How to answer the question "do you believe in God?"

[Deleted member 8431]

Is it about the string theory and/or other "spatial" dimension(s)?

Sorry, yes I should have given more details instead of expecting anyone to find out for themselves.

String theory is mentioned, but I wouldn't say it's "about" string theory and in fact there is a disclaimer about this explanation not being consistent with string theory. There's no maths involved - it's more a visualisation and the "Flatlander" story comes up a lot. It is very much about other spatial dimensions - specifically it sticks with calling the 4th dimension Time, and then movement in the 5th dimension exploring all possibilities of this universe, and then 6th exploring all possible universes and that's why I got lost at 7 - which I think was all possible variations of all possible universes.

I'm not a physicist but so far, I don't put much faith in the string theory.

As far as I understand, the other 'spatial dimensions' are mathematical concepts that supposedly could resolve the 'gravity' problem. Since gravity at atomic scales is excessively weaker than EM, they think that perhaps, this gravity could be 'dispersed' throught other dimensions.

Now if you go on and read the Wave series, you'll see a somewhat diffrent approach. So far, more and more people are leaning towards an electric/electromagnetic theory of the universe which dosen't (as far as I can see) involve strings and the infamous 'graviton'.

The C's have discussed gravity a lot and so far, it dosen't seem like an independant force to my eyes. It is the binder of matter and aether.

Feel free (anybody) to correct me if I'm wrong.

Peace.

**EDIT: This reply is getting off topic though so it would be better to discuss physics in the appropriate section of the forum.**

 

[plaintiger]

When I get asked this question – sincere inquiry or not - I still usually prefer to stay out of an entire debate about it. I will generally say yes, but that my concept of “God” is probably different than theirs. Then when they ask what my concept of it is, I say it’s rather too difficult to explain in words, and ask them if they’ve ever heard of/seen a Mandelbrot Set or fractals, and I say that is my closest approximation. I was recently asked this question by an Episcopalian priest who’s a good friend and he seemed pretty satisfied, impressed, and interested in learning more about my answer.

 

[United Gnosis]

Well, I find that my answers can vary, as my external considering might not be perfect, but I do my best to stand along these lines:
Very sincere/curious person: "My stance is best described as panentheist". I avoid labelling myself (I'm a XYZ) or using the word "I believe", because those are cans of worms in themselves, but I know my current stance quite clearly, due to transcendent meditative experiences that defined my beliefs very well until I can find something better. The word panentheism generally being unknown, simply exploring the roots of the word can usually lead to very interesting discussions.

Also: "Consciousness is god". This is also my best personal definition of God, at least that I can put in words. That implies that each conscious being is divine in his own right, while leaving the door for a more universal, absolute consciousness, so it hints at panentheism. Weirdly, I believe this is the best way to state my stance, yet using the little-known "panentheism" label has had more success with cartesian people who can not see the poetry of this affirmation.

Barely sincere/preachy people: "I don't see why believe in God when It can be experienced." This usually sidesteps the insincere or preachy people, at least, those intelligent enough to realize I am not interested in their intellectual word games.

Confrontational: "Well, first we would need to reach a common understanding of what "God" actually is." I've found that dismissal answers can usually lead to conflict either way, but this answer can be seen either as submissive or communicative. Some confrontations will be avoided because people will jump on the opportunity to define their God and gain the upper hand on the argument they wish to create, while others can actually be drawn in a genuine discussion.

 

[DavidHP]

I answer with a question "which god?" followed by " if you mean one of the organized religions god, then no, I am not a believer"
What happens next is some people look at me like I am crazy or ask if I understood the question.

Very few want to know what I mean and even fewer actually listen when I explain.

 

[cubbex]

... but rather that it is an inherently intelligence and self-sustaining system.

Yeah, like if life is the one directing itself.

When they ask me if I believe in god I say no, because usually they do not ask me if I believe in a higher source of consciousness, or a higher being or whatever, they refer to god as the biblical character that everyone believes in, and I don't believe in that at all.

 

[alberto]

Well,I would ask:define what god is,and also I would say that to believe in something it does not mean is real or true.
For instance, people believed centuries ago that the earth was flat and that the earth was the center of the universe and now we KNOW and we can prove that is NOT TRUE.
I guess people want to believe what they want to believe and is OK ,what I do not like is people trying to impose their believes on others.
People asked that question in the past I responded this way:I think life,the universe,etc are a mystery, I do not know who or what created life,but I would like to know one day.

 

[Deleted member 4320]

When ask me this question Atheists. My answer is: "No".

When ask me Christians and similiar to them. I say: "Yes".

When friends and family. I answer: "I believe in People".

When I ask myself. I counter: "It is important to ask: Does he believe in me?".

 

[strategic_butter]

A lot of people have asked me this question, and I find it kind of tricky to answer. In the past, when I've answered yes, people seem to think that I think there is an old man in the clouds directing our lives. Part of me wants to point out that that isn't what I think, but I don't really want to get into some kind of theological/spiritual discussion. I also don't want to open a can of worms. I also find the word belief almost wrong, like it isn't really a matter of belief for me any more.
These days I just say "yeah, something like that."

How do you guys answer this question if its raised?

If I was asked this question, I would say there are things that can't be explained by science and leave it at that.

 

[Timey]

From everything on here, it seems to me that the easiest and most accurate way to answer this question (assuming you want to answer) is "I think there is a higher-power." However, asking why the person wants to know might be a good idea before giving this answer.
It clarifies your position while not causing confusion or threatening any sacred cows with the word God. To me, it seems like this would avoid arguments or lengthy and unwanted debate. Moreover, it leaves room for discussion if it is wanted or necessary.
If it gets to this, you could expand more on your answer and maybe get a bit more in-depth, but even then I would be careful.
Just my two cents.

 

[Galdon]

My answer is; I believe in a supreme being capable of creating all life; I do not believe in humanity being able to pass down a book for thousands of years without it being corrupted beyond recognition from it's original form.