How do you picture God?

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mischeviousmeposted 11 years ago
To some God looks like a man, while to others God is formless. Does God have a shape to you or is God just a facette of the mind?
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  autumn18posted 11 years agoin reply to this
  Not that I believe this but if the bible says God made man in his image wouldn't he look like man? Then again all men (and women) look different so I don't know.
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  Kyle Payneposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  When the Bible states that man is made in the image of God it is referring to the substance trinitarianism of man and the the substance trinitarianism of God. In other words man is made in 3 parts and God is 3 parts.
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  A Troubled Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  God is the culmination of the many gods before Him, and before them and before them and so on...
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  Cranfordjsposted 11 years agoin reply to this
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  Disappearingheadposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  Is that the Southern Bible Belt Jesus?
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  Cranfordjsposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  haha No! If he was he'd be wearing white sheets. lol
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  couturepopcafeposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  That's bad.
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  Hillbilly Zenposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  Not to mention inaccurate and insulting. Just sayin'.
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  Trichakraposted 6 years agoin reply to this
  That is very bad.
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  AshtonFireflyposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  Why make a post simply to mock and make fun?
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  Mikel G Robertsposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  The physicality of God, to me, is more closely related to the physicality of light. The infinite shapes light can take, the limitless color variations, and the duality of light (particle-wave duality) are the things I imagine God's 'physicality' to resemble.
  
  What I do not imagine, is God's form being similar to a human beings form or limited like the purely physical beings we can see.
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  mischeviousmeposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  That was the other half of the question. To me all things come from formlessness, words, light and the universe are all formless and are willed into being. "does a tree make sound when it falls and no one is around to hear it"? The answer is based on whether or not one understands the principles of formlessness. Yes it does make a noise but also, according to metaphysics, the things we percieve do not exist if there is no person to experience the hearing there of. This is God...
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  Mikel G Robertsposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  
  I have to disagree. All things have form, even light. They may have the ability to change or transmute the shape of thier form, but what they are physically made up of remains constant.
  
  Thought is what it is, it retains it's form. If it did not... it would not be thought, it would be something else.
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  mischeviousmeposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  But to say that things come from formlessness, does not mean that they are formless. The mind is formless in the sense that, it has no form and no bounderies. God is a facet of the mind in this way, for it is left to the imagination as to which form it will take.
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  Mikel G Robertsposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  Again... I have to disagree.
  
  God is whatever it is. God remains whatever it is, that God is.
  
  Human imagination only affects the human imagination. It does not matter what humanity imagines God's form to be. God's actual form is God's actual form and God remains that which God is uneffected by the diverse opinions and imaginings of humanity.
  
  Our understanding of the form of God is what changes based on our imagination. The more we can understand, the more we can imagine, the better we become at seeing the true form of all things, including God.
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  mischeviousmeposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  Again. I am speaking from the view point of the individual, not the masses.
  Here's a good question. Does an object have a shape if no one is there to see it? This what I mean by formless. Can you see your mind? probably not and this is why I say it is formless. By formless, I mean that we have a limited understanding of these things.
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  Mikel G Robertsposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  Yes it does. It's true form is not affected by the observations of an outside entity. The true form of an object/entity/God is something that is constant, it is not something that changes based on an outside observer.
  
  Can I see my brain, under the right circumstances (with the help of a neuro-surgeon) yes. Can I see my thoughts, again yes, right after I write them down, or make a hub about them. If by 'mind' you mean soul or personality then my answer is still yes with qualifiers. Seeing my soul isn't seeing with my eyes it is 'seeing' through other senses (like seeing the wind). Seeing my personality like seeing the wind I can see through my decorations or clothing or car choices.
  
  Probably yes, and this is why I disagree with your opinion.
  I will agree that we do have a limited understanding of these things and pretty much everything else...
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  mischeviousmeposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  They are formless until given form by you. your thoughts are inanimate, colorless, shapeless, oderless, figments until you 1) write them down, 2) speak them out loud, 3) act them out or 4) allow them to manifest themselves into another form of sight, hearing, touch or taste.-Jenn
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  Mikel G Robertsposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  No, I disagree, they are what ever they are irregardless of me.
  
  Got Proof? I believe they are merely imperceptible to an outside observer...UNTIL... you write them down, speak them out loud, act them out or allow them to manifest themselves into another form of ...etc etc etc...
  
  Example-{Only being able to see microscopically small objects when we are looking through a microscope, does not mean that they are only in existence if an outside observer is looking at them through a microscope. Once the outside observer stops looking through the microscope they do not cease to exist. They continue to exist unaffected by the observations/or lack of observations by the outside observer.}
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  mischeviousmeposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  That was my girlfriend's idea. It is the truth as she see's it. The truth as I see it and most of it is actually psychologically sound. Thoughts are not tangible and can be hard to envision reallistically. The way you make it sound, it's like your saying that dreams are solid reallity.
  
  I appreciate what you saying. Yes. There is a physical realm, but it has nothing to do with the workings of the mind. When I was learning Tai Chi, I had to focus on an energy that is only controllable by the imagination. This is an aspect of formlessness. In some Chines martial arts, power is developed on the principles of being formless in thought and action. Kung Fu is yet another Chinese art that is based on the same ideas.
  
  Water is formless when it is water, it can take on the form of containers and it be frozen and become as solid as stone. It can also be steam and gas.
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  Mikel G Robertsposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  I disagree, Got Proof?
  
  Does it have to be easy for it to be true? You make it sound as if unless it is simple it isn't correct.
  
  Putting words in my mouth does not support your stance. I have never stated anything close to what your saying here.
  
  Again I disagree. Can you show me proof to back your opinion?
  
  Really... that's wonderful. Thanks for sharing.
  
  Water is not formless. It has a form that is consitent with any liquid. The fact that liquids take the shape of thier immediate environment does not make them formless, it makes them liquid. Liquid is a form.
  
  Agreed these are characteristics of water.
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  Dave Mathewsposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  God appears in the minds of others as they would see him. God is everything good to everyone.
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  Derek Abelposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  i mouth an a huge white beard.
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  sjain101posted 11 years agoin reply to this
  I don't believe that there is some entity as God. its ones imagination and fear of unknown. i have elaborated the same on my hub
  http://sjain101.hubpages.com/hub/existence-God
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  paradigmsearchposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  Does paradigmsearch start posting god pics? Or does paradigmsearch not start posting god pics? That is the question...
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  amine-sehibiposted 7 years agoin reply to this
  Can an imperfect human visualize the perfection of God?
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Greek Oneposted 11 years ago
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  Disappearingheadposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  Is it me, or does the pose look just a little homo-erotic?
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  Cranfordjsposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  haha does it do anything for you?
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  Disappearingheadposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  No. I'm not into ice hockey.
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  Greek Oneposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  it's natural to have strong feelings about the Toronto Maple Leafs...
  
  don't judge yourself
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  wavegirl22posted 11 years agoin reply to this
  oooh he handsome . .
  
  but Sanchez beats him on the 'handsome' geiger counter
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Cagsilposted 11 years ago
I don't.
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  mischeviousmeposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  I don't either, it was just a silly question and I was burning time between hub posts. For me all things come from formlessness and return there of.
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awareposted 11 years ago
vast dark face spiting out suns to light its way.
that's just one picture im painting.
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livelongerposted 11 years ago
If there is a G-d, he/she/it hasn't revealed what it looks like. So, unless you're claiming that you really have seen it, it seems a bit strange to me to envision something. But, maybe it helps some people to have a physical embodiment in mind.

I don't have a picture of G-d but then again I don't understand G-d the way many do.
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awareposted 11 years ago
i picture GOD without a O in its name.
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ikechiawazieposted 11 years ago
I picture God as an awesome spirit and also he has the image of man
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mega1posted 11 years ago
I can't picture God = since god is everything. I just know he sounds a lot like Jeremy Irons!
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Shadesbreathposted 11 years ago
There's an actual photograph taken FROM the afterlife in my most recent hub. I'm not kidding.
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  Mikel G Robertsposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  Lmao! I thought self promoting in the forums was against the TOS. Well I guess since you will soon be the most famous photographer in the world it is worth the risk....
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  Shadesbreathposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  I confess that I am a rapacious self-promoter, but I perpetrate the deeds rarely and with such subtlety that, like a tightrope walker dancing adroitly along the razor's edge of the HubPages TOS,I stay neatly within the technicalities.
  
  Besides, I'm never selling anything, so somehow I think it just doesn't seem as contraband.
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couturepopcafeposted 11 years ago
Meditate on the third eye or Spirit Gate. You will find your god.
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Druid Dudeposted 11 years ago
GOD'S IMAGE. *****NEWS FLASH***** GOD<,MALE AND FEMALE BEAR CHILD. CALL IT "MAN". This reporter witnessed the birth of God and Mrs. God's firstborn offspring. I am happy to say that the resultant child was male and female, and they both looked exactly like their beaming parents. All are invited to the baby shower, this evening in the Garden of Eden, near the forbidden trees. Bringt lotsa incense and gold.
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mega1posted 11 years ago
not only does he sound like Jeremy Irons, but he is talking to me now! and he says you are all bums and shameless self-promoters and that if his very next hub will be written through me - so stay tuned!
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  Shadesbreathposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  This ought to be good.
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Brenda Durhamposted 11 years ago
I picture Him similar to what ikechiawazie said. God is Spirit, yet He has revealed Himself in forms that mankind can fathom physically too, specifically in the form of Jesus Christ. John the disciple "saw" Him in a vision described in Revelation 1: 11-18. Awesome description for anyone who cares to look it up! And it's very interesting to note that the description including the words of Jesus makes no distinction between the Creator and the Messiah. Matter of fact, "they" are labeled with the same descriptive words. They are indeed One.
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Ron Montgomeryposted 11 years ago
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  LookingForWaldenposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  Wow, so true and so funny. Lol.
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  mischeviousmeposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  It is a vicious circle and all I did was ask a simple question and I didn't really want any explanations or arguements.
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  Ron Montgomeryposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  I don't think anyone's having an argumemnt. I picture the whole concept pretty much as the cartoonist depicted.
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  mischeviousmeposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  And I agree, but the cartoon has nothing to do with the question. The cartoon is a representation of religious debate, not how one invisions their concept of whatever you want to call it.
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  Ron Montgomeryposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  Why do you want to start an argument?
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  mischeviousmeposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  I don't like arguments. I'm a strictly nonconfrontational.
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  LookingForWaldenposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  What else is there to do with a question?
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  couturepopcafeposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  Often, if we look to our hearts, we find answers to questions that we, ourselves, did not expect. Having the courage to post your heart onto a forum page is quite another story.
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  brotheryochananposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  circular reason is a linguistic joke that people too to understand can't figure out.
  its all in the phrasing.
  
  The bible CLAIMS to be the word of God and the bible PROVES that it is the word of God.
  How? u ask
  
  I'll let you stew over that one
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  BrokenDreamerposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  There are some who believe this way. I do not. I trust the spirit of what the bible says, but I am more interested in what the direct messages from God are...
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Ron Montgomeryposted 11 years ago
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Brenda Durhamposted 11 years ago
10
I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,

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Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

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And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;

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And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.

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His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;

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And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.

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And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.

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And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:

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I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
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  Ron Montgomeryposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  I guess you assumed nobody was interested in looking it up
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  brotheryochananposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  AND THATS JUST GODS' SON
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habeeposted 11 years ago
I suppose when I picture God I often picture the William Blake version. Perhaps I've studied Brit lit too long!
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  brittanytoddposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  Hahaha! Totally! I did a hub on Blake. I didn't know you were a fan too.
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  mischeviousmeposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  What is the Blake version, how is God described?
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  brittanytoddposted 11 years agoin reply to this
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  habeeposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  Blake's art often depicts God as a towering grandfatherly form with white hair and a flowing beard. The poet's god is usually very muscular, also.
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  mischeviousmeposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  It's almost as Leonardo invisioned Adam reaching out to God.
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DoubleScorpionposted 11 years ago
How do I picture God?...I simply look in the mirror. If one is living as one should they should be a direct reflection of the God they follow or emulate. If one is looking elsewhere for a discription of God, one might want to reflect on themselves and their life for a few.

(Just my opinion)
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  mischeviousmeposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  I don't think people understand the point of the question. The point was to end the social prejudice and open the eyes of others, so to put the beliefs of others in a higher regard. People are so prejudiced to outside religion, thinking that their way is right and so on. Most of the issues we have in society are based on religious barriers and personal belief.
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  DoubleScorpionposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  I agree. Which is why I think it is a personal view and there is not a right or wrong answer.
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  mischeviousmeposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  Nuff said brother... Finally I have found a person with an open mind and an affinity for the true, truth.
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AshtonFireflyposted 11 years ago
I don't.
Picture God, that is.
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  mischeviousmeposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  I studied everything but my major in college. How is your schooling coming along?
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  AshtonFireflyposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  um...how is that related to the topic?
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  mischeviousmeposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  It's not. I was just asking a question. A segue if you will, to relieve the tention of the topic. The point of the college statement was this. I didn't start to see the little things until I went to college. Little things such as the subtle differences in human behavior and religious and personal belief. Sure I knew of the misplaced prejudices, but I didn't quite have a handle on it until then.
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  AshtonFireflyposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  Ahh, ok... I'm a college grad. I do independent research into various topics but that's about it. Life is the best school for me right now
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  mischeviousmeposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  You said it was a psychological study and I had interperated it as, you were still in school. So you are not religious?
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  AshtonFireflyposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  Nah, I just do independent psychological research. I don’t go to school for it…sorry I miscommunicated that…
  Um…by religious do you mean, do I believe in God?
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  mischeviousmeposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  Yes... What do you believe? I believe nothing but what my common sense tells me to.
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  AshtonFireflyposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  I believe in whatever it is that appears to be most likely true.
  The combination of all the things which have happened to me, the topics I have researched, the things I have studied, and the experiences I have had, all lead me to believe” in a Higher Power which is God and that Jesus Christ did do something great for believers. That is what makes the most sense to me. I have explored many other options. I know there are people who would automatically point to me and say “You believe that because you grew up that way,” or “you believe that because you’ve been brainwashed.” And they can believe that if they want to. The point is, I’ve lived with myself for 23 years and I know for a fact that I don’t believe in anything that is illogical.
  To me, everything is to some extent unknowable. There are apparent problems in believing Christianity, to me. There are apparent problems with believing in atheism , to me. There are apparent problems with believing in deism, to me, etc. etc. All positions have things left to be desired in the way of explanation. For me, I weighed the pros and cons and decided that, in my life, the belief that God is real and that Christ has an impact in the lives of believers, makes the most sense to me, all things considered. I’m not saying everyone should feel that way. It just does, for ME.
  I don’t really care if I’m right or not. I search for truth. The minute that I can find out logically, or can be convinced through sound logic or different applications that something else is true, I will believe that. But for me, this is what makes the most sense and I feel can still be logically explained. There are those who will argue with me and say that there is no logic to the Christian beliefs. I think there is logic in it—but that is my opinion. One thing I am discovering is that one person’s logic is another person’s madness.
  That’s why I don’t pressure anyone else to believe what I believe. I don’t really care what other people believe. Sure, I’d like for other people to be happy in their beliefs as I am, but if my way of belief doesn’t satisfy them, why in the world would I want to force it? To prove I’m right? No way. Cuz I don’t even know if I’m right. And even if I did, trying to force it would be directly in contrast to what I said I believed. It wouldn’t be “evangelism,” it’d be shoving my opinions down someone else’s throat for the egotistical pleasure I receive from arrogantly assuming I know everything. I realize that my tiny brain is not capable of understanding the whole of reality. I search for truth, try to apply logic as objectively and honestly as I can, attempt to put all things into perspective, and make the best decision I can make. If I’m wrong, I’m wrong; and that’s okay. But I did my best.
  Anywho, that was a really really long answer to your question lol, but I guess I could summarize this way:
  I believe in whatever it is that appears , through research, logic, examination, and open-mindedness, to be the most likely to be true. What else, really, can I do? I believe in God and that Christ is the instrument through which we connect with God; and I believe this for the reason that, in my life, all things considered, at this moment in time, it makes the most sense and works the best for me. If someone comes and explains reality to me in a different way which explains all the phenomenon in my life logically, or more logically, than what I believe, then I am open to what they have to say. That is why I always ask people what they believe. I want to know if maybe they know something I don’t. Who am I to say I’m right? I’m one in billions of people who think they have the answer…
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  AshtonFireflyposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  EDIT to first paragraph: I don't believe in anything that is illogical TO ME. in other words, if I have to say "well it just works out somehow. it doesn't have to make sense" then I don't believe it.
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  A Troubled Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  The first two statements would indicate you really don't know anything about researching, logic, examinations and open-mindedness.
  
  Your last statement would show clearly why you believe.
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  AshtonFireflyposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  Like I said, anyone can make whatever conclusions they want about me. If that is your conclusion, so be it. I'm open-minded as they come. My last statement said I am one of billions of people: people who think they have the answer. I don't think I do. I don't know if I do. It's just what works for me. If you had read my whole paragraph in full and understood me, you would have realized that. Your opinion of me is your opinion of me, and that's fine. If you don't feel that I know anything about researching, logic, etc. then that's ok too. I may turn out to be wrong later, and that's ok, as I said repeatedly. I don't care if I'm wrong and I don't care if anyone believes the same. If I find a belief that works better and seems more logical, I'll believe it.
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  A Troubled Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  Exactly. Logic and reason have nothing to do with it.
  
  I did read your entire post, that's why I responded.
  
  Now, you have some evidence in your own post that shows why logic and reason are not a requirement.
  
  You aren't looking for understanding or knowledge, you're looking for a "belief that works" for you. Huge difference.
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  AshtonFireflyposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  Ok, I see now what you meant. I am looking for understanding and knowledge. But until I find it and know I have it for sure, the best I can do is to believe what makes the most sense and seems to be based on the most knowledge and understanding, right? That's what I meant by "belief that works for me." I believe what seems to make the most sense, all things considered, at the moment, in my life. in that regard, it "works for me" in that it "makes the most sense" to me. But in the absence of being sure about everything, what am I supposed to do? I'm searching for truth. I just wish people would stop accusing and start trying to understand. I don't care if I'm right or not. I just want to know.
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  DoubleScorpionposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  Ashton
  
  I think I understand where you are coming from.
  
  Personally, I listen to what others have to say, then research things on my own to get an understanding of it that isn't biased (or least likely to be biased) to form my own opinions. And I research both side of the "argument", the Pro's and the Con's. Sometimes to find out who we are or what we believe, we must eliminate what we aren't and what we can't believe. And then spend lots of time sorting through what is left over, until we reach an understanding of who we are and where our beliefs (truths) lie. And that is something that is an ever evolving thing that changes as our knowledge grows. Life experiences, interactions with others and time itself is all a part of that cycle. And it might take a lifetime before we ever even mostly figure it out. And it is something different for each person. Being a unique individual is not a bad thing (IMHO), not blindly following the "crowd" can keep you from falling off the cliff edge with the rest of the herd.
  
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  A Troubled Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  Then, if you're sincere, you need to turn to science for that understanding and knowledge.
  
  Wrong. There is no rationale or reason to embrace or cling to illogical beliefs just because an answer is not right in front of you. That is not someone who is looking for understanding at all.
  
  Instead, if you took the attitude that you simply don't know but will take the time to investigate, then you'll have an open mind and will probably find the answers you seek, just like so many others have.
  
  You are the same as most others about not being sure about everything. No problem. Just say to yourself, "I don't know"
  
  See how easy that was?
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  AshtonFireflyposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  lol I see your point , But my question is: can science explain everything? How do we know? I’ve talked to so many scientists that I get a headache thinking about it. If there are still some phenomena that science cannot explain, how do we know it will in the future?
  To me, both science and religion end up being irrational at some point—that is, most scientific facts end up being based on theories which have not been “proven,” but are really educated guesses which have a good track record of being true. I’m not scientist. But that’s what I’m told by scientists I question, regardless of their religion.
  My head hurts from thinking these days…
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  A Troubled Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  Science has already explained almost everything we know so far. There is no reason to doubt it won't continue to do so.
  
  Science has explained a lot of phenomena that were thought to unexplainable. Again, there is no reason to doubt that it won't continue to do so.
  
  But, the very last thing we want to do is jump to conclusions about a phenomena and fling illogical and irrational answers at them, especially ones that are borne from religious beliefs.
  
  That's not how science works nor is that what theories are about. I would suggest that would be a good starting point for you. Learn about the "Scientific Method" and you'll gain a much better understanding.
  
  You don't have to be scientist to understand the world around us.
  
  Practice makes perfect. Keep thinking and the pain will eventually go away and you'll have in it's place a beautifully functioning mind.
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  brotheryochananposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  When people enter into friendships with other people. Do they know everything about that person? Do they have all the answers or do they put a little faith into it.
  Everytime someones mentions faith, you get all paranoid and everytime there is an unanswered question your finished.
  But what you don't know is that you operate under those same functions as well.
  What you also don't know is that you are one big argue machine. Ashton posts a beautiful post and you don't have the neuroreceptors to appreciate it or understand it.
  You clearly have picked your name well
  
  Ignore him ashton, its a laugh the size of Manhattan.
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  A Troubled Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  Paranoid? No, it is simply pointed out that dishonest believers will compare faith in friendships to a faith in God, for example, then claiming others are paranoid.
  
  Paranoid of honesty, maybe?
  
  Wonderful! More cheap shots in light of intelligent response.
  
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  mischeviousmeposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  That was a logical answer. I may not believe the same things you do, but your belief is beautiful because it is what you believe and it makes you feel whole. I don't look down on religion and as I've said in other posts, you believe what you believe. I just think it's nonsense to buy into something without looking into the beliefs of other's. To me it is all the same. It is the essential principal of all religion, that is what we have in common.
  I do not deny what is true for you, I see what is true for me because I can and so does every other Joe and Mary public.
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  AshtonFireflyposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  Exactly. I've looked into so many beliefs and to be honest, it all confuses me. They all seem contradictory. They all have problems. What am I supposed to do? Believe in nothing? Believe in the best guess? I just want truth. I try to be as open-minded and logical as I can. Maybe I can be closed-minded without realizing it. The point is: I do the best with what I have, to the best of my abilities. That’s why I hate when people judge me and make accusations. Atheists hate me because I believe in God. Believers hate me because I’m open-minded and willing to accept another belief, should it be proven to make more sense to me. I wish people would see past the beliefs and to the heart of the person. I’m looking for Truth, damn it. Can’t anyone see that? Just because one thing makes more sense to me than another, does that make me stupid? Misinformed? What? How are we supposed to know? It’s discouraging.
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  A Troubled Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  Unfortunately, you're barking up the wrong tree if you're pursuing religion with that worldview. You will not find logic or open-mindedness. If you are sincere in your quest, you will find little more than myth and superstition in religion.
  
  Don't cut yourself short, you have way more abilities than you think and most likely could easily find the truths your looking for.
  
  That's not really true, atheists don't hate you. I certainly have no such feelings towards you in the least.
  
  Why then would you want to join them in their beliefs and become one of them?
  
  Easy, but you need to take the time to do the research and the rigor.
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  AshtonFireflyposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  I don't even know what I'm pursuing. that's the problem.
  I've researched this topic rigorously for years. I keep hitting the same walls. I've tried to reason through everything, research as many viewpoints as I can, science, everything. I learned different languages to read the different religious books...and still I can't find anything solid.
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  A Troubled Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  You're pursuing the truth, aren't you?
  
  You will never find anything solid in any religion. You will always hit the same walls. If you're pursuing the truth, you're wasting your time on religions.
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  AshtonFireflyposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  No no I meant I keep hitting walls whenever I research any viewpoint, not just religion.
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  A Troubled Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  Okay, give me a better understanding of those walls that are not of religious origins?
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  AshtonFireflyposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  One of those walls which I referred to would be encountered when I delve into the area of science and the nature of science in general. I have considered the possibility of attributing everything to science and leaving it at that, and have studied into it quite a bit. I’m held back by a couple of things: science can only describe so much, so far. I personally believe that there was something similar to a “Big Bang,” due to the scientific research indicating as such. I believe the earth is really old, based on scientific research. I have no problem with anything science discovers. I just want to know where everything came from. If matter can be neither created nor destroyed, then at what point did it come to being? Or was it always there, and time is simply not what we think it is? Maybe that’s a lame question to ask—it’s just…so many phenomena unexplainable by science have occurred in my own life to make me feel that there’s something else out there that we’re not aware of…whether it be God or some other entity…something outside of our universe and so-called “laws” and reality. That there’s “something else” outside of our whole reality as it is. I don’t even know what. Just “something.”
  Also, trusting in scientific method ultimately and for everything creates a problem for me because, like I mentioned in my earlier post, the scientists who I have studied (or rather, the books that they have written,etc.) who study the most basic fundamentals of science and physics, affirm that all science is based on philosophical concepts such as logic, cause/effect, logical necessity, natural “laws,” etc. One such book which I read, which described this in detail, is “Philosophy of Science,” by Alex Rosenburg, as well as various other articles and books. Studying this book as well as many others has shown me that there exist many different approaches to evidence and to the information we discover through science(concepts such as holism, epistemic relativism, empiricism, logical positivism, instrumentalism, etc.), which will ultimately change how we examine science and “evidence” as a whole and its usefulness and application in general. Whatever method or stand we choose to take on how to view science is going to be directly related to, for instance, how we view knowledge in general…which leads us into the branch of epistemology and other philosophical topics which have anything to do with the human handling of information and knowledge. From these observations, I took the understanding that I could not separate philosophy from science simply by the fact that the study of science requires that some sort of rational thought process be applied to it by the human doing the study. This is enescapable, as we are human and are using our minds to analyze knowledge. But this inevitably connects the concept of science, at the most foundational level, to rather abstract fields of study since it now deals with processes of thought and analysis of information.
  However, the way people feel about religion also ultimately boils down to these same abstract fields.
  In the study of both science and religion, one is using their mind in order to analyze the value of either. Shouldn’t I then focus a lot on these so-called abstract areas of thought, as they are the basis for human analysis of scientific information? But if I do that, I’m back to square one; I’ll be delving into controversial philosophical concepts about knowledge, facts, and reality and how I should view those knowledge, facts, and reality, which was the problem to begin with.
  
  However, this is the problem I have with the concept of God: If I am really going to believe that there is a God as indicated in the Bible, then I would have to believe that he exists outside of our reality and that our reality does not apply to him, since he is outside of it (as the Bible appears to indicate). I would have to believe that Time, form, shape, matter, etc. would not apply to God because he is outside of what he created, in a sense. Being that as it is, God wouldn’t have to make sense to use because He is different from anything we could fathom in our reality. BUT anyone could claim to believe in a God which is so different from our reality that we can’t understand Him, and could attribute any characteristics they wanted to this “god” while all the while claiming “it doesn’t make sense, but that’s just the way it is,” thereby negating any possible attempt on an inquisitive mind to question it. That opens the door for anyone to come up with any kind of foolishness they wish to create in their minds. Because since the basis of that belief would be to acknowledge that God is not understandable in our limited minds, then it must follow that anything concerning the actions of that God are not understandable nor will they make sense to us, therefore eliminating any possibility of determining the accuracy of that belief. It therefore, by definition, makes any attempt to prove it or disprove it, impossible. We therefore have a belief system which affirms the existence of a being which we are not able to comprehend with our minds and whose existence we are therefore, by the same token, we are unable to prove one way or the other. In which case we have a self-sustaining, self-created, and self-validating concept.
  
  That took forever to write.
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  Mikel G Robertsposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  Nice.
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  A Troubled Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  My question is, do you understand those things as opposed to believing them? Huge difference.
  
  That is what Big Bang theory describes, how and when matter came about. It was the result of the cooling of the hot ocean of electromagnetic radiation that permeated the universe.
  
  Not at all, and there is an answer.
  
  What unexplainable phenomena by science? Be specific.
  
  That could just be wishful thinking on your part. There isn't anything in science or reality that indicates there is "something else" - nada, zip, nothing.
  
  While there is a philosophical side to science, the methods themselves are based on observation and evidence, not philosophy.
  
  While it's fine to read up on the philosophical side of science, it is a waste of time getting hung up on that stuff. Rosenburg's book is not very good either and is wrought with all kinds of errors and issues.
  
  Those books don't matter at all when it comes to scientific evidence, you are wasting your time with them.
  
  Again, you are wasting your time with that nonsense. The methods of science have nothing to do with philosophy, please try to understand that as you are getting totally side-tracked with irrelevancies.
  
  Not a chance, that is absolutely false. The beliefs of religion and how they're formed have nothing to do with the methods of science.
  
  Nonsense, people don't think when they are evaluating their beliefs or their religions. Science and religion are on opposite ends of the spectrum.
  
  No, you should try to understand the Scientific Method and forget about the philosophical bologna. It is a complete waste of your time.
  
  In science, there is no such thing as "outside of reality" - the bible is false by indicating such things.
  
  You have just formed an excellent argument that shows Gods and religions are complete "foolishness". Well done!
  
  Now, you can forget about that foolishness and focus on understanding the scientific method and how we learn about the world around us.
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  AshtonFireflyposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  I do understand the theories: i don't really believe anything unless I feel I somehow understand it first.
  
  Rosenberg's book has some errors I'm sure. I based my ideas not only on what he wrote but others' too.
  
  Sorry. By unexplainable phenomena I meant things like prophetic visions, dreams; the instance of someone knowingg something about someone without being told...etc.
  
  At this point I think we're just kind of differing in opinions...about what science is based on (regarding philosophy and such). And who knows my opinon might change. I'll have to look into this more. I understand what you're saying, but...I'm not sure what to think about it all. I shall ponder this more.
  
  Thanks for taking the time to discuss this with me, though Even if we don't agree on some things, I appreicate the duscussion. I shall keep on searching and researching.
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  A Troubled Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  It's a good idea to get away from the concept of "believing" and stick with the concept of "understanding" when you conduct any research. Don't come away from something saying, I believe it. Instead, just say that you either understand it or you don't.
  
  You're completely wasting your time with that philosophical mumbo jumbo. Move on and do some real research to find your answers.
  
  Again, there are probably answers to those unexplainable phenomena, however one must never jump to conclusions by bringing in and embracing magic or some such other nonsense to appease their curiosity.
  
  Good for you, I wholeheartedly support your inquiries.
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  AshtonFireflyposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  I'm not making conclusions or embracing anything just yet.
  
  As far as wasting time on it, just a difference of opinion at this point.
  
  Concerning "believing" and "understanding": everything I think I know is always up for revision as far as I'm concerned. Always has been.
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  mischeviousmeposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  Don't be discouraged, believe what you believe. It is better that we feel what we feel and ignore what other people think of you. If it is debatable, debate. If it is not than leave it be. It is our choice to react or to act and reaction is the more primitive response.
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  A Troubled Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  That's terrible advice and only serves to support and condone ignorance and denial.
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  AshtonFireflyposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  Thank you for your understanding, and for asking. I agree with what you wrote.
  I wasn't directing my frustration at you. I was directing my frustration towards feeling helpless...
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  mischeviousmeposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  I think A Toubled Ma just likes to argue. But that is his path. Who am I to disagree. I just have a tendancy to believe that it's all right and all wrong at the same time. What is right to me is wrong for you and likewise. But to understand that I have an opinion and that my opinion matters to me and accept it as right for me is a cool thing to do.
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  A Troubled Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  Should I also make up some false accusations about you in order to denigrate your position here, too? Does that make you feel superior?
  
  Oh, I see now, you have an opinion. Yeah, that's cool.
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  brittanytoddposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  Ashton, you're awesome.
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  AshtonFireflyposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  aw thanks...
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  brotheryochananposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  I thought that was a beautiful post also.
  Ignore the flamers, its best to leave them to their own ignorance. Any form of explanation just gives them a bunch more things they can't figure out or put in proper perspective or understand or comprehend or research.
  This is how big their knowing really is . <-- see that period
  Its always been my experience that those who don't know speak the loudest.
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  A Troubled Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this
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jakesullyposted 11 years ago
I picture God as a bright, glowing ball of light, like the sun.
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Fat-no-moreposted 11 years ago
To me .. well to us ( who belive in Islam and Mohammed the messenger of God ) .. No one ..NO ONE can picture the shape of God ... we know just the Attributes .. and some people say " ok ... God created everyone..so who created God? " if you say that now that lucifer who want to make think that
hh sorry because my English is bad but the Question attracted me ^^
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  mischeviousmeposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  To me God is formless. This is my belief and it will always be that way. If I haven't seen something to give any refferance to, then it is formless. Just the same as if I tell a blind person about the color orange. To the ones born blind, they will envision formlessness. You no more describe a color as you can make someone else feal your pain.
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  couturepopcafeposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  @Fat - That's because those beings are formless. By meditating on the Spirit Gate, the godhead will be shown to you - or anyone. Consciousness is not conditioned by time but just is. By taking away the cause (the world) of affliction, we become unitive conciousness or collective conciousness. This clarity is preceeded by faith, energy, memory and fair-minded contemplation. 'Searching oneself' was a new age catch phrase and probably little understood. IMO, who feels it knows it.
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Night Magicposted 11 years ago
To me God looks like the form of a shadow but so bright that you can hardly look at Him.
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GoodLadyposted 11 years ago
Depends. Sometimes in the sun, sometimes a true smallness in me, sometimes in my imagination. Sometimes not possible.
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Ron Montgomeryposted 11 years ago
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbrI3F7p6-o
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dagsilposted 11 years ago
i think god appers to as in many forms that suits us
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dagsilposted 11 years ago
us
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rLcasaLmeposted 11 years ago
God is a spirit. No one had seen God in his full glory.
To the many, He is often seen as being strict and unmoved, a trait always found in an authoritative figure.
But To me, God is the Father who's always waiting for sinners to come home, who runs and throws His arms around a sinner over-delighted of his come back, where one would feel asking for forgiveness is no longer necessary for one would be overwhelmed by the undeserved love.
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calpol25posted 11 years ago
I would chase him with a camera and then shout smile and take a picture.

Seriously I believe that god is something we can not picture because its what we feel inside that is picture enough. What I mean is its individual and we will all picture god in different ways.
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  mischeviousmeposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  Thank you for thinking clearly. It seems that when I think in those terms, people want to disagree and say that God is a constant. Like it's some kind concrete fact that God exists. I don't believe that God exists, but I do have a feeling that there is something greater than myself. However, I have a hard time agreeing that there are really any words we can use to define whatever it is we are feeling.
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  calpol25posted 11 years agoin reply to this
  I agree with you mischeviousme its an individual thing I think, what we feel inside is all we really need to picture x
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  mischeviousmeposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  I actually had someone disagree with me and it seems like he cannot grasp how science and metaphor are seperate entities. When I say thoughts are formless and that all things come from formlessness, He automatically disagrees and tries to prove me wrong by stating backwards science and comparing it to metaphoric thinking. If someone is going to disagree, they should at least read what I have to say and not just look for words to disagree with. It just seems biased and ignorant to me.
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  calpol25posted 11 years agoin reply to this
  I certainly agree there, were all adults and should respect each others opnion, but the fact that the person has told you that shows that they are incapable of understanding or respecting other peoples opinions. :-)
  Dont let it bother you, just keep writing and ignore people like that :-)
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  Mikel G Robertsposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  The simple fact is you are trying to not say what you actually mean/believe. Possibly because you're afraid of being proven wrong. If you're not afraid that then spell it out and show us your proof.
  
  I don't off-handly dismiss anything... But I won't off-handly accept anything either. So if it is important to you that others believe as you do, then I suggest you speak plainly in simple terms anyone can understand and supply proof to back your position.
  
  Until then I'll just enjoy your teenage theatrics and attempts to mislead people from reality.
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Mikel G Robertsposted 11 years ago
@Calpol and Mischeviousme...

Name calling does not support your stance.

But...

...Thanks for playing!!

(The teenage theatrics are hilarious!)
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  mischeviousmeposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  Are we done trying to be big? Ok. I think it is a game and we are all playing. And you are right, but it takes one to know one.
  
  Am I playing by your standards yet?
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paarsurreyposted 11 years ago
How do you picture God?

ONE- the Creator God is only attributive. Do you want to know His attributes? Please
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  paradigmsearchposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  One picture of Allah coming up!
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  paradigmsearchposted 11 years agoin reply to this
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  mischeviousmeposted 11 years agoin reply to this
  The attributes of God as you see them? It is always going to sound the same. I have tried to defend my views, but I find that I don't need to. I can only tell you things in my own words and I can only describe it with my mouth. What I have to say though only matters if you think it does. It matters not what I say, so much as what I do.
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paarsurreyposted 11 years ago
The Creator God is neither a physical being nor a spiritual being; all physical and spiritual things are His creartion. The Crearot God is attributive; see Him defined below with picturesque words:

[112:1] In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful.
[112:2] Say, ‘He is Allah, the One;
[112:3] ‘Allah, the Independent and Besought of all.
[112:4] ‘He begets not, nor is He begotten;
[112:5] ‘And there is none like unto Him.’

http://www.alislam.org/quran/search2/sh … php?ch=112
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