain level. Most of it, though, resembles the way religion has been taught to me throughout my life: that it's an absolute, all-or-nothing concept. You either wholly believe in and be rewarded with heaven, or don't and go to hell for it. As I grew up I found better concepts of what a higher power should contribute. There are things that we can't control, and that's when I believe that a faith in a higher power helps. I thought it has always been somewhat of a dictatorship with God, where God is the dictator and we're just little drones given feelings and free will to torture ourselves with when what we're supposed to do are already instructed in a holy book. I realized that God doesn't need me, I am the one who needs God and thats when I started to truly believe in God. I've never been the type to do things that I didn't like: I was never good at the subjects I was forced to do and if it weren't for the fact that I am passionate about my college major right now I'd be kicked out already. When I practice religion, I would prefer to do it because I believe in it, not because of fear that someone will punish me if I didn't.

yeah, I don't really see how saying organized religion is shit is a generalization.

it is unnecessary and has more to do with a club or something than it does with faith.

and one thing you have wrong is that atheism is a belief. it's a lack of belief by definition.

By saying that it's shit for everyone is a generalization.
And I've always thought of atheism as a belief in the nonexistence of a higher power, but I might be wrong.

[liveloud4life]

I respect your opinion and agree with some of it to a certain level. Most of it, though, resembles the way religion has been taught to me throughout my life: that it's an absolute, all-or-nothing concept. You either wholly believe in and be rewarded with heaven, or don't and go to hell for it. As I grew up I found better concepts of what a higher power should contribute. There are things that we can't control, and that's when I believe that a faith in a higher power helps. I thought it has always been somewhat of a dictatorship with God, where God is the dictator and we're just little drones given feelings and free will to torture ourselves with when what we're supposed to do are already instructed in a holy book. I realized that God doesn't need me, I am the one who needs God and thats when I started to truly believe in God. I've never been the type to do things that I didn't like: I was never good at the subjects I was forced to do and if it weren't for the fact that I am passionate about my college major right now I'd be kicked out already. When I practice religion, I would prefer to do it because I believe in it, not because of fear that someone will punish me if I didn't.

Believe me, I know where you're coming from. I understand it. I have similar feelings quite frequently, but I always end up back on the problem that if you only believe what you want to believe there's nothing to support a religious belief of that nature; it would just be my opinions. You say you found better concepts. How did you find them?

Also, I think that religion is presented that way to alot of people in a manner that forces them away from religion, but also that it doesn't have to be that way. Yes, the way I try to practice my beliefs is an all-or-nothing concept, but it's never been solely about reward and punishment. It was never taught to me in a way that was supposed to scare me, rather comfort me. I don't doubt that the way you'be been taught has pushed you to search out other beliefs.

[Big_Guy]

I respect your opinion and agree with some of it to a certain level. Most of it, though, resembles the way religion has been taught to me throughout my life: that it's an absolute, all-or-nothing concept. You either wholly believe in and be rewarded with heaven, or don't and go to hell for it. As I grew up I found better concepts of what a higher power should contribute. There are things that we can't control, and that's when I believe that a faith in a higher power helps. I thought it has always been somewhat of a dictatorship with God, where God is the dictator and we're just little drones given feelings and free will to torture ourselves with when what we're supposed to do are already instructed in a holy book. I realized that God doesn't need me, I am the one who needs God and thats when I started to truly believe in God. I've never been the type to do things that I didn't like: I was never good at the subjects I was forced to do and if it weren't for the fact that I am passionate about my college major right now I'd be kicked out already. When I practice religion, I would prefer to do it because I believe in it, not because of fear that someone will punish me if I didn't.



By saying that it's shit for everyone is a generalization.
And I've always thought of atheism as a belief in the nonexistence of a higher power, but I might be wrong.

I mean, it's obviously up to the person whether they like going to church/temple/etc. but is it really necessary in the end? you can still believe in your god without going to a holy building with a bunch of other people. it just seems pointless.....

Idk, maybe I'm just an idiot.


and I guess you can look at atheism as a "belief in the nonexistence of a god", but it's a lack of a belief. you can't really "believe" in nothing

[brenByah]

I haven't seen anyone on here say this and maybe it's a pretty conservative opinion and maybe I'll take alot of crap for it but I'm still gonna say it.
I don't believe in the whole, "just believe whatever's right for you" thing. Don't get me wrong, you have every right to do what you want, people have been given free will, but religion isn't everyone's best guess based on whatever belief lets them do exactly what they want. Religion is based on a belief in God taken from whatever scripture your religion uses. That being said, if you accept that text to be the divine instruction for that religion, you're not free to just pick the things in it you want to do and decide that you feel differently about other parts. And I'm sure someone will tell me that it's just a book and it's not actually 100% divinely inspired, but if that's true 1) why do you choose to follow any of it? and 2) what are the odds you're going to pick the things that are truly God's will? Everyone doubts. I doubt the authenticity of the Bible and the plausibility of a higher power all the time, but I continue to choose to stand by these things and even though I'll never be sure about any of it, it's kind of an all or nothing belief.

More to the point of your question, if the people advising you are unwilling to hear and aid with someone's struggles and would chastice someone to the point of fear and scaring them away from their beliefs, then they have entirely the wrong mindset about encouragement and fellowship and evangelism. Do they not want to strengthen followers and help somone when they are like you, in desperate need of advice and consolement? They should recognize that everyone is human and has doubts and instead of becoming angry at you, attempt to answer your questions and confirm your beliefs.

It seems that nearly everyone my age believes organized religion to be totally corrupt and pointless, and I would agree that 99% of religious organizations today are of no use to anyone. But I think this is for a reason that I haven't heard that many talk about. Our entire culture is completely obsessed with self. Every preacher/pastor/religious leader included, all anyone is concerned about is their desires and feelings and opinions. People search for a religion with their beliefs already firmly in hand trying to match up a religion with their beliefs. They go to worship service to be entertained and so someone will make them feel good about themselves and like they're good spiritual people who are going to heaven. And that's why organized religion sucks. Everyone is there to be pleased. Religion was never supposed to be about people. It's about God. A WORSHIP service is intended to WORSHIP God according to his instructions, not so we can find a church that plays music we like. If you believe the Bible is God's word, then you live your life by it because God created us and that's His will for us, not because deep down that's what you want to do. If you don't believe that, then there's nothing wrong with doing whatever you want, but I don't understand how people claim to believe the Bible AND that they can choose whatever ideals to live their life by that they want.

That sounds simple in theory, but it's flawed considering how many different denominations and people read the exact same scripture and interpret its meaning differently. Sure, things like the Ten Commandments are pretty plain and understandable, but outside of that, so many things are read differently it's not realistic to think that the Bible can be followed the same way by everyone who believes in its word. Considering the fact that all of those who wrote the Bible are long gone, we have no way to really tell who's reading it correctly and who is not, concerning certain areas of the text. With that in mind, many of us that believe are only following what we believe is the correct intent, it's unavoidable, and all we can really do.

[liveloud4life]

That sounds simple in theory, but it's flawed considering how many different denominations and people read the exact same scripture and interpret its meaning differently. Sure, things like the Ten Commandments are pretty plain and understandable, but outside of that, so many things are read differently it's not realistic to think that the Bible can be followed the same way by everyone who believes in its word. Considering the fact that all of those who wrote the Bible are long gone, we have no way to really tell who's reading it correctly and who is not, concerning certain areas of the text. With that in mind, many of us that believe are only following what we believe is the correct intent, it's unavoidable, and all we can really do.

That's true. Interpretation is really a whole different issue I think though. Really I was speaking more in reference to disregarding things that are quite blatently set out in the Bible in favor of one's own self-determined feelings.
On the subject of interpretation though, yes there are quite a few instances of specific details that are for the most part impossible to distinguish one true interpretation of (and I personally believe that we cannot be held accountabe for these cases). But on the other hand, if you don't take individual scriptures out of context and look at the broad message being presented, most of the time it is fairly clear what they were trying to get across. Problems of interpretation mostly arise because of people trying to manipulate scripture to support what they already wanted it to say, rather than trying to discern what it actually says.

[kaycey]

i hate when stuff like this happens and it happens all the time where im from but no matter what in the end once are buzz has passed everyone just apologies and things get normal.
friendship>>>>>>>religion

[portagepolevaul]

I've been raised under the teachings of a certain religion for my whole life. I prefer not to mention what it is, but maybe one fact about it that you should know about is that it is very prone to extremism. My parents are very conservative and although they claim to have moderate views when it comes to religion, though I still believe that they're pretty strict. I have questioned the existence of God a few times, but in all of those times I always resort to believing that God is real.

Right now I'm at a point where I do believe in the existence of a higher being (God), and in the same concept as the religion that I was brought up with. On the other hand, there are some aspects of its teachings that I don't agree with. I feel that my current faith/the faith that I claim to be already has my ideal concept of what God is, but there are some things, mostly concerned with morals that I don't exactly agree with. An extreme example might be premarital sex: as with most other religious teachings it is prohibited, but I see nothing wrong with it as long as you are not in a committed relationship with someone else and there is consent from both sides.

I can't talk to anyone in real life about this. My closest choices are the counselor at the counseling center in college, who I've been seeing for CBT (she's also a clinical psychologist) and my younger sister. But on the other hand, I feel that neither one has enough knowledge with these kinds of matters. Anyone in the religious society would damn me and start saying all these things like, "If you don't do this that this that you'll go to hell", which is the reason why the conflict is there in the first place. It's always been about hell and heaven and sins and rewards blah blah, sometimes I feel that the concept itself is depriving me from being who I am.

I don't expect to find advice here, but I am asking if anyone has ever been in my situation and if so, what did you do and how did you resolve it (if it was ever resolved). I am fully aware that ap.net is a terrible place to seek advice, but in the spirit of positivity I believe that this place has its own share of open-mindedness that is probably just about equivalent to the number of douchebags that come here.
There is no one right religion they all have their flaws. While very few in my family claim themselves to be of any religious group they do have morals and beliefs which is much more important than an organized religion. I've gone beyond them and developed my own form of what could be called religion. Not an easy thing to do I had to cut myself off from everyone for a few weeks to develop these ideas. It was essential for me to become a better person. I've simply taken ideas from various religions that I believe in and follow them. I do not however believe in a higher being, I do not see it as essential. To me there is nothing wrong with premarital sex as long as both parties consent to it. That is something you need to decide on your own though. In these cases your feelings are quite often your answers.

[xxemo_kittyxx]

That sounds simple in theory, but it's flawed considering how many different denominations and people read the exact same scripture and interpret its meaning differently. Sure, things like the Ten Commandments are pretty plain and understandable, but outside of that, so many things are read differently it's not realistic to think that the Bible can be followed the same way by everyone who believes in its word. Considering the fact that all of those who wrote the Bible are long gone, we have no way to really tell who's reading it correctly and who is not, concerning certain areas of the text. With that in mind, many of us that believe are only following what we believe is the correct intent, it's unavoidable, and all we can really do.

That's true. Interpretation is really a whole different issue I think though. Really I was speaking more in reference to disregarding things that are quite blatently set out in the Bible in favor of one's own self-determined feelings.
On the subject of interpretation though, yes there are quite a few instances of specific details that are for the most part impossible to distinguish one true interpretation of (and I personally believe that we cannot be held accountabe for these cases). But on the other hand, if you don't take individual scriptures out of context and look at the broad message being presented, most of the time it is fairly clear what they were trying to get across. Problems of interpretation mostly arise because of people trying to manipulate scripture to support what they already wanted it to say, rather than trying to discern what it actually says.

Does this refer to my example about premarital sex? I know that in most religions it is forbidden: "Thou shall not commit adultery", but I've always defined adultery as "cheating", being in a committed relationship (marriage) and having sex with someone that's not whom you're committed to.Apparently dictionary.com does as well. This leads to my justification of premarital sex, casual sex and yes, even prostitution. I do find the latter somewhat morally wrong, but in a sense like "eating too much" is wrong. As long as there's consent and responsibility from both parties, I don't see it as something worth being killed (or stoned), or perhaps going to hell for, though the latter is not for me to decide. This is just my way of interpreting it, and if I am wrong I would hope that God will lead me to the right answer.

I've decided that I'm going to go through with the whole "believe in what feels right" thing, despite of what my parents might think. After all, faith is about believing, and if you don't believe then there's no point in practicing something in the first place.

[liveloud4life]

Does this refer to my example about premarital sex? I know that in most religions it is forbidden: "Thou shall not commit adultery", but I've always defined adultery as "cheating", being in a committed relationship (marriage) and having sex with someone that's not whom you're committed to.Apparently dictionary.com does as well. This leads to my justification of premarital sex, casual sex and yes, even prostitution. I do find the latter somewhat morally wrong, but in a sense like "eating too much" is wrong. As long as there's consent and responsibility from both parties, I don't see it as something worth being killed (or stoned), or perhaps going to hell for, though the latter is not for me to decide. This is just my way of interpreting it, and if I am wrong I would hope that God will lead me to the right answer.

I've decided that I'm going to go through with the whole "believe in what feels right" thing, despite of what my parents might think. After all, faith is about believing, and if you don't believe then there's no point in practicing something in the first place.

I really wasn't referring to anything in particular for the purposes of this conversation. Here's my whole thing on it though: I have always been taught that pre-marital sex violates scripture and it seemed pretty straight forward (although your take on the definition of adultery makes me wanna do some research) but I've gotta be honest, I'm not married and I do have sex. But I've only done it with my current gf and before I would I had to be pretty sure that we were gonna get married. So although we're not legally married I'm trying to stay with the whole, one man-one woman for life thing which I do believe is laid out in scripture. About the casual sex and prostitution, regardless of the definition of adultery, there are several scripture references to sexual immorality which I think are more specific to these topics.

While I don't really agree with the "believe what you feel" thing, I really respect the idea of maintaining a strong faith and really standing behind your beliefs. In the end, that makes everything else a whole lot easier.

[showmethefever]

I am a false prophet and God is a superstition.

[GeeBee]

I really wasn't referring to anything in particular for the purposes of this conversation. Here's my whole thing on it though: I have always been taught that pre-marital sex violates scripture and it seemed pretty straight forward (although your take on the definition of adultery makes me wanna do some research) but I've gotta be honest, I'm not married and I do have sex. But I've only done it with my current gf and before I would I had to be pretty sure that we were gonna get married. So although we're not legally married I'm trying to stay with the whole, one man-one woman for life thing which I do believe is laid out in scripture. About the casual sex and prostitution, regardless of the definition of adultery, there are several scripture references to sexual immorality which I think are more specific to these topics.

While I don't really agree with the "believe what you feel" thing, I really respect the idea of maintaining a strong faith and really standing behind your beliefs. In the end, that makes everything else a whole lot easier.

A couple things:

a) Chastity before marriage was an idea conceived by bronze-age fathers to obtain larger dowry's for their daughters. A cursory reading of history will confirm this. It was never a "virtue" in the way that Christianity has bastardized it. It was simply a way to get more money out of selling ones daughter.

b) There's no virtue in "standing behind your beliefs" if your beliefs are wrong or faulty. Life is much harder when you believe in nonsense.

[TROKyle]

The founder of a religion once said something along the lines of;
The best way to get rich is to invent your own religion.

Not going to disclose what founder and what religion this is, if you really care search it.


That being said, having faith is not bad at all. It gets people through hard times and lets them be at peace. Organized religion is a plague to society though, in my opinion. It holds back the, mainly scientific, progession of mankind because of the religions activists. And not to mention religions are very violent. Crusades, Revolutions, and now this war on terrorism. People claim to be doing these things in the name of their God.

In conclusion; watch the movie Religilous. Its great.

[Brand-new-123]

The founder of a religion once said something along the lines of;
The best way to get rich is to invent your own religion.

Not going to disclose what founder and what religion this is, if you really care search it.


That being said, having faith is not bad at all. It gets people through hard times and lets them be at peace. Organized religion is a plague to society though, in my opinion. It holds back the, mainly scientific, progession of mankind because of the religions activists. And not to mention religions are very violent. Crusades, Revolutions, and now this war on terrorism. People claim to be doing these things in the name of their God.

In conclusion; watch the movie Religilous. Its great.
That was L. Ron Hubbard, author of Dianetics and founder of scientology, if my memory serves.

[TROKyle]

That was L. Ron Hubbard, author of Dianetics and founder of scientology, if my memory serves.

Win.
But still, a religion that has over one million followers;
And the founder says that...

Really puts question into the validity of all religions.
Agree/Disagree with Scientology; it's really not too different from all the other religions.
Aside from the Aliens...

[chassmariee]

wears me out.

[kwsqd]

The founder of a religion once said something along the lines of;
The best way to get rich is to invent your own religion.

Not going to disclose what founder and what religion this is, if you really care search it.


That being said, having faith is not bad at all. It gets people through hard times and lets them be at peace. Organized religion is a plague to society though, in my opinion. It holds back the, mainly scientific, progession of mankind because of the religions activists. And not to mention religions are very violent. Crusades, Revolutions, and now this war on terrorism. People claim to be doing these things in the name of their God.

In conclusion; watch the movie Religilous. Its great.
Religions aren't violent.

[TROKyle]

Religions aren't violent.


People that are doing violent things in the name for their respective God make religions violent.
But if I were to follow your arguement and just replace religion for say drugs or alcohol then you would probably agree.

Drugs + Alcohol can make some people be violent, and then its (partially) blamed on these substances.
The arguement should be the same for religions also, if one commits a violent act in the name of their God then the religion should be partially to blame for the violence. Same as if someone is on PCP and goes on a violent rampage the drug is to blame also, along with the person.

And all the violence in the Middle-East over the "Holy Land", that can't be blamed on religion?
Islamic Fundamentalists committing terrorists attacks because they think it is the religious duty can't be blamed on religion partially?

Not saying that every religious person is violent, but religions have a tendency to cause extremists to be violent.
I don't think that can be argued.

[kwsqd]

People that are doing violent things in the name for their respective God make religions violent.
But if I were to follow your arguement and just replace religion for say drugs or alcohol then you would probably agree.

Drugs + Alcohol can make some people be violent, and then its (partially) blamed on these substances.
The arguement should be the same for religions also, if one commits a violent act in the name of their God then the religion should be partially to blame for the violence. Same as if someone is on PCP and goes on a violent rampage the drug is to blame also, along with the person.

And all the violence in the Middle-East over the "Holy Land", that can't be blamed on religion?
Islamic Fundamentalists committing terrorists attacks because they think it is the religious duty can't be blamed on religion partially?

Not saying that every religious person is violent, but religions have a tendency to cause extremists to be violent.
I don't think that can be argued.
I didn't even make an argument? So don't put words in my mouth.

There are extremists in every walk of life, find me a religion that specifically advocates violence.

[TROKyle]

I didn't even make an argument? So don't put words in my mouth.

There are extremists in every walk of life, find me a religion that specifically advocates violence.

You disputed by opinion that religions are violent, thus making an arguement.

And I never said that religions advocate violence; I said that there is violence in the name of religion. People doing things for their "God"

So don't put words in my mouth.

[kwsqd]

You disputed by opinion that religions are violent, thus making an arguement.

And I never said that religions advocate violence; I said that there is violence in the name of religion. People doing things for their "God"

So don't put words in my mouth.
An argument generally requires justification and not just a blanket statement like the one I gave you.

:hitself:

[TROKyle]

An argument generally requires justification and not just a blanket statement like the one I gave you.

:hitself:

A good argument generally has justification.
But a plain, boring, and bad argument is just stating disagreement/opposing opinion.

:nod:

[kwsqd]

A good argument generally has justification.
But a plain, boring, and bad argument is just stating disagreement/opposing opinion.

:nod:
arguing over semantics is pointless.

[TROKyle]

arguing over semantics is pointless.

True. But it was a quite successful ninja of the thread for a few posts.

[kwsqd]

I completely disagree with your assessment.

[TROKyle]

I completely disagree with your assessment.

:hitself:

[kwsqd]

This really isn't worth arguing over.. sorry.

[liveloud4life]

A couple things:

a) Chastity before marriage was an idea conceived by bronze-age fathers to obtain larger dowry's for their daughters. A cursory reading of history will confirm this. It was never a "virtue" in the way that Christianity has bastardized it. It was simply a way to get more money out of selling ones daughter.

b) There's no virtue in "standing behind your beliefs" if your beliefs are wrong or faulty. Life is much harder when you believe in nonsense.

a) I never wanted to start a conversation about pre-marital sex on here, and as I said I don't really practice it and I definitely didn't condemn anyone for it.

b) Where do you get off straight up telling someone that their belief in any religion is just wrong? What's more, you don't even provide any basis for your claim. Isn't it normally Christians who get a reputation for telling people who believe something different than them they're wrong?

[acemvivere]

"In religion and politics people's beliefs and convictions are in almost every case gotten at second-hand, and without examination, from authorities who have not themselves examined the questions at issue but have taken them at second-hand from other non-examiners, whose opinions about them were not worth a brass farthing." - Mark Twain

In other words, don't let other people tell you what to believe in: decide it on your own.

[GeeBee]

a) I never wanted to start a conversation about pre-marital sex on here, and as I said I don't really practice it and I definitely didn't condemn anyone for it.

b) Where do you get off straight up telling someone that their belief in any religion is just wrong? What's more, you don't even provide any basis for your claim. Isn't it normally Christians who get a reputation for telling people who believe something different than them they're wrong?

b) I believe in fairies. Where do you get off telling me I'm wrong?

The fact is, if you state a belief, you need a valid justification, and the onus falls on you to provide evidence for it. Sorry if I don't grant every belief the benefit of validity simply for the amount of fervor with which it's held.

[Machu505]

Only the stupid Christians have a problem if you don't agree with their beliefs here. Everyone else is cool about it.

[liveloud4life]

Only the stupid Christians have a problem if you don't agree with their beliefs here. Everyone else is cool about it.

With the exception of this guy.

b) I believe in fairies. Where do you get off telling me I'm wrong?

The fact is, if you state a belief, you need a valid justification, and the onus falls on you to provide evidence for it. Sorry if I don't grant every belief the benefit of validity simply for the amount of fervor with which it's held.

When did I say anything regarding your beliefs? That's your business. And I do believe before you butted your head in I was providing basis for everything I had stated as a belief. Whether you credit my justification is none of my concern, but I do have them. And I never asked you to grant anything. You have every right to disagree with me if you so choose but don't come in here telling me my beliefs are faulty and nonsense. No one asked you.

[GeeBee]

With the exception of this guy.
I'm an atheist, thanks.

When did I say anything regarding your beliefs? That's your business. And I do believe before you butted your head in I was providing basis for everything I had stated as a belief. Whether you credit my justification is none of my concern, but I do have them. And I never asked you to grant anything. You have every right to disagree with me if you so choose but don't come in here telling me my beliefs are faulty and nonsense. No one asked you.

Your beliefs are faulty and nonsensical. You're free to disagree, but that doesn't make them any more right. Sorry.

[liveloud4life]

I'm an atheist, thanks.

I realize. And you're worse about condemning other people for disagreeing with you than any Christian I've ever seen on this website.

Your beliefs are faulty and nonsensical. You're free to disagree, but that doesn't make them any more right. Sorry.

And still you've provided absolutely no support for your claim whatsoever. Also, you sound totally ridiculous with this whole, "Well, you're entitled to your opinion, but your opinion's wrong because you disagree with me and I'm right," approach.

[McDuck]

if you're muslim you can marry lots of hot bitches

[GeeBee]

I realize. And you're worse about condemning other people for disagreeing with you than any Christian I've ever seen on this website.



And still you've provided absolutely no support for your claim whatsoever. Also, you sound totally ridiculous with this whole, "Well, you're entitled to your opinion, but your opinion's wrong because you disagree with me and I'm right," approach.

The only claim I'm making is that you're talking out of your ass, and you're supporting it quite nicely yourself.

[liveloud4life]

The only claim I'm making is that you're talking out of your ass, and you're supporting it quite nicely yourself.

When? I barely even said anything about what I believe. And after all the criticism you've given, not only have you not suppported any of it, you haven't even said what about my beliefs you think is false. Everything I do believe is grounded in the Bible and I have my reasons to believe in that and in the concept of intelligient design. So you can't say I'm just making anything up and until you provide some counter-evidence or at least reasoning anything you say about it either of those things being faulty or nonsensical is nothing more than your own opinion.

[Regards]

b) I believe in fairies. Where do you get off telling me I'm wrong?

I'm an atheist, thanks.

I smell a contradiction...

[Skillen]

When? I barely even said anything about what I believe. And after all the criticism you've given, not only have you not suppported any of it, you haven't even said what about my beliefs you think is false. Everything I do believe is grounded in the Bible and I have my reasons to believe in that and in the concept of intelligient design. So you can't say I'm just making anything up and until you provide some counter-evidence or at least reasoning anything you say about it either of those things being faulty or nonsensical is nothing more than your own opinion.

Your not getting his point, hes straight up telling you your wrong. As you have no evidence to support your claims in "god" and the bible. I mean this is a book that says god made the earth in 7 days, seriously your defending that.

As for intelligent design, if god made man in his own image then why did he start with dinosaurs. nstead of making it look like him, he made them wierd and out of proportion?

All us athiests don't hate how christians try and preace to us about morals, i'm not doing that, i'm just pointing out if your going to say you believe in anything, it's your responsibility to back it up when someone else calls bullshit. They have no need to defend anything.

[GeeBee]

When? I barely even said anything about what I believe. And after all the criticism you've given, not only have you not suppported any of it, you haven't even said what about my beliefs you think is false. Everything I do believe is grounded in the Bible and I have my reasons to believe in that and in the concept of intelligient design. So you can't say I'm just making anything up and until you provide some counter-evidence or at least reasoning anything you say about it either of those things being faulty or nonsensical is nothing more than your own opinion.
See below.
Your not getting his point, hes straight up telling you your wrong. As you have no evidence to support your claims in "god" and the bible. I mean this is a book that says god made the earth in 7 days, seriously your defending that.

As for intelligent design, if god made man in his own image then why did he start with dinosaurs. nstead of making it look like him, he made them wierd and out of proportion?

All us athiests don't hate how christians try and preace to us about morals, i'm not doing that, i'm just pointing out if your going to say you believe in anything, it's your responsibility to back it up when someone else calls bullshit. They have no need to defend anything.
Thanks!
I smell a contradiction...
Of course you do. That was the point. It was a rhetorical point.
Also, C.S. Lewis is the worst and most ineffective apologist christianity ever had.

[Regards]

See below.

Thanks!

Of course you do. That was the point. It was a rhetorical point.
Also, C.S. Lewis is the worst and most ineffective apologist christianity ever had.
Lol. Of course He is.

[GeeBee]

Lol. Of course He is.

For those who are willing to bend your mind into a pretzel to make sense of his drunken, boistrous rants, I'm sure his material is very stimulating.

[Regards]

For those who are willing to bend your mind into a pretzel to make sense of his drunken, boistrous rants, I'm sure his material is very stimulating.
<3

[Gwytherspoon]

I'm sick of people who get offended by the criticising of religion. Like any sort of theory, people should be allowed to argue in opposition without being labelled as 'prejudice'.

[liveloud4life]

Your not getting his point, hes straight up telling you your wrong based on nothing whatsoever except his own opinion. As you have no evidence to support your claims in "god" and the bible. I mean this is a book that says god made the earth in 7 days, seriously your defending that.

It's pretty obvious that both of you are thoroughly convinced that the concept of the Bible is false and there's zero chance of me convincing either of you otherwise, which I have no intentions of attempting. But if you insist I will explain to you why I believe it, even though I still can't see why in the world it's any of your business. For the most part believing the Bible is a matter of faith; there's no concrete physical evidence that proves beyond reasonable doubt that it's the truth, but by the same token, there's none that proves that it isn't either. And to be fair, there is no indisputable evidence to support any theory of the origin of the universe, which is why we are able to disagree and form our own opinions. If there were some such evidence, then there would be no room for so many varying beliefs in the world. If you insist on hearing my reason for choosing this belief, it would take far longer than I care to spend explaining it to you to cover it all in detail, but the general concepts are: it is the only theory I'm aware of that explains the idea of an infinite beginning (meaning, if the universe began with a giant dust cloud exploding, where'd the dust cloud come from? As strange as it is to contemplate, something has to have always been there. Something doesn't arise from nothing. Hence, a timeline would have to stretch infinitely in both directions). Also, the Bible was written by different authors without access to the each other's writings spanning over a thousand years yet it never contradicts itself and somehow finds 1 coherent message, strongly suggesting divine and unified inspiration.

As for intelligent design, if god made man in his own image then why did he start with dinosaurs. nstead of making it look like him, he made them wierd and out of proportion?

Your blending theories here. Christianity doesn't agree with the concept of millions of years before the existence of man, or the evolution from single-celled organisms or monkeys. The story of creation in Genesis puts animals and man both on the sixth day. Also, your argument doesn't even make sense. You're trying to say that man can't be in God's image because he created dinosaurs first? How are those even related? And finally, you don't seem to know what intelligient design is. It includes the theory of creation in the Bible but it's not by any means limited to that. It just means that we weren't created accidentally. That could be any of a thousand theories of creation. And if you need me to provide evidence for my belief in that as well, I can.