The questions every individual should be able to answer.

[Whitney]

According to the OP, the purpose is to "answer these questions for yourselves" and "just have fun with the philosophical questions of life". It's not easy to respond to the OP in the spirit in which it is intended without risking being seen as what you call "preaching".

Not sure if you read the revised rules but I worded it so that you could answer with your view but then would need to defend why you have such a view if challenged.

If you can't do that then, well, don't respond.

There's clearly a conflict between your rules and the stated intention of the OP.

1) no there isn't, you can respond to the OP but if someone asks you to defend a claim you would then be expected to back it up...if you have a reasoned view to begin with there shouldn't be any reason to complain about such a requirement.
2) rules override anything stated by a non-mod

[pilchardo]

I didn't make any claims, I just said what I believe, which is different, and no one asked me to defend what I said, which wouldn't matter anyway as I made no claim.

[Tank]

According to the OP, the purpose is to "answer these questions for yourselves" and "just have fun with the philosophical questions of life". It's not easy to respond to the OP in the spirit in which it is intended without risking being seen as what you call "preaching".

Not sure if you read the revised rules but I worded it so that you could answer with your view but then would need to defend why you have such a view if challenged.

If you can't do that then, well, don't respond.

There's clearly a conflict between your rules and the stated intention of the OP.

The only definition that you need to understand and work by is Whitney's. If you start to argue you will be banned. If you don't appreciate what you have just been told and continue to behave as you are you will be banned. I've have seen this happen on a number of occasions.

[Tank]

I didn't make any claims, I just said what I believe, which is different, and no one asked me to defend what I said, which wouldn't matter anyway as I made no claim.

The reason this forum still exists and is as good as it is, is because Whitney has an excellent bullshit and troll detection capability. Do not for one nanosecond consider you are in a democracy here, it's a benevolent dictatorship and if you can't get your head around that then your time here is running out, fast.

[Whitney]

I didn't make any claims, I just said what I believe, which is different, and no one asked me to defend what I said, which wouldn't matter anyway as I made no claim.

The best philosophy for living is to go on your own journey, be yourself, and see meaning in everything. Everyone has a need to believe in something, whatever that something may be. Everything, including man, is a creation, and man evolves both physically and spiritually. There's a god, and what gives me certainty in that is my knowing. Women and men are different and so often it's appropriate to be treated differently. There's suffering because suffering, like anything else, is part of experiencing and learning. The soul is our true self, our true identity, and the brain is our interface with the physical world and our physical bodies. There's an afterlife. Sometimes it's "ok" to kill someone, depending on the circumstances. There are extraterrestrials, some have been on earth for thousands of years. Different cultures should be preserved.

so since you made no claims...does that mean you don't state your above beliefs to be true?  And if so, why did you bother posting?

3.  To state to be true, especially when open to question; assert or maintain: claimed he had won the race; a candidate claiming many supporters. http://www.thefreedictionary.com/claim

I haven't asked you directly to defend what you said because I frankly don't expect a good answer and have better things to do...of course I also have better things to do than argue over someone who doesn't like a rule that requires they back up their beliefs.  This is the end of the discussion unless you have anything constructive to add, no one is making you stay around if you don't like the rules.

[LegendarySandwich]

Women and men are different and so often it's appropriate to be treated differently.

Black people and white people are different too, so I could just as easily make the claim that it's often appropriate for blacks to be treated differently than whites.

[LegendarySandwich]

Why do we exist?

Because we gradually evolved from other life forms into the beings we are today.

What is the best thing about existing?

Not sure. Probably just having fun and enjoying life.

What is our purpose?

Whatever you want it to be.

Is the world a better place for having had humans in it?

Most likely, no.

How can we improve humanity?

By trying our best to reduce irrational thinking, for starters.

What is the best advice or philosophy for living?

Live life; have fun.

What is religion?

An ideology invoking the supernatural.

Why are there multiple religions?

Because there are multiple people.

Should religions be challenged?

Like everything else, yes.

Is skepticism a good thing?

Undoubtedly.

Why do people get angry when their beliefs are challenged?

Because of how ideologies and memes work.

Which religion is right?

None, most likely.

Can all religions be correct?

I don't see how, as many contradict each other.

What does fear have to do with belief?

Fear of the unknown, death (the biggest unknown), and places like Hell are a very large part of why we have religion, and so much of it, today. Fear is a natural part of many beliefs.

Do we have a need to believe in something?

I don't know if we have a need to, but I definitely think that we as humans have a tendency to.

What is spirituality?

Imaginary.

Can religion and science coexist?

Yes, but they shouldn't.

What’s the difference between religion and science?

Religions are primitive ideologies, made when we didn't understand how the world works; they resist change, and keep believers believing in them for unintellectual reasons. Science is our best tool for finding out how the world works; change is a fundamental part of it, and it encourages people to stop believing in a theory is there's a better alternative.

Can a religion change with society?

Obviously, yes.

Was man created or did he evolve?

Evolved.

Is there a God?

Most likely, no.

What is the definition of God?

That which is worshiped as a god.

What gives you certainty in your belief?

I'm not certain.

How do you deal with doubt?

I try my best to embrace it.

Who created God?

The minds of men.

Is God male or female?

Irrelevant.

What does God need from us?

Our continued belief, or else he would cease to exist.

Who is/are the Messiah(s)?

No one, most likely.

Who is the Devil?

There is none, most likely.

What is faith?

A blind and irrational belief in that which there is no evidence.

What is a fact?

An objective truth about our universe.

How can we tell which is which?

By looking at the evidence.

What is truth?

That which conforms to reality.

How do we determine truth?

With science. Science can never be 100% accurate, but it gives us the most accurate picture of our world.
Which truth is right?

Is the holy-book(s) literally true?

Probably not (if we're talking about the Torah/Bible/Qur'an, then definitely not).

What is the origin of the holy book(s)?

Primitive men.

How do we accept a holy book that positively portrays unacceptable behaviors like slavery, incest, murder, etc.?

We don't.

Can we take what we like about a religion/belief system and make our own version and throw out the rest?

YES. That is the best thing you can do in regards to an ideology.

What is morality?

Opinions about what is right and what is wrong.

Is there a moral yardstick that applies to all cultures?

If by "yardstick", you mean "moral standard", then no.

Where does morality, or our “conscience,” comes from?

Society, and evolution.

Is altruism or morality possible without belief in a deity?

Yes, obviously.

What is sin?

I view it as a synonym for evil.

What is the punishment for sin?

Whatever your consequences are for doing the action.

Is thought the same as deed?

Unless your thoughts have the same consequences as a deed, then no.

Does God want to test us? Why?

I don't even think he exists, so no.

Should a person have sex before marriage?

If they want, sure.

Is masturbation a sin?

Not to me.

What determines sexual orientation?

Most likely a mixture of genetics and environment.

Why is God interested in our sexual behavior?

He isn't.

Should women be treated differently than men?

No.

Do we have free will?

Most likely, no.

Is everything predetermined?

More or less, probably.

What entity predetermines fate or destiny?

None, most likely.

Why is there suffering?

Because we've evolved to feel pain when there's a danger to our well-being.

What is best path to happiness?

Doing that which makes you happy.

Does God intercede in human tragedies?

Most likely, no.

Does prayer work?

No.

If so, why does God allow holocausts, and disasters?

He doesn't.

If not, why pray?

I think praying can be useful for secular reasons, but they're are probably better alternatives (such as meditation).

Does meditation work?

Yes.

How does meditation work?

It calms the mind.

What is a soul?

An imaginary thing, most likely.

Do animals have souls?

Probably not.

Does a soul have the same thoughts and feelings when outside the body?

They probably don't exist, so no.

If a soul does not carry our memories, then what is a soul since it is our memories that make us up?

Like I said, something imaginary.

What purpose does a brain serve if a soul can exist and feel without it?

None.

Is there an Afterlife?

Probably not.

Where is it, where do we go after death?

In the ground, most likely.

Why do we need an afterlife?

We don't.

When does life begin?

When it begins. This is a pretty meaningless question -- I think what the author really meant was "when does a pre-born baby become a person?"

When should abortion be allowed?

Whenever a woman wants to have one.

Is it ever appropriate to kill another person?

Yes, although I'd dispute that pre-born babies are people (at least up until a certain point).

What are supernatural beliefs?

Beliefs in something above nature.

Are there extraterrestrials?

Probably, although we don't know.

Who are they?

Hell if I know.

Do psychics work, and if you are religious, are they allowed?

I'm pretty certain they don't work.

Where do the voices in our heads come from?

Our heads.

Will there be a doomsday?

Probably, but it will because we have doomed ourselves.

What is the greatest danger facing man’s existence?

Ourselves.

How do we stop conflict?

By promoting peace, tolerance, and rational thinking.

Should different cultures be preserved, or are our cultural differences the source of strife?

I would take it on a case-by-case basis.

Should political leaders invoke a deity in decisions or policy?

No, I don't think they should.

By the way, the original poster got these questions from here, if that hasn't been found out already.

EDIT: Never mind, it was found out in the second post

[pilchardo]

I didn't make any claims, I just said what I believe, which is different, and no one asked me to defend what I said, which wouldn't matter anyway as I made no claim.

The best philosophy for living is to go on your own journey, be yourself, and see meaning in everything. Everyone has a need to believe in something, whatever that something may be. Everything, including man, is a creation, and man evolves both physically and spiritually. There's a god, and what gives me certainty in that is my knowing. Women and men are different and so often it's appropriate to be treated differently. There's suffering because suffering, like anything else, is part of experiencing and learning. The soul is our true self, our true identity, and the brain is our interface with the physical world and our physical bodies. There's an afterlife. Sometimes it's "ok" to kill someone, depending on the circumstances. There are extraterrestrials, some have been on earth for thousands of years. Different cultures should be preserved.

so since you made no claims...does that mean you don't state your above beliefs to be true?  And if so, why did you bother posting?

3.  To state to be true, especially when open to question; assert or maintain: claimed he had won the race; a candidate claiming many supporters. http://www.thefreedictionary.com/claim

I haven't asked you directly to defend what you said because I frankly don't expect a good answer and have better things to do...of course I also have better things to do than argue over someone who doesn't like a rule that requires they back up their beliefs.  This is the end of the discussion unless you have anything constructive to add, no one is making you stay around if you don't like the rules.

No I don't state them to be true. I state them to be my beliefs. That's the difference, and that's what I meant when I said I make no claim. So in the spirit of the OP's stated intention, is it ok with you if I respond by stating my beliefs? And if not, would it be ok if I stated my beliefs on a thread in the Laid back lounge, or does your rule, the one that you rephrased, also apply there?

[LegendarySandwich]

I have to side with Pilchardo here, Whitney. He was answering a couple of questions that the original post asked him to answer; I don't think he should be required to back up his beliefs with evidence when he's just doing this.

EDIT: Never mind -- if someone asks him to back up a claim, then he should be able to.

[pilchardo]

I have to side with Pilchardo here, Whitney. He was answering a couple of questions that the original post asked him to answer; I don't think he should be required to back up his beliefs with evidence when he's just doing this.

EDIT: Never mind -- if someone asks him to back up a claim, then he should be able to.

I'm not a gnostic theist, and I also make no claims, except to have certain beliefs. Whitney probably assumed that I was making some sort of claim but clearly I was merely responding to the OP's invitation to answer some questions in a lighthearted spirit and the OP's thread makes it clear that it's just a bit of fun.

[Whitney]

No I don't state them to be true. I state them to be my beliefs.

I'm glad we have established that you have beliefs which don't consider true  

That's the difference, and that's what I meant when I said I make no claim. So in the spirit of the OP's stated intention, is it ok with you if I respond by stating my beliefs?

I already said you could as long as if someone asked you about them that you'd back up your position...why is that too much to ask?  If you can't even explain why you hold something as a belief you shouldn't claim it as a belief.

And if not, would it be ok if I stated my beliefs on a thread in the Laid back lounge, or does your rule, the one that you rephrased, also apply there?

I think the rules pretty clearly state that would be not ok because someone didn't ask you about your beliefs.  You can only just state your beliefs out of the blue if they are accompanied by supporting evidence and/or reason.

[pilchardo]

So if someone comes along and asks me to back up a belief that I might have mentioned, can I just say that I'm not in a position to be able to do so?

[Whitney]

So if someone comes along and asks me to back up a belief that I might have mentioned, can I just say that I'm not in a position to be able to do so?

moderators let stuff like that slide when it is honest but continually stating your beliefs and are unable to support any of them without even the slightest bit of reason that's going to fall back under preaching.

We have this rule to promote discussion.

[pilchardo]

So if someone comes along and asks me to back up a belief that I might have mentioned, can I just say that I'm not in a position to be able to do so?

moderators let stuff like that slide when it is honest but continually stating your beliefs and are unable to support any of them without even the slightest bit of reason that's going to fall back under preaching.

We have this rule to promote discussion.

If I'm asked to state and / or talk about my beliefs, and I do, and then if they ask me to back them up, and I say that I'm not in a position to be able to do so, and if that happens continually, does it count as preaching?

[Whitney]

So if someone comes along and asks me to back up a belief that I might have mentioned, can I just say that I'm not in a position to be able to do so?

moderators let stuff like that slide when it is honest but continually stating your beliefs and are unable to support any of them without even the slightest bit of reason that's going to fall back under preaching.

We have this rule to promote discussion.

If I'm asked to state and / or talk about my beliefs, and I do, and then if they ask me to back them up, and I say that I'm not in a position to be able to do so, and if that happens continually, does it count as preaching?

if you start out your beliefs with something like "I have no clue why I hold this belief but..." then you would be okay on the preaching rule but I might start thinking you are just here to annoy people (aka troll).