So what's your story?

Originally posted by dadudemon
I was 11. I was at the public library reading an astrophysics book about black body radiation. Not sure why but something about hawking radiation and how it was described in that book gave me an epiphany and I was convinced that there is a Master Creator behind everything. That's when I decided my career was going to be astrophysics and I set on a long journey to work towards doctorates in it...and then, 2.5 years into a general physics degree, I abandoned it: astrophysicists get paid horribly.

😐

At this point, you're probably thinking that I will say that I had another epiphany where I abandoned any theistic beliefs but I didn't. Still the same. 🙂

I think there is a God out there and based on my tautological argument, this being needs to be benevolent. I've settled with Mormonism being the closest and most logical idea of how this stuff should work.

Just admit you are mormon and like multiple chicks at once🙂

Originally posted by dadudemon
I was 11. I was at the public library reading an astrophysics book about black body radiation. Not sure why but something about hawking radiation and how it was described in that book gave me an epiphany and I was convinced that there is a Master Creator behind everything. That's when I decided my career was going to be astrophysics and I set on a long journey to work towards doctorates in it...and then, 2.5 years into a general physics degree, I abandoned it: astrophysicists get paid horribly.

😐

At this point, you're probably thinking that I will say that I had another epiphany where I abandoned any theistic beliefs but I didn't. Still the same. 🙂

I think there is a God out there and based on my tautological argument, this being needs to be benevolent. I've settled with Mormonism being the closest and most logical idea of how this stuff should work.

Originally posted by Robtard
Was very young, probably under 14 years old when I decided religion was man-made nonsense.

Belief in God/greater being though, I still believe there is something greater than us.

Well, there's something greater than you. It's me.

Originally posted by dadudemon
I've settled with Mormonism being the closest and most logical idea of how this stuff should work.

Is that, coincidentally, also the Religion you were raised in?

Originally posted by Bardock42
Well, there's something greater than you. It's me.

Originally posted by NemeBro
You are pretty fat, yeah.

Oh yeah? Oh yeah? Well...you are pretty...pretty...**** you!

Get Sancty's permission first. I'm no home wrecker.

Originally posted by SamZED
That moment when you sat down, thought about it and finally said "You know.. I think religion is a load of crap". Share your stories.

Originally posted by Bardock42
Is that, coincidentally, also the Religion you were raised in?

Originally posted by red g jacks
so your weren't born into a mormon family or approached by some mormon preachers... you just decided on your own to become a mormon based on your own conception of god? i'm not trying to be rude, just curious. usually i picture those niche religions like mormonism, jehovas witnesses, etc as either something you're born into or something someone gives you a really convincing pitch for which converts you.

Couple of questions:

1. Why do either of you think it matters?
2. Is it possible to become converted to a religious belief system independent of your parents?

The question is fundamentally rude. It shows negative judgment and immediate dismissal. "Clearly, this person cannot think for themselves because they just believe what their parents believe."

To answer you question, directly, no. 😐

Edit - Really, Catholic is the religion my family would prefer I be. There was a strong push to get me baptized, when I was a kid. I didn't want to.

i guess it matters because to me mormonism is a strange religion to choose to be without any sort of external influence guiding that decision.

Originally posted by red g jacks
i guess it matters because to me mormonism is a strange religion to choose to be without any sort of external influence guiding that decision.

As a Mormon, we strongly believe that an external influence converts you: God. 🙂

I know...I know...sorry, sorry.

I more closely identify as agnostic theist. I think there is something virtually omnipotent out there that probably cares for this universe. But I really don't ****ing know. For me, the Mormon theology fits best how I view this universe.

Also, it helps to be the kind of Mormon that thinks everything religious has been tainted by the evil of man and that nothing, ever, that comes from man is perfect.

Originally posted by dadudemon
Couple of questions:

1. Why do either of you think it matters?
2. Is it possible to become converted to a religious belief system independent of your parents?

The question is fundamentally rude. It shows negative judgment and immediate dismissal. "Clearly, this person cannot think for themselves because they just believe what their parents believe."

To answer you question, directly, no. 😐

Edit - Really, Catholic is the religion my family would prefer I be. There was a strong push to get me baptized, when I was a kid. I didn't want to.

1) it doesn't necessarily matter, I don't think it disqualifies your opinion (there's other reasons to disqualify your opinion, amirite?), however there seems to be a trend where a lot of Religious people seem to find that the "true" Religion happens to be the one of their parents.

2) Of course it is possible.

3) Yes, it was meant to be mildly rude.

4) If your parents wanted you to be baptised as Catholic, how come they didn't before you had a choice, as is traditional in Catholicism?

Originally posted by Bardock42
1) it doesn't necessarily matter, I don't think it disqualifies your opinion (there's other reasons to disqualify your opinion, amirite?),

Yup. 313

Originally posted by Bardock42
4) If your parents wanted you to be baptised as Catholic, how come they didn't before you had a choice, as is traditional in Catholicism?

Good question. Probably because my mother wouldn't have it. She despises baptizing infants. Luckily, I grew up in a home where my parents strongly believed in choice and religion, for them, is the most important choice a person can make.

Also, the influence to baptize as Catholic was from my paternal grandparents. You know, the Italians in my family. 😐

Interesting. Btw, how did you come to Mormonism then?

Originally posted by dadudemon
As a Mormon, we strongly believe that an external influence converts you: God. 🙂

I know...I know...sorry, sorry.

I more closely identify as agnostic theist. I think there is something virtually omnipotent out there that probably cares for this universe. But I really don't ****ing know. For me, the Mormon theology fits best how I view this universe.

Also, it helps to be the kind of Mormon that thinks everything religious has been tainted by the evil of man and that nothing, ever, that comes from man is perfect.

Originally posted by red g jacks
...do you believe all the stuff about jesus coming to america and whatnot?

If Jesus was a divine being, it is true. I don't know if it is true. I believe it is impossible to know being agnostic n'stuff.

Like Digi and other people in this thread my decision to step away from organized religion took place over many years. Mostly there has always been doubt in my mind but I wanted so badly to believe I overlooked it.

Now I just enjoy not knowing and trying to figure out where I fit in the world minus religion. I've been much more successful going that route then others I have traveled.

Originally posted by dadudemon
If Jesus was a divine being, it is true.

KMC made me hate god- the woes of joining the internet community at 13.

Thanks KMC.

Originally posted by red g jacks
why?

I don't think you understand what you're asking.

What do you mean "why?" Ask your question but ask it much more directly. Don't be afraid: I won't bite.

If your superficial question is taken as is, you're asking, "Why do you think God exists if God exists?"