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Old 08-26-03, 10:46 AM   #42 (permalink)
Xyress
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Those are good thoughts, MyUncle - I think it is of utmost importance that people live their lives with the goal of being happy. If believing in a god makes you happy here on earth, then I think you've achieved that goal. If you can't imagine yourself as happy as you are now in a world without religion, then all the power to you.

I live my life with very high morals - the only difference between me and you in that regard is that I came up with my morals on my own (with a little help from my parents' upbringing). I don't feel that eating too much (gluttony) or having fantasies about soccer moms (coveting) are sins, but by and large, I try to do the right thing and make sure that I am courteous and helpful to others (I'm the guy that always lets people make turns or merge into my lane while driving - if only everyone were as courteous ;)).

I can't play Pascal's wager because I simply cannot lie to myself and say that I believe ... but I do hope that if, by some chance, there is a heaven where admittance is determined by your moral creed, I will be allowed in :p

My dad's not particularly proud of my outlook on life (mostly because he is a Christian) - which is simply that we should make the best of it and strive to be as happy as possible. If you want a good read on my general philosophy - pick up Ayn Rand's Fountainhead and then Atlas Shrugged in that order. I am most definitely an Objectivist
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