How many of you believe in God?

<p>:) Thank you very much Sydney! I actually have another question. When in the Quran, it says, "We..." and "Our..." what do these references to the 1st person plural imply? I'm aware that Muslims believe the prophet Mohammed (pbuh) received Divine Revelation and that it was from the Angel Gabriel (Jibreel). Is Gabriel speaking in conjunction to Allah (God)? I'm just wondering why there is constant use of the 1st person plural. If you could clear that up, I'd appreciate it!</p>

<p>Also, if you have any questions about Catholicism or Christianity in general, please don't hesitate to ask. I'd be more than glad to answer if I can. I'm sure many Christians and Catholics on this board would likewise be obliged to answer. Thanks again :)</p>

<p>The "we" and "our" are God speaking first-person. The plural is there to indicate God's omniscience and power/wisdom, because using "I" is like signifying that he has the power of a single person or being. The "we"/"our" shows that he is far greater than that. There was a term for it, I'll try to see if I can find it.</p>

<p>In layman's terms, it's often considered the "royal 'we'".</p>

<p>Ooooh, ok that's very interesting! Thanks for enlightening me Goldshadow and UCLAri! :)</p>

<p>
[quote]
For the sake of all the lost souls out there, collect yourself and calm down.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>i actually find that a bit offensive and condescending.</p>

<p>the problem i have with religion is that most of them, logically (for the religion's survival), advocate converting others and "spreading" their ideology.</p>

<p>now, dont get me wrong, its perfectly fine as long as religion does not bother me. what I am finding is, however, they are encroaching on my personal space. The political right is attempting to make abortion illegal, allowing creationism to seep into the secular public school system, etc.
essentially, they are attempting to put forward their own personal beliefs in the form of NATIONAL LAW.</p>

<p>now THAT, for me, is unacceptable.</p>

<p>Ridiculous ....these fools posting paragraphs in order to sound smart.</p>

<p>Sorry to sound condescending Xe<em>Ln</em>Ag_A, I assure you it wasn't my intention. Nor did I direct any of what I said towards you. And I really resent your remark w1cked! I like to think of myself as intelligent. I appreciate the wisdom that the Holy Spirit has endowed me with. I thank God every day for His blessings. I do really well in school and have great aspirations for the future. Just as some of you feel strongly about wanting little or nothing to do with religion, I want religion to permeate through every aspect of my life. I hunger for the love of God! Please respect the faithful. On my part, I will respect you, and pray for you. Thank you and good night :)</p>

<p>-Jonathan</p>

<p>My goodness. This is a debate, people! You all are just too sensitive and soft for a discussion like this. Anymore, the posts have been, "please apologize" or "that was rude" or "that was condescending". Why must one apologize everytime a disagreement occurs? Goodness, y'all! Many are making us Christians sound like wimps for lack of a better word. I have been called stupid, an idiot, and ignorant here and never once received an apology. If someone here is "rude", brush it off and get over it. I wish people like tetrahedron, UCLari, and the other atheists and agnostics would come back and make this a real debate again.</p>

<p>Justinian: But everkingly said that I wasn't invited to post anymore :(</p>

<p>neverborn,</p>

<p>I use my Total Ari Awesomeness Decree to welcome you back.</p>

<p>Ha! If you want a debate, I'll give you a debate... haha just not right now. <em>Yawn</em> I'm tired and have tons of work to do. I had a snow day today and didn't get much work done! And quite honestly, aside from talking with my Muslim friends on CC, this thread has been really boring! But I'll come back when I have some time. Whether I ignite a new controversy or jump right into the middle of one... I'll be back! Good night to everyone. May God bless you all! For those of you who do not believe in God, then at least I wish you the best! Until next time folks!</p>

<p>-Jon :)</p>

<p>
[quote]
I wish people like tetrahedron, UCLari, and the other atheists and agnostics would come back and make this a real debate again.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>us atheists are on holiday, i guess.
and im on homework. ergh. junior year sucks ***.</p>

<p>APDoolittle, everkingly, Justinian, and the other religious posters: i'll be able to dish out some more interesting discussion once mid-winterbreak begins in a week. i assure you it will not be boring. :)</p>

<p>is there any other atheist looking at the past two pages and just laughing their ass off? Really...you theists must grow up. </p>

<p>If anyone ever doubts that theists have a tendency to impose their morals on others, the last two pages can hold witness (albeit exclusively) to this phenomenon.</p>

<p>
[quote]
But everkingly said that I wasn't invited to post anymore

[/quote]
The day everkingly recognizes the flaws of his religion (and the incoherence of many of his arguments) is the day he has the authority to banish you from this thread.</p>

<p>Trancestorm: I missed you too! I feel desperately lonely whenever you are not here to insult my faith and aim personal attacks at me. Thank you so much for filling that void.</p>

<p><em>Insert some serious sarcasm here</em></p>

<p>sydney_bristow87:
"If I were to take a rock and throw it through your car's windsheild, and then say, "Oh, I'm not gonna do that again," would you consider it an apology?"</p>

<p>First of all, I drive an escalade. Secondly, if you really did mean that you would never do it again, I would consider it an apology. An apology does not have to be the traditional I'm sorry approach. I said I wouldn't make bigoted comments anymore because I know that they are offensive and detract from our debate. I am obviously sorry.</p>

<p>
[quote]
aim personal attacks at me

[/quote]
If i said, "Christians try to impose their philosophies because they need to compensate for something," that would be a personal attack (not directed at the arguments or points of the philosophy). Calling your arguments incoherent or claiming that you fail to recognize flaws in your religion are not attacks attacking against you as a person (they are within the realm metaphysical discussion). </p>

<p>And I missed you too (sans sarcasm). Perhaps now you can respond to some of the points that you have failed to address.</p>

<p>
[quote]
First of all, I drive an escalade.

[/quote]
What does this have to do with ANYTHING he said?</p>

<p>If I were to take a rock and throw it through your CAR's windsheild</p>

<p>What points do you want me to address?</p>

<p>Not tonight though I'm tired.</p>

<p>Why is your faith more justified than other faiths from around the world (not an answer that says, "well that is just my what I believe")? What is your standard for measuring a just faith? Who decides what faiths deserve to exist and in what way do they do so?</p>