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We humans are merely the top of the tree in the animal kingdom; despite high intelligence, we may still be too limited to really understand what has happened. Fundamental astronomy is still theory and conjecture- I still can't grasp how 'something' came from 'nothing'.

However, when 'God' wasn't there to save people from The Plague in the 1600s, human endeavour began to take precedence over religion, hence progress from those very times.

I am a scientist, but science is a representation, a model, for what goes on. It may be pretty accurate, but is it out-and-out fact? I have yet to see pictures of an electron or sub-atomic matter. Despite iron scientific Laws from times past which we still adhere to and don't question, they may be limiting us!

I would hate to think that the starving millions in Africa are born into circumstance with no hope of salvation whatsoever.

If I do get to the 'other side', I'll put in a good word for you with The Big Man. !wink!

At the end of the day, it may be good to have faith in something that is impossible to understand. Having said that, the human brain may be more infinite than the universe itself.

I would just love to find 'the answers'. !happy!

[quote]I still can't grasp how 'something' came from 'nothing'.[/quote]

It is a problem for us humans to grasp, but the problem doesn't go away even if there's a god. You know the followup question surely? - "Who made God?"

Yeah, I know, it becomes an infinite paradox.

Sorry for the short retort. I clicked the 'post' button by mistake. !doh!

I know what you mean about sub-atomic matter/electrons/quarks etc, but they can be tested against a good, logical theory. I've yet to see a theory of God become testable....even slightly. He's very evasive isn't he?

As for salvation in Africa: Maybe a belief in an afterlife is the problem. If they realised that this life is the only one they're ever going to get, they might actually grow up more determined to succeed, rather than wait for an imagined utopia after death.

Question for Fudge & hluvver: You both seem deist in your beliefs, and Fudge, you mentioned you'd put in a good word for me upon death, but.....what if the Christian God is the right God? Or what if ther Muslim God is the right God?

Believing in a God doesn't cover all gods, and for salvation you have to choose the right one!

Utopia is a very tricky concept, as this varies from person to person. Do we go to a universal sate of bliss, or a more 'personal' heaven?

I think there is one 'God', however he is represented in different ways in different cultures.

I have an English translation of The Koran here that I've got to get through!

We are asking impossible questions, but it is good to give them a crack!!

In times of trouble, I do pray, and I assume you know thae 'footprints' parable? So true.

Utopia.....heaven.........exactly as you say: Such things are relative. Maybe hell may be someone utopia, or heaven?

If there is one God, and yet many paths, how do you know which one he wants you to take? That's my point.

That second sentence should read: 'Maybe hell may be someone's utopia, or heaven?

What path you take is personal choice, we simply do not know what will appease.

I can't remember who said it but if it's the christians who are right "Heaven will be so boring hell would be a better option."

Exactly. If there is a God, maybe he's proud of sceptics? Of all intelligent beings, God would understand perfectly why atheists do not believe!

Or is he just a fussy, judgemental, argumentative, megalomanial arsewipe who thinks everybody should adore him? He sounds like a right wanker.