I don't intend this as a debate thread and I myself won't be debating anyone on this thread. I just want to hear what non-scriptural theists believe about God. I recently learned (or at least infer from something said) that we have at least one such person on this message board. If you want, you can tell us why you believe what you do. I won't debate you on that either.
For any in the category being focused on, think of this as a place you can refer peope to, when they ask you what you believe. If you explain why you believe, this thread will be even more useful to you as a reference for others.
If my fellow skeptics, and if scriptural theists likewise, can restrain themselves from debate on this one thread, as I'll be doing, this thread will attract more responses and thus will be more interesting.
I'd like to take part. I don't believe in any scriptures (as far as I know, I haven't read them all) but I'm a theist.
However, this is the only thread of its kind here, indicating that the main purpose of having discussions with theists seems to be what is often referred to as "debate" (ie, who's right, who's wrong).
I'm not too confident that many atheists here will (sincerely) wish to do what you're proposing. If anybody wants to question me on my beliefs, I would be very wary in case they have another aim in mind. In my experience, when atheists question me, there are usually strings attached.
Let's hope that doesn't happen here.
Quote from: "Inevitable Droid"I don't intend this as a debate thread and I myself won't be debating anyone on this thread. I just want to hear what non-scriptural theists believe about God. I recently learned (or at least infer from something said) that we have at least one such person on this message board. If you want, you can tell us why you believe what you do. I won't debate you on that either.
For any in the category being focused on, think of this as a place you can refer peope to, when they ask you what you believe. If you explain why you believe, this thread will be even more useful to you as a reference for others.
If my fellow skeptics, and if scriptural theists likewise, can restrain themselves from debate on this one thread, as I'll be doing, this thread will attract more responses and thus will be more interesting.
This is a great thread idea, and I'll second Droid's request to refrain from debate in the thread. It will be much more interesting as was mentioned. Can't wait to read the responses to it.
Quote from: "McQ"This is a great thread idea, and I'll second Droid's request to refrain from debate in the thread. It will be much more interesting as was mentioned. Can't wait to read the responses to it.
and we can force it to be debate free by splitting off any that may occur (they could be interesting, just not in this thread as it will muddy it up)...I think a lot of western nonbelievers are quick to assume someone who believes in God is talking about the judeo-christian god as described in the bible; a thread like this is good for a reminder of the diversity in belief as well as for greater understanding.