Tuor, I think this is a very good question to ask, and hope that we can all keep it friendly! I think we are mature enough to try
And I'm in a good mood which helps!
Well, I'm an atheist. There is no god, or afterlife, and the bible was written by humans - with many of the old testament stories serving purposes of trying to find meaning in the (often cruel) world in which people found themselves, but also to give structure, morals and rules necessary in order that people could live together in society, society being essential for human survival being the puny creatures we are individually! - although I would argue that morals need not be religiously based.
Even though I don't believe in god, I do find other people's beliefs interesting, since for a lot of people it is what makes them 'tick'.
For example, I don't agree with Liliara at all, her views seem very strange to me and we are kind of at opposite ends of the spectrum, but I do like to find out what her views are, and maybe what led her to them.
Now, I hope I don't get flak for this - although I understand that I may be thought of as a hipocrite (how the heck do you spell that?), but although I am an atheist, I did go to church (Church of England) every Sunday for 10 years when I was younger. I was christened by my own choice when I was 7 - my parents weren't christian, so hadn't had me christened as a baby - and I was confirmed when I was 13.
Did I believe in god then? No. I went to church because I loved to sing, and I loved singing in the church choir. Even as a child I found great inspiration in religious music, (although I do find some hymns quite dull) - not because it inspired in
me belief in, or love of god, but because others were inspired enough to write beautiful music in praise of him.
I hope that makes some sort of sense, I know it is a bit unusual!
I stopped going when I decided that pretending to pray just so I could sing was a bit silly.
I'm sorry, I know some of you will likely be highly offended, or think I'm completely mad.
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Time is an illusion. Lunchtime doubly so.
Epona of The Laughing Hyenas
Proud winner of the 'Most Useless Post 250 Has Ever Seen' Award 2001. "I'd just like to thank my friends and family, without whom none of this would have been possible..."