Posted on 11/01/2006 7:56:52 AM PST by presidio9
Nearly half of Americans are not sure God exists, according to a poll that also found divisions among the public on whether God is male or female or whether God has a human form and has control over events. The survey conducted by Harris Poll found that 42 percent of US adults are not "absolutely certain" there is a God compared to 34 percent who felt that way when asked the same question three years ago.
Among the various religious groups, 76 percent of Protestants, 64 percent of Catholics and 30 percent of Jews said they are "absolutely certain" there is a God while 93 percent of Christians who describe themselves as "Born Again" feel certain God exists.
When questioned on whether God is male or female, 36 percent of respondents said they think God is male, 37 percent said neither male nor female and 10 percent said "both male and female."
Only one percent think of God as a female, according to the poll.
Asked whether God has a human form, 41 percent said they think of God as "a spirit or power than can take on human form but is not inherently human."
As to whether God controls events on Earth, 29 percent believe that to be the case while 44 percent said God "observes but does not control what happens on Earth".
The survey was conducted online between October 4 and 10 among 2,010 US adults.
"I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of Heaven and Earth ...."
The 36% that don't believe are CINOs.
PRECISELY!
YO -LMAO!
I believe that God has a will and he weighs in and doubly so when we pray for him to help us. He has a plan for all of us but at the same time it is up to us whether we follow His plan or go our way. He will not interfere in that free choice. He does his best though to convince us to follow him through love. Thankfully, millions have taken him up on his offer.
Perhaps those who believe in God did not or would not take the poll. They have better ways to use their time.
That's why it's called faith. A more appropriate question woul be "do you believe in God?" But that doesn't fit the agenda of the poll taker.
Bump your sentiments.
You are correct.
Thanks for your thoughtful reply!
If God knows what our choices are going to be before we do, then isn't everything we do part of His plan? We can't possibly not do what He knows we are going to do, because God is never wrong. He created us knowing what we are going to do, didn't He?
Before God created the Heavens and the Earth, He was busy creating Hell for people who ask questions like that!
I assume you're joking...besides, God knew I was going to ask it, and He certainly wouldn't send someone to hell for doing that which He created him to do, would He?
You mean, like play with one's self, for instance?
I think this is either a phony poll or a push poll. It cannot be accurate.
A good example...we should all certainly hope not, or hell would be a very crowded place..
This is the Catholic "hook" for the sacrament of Confession, and the need for ongoing, continuous association with the organized Church, priests, etc.
It's worked well for 2000 years, precisely because it's such a spontaneously occurring sin among teens, who all know it's a sin immediately - every one of them hides it from the instant of discovery, without being taught to do so. That's knowledge of sin.
And therefore need of redemption.
And therefore need of the sacrament of Confession, often.
You really believe it is a sin? Maybe people hide it out of embarrassment, sort of like using the toilet or having sex in front of people.
In the meantime, The Purpose-Driven Life by Rick Warren might be a good place to start reading.
Of course it's a sin.
I have never had the slightest doubt.
Consider the thoughts associated therewith: adulterous and fornication.
It's the Devil grabbing hold.
Nobody is without sin, and that's one of the sins nobody is without.
http://www.oneplace.com/Ministries/In_Touch
I was asking for your opinion, not a definitive answer. If you can't answer, just say so.
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