Jan 5 2012: I disagree that no one is special and we are all divine.
Each of us has the potential to develop the divinity which exists within us as a seed, but our inner divinity must be consciously nurtured in order for us to sef-realize.
HHDL is certainly special - particularly when compared with someone like me.
Dec 27 2011: "Thomas. At last - a believer who recognizes God as a mental construct!"
Yes, but not quite the way you think.
You think God is something humans created through the imagination when, in fact, humans have imagination because of the creator.
It is necessary to use the intellectual, logical and rational mind to learn about, compare and evaluate the varying symbolic meanings of these complex concepts that go beyond simple description, yet it is through the higher levels of mind such as the imagination that we increase the power of our mind. Literally increasing the amount of creative thought/energy.
Thought is a measurable current and when we focus on God we are not just allowing the current to increase, we "create" a connection to the universal source of energy, thereby increasing our energy in the same way learning increases our intellect.
It is through the use of imagination that we are able to connect to the creative forces, not to create them- they're already there. It's referred to as having a relationship with God, yoga, union, prayer, meditation.
Dec 22 2011: Aliens definitely exist- at least until they get their green card.Kidding aside, personally I have witnessed an Aliens definitely exist- at least until they get their green card.
Kidding aside, personally I have witnessed an alien spacecraft. While enjoying a break between classes, I observed the low and large harvest moon, at least I thought it was the moon until it moved markedly up and down for at least five minutes. A crowd of us were staring at it, somewhat mesmerized. I recall looking around at the crowd of onlookers to verify that they were seeing what I was seeing and they looked frozen in place. When it stopped bouncing people didn't seem amazed or shocked, they simply went back to their business. Of course I cannot prove it was an alien craft, anymore than I can prove the moon was bouncing.
I disagree with Hawking though- like his physical body, his world view seems very crippled and limited compared to mine.
Dec 22 2011: You're welcome, but there's a reason why there's a dearth of debate here, as TED is really not the best place to have them. It might be the best place for an atheist to have such debates, as there seems to be a 10-1 ratio of atheists here on TED, which would explain why you'd think it ideal.
You find fault with the "God is real" answer, fine. Calculate this- Thought is energy, therefore it exists, yes? It is measured via electrical currents, and it's been proven that we are electro-magnetic beings, yes?
If it is true, as Tim Colgan believes, that God is just a mental construct of our imagination, then the majority of the planet's inhabitants are directing their mental energy to constructing God, therefore, God exists as a very measurable current.
Beyond that, (and here is where the magic really takes place) even claiming a disbelief in God still keeps this current active because the brain (specifically the subconscious mind) fails to register negatives such as 'not', so even in saying 'God does not exist', the brain processes it as 'God does ___ exist'. So, even in denial of God, the very thought of God continues to create God.
Dec 22 2011: You say 'mental construct' as if it's dismissive. Thought is energy and what we give that energy to is what determines who we are. Even if God is a mental construct withihn the realm of imagination, then where it leadsus from here is both determined by as well as limited to our imagination.
Dec 22 2011: Richard Dawkins has his PhD. in biology, not theology. His opinion on religion is just that- opinion. It's not even an educated opinion, because whenever he speaks about it the only thing he proves is his ignorance.
You wonder why the thought of the existence of God is so prevalent- the answer is simply, because God exists. No one is forcing you to believe it or understand it or accept it, but that is the answer to your question, even if you don't like it. It is the reason why it is so prevalent, as there is nowhere on Earth you can go to escape it.
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A reply on Conversation: Is divine revelation possible? If yes, why? If no, why not?
Each of us has the potential to develop the divinity which exists within us as a seed, but our inner divinity must be consciously nurtured in order for us to sef-realize.
HHDL is certainly special - particularly when compared with someone like me.
A reply on Conversation: Against obvious logic, what is the reasonable case for Intelligent Design/God's existence? If not, why is the thought of such so prevalent?
Yes, but not quite the way you think.
You think God is something humans created through the imagination when, in fact, humans have imagination because of the creator.
It is necessary to use the intellectual, logical and rational mind to learn about, compare and evaluate the varying symbolic meanings of these complex concepts that go beyond simple description, yet it is through the higher levels of mind such as the imagination that we increase the power of our mind. Literally increasing the amount of creative thought/energy.
Thought is a measurable current and when we focus on God we are not just allowing the current to increase, we "create" a connection to the universal source of energy, thereby increasing our energy in the same way learning increases our intellect.
It is through the use of imagination that we are able to connect to the creative forces, not to create them- they're already there. It's referred to as having a relationship with God, yoga, union, prayer, meditation.
A reply on Conversation: Against obvious logic, what is the reasonable case for Intelligent Design/God's existence? If not, why is the thought of such so prevalent?
Good thing the human mind isn't limited by reason and logic alone.
A comment on Conversation: I am just curious in knowing; are there any TEDsters who deny alien existence?
Kidding aside, personally I have witnessed an alien spacecraft. While enjoying a break between classes, I observed the low and large harvest moon, at least I thought it was the moon until it moved markedly up and down for at least five minutes. A crowd of us were staring at it, somewhat mesmerized. I recall looking around at the crowd of onlookers to verify that they were seeing what I was seeing and they looked frozen in place. When it stopped bouncing people didn't seem amazed or shocked, they simply went back to their business. Of course I cannot prove it was an alien craft, anymore than I can prove the moon was bouncing.
I disagree with Hawking though- like his physical body, his world view seems very crippled and limited compared to mine.
A reply on Conversation: Against obvious logic, what is the reasonable case for Intelligent Design/God's existence? If not, why is the thought of such so prevalent?
You find fault with the "God is real" answer, fine. Calculate this- Thought is energy, therefore it exists, yes? It is measured via electrical currents, and it's been proven that we are electro-magnetic beings, yes?
If it is true, as Tim Colgan believes, that God is just a mental construct of our imagination, then the majority of the planet's inhabitants are directing their mental energy to constructing God, therefore, God exists as a very measurable current.
Beyond that, (and here is where the magic really takes place) even claiming a disbelief in God still keeps this current active because the brain (specifically the subconscious mind) fails to register negatives such as 'not', so even in saying 'God does not exist', the brain processes it as 'God does ___ exist'. So, even in denial of God, the very thought of God continues to create God.
A reply on Conversation: Against obvious logic, what is the reasonable case for Intelligent Design/God's existence? If not, why is the thought of such so prevalent?
A comment on Conversation: Against obvious logic, what is the reasonable case for Intelligent Design/God's existence? If not, why is the thought of such so prevalent?
You wonder why the thought of the existence of God is so prevalent- the answer is simply, because God exists. No one is forcing you to believe it or understand it or accept it, but that is the answer to your question, even if you don't like it. It is the reason why it is so prevalent, as there is nowhere on Earth you can go to escape it.