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<p>huh ?</p>
<p>I would assume that if you were born in Afghanistan, for example, and were thus pretty much destined to be a Muslim, it would be because God put you there knowing that you would not go to heaven. Because of this, one can assume you belong there because God is omniscient, etc.</p>
<p>Why would God even make you exist knowing that you would end up being eternally condemned? Why not just save you the misery and pain and not even have you exist?</p>
<p>I’m a Christian. I have my reasons, but don’t particularly feel like arguing about it on the internet… I respect (most) other positions, with the exception of those who haven’t thought about it all.</p>
<p>My belief(emphasis on belief) is that those who haven’t be exposed to God or aren’t familiar with him, will be saved. In addition, I believe that God solely gives one what they can handle. Some people can handle more than others, and are thus placed in more difficult situations.</p>
<p>Again, according to the ideas of idealism though, nothing can truly be proven aside from thought, and thus there is no reason to further engage in a discussion regarding the unknown in which no definitive evidence can be used to support either claim.</p>
<p>I couldn’t tell you because I’m not Calvinist, but I would assume people who will not be saved serve some function, like plowing the land or something like that</p>
<p>MJ: You don’t have to argue about it. Do you mind just explaining what gave you your faith? I’m not against the religious at all. In fact, I would much rather believe than not believe. It’s just that I haven’t found any reason or personal evidence that would push me towards religion. And I guess I don’t feel comfortable with relying just on pure faith.</p>
<p>Another question I had was what happens to Buddhist monks who live their lives in poverty and lead extremely good and austere lives? From my understanding, one’s judgment is largely based on faith, rather than one’s works or morals (i.e. a very kind and generous atheist going to Hell while an uncouth, devout Christian/Muslim/Jew/whatever going to Heaven).</p>
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<p>But you’re not a Calvinist . . . so you don’t really assume that . . . so who gives a ****?</p>
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<p>Your understanding is only true of some religious traditions. Catholics, for example, believe otherwise.</p>
<p>Don’t worry guys, as long as you keep doing nice things, my God will be happy for you.</p>
<p>“God” is simply a sophisticated, yet imaginary, friend.</p>
<p>I am an atheist.
I was raised as one, so I have never believed in god. </p>
<p>However, I think religion is a wonderful thing that brings happiness to a great number of people and does a great deal of good. It just isn’t for me. </p>
<p>I really don’t think we can know whether or not there is a god, and I really don’t care either way. I will simply live a good life until I die, and then see if I’m right or wrong.</p>