Just a rather "big" question of which I'm wondering what your answers are. I'll put down my thoughts properly tomorrow, but I'm too tired to think about it right now plus I have a headache.

Had to post now otherwise I'd forget

This sounds like a great discussion. I'm in.

When you post your further thoughts to get us going, some questions to consider:

What is "God"? What would constitute "proof"? Are you thinking of scientific proof, and if so, how would it be measured? According to what parameters, and using what techniques and logical equations, and with what instruments?

My view of a "higher power" is not an old guy sitting on a throne out in space somewhere throwing lightning bolts and spying on humans, but is more intangible. Some fields of scientific study, such as quantum physics and psychoneuroendocrinology, are beginning to discover the interface between science and spiritual belief systems. For example, some of the things physicists are discovering are very similar to what Tibetan Buddhist masters talked about hundreds of years ago.

"Set a new course. There's coffee in that nebula." -- Capt. Janeway, Star Trek: Voyager

Indeed. What we think about "proof" depends on our definition of "god". I would say that it is implicit to the major "Book" religions that god is interested in the behaviour of people and may intervene, and mete out rewards and punishments for such trivia as "worship". They in fact give god a personality. Kitty is heading towards some other force which does not necessarily have such interest or personality.

I'd therefore like to know if we mean the traditional anthropomorphised, biased and somewhat neurotic "god"; something else which is self-aware and interested, but not inclined to "religion"; something self-aware but totally neutral or disinterested; or if indeed we are imagining something else without "awareness", purpose etc. (in which case I would ask "why call it god?")

A link that might interest you. FOXNews.com - 'Why Believe in a God?' Ad Campaign Launches on D.C. Buses - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News

I need to know what God you're referring to, Callum

Maybe he means the God(dess) of IaBT, otherwise known as "The Boss".

"Set a new course. There's coffee in that nebula." -- Capt. Janeway, Star Trek: Voyager

Then that bears the question "Is IaBT the afterlife?"

Which one?

"Set a new course. There's coffee in that nebula." -- Capt. Janeway, Star Trek: Voyager

By "God", I mean the thing which Christians, Muslims, and Jews worship and bang on about. The supposed God which is all powerful and "loves" us all, but allows people to starve to death and die of Cancers.

Personally, I believe that it's possible to disprove such a God existing to those who are open minded, but not those who rely on blind faith.

Hmm, I'm for once finding it very hard to put my opinion into words I suppose it's because I don't have anybody to disagree with

So you're talking about the all-seeing omnipotent omniscient one god..... the vegenful wrathful God of the the old testament or the tree hugging, long bearded hippy from the new testament

Good link - and nice to see the True Faith in Ourselves is growing - last we heard it was happening on UK buses.

Some remarkable concepts in the linked article, as if people are not sure how to respond. I would probably join them!

On one hand - and I am happy to hear it, there is a certain militant reaction to the PC "don't offend anybody with Christian symbolism" policies;

In demanding air-time for their own brand of faith, they are nonetheless opposing the no-theists having their own right to advertise;

He goes on to pretend that this is a rational question;

Is he aware that the Talmud and Koran also define what God says is right and good? And that Christians, Jews and Muslims have been killing each other according to their particular rule-books, and continue to do so, because it's right and good? Of course he would say the Koran and Talmud are not "true" authorities of the calibre of the Bible, and the Muslim fundies will tell us the Bible and Talmud are not, and Jewish fundies will have a similar stance. All us poor no-theists who listen to the various factions might be excused our confusion.

And that tops it all. It's silly to say there's no God when millions are celebrating a religious season? It's also silly to say there's no Allah during Ramadan and no Jehovah during Passover, and no Spaghetti-Monster on Pastafarian Friday. Mr. Staver, god-botherers knocking on my door and telling me they know more than I do about god is also immensely insulting, but I don't think you are really concerned about good manners.

Sorry to diverge from the topic a bit. Good link, Azh! I ROFLd!