This is the most utterly idiotic post I've read in quite a while. If god did exist, then he would know that you are only believing just to save your ass and would send you to hell for that. I am not cynical, I just sound that way when provoked by religious lunatics such as yourself.
It's not....it's really not...perhaps you should spend a few more hours reading through the rest of the posts on this site. The problem is, you disagree with my point, and so you choose to attack the poster. Not too worry! You might find god yet....it'll happen when your "rigourous statistical models" blow up! It doesn't matter how it happens...just as long as it does.
I agree that "neither side can show facts to prove existence." However, the onus is not on those who do not believe to prove the absence of a deity. Rather, I would think that the onus would be on those who do believe to prove that a deity does indeed exist, at least to themselves. But remember, "feeling" does not prove anything, because it has been shown under controlled conditions that people can be made to "feel" just about anything. Also, you cannot say that God exists simply because we exist and the world exists, because that is a circular argument that leads nowhere. It is a logically baseless argument. Finally, if you refer to the Bible or any of the other holy books associated with other religions, then you need to take it literally. If you do not read it literally, it would be like reading a contract in a way that is not literal. In so doing, you can make it mean anything you want it to mean. Unless you take it literally, it will mean 10 different things to 10 different people. And that brings you nowhere. The religious writings, such as they are, are the only things that tie the origin of the belief to the present time. If you do not take it literally when all you have is words on paper, then you have nothing. Think about it. As for your earlier reference to to the dying children, do you really not believe that there are thousands of underprivileged children dying every day, or are you just trying to be stupid for the sake of argument? Because I don't think you're stupid. But you seem to be ready to respond in such a manner when it suits your purpose. And that is disingenuous. Believe what you will, but please show some integrity in your thinking. You said you liked mschey's thinking regarding the "risk management" of belief. But if you do, how can you disregard vhehn's reference to "The Rejection of Pascal's Wager" which logically and systematically refutes the mathematics of that belief argument? Can you see how you are not really debating, but merely pontificating? At least see it for what it is. I mean no disrespect, and am merely expressing my opinion.
You do not answer the question. PROVE that children are dying, WERE you there ? Did you see them die ? Or are you going by what the liberal media or what vehn is telling you? If it is the latter then you are no different from those who go strictly by what the bible says. I have seen prayer work, I have seen prayers answered, maybe it was just coincidence, or maybe just maybe there is a higher power. I am not here to debate, I am here to trade. As to the original poster, I can not justify that religion alone will make you a better trader, but having a balanced physical, mental, and spiritual life will help you be a better trader.
This thread reminds me of my dog chasing its tail. It is pointless. Do what makes you happy. As many would say, to each his own. P.S For the records I belive there is no god and I will be committing several sins today.
LOL. The liberal media. You conservatives really are funny. I have news for you. The media is in no way liberal and is in fact "balanced' at best and imho, right-leaning. What is a "spirit" exactly? There is no such thing. Your feeble mind made up the concept to explain the fact that we are conscious and self-aware (at least I am, although I could be lying).
And that is your choice. That is what is great about America, you have freedom to choose and it makes no difference to me what your choice is as long as you do not infringe upon my property, privacy or $$$.
HA HA, I vote democrat, but I get brained washed from the nutcases at ET. Do you believe in ghosts stephen ?
Absolutely not. Nor do I believe in karma, UFOs (aliens probably exist somewhere though), spirits, demons, angels, goblins, etc. Anyone who believes in ghosts has some very serious mental problems (yes, i know that means a lot of people).
So basically you naturally do not believe in anything, so even if GOD did exist it would not matter because you would not believe anyways. Do you believe in any type of after life ? reincarnation ?