existence of god (Creator, verse, devil, divine)

[Dunemeister]

Originally Posted by Sunstone

Apparently, "God" is what some mystics call the reality perceived when the subject/object dichotomy in conscious thought abruptly ends while the continuum of experience remains. The mystics who call that experience "God" tend to come out of cultures that are dominated by the notion ultimate reality is deity. Such as cultures where the Abrahamic faiths are predominant.

Ah, reductionism! You gotta love it!

[Rolling_Stone]

Originally Posted by Scholar24

If (you believe) there is a god, how do you perceive his existence in your life or in this world? Is it a feeling? Or does he materialize in any way shape or form?

"Those who have witnessed the manifestation of divine or supernal realities can never again feel the old delight in bodily beauty." (Plotinus) Since it is a subjective experience experienced more intensely by some and less by others under various conditions and cultures, one can only speak for themselves. Admittedly, I "feel" (not quite the right word) the presence of the ONE only on occasion, and then in a way words cannot express.

[Storm]

Originally Posted by Scholar24

If (you believe) there is a god, how do you perceive his existence in your life or in this world? Is it a feeling? Or does he materialize in any way shape or form?

It's difficult to explain. I came to believe due to an intense and transformative theophany. Since then, I have had another sense in my mind, which I preceive as a sort of resonance. This resonance grows stronger when I meditate regularly, weaker when I neglect it.

[Evolved1]

This is the puzzle I'm currently trying to work out in my head (if anyone cares...)

Is "non-existence" equivalent to "nothingness?"

If the answer is yes, then does it follow that a belief in that which does not exist is the same as a belief in nothing?

Conversely, if "non-existence" is still "something", then would a belief in that which does not exist still be a belief in something?'

Is it possible to believe in nothingness?

Evolved1

[Dunemeister]

Originally Posted by Evolved1

This is the puzzle I'm currently trying to work out in my head (if anyone cares...)

Is "non-existence" equivalent to "nothingness?"

If the answer is yes, then does it follow that a belief in that which does not exist is the same as a belief in nothing?

Conversely, if "non-existence" is still "something", then would a belief in that which does not exist still be a belief in something?'

Is it possible to believe in nothingness?

Evolved1

Of course, you can play with any puzzle you like, but it's stuff like this that contributed most directly to the death of metaphysics as a respectable philosophical pursuit....

[Rolling_Stone]

Originally Posted by Evolved1

This is the puzzle I'm currently trying to work out in my head (if anyone cares...)

Is "non-existence" equivalent to "nothingness?"

If the answer is yes, then does it follow that a belief in that which does not exist is the same as a belief in nothing?

Conversely, if "non-existence" is still "something", then would a belief in that which does not exist still be a belief in something?'

Is it possible to believe in nothingness?

Evolved1

Yes and no; or, rather, it's not necessarily an either/or situation. When many talk about Existence, the ONE, Infinity, or God as existing, what they really mean is that "it" does not belong to the catagory of non-existence and, indeed, transcends Being.

'Course, this probably only adds to the puzzle.

[eXiled]

If (you believe) there is a god, how do you perceive his existence in your life or in this world? Is it a feeling? Or does he materialize in any way shape or form?

Truthfully, I've yet to have any feelings. Always believed, but looking back, I don't see where God has played any part in my life. I've prayed... and nothing. I used to believe God as hope. Now, not so much.

[Jayhawker Soule]

God is the reification of godliness.

[kellid]

Originally Posted by Andrew Steven Fawcett

I see God, not as a person, but as a mass spiritual positive force and the Devil, not as a horned beast, but as a mass spirtual negative force.

I like your example.

[kellid]

Originally Posted by eXiled

Truthfully, I've yet to have any feelings. Always believed, but looking back, I don't see where God has played any part in my life. I've prayed... and nothing. I used to believe God as hope. Now, not so much.

You've prayed and nothing? could you elaborate if you don't mind revealing such a private matter.