For those of you who don't believe in God

[tds]

ok! now, why "G-d"?

[tds]

ok! now, why "G-d"?

its not a word. n i feel choked tryin to pronounce it. y susan? db? else?

[db05]

its not a word. n i feel choked tryin to pronounce it. y susan? db? else?

Shhh. You do not say the name in vain. So it's G-d. Oh my g-d. Or just OMG.

[mrba1979]

This I understand a bit. Although I think 6 months on a tv is too much imo (I took 1 month to decide on a piano), life-changing decisions take time. Rest assured I had been thinking every waking moment of my life. The 2 weeks was the time I spent un-thinking. I need to take those retreats once in a while.

But what's the point? I can live without devoting my life to piano or music. Do you know what I'm talking about? I don't want to do music a disservice by studying it halfheartedly.

Of course it's humanly impossible. That's why it's G-d's call. It would prove that G-d is above human limits.

I do not really understand where I came in questioning your dedication to music and or your search for God.  All I am trying to do is comment on your relationship with this teacher based on the comment you provided.  From my perspective what you are planning to do is unfair to him.  At the very least does this not put his job in danger?  Does this not also affect his credibility as a teacher.  If you are truly in love with him then be compassionate and wait until you are not a student of his.  Things will then be easier to carry this type of relationship.

[db05]

I do not really understand where I came in questioning your dedication to music and or your search for God.  All I am trying to do is comment on your relationship with this teacher based on the comment you provided.  From my perspective what you are planning to do is unfair to him.  At the very least does this not put his job in danger?  Does this not also affect his credibility as a teacher.  If you are truly in love with him then be compassionate and wait until you are not a student of his.  Things will then be easier to carry this type of relationship.

It's just that I have no incentive to stay in school until I graduate, except to see my teacher, which is a pathetic reason to musicians really. I don't see how it could be easier either way.

[G.W.K]

You will...You won't.

You underestimate me. If Susan can prove me wrong: I have nothing to argue against.

G.W.K

[term]

Shhh. You do not say the name in vain. So it's G-d. Oh my g-d. Or just OMG.

Are you serious? That doesn't make ANY kind of sense.
Besides, yahweh is his name, god is the title.

[db05]

Are you serious? That doesn't make ANY kind of sense.
Besides, yahweh is his name, god is the title.

No I wasn't. Oh no you said it. 

[term]

Well then i'm curious why pianistimo would blemish (^^) god's title by writing g-d. Sounds like g to da d.

[pianistimo]

He is a Father.  It's just that His name is holy so if you say it without really thinking or meaning to honor Him - then it's blasphemy.  I think for those who trust G-d implicitly - they just say his name like they would their own Father because they know He is real.  For those that are searching - they hold out the possibility.

db05 seems very anxious to make her life according to what seems the right move.  I can't offer much advice excepting that if you want to chill and let G-d make the moves - you won't have anyone to blame afterwards except for Him (i say that tongue in cheek).  There are times when I get mad at my husband although many more positive and happy experiences than minor irritations.  I prayed for someone to come into my life that would be a good friend first and he did.  That is how i know this miracle can happen!  There were others that I was infatuated with - but i'm positive my husband is the one for me.   We can get on each other's nerves sometime - but no matter what he does i love him and visa-versa.  There are other people that until you are married, you might really not have the 'cord' that binds you and lose the other person too easily by imagining what's not there.  It really takes a miracle, in my mind to experience love from both sides at the same level of intensity.  Even if one person seems to love the other more at a certain time - all things in life do search for that perfect balance.  I agree that age isn't a factor.  But, you have to be sure that he is actually the one by letting him make the first moves.  That could also better indicate answered prayer for you. 

OK.  Prayer is modified.  But, don't do anything to provoke your teacher to do anything.  In fact, just to attempt to make this really an answered prayer - act as nonchalant as you can.  ie don't sit in the front row, don't avoid eating crumbly cookies, consider the possibilites of other activities and things to do for a month than worry about him, etc.

[aslanov]

He is a Father.  It's just that His name is holy so if you say it without really thinking or meaning to honor Him - then it's blasphemy.  I think for those who trust G-d implicitly - they just say his name like they would their own Father because they know He is real.  For those that are searching - they hold out the possibility.

db05 seems very anxious to make her life according to what seems the right move.  I can't offer much advice excepting that if you want to chill and let G-d make the moves - you won't have anyone to blame afterwards except for Him (i say that tongue in cheek).  There are times when I get mad at my husband although many more positive and happy experiences than minor irritations.  I prayed for someone to come into my life that would be a good friend first and he did.  That is how i know this miracle can happen!  There were others that I was infatuated with - but i'm positive my husband is the one for me.   We can get on each other's nerves sometime - but no matter what he does i love him and visa-versa.  There are other people that until you are married, you might really not have the 'cord' that binds you and lose the other person too easily by imagining what's not there.  It really takes a miracle, in my mind to experience love from both sides at the same level of intensity.  Even if one person seems to love the other more at a certain time - all things in life do search for that perfect balance.  I agree that age isn't a factor.  But, you have to be sure that he is actually the one by letting him make the first moves.  That could also better indicate answered prayer for you. 

OK.  Prayer is modified.  But, don't do anything to provoke your teacher to do anything.  In fact, just to attempt to make this really an answered prayer - act as nonchalant as you can.  ie don't sit in the front row, don't avoid eating crumbly cookies, consider the possibilites of other activities and things to do for a month than worry about him, etc.

not only are you blind of reality and truth, but you are condescendingly so.
why is it absolute that WE the godless ones MUST be lost?
Screw that, screw you, and G-D.

p.s. yahweh is not his name! yahweh is ALSO a title, its Allah! or should i say All-h, or A-l-h. however u prefer to hyphenate. however the hell u spell hyphenate.

[morningstar]

p.s. yahweh is not his name! yahweh is ALSO a title, its Allah! or should i say All-h, or A-l-h. however u prefer to hyphenate. however the hell u spell hyphenate.

OK without trying to take sides or anything Yahweh is the Hebrew for God and Allah is the Islamic God as written in the Koran. And hyphenate is right.

[aslanov]

OK without trying to take sides or anything Yahweh is the Hebrew for God and Allah is the Islamic God as written in the Koran. And hyphenate is right.

i think u missed the sarcasm of my PS

[morningstar]

i think u missed the sarcasm of my PS

Better make it clearer then, people might actually take what you post seriously otherwise.

[aslanov]

Better make it clearer then, people might actually take what you post seriously otherwise.

we wouldnt want that, cuz then pianistimo will get all up on my jock

[db05]

OK.  Prayer is modified.  But, don't do anything to provoke your teacher to do anything.  In fact, just to attempt to make this really an answered prayer - act as nonchalant as you can.  ie don't sit in the front row, don't avoid eating crumbly cookies, consider the possibilites of other activities and things to do for a month than worry about him, etc.

I don't have anything going for me. I can try not to think of him, but I still do when I'm half-/asleep. I'm as good as dead. (See musical burn out thread.) I'll try to go on without credits in my cellphone as long as possible. The temptation to message him is huge. He is a very wise person imo and would have the answer to everything so long as you ask nicely, much like Sir bernhard.

Which brings me to a roundabout way of proving that G-d exists, and giving us reasons/ incentive to follow Him: how about Sir bernhard responding to this thread? He is a much respected and trusted member on this forum, and I think a testimony from him might convert a lot of people here.

[aslanov]

I don't have anything going for me. I can try not to think of him, but I still do when I'm half-/asleep. I'm as good as dead. (See musical burn out thread.) I'll try to go on without credits in my cellphone as long as possible. The temptation to message him is huge. He is a very wise person imo and would have the answer to everything so long as you ask nicely, much like Sir bernhard.

Which brings me to a roundabout way of proving that G-d exists, and giving us reasons/ incentive to follow Him: how about Sir bernhard responding to this thread? He is a much respected and trusted member on this forum, and I think a testimony from him might convert a lot of people here.

and what is this roundabout way of proving god exists, exactly? i'd love to hear it.

[michel dvorsky]

He is a Father.  It's just that His name is holy so if you say it without really thinking or meaning to honor Him - then it's blasphemy.  I think for those who trust G-d implicitly - they just say his name like they would their own Father because they know He is real.  For those that are searching - they hold out the possibility.

db05 seems very anxious to make her life according to what seems the right move.  I can't offer much advice excepting that if you want to chill and let G-d make the moves - you won't have anyone to blame afterwards except for Him (i say that tongue in cheek).  There are times when I get mad at my husband although many more positive and happy experiences than minor irritations.  I prayed for someone to come into my life that would be a good friend first and he did.  That is how i know this miracle can happen!  There were others that I was infatuated with - but i'm positive my husband is the one for me.   We can get on each other's nerves sometime - but no matter what he does i love him and visa-versa.  There are other people that until you are married, you might really not have the 'cord' that binds you and lose the other person too easily by imagining what's not there.  It really takes a miracle, in my mind to experience love from both sides at the same level of intensity.  Even if one person seems to love the other more at a certain time - all things in life do search for that perfect balance.  I agree that age isn't a factor.  But, you have to be sure that he is actually the one by letting him make the first moves.  That could also better indicate answered prayer for you. 

OK.  Prayer is modified.  But, don't do anything to provoke your teacher to do anything.  In fact, just to attempt to make this really an answered prayer - act as nonchalant as you can.  ie don't sit in the front row, don't avoid eating crumbly cookies, consider the possibilites of other activities and things to do for a month than worry about him, etc.

[morningstar]

Which brings me to a roundabout way of proving that G-d exists, and giving us reasons/ incentive to follow Him: how about Sir bernhard responding to this thread? He is a much respected and trusted member on this forum, and I think a testimony from him might convert a lot of people here.

That's an idea I guess. PM him?

[aslanov]

respekt

[pianistimo]

I didn't mean to be condescending.  Eating crumbly cookies is typically reserved for when you are hungry and don't care who is watching.  Are you married, aslanov?  Just wondering because all it takes is a month of being married and crumbly cookies are nothing.  Compatibility, love, romance - or whatever it is an individual person is seeking isn't a bad thing is it?  How is it condescending to ask G-d or Allah who made us to find us a lifelong mate if that is what we really need to make us happy.  You see - i think it is sad when people think they can get along just fine alone and instead of drawing people to them, to push them away.  Jesus was the kind of person that crowds would draw to him.  Not because everyone thought he was so wise (and Bernhard is very caring, too!) but because he treated everyone with respect and kindness.  So...in the long run being intellectually compatible isn't necessary because if you are a disciple you can learn as you go by being with a person who has something that you don't.  They also learn, because wisdom isn't found only with 'the rich.'  Rich can imply rich with goods, intellect, anything - and 'poor' can be to imply that the one who most admires, loves, and cares about someone in complete acceptance of their foibles too.

If wisdom is from G-d or Allah - then we have a different standard than the typical college education which gives you everything EXCEPTINg those prayers that can be twice or three times a day - or all day without ceasing.  Many colleges ban praying or overt belief in the sense of two or three gathering together 'in My name.'  Why?  Do they understand how it challenges the 'status quo.'  Of getting, and getting, and making money, and pursuing things that humans naturally tend towards.  How does this develop character.  G-d is concerned not just with knowledge but character.

Also, there is a misnomer that christians think of themselves as better than others.  I think that in reality - they feel occasionally the need to defend themselves from radical views about Christianity.  Not all Catholics, Jews, Muslims or whatever religion are impossibly biased towards others.  And, Jesus Christ recognizied the good qualities in the good Samaritan who wasn't trying to prove anything and helped his brother.  But, in the end what will the good Samaritan be judged by?  G-d's word.  So...if you accidentally keep the Word or you purposely keep the word -it's still G-d's word.  And, if you do good - it's still counted.  The early disciples were what we would call today jewish.  Some believed Yeshua was the Messiah - but they also kept Torah.  The Torah is a unique book because unlike the Koran - it is even more specific in what G-d wanted from the children he made and he chose the most obedient among the people to represent Him.  Abraham (who happens to be the father of both jews, arabs, christians).  Abraham knew the laws of the Torah first even though Moses came to know it - otherwise why would Abraham know about tithing to Melchesdedik.  It was a purposeful obedience to be willing to submit when he heard G-d's voice.

[pianistimo]

The second thing I notice about Abraham knowing about G-d is that he only went after the kings (four kings and their large armies in all with a small band of his own men!) to obtain his relatives and goods and possessions which had been stolen.  When the king of Sodom saw that G-d was with him - he offerred to Abraham that he could have all the goods - but let the king of Sodom keep the people.  Abraham must have laughed because his first priority in recovering everyone was that he loved his people first and the goods second.  He proved that by saying 'look, the goods aren't important.  G-d can give me that and I don't need to take it.  In fact, He proved to the king of Sodom by saying 'just keep the goods.'  Gen. 14:21

The very next chapter - G-d blesses Abraham for his faith.

[db05]

You lost me there. The better idea would be to PM Sir bernhard and get him to post here. 

[pianistimo]

He will have more to say at the end of the month.

[morningstar]

He will have more to say at the end of the month.

What's at the end of the month?

[db05]

She's so confident that the prayers would be answered in a month. 

Not looking good, pianistimo, as I've just had a fight with my real life mom on religion, school and such. She might take me to another doctor or commit me to a mental institution or something. I just hope I see my teacher again. 

[thalbergmad]

I don't have anything going for me.

Apart from being young, beautiful and having a heart of gold, you might be correct.

Thal

[db05]

Apart from being young, beautiful and having a heart of gold, you might be correct.

Thal

Are you kidding me?!?!

[prometheus]

Even for most religious people these proofs are laughable. Why do you think atheists would accept them?

It must be very rare for a religious person to be religious because of these 'proofs'.


And if you copied this from wikipedia why didn't you just copy the criticism as well?

[thalbergmad]

Welcome back old chap.

Pianistimo has had it too easy in your absence.

Thal

[aslanov]

Even for most religious people these proofs are laughable. Why do you think atheists would accept them?

It must be very rare for a religious person to be religious because of these 'proofs'.


And if you copied this from wikipedia why didn't you just copy the criticism as well?

respect.

[michel dvorsky]

I didn't mean to be condescending.  Eating crumbly cookies is typically reserved for when you are hungry and don't care who is watching.  Are you married, aslanov?  Just wondering because all it takes is a month of being married and crumbly cookies are nothing.  Compatibility, love, romance - or whatever it is an individual person is seeking isn't a bad thing is it?  How is it condescending to ask G-d or Allah who made us to find us a lifelong mate if that is what we really need to make us happy.  You see - i think it is sad when people think they can get along just fine alone and instead of drawing people to them, to push them away.  Jesus was the kind of person that crowds would draw to him.  Not because everyone thought he was so wise (and Bernhard is very caring, too!) but because he treated everyone with respect and kindness.  So...in the long run being intellectually compatible isn't necessary because if you are a disciple you can learn as you go by being with a person who has something that you don't.  They also learn, because wisdom isn't found only with 'the rich.'  Rich can imply rich with goods, intellect, anything - and 'poor' can be to imply that the one who most admires, loves, and cares about someone in complete acceptance of their foibles too.

If wisdom is from G-d or Allah - then we have a different standard than the typical college education which gives you everything EXCEPTINg those prayers that can be twice or three times a day - or all day without ceasing.  Many colleges ban praying or overt belief in the sense of two or three gathering together 'in My name.'  Why?  Do they understand how it challenges the 'status quo.'  Of getting, and getting, and making money, and pursuing things that humans naturally tend towards.  How does this develop character.  G-d is concerned not just with knowledge but character.

Also, there is a misnomer that christians think of themselves as better than others.  I think that in reality - they feel occasionally the need to defend themselves from radical views about Christianity.  Not all Catholics, Jews, Muslims or whatever religion are impossibly biased towards others.  And, Jesus Christ recognizied the good qualities in the good Samaritan who wasn't trying to prove anything and helped his brother.  But, in the end what will the good Samaritan be judged by?  G-d's word.  So...if you accidentally keep the Word or you purposely keep the word -it's still G-d's word.  And, if you do good - it's still counted.  The early disciples were what we would call today jewish.  Some believed Yeshua was the Messiah - but they also kept Torah.  The Torah is a unique book because unlike the Koran - it is even more specific in what G-d wanted from the children he made and he chose the most obedient among the people to represent Him.  Abraham (who happens to be the father of both jews, arabs, christians).  Abraham knew the laws of the Torah first even though Moses came to know it - otherwise why would Abraham know about tithing to Melchesdedik.  It was a purposeful obedience to be willing to submit when he heard G-d's voice.

[db05]

pianistimo?

The other day I chatted with 3 boys (not exactly the same time though) and it made me even more confused. A realist, a romanticist and a clinically depressed person (having it much worse than I). They're all trying to cheer me up in some way. (Three wise men?)

I had a fight with mom the same day, and the next day I took out all my money and went shopping for things to keep my mind busy (while trying to avoid mom). When I got back, she had me get a massage and it was painful. Massage, er I mean reflexology thingy...

So today my body and mind is all messed up and I get my monthly visitor. I couldn't help feeling depressed and I messaged my teacher... Just to tell him I'd be giving him a letter and I missed him and I've been thinking a lot during the break.

We have classes tomorrow and I really have to sleep but I don't even feel tired, just messed up, confused. I know you'd leave some things mysterious and up to G-d but I really want to understand this. Because I'm having trouble with some people, people I actually like dammit...

[aslanov]

pianistimo?

The other day I chatted with 3 boys (not exactly the same time though) and it made me even more confused. A realist, a romanticist and a clinically depressed person (having it much worse than I). They're all trying to cheer me up in some way. (Three wise men?)

I had a fight with mom the same day, and the next day I took out all my money and went shopping for things to keep my mind busy (while trying to avoid mom). When I got back, she had me get a massage and it was painful. Massage, er I mean reflexology thingy...

So today my body and mind is all messed up and I get my monthly visitor. I couldn't help feeling depressed and I messaged my teacher... Just to tell him I'd be giving him a letter and I missed him and I've been thinking a lot during the break.

We have classes tomorrow and I really have to sleep but I don't even feel tired, just messed up, confused. I know you'd leave some things mysterious and up to G-d but I really want to understand this. Because I'm having trouble with some people, people I actually like dammit...

db05, whoever you are, i am very sorry to use you as an example. but this just came to me as i was reading this post. your plea for help from god...i mean...lets say no-one has a divine answer for you, which i doubt they do, and anyone who claims to......well..lets not go there. lets say....a religious nut....like, i dunno i wont name names....okay fine you talked me into it. pianistimo. gives you an answer.....and say the answer goes something along hte lines of.....its all part of his plan or.....something along those vague lines of thought...how long are you willing to go through whatever it is you're going through (obv its very unpleasant and somewhat painful) just to see what his plan was, or w/e the answer u may get may be.
this is one of the many things about religion i dont like. they tell people who are GENUINELY in need of help or comfort...and when it comes down to actually helping them..they cant actually do it...cause all they have to go on is...what god will say...and lets be...not honest, no, cause to a lot of people that means many things...lets be...realistic...and in tune with the times..when is god going to give you an answer? personally? i've got doubts that he will. so instead of asking something that isnt there for guidance or help, why not talk to these people in your lives that your having trouble with. come to terms with them, not ask god for help. and honestly (in a more light-hearted mood) what can he do for you that he already hasnt? he cant pick up and choose favours. he's got a divine plan. if him helping you is part of that divine plan, he will, if not...why would an all knowing being go out of his way to screw up his HUGE divine plan...just to help you? so whether you ask or not. you'll get whats coming to you (from god).

p.s. three wise men? if you think..three boys are wise MEN...first of all...BOYS and WISE. do not go together...whats MORE BOYS and MEN do not go together...and whats EVEN MORE....ROMANTICIST and WISE wouldnt dare come near each other.....and a clinically depressed person...well he's closer than the romanticist to being wise, but whats the point all he'll tell you is life is not worth living.
that was my attempt at humour after a serious paragraph (or two)

[db05]

db05, whoever you are, i am very sorry to use you as an example. but this just came to me as i was reading this post. your plea for help from god...i mean...lets say no-one has a divine answer for you, which i doubt they do, and anyone who claims to......well..lets not go there. lets say....a religious nut....like, i dunno i wont name names....okay fine you talked me into it. pianistimo. gives you an answer.....and say the answer goes something along hte lines of.....its all part of his plan or.....something along those vague lines of thought...how long are you willing to go through whatever it is you're going through (obv its very unpleasant and somewhat painful) just to see what his plan was, or w/e the answer u may get may be.
this is one of the many things about religion i dont like. they tell people who are GENUINELY in need of help or comfort...and when it comes down to actually helping them..they cant actually do it...cause all they have to go on is...what god will say...and lets be...not honest, no, cause to a lot of people that means many things...lets be...realistic...and in tune with the times..when is god going to give you an answer? personally? i've got doubts that he will. so instead of asking something that isnt there for guidance or help, why not talk to these people in your lives that your having trouble with.

No problem. Much respect for bringing this up. Actually it's not only religious nuts who are like that. Some friends are like, "you should see a doctor" or something. But these "professionals" help none, being indifferent to it all and not knowing you  half as much as your friends do... and worse, you have to pay for them! But you should consider that it was well meant... If pianistimo wants to do something (for free), let her. I think I can wait a month.

Well I don't consider it a problem if I can still somehow talk to a person. Some people are out of reach, for I don't know what reason. Nevertheless, they matter to me (unbelievable as it may seem).

p.s. three wise men? if you think..three boys are wise MEN...first of all...BOYS and WISE. do not go together...whats MORE BOYS and MEN do not go together...and whats EVEN MORE....ROMANTICIST and WISE wouldnt dare come near each other.....and a clinically depressed person...well he's closer than the romanticist to being wise, but whats the point all he'll tell you is life is not worth living.
that was my attempt at humour after a serious paragraph (or two)

That was a little joke lol (but jokes are half meant). I guess that's why I'd fall for a much older guy instead of one of my peers... In fact this clinically depressed person wants to improve his life, and hasn't totally given up. They're all "wise" because they made me feel like an idiot. But like all good friends, they meant well by it. Those were my first real pieces of advice in a while.