I've (embarrassingly) spent considerable time on these threads and have noticed a recurring theme: many religious posts assert their perspective as the only valid one, often dismissing others. Non-religious individuals should not face shame for their lack of belief. My aim is to balance the discussion and encourage thoughtful, respectful conversation. Below are some reflections that question the existence of a higher power. I look forward to engaging dialogue:

1. Across the world, countless innocent children endure unimaginable suffering, trapped and abused by their captors. Many pray fervently for help each night, yet their pleas seem unanswered. If God or Jesus hears these prayers, is He unable or unwilling to intervene? Or are the prayers simply unheard? If a higher power has set everything into motion, is this suffering part of a divine plan? In such circumstances, is praying for relief an attempt to alter God's will?

2. Recently, two Christian missionaries lost their lives in a plane crash while traveling to share their faith. If God orchestrates all events, was this tragedy part of His plan? Why would a higher power allow the death of devoted followers dedicated to spreading His message, especially when they likely prayed for protection? This raises difficult questions about the nature of divine intent.

3. Another tragedy involved severe flooding in central Texas, which devastated a Christian bible camp. Many innocent children lost their lives, leaving families shattered by grief. These young lives were cut short, depriving them of the chance to experience the world. If a higher power desired their return, does that justify the profound loss and suffering inflicted on those left behind? Such events are difficult to reconcile with the idea of a benevolent deity.

4. Imagine a scenario where a wealthy philanthropist dedicates their life to helping humanity—founding schools and orphanages, curing diseases, and alleviating hunger. Yet, upon death, if God or Jesus were to dismiss these deeds simply because they weren't performed in His name, condemning the individual regardless of their impact, it would seem unjust and egotistical. This notion challenges the fairness attributed to a divine being.

5. Why are claims of miracles—such as seeing the face of God or Jesus in mundane objects—so common on Earth, yet there is no evidence of divine artifacts or signs in places untouched by humans, like Mars? Despite extensive exploration and imagery from NASA, we find no clear indication of a higher power beyond our planet.

6. Every religion claims to possess the ultimate truth, often insisting that all others are mistaken. How can mutually exclusive beliefs all be correct? This contradiction raises significant doubts.

7. Consider childhood illnesses like bone cancer—diseases that claim the lives of children before they have a chance to truly live. This senseless suffering is difficult to reconcile with the concept of a compassionate, omnipotent deity.

8. In my view, religious texts such as the Bible were originally crafted to impart a group’s values—much like Aesop’s fables—rather than to be interpreted literally. Over time, however, religion has also become a powerful tool for social control, with threats of eternal punishment used to enforce compliance with specific behaviors that serve the interests of those in power. As noted earlier, prayer appears ineffective if everything is already predetermined by a divine plan. Human nature seeks patterns and affirmation, leading people to interpret events in ways that align with their beliefs. Furthermore, scripture is often written in ambiguous language, allowing for broad interpretation and personal adaptation. This ambiguity is evident in the ongoing debates among Christians themselves over the meaning of various passages.

I may add more points in the future, but for now, these considerations provide plenty of food for thought. Feel free to add to the list or refute!