[MD] Confirming the existence of God?

[John Carl]

Ant. Mary, Mark and Horse and all interested in this thread;

Certainly feelings are real.  If I feel God, then that proves to me the
God-feeling is real.  Asking where this feeling comes from, what generated
the feeling, is the proper path of self-examination.  Assuming that because
I feel God is real, means he really is real apart from my feeling is not a
proper path.  That's the kind of moral certainty that starts wars and
pogroms.

Likewise, some feel God is not real.  Same rule applies.  Krimel saying
"that doesn't make sense to me." only proves the non-existnce of the
God-feeling in Krimel.  It's a matter of preference.  Like what sort of
ordinal system you wanna use to navigate life.

The test of the belief is the taste it leaves in your mouth over time. If it
pragmatically works, then stick with it.  You can't get any more scientific
than that!  If the God-feeling gives you reasons to act morally, continue
looking with hope to the future, ease your angst, then go for it.  If the
non-God feeling liberates you and keeps you going, then stick to your guns.

My main insight into the appropriateness of discussing religion on a
metaphysics discussion is that of Royce where Religion and Philosophy are
distinct things and oughta be kept separate.  But in the Steve Martin-esque
meme of the modern age, let me offer you my own peculiar religious stance so
you know where I'm coming from, i.e, What I Believe.

I am a 7thDayZenRastafarian.  My religion is a synthesis of various
influences in my life which I have chosen as most appropriate for my
situation.  Since my situation is unique, my religion is unique.  In fact.
the central tenet of 7thDayZenRastafarianism is that there can be no discord
in the body of believers.  Since that is probably impossible when there is
more than one member, "we" don't do any witnessing, proselytizing or
missionary work.  The central teaching of this religion is reflected in the
motto:  this is MY religion - you get your own.

Good luck!

John