[8thnerve]

Have you guys seen, "What the Bleep do we know?"  It is a fascinating film, you may get something out of it.

Best,

Nathan

[Tyson]

SP Pres,
I have a serious question for you (in the sense that I'm truly interested in your answer, rather than trying to set you up to prove a counter-point).

I'm an agnostic (formerly atheist).  My dilema is that I have no predisposition to choose one faith or religion over the other (christianity, judaism, budhism, islam), and since you can't be "all" of them, a choice is necessary.  What advice could you give someone like me who is uncertain which path to take?

And to follow up on that same question, how can I be confident that I made the right decision, once I have chosen a path?

To me, this is a very serious and critical decision, one which will echo in eternity.  The question is not whether or not to have faith, but how to choose a particular faith.

[Marbles]

Most all religions are about money, power and control, and have nothing to do with a supreme being.

Why would one have to chose a religion to have faith.......

[Aether Audio]

Tyson,

Bless you!  You and those in your position are the ones this thread is for.  Answer:  PRAY! PRAY! PRAY! - Then PRAY some more.  Ask God what religion to follow.  If He is "God" and deserving of the title then He is both powerful enough to reach out and speak to you and loving enough to give you the answer.

Pray when you are alone, where no other human being can influence your experience.  Pray as though not only your life, but all those that you care about depended on it - they do.  Cry out with the voice of an innocent  child wanting to reach out to his father.  Pray humbly, willing to admit you may have been wrong about everything.

Let go of everything you know, everything you have experienced and everything you have ever hoped for.  Pray with the expectation that God can hear you and that He's closer than the air you breathe.  Pray believing that He cares.  

And then wait - "Those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.  They shall mount up with wings as eagles.  They shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint."
I believe God will answer your prayers in a personal way that only you can know and experience.  I also believe that He will lead you to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and the price He paid with His own blood to save all of us.  But nonetheless, this is something you must experience on your own.  Anything else is a lie.

I will pray for you so do not feel as though you are alone.  That's why I am here and that's my job - one that I delight in.  If you have a mind to do so, PM me and let me know how it goes.  I will do all I can to help.

Remember: "The Lord is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him." Get ready for more truth than you can ever imagine!

God bless,
-Bob

[Tyson]

In all honest, my question above is not a new question for me, it has been with me for years and years.  In fact it was this very question that took me off the path of christianity.

Here is where the heart of the matter lies, at least for me.  When the question came up initially I did pray, I did reach out, almost exactly in the way that you describe.  I kept trying and praying and waiting and hoping.  But nothing (and I truly mean NOTHING) happened.  After a few years I was forced to one of 2 possible conclusions.  Either there was no god, or there was a god and he just didn't want me.  I embraced the former, as the latter was simply too painful to even try to comprehend, let alone accept.

So, here I sit today, not much has changed for me from back then.  Anytime possible, I try to get help or advice from people who have found their path.  I keep wanting to have what they have, but in the absence of anything at all to put me on the path (or keep me on the path years ago), I still stand here, alone.

[Karsten]

I don’t think believing in God is or should be a complicated matter. I’m not fanatic in any way, I just remember to be grateful for all the good things in my life, even the things most people don’t think about before they loose them. Well there are challenges along the way, loses, bad fortune etc. which can seem unfair. In most cases this is just because our narrow mind is not able to see the big picture, or is not willing to accept what is happening.

I’m mostly using my faith at the crossroads in life, never asking for anything specific to happen, just that the RIGHT thing will happen. All I can say is that this has always worked for me. This way believing is a great relive, just putting ones faith in his hands and trust that what happens is the right thing. It is of course not the same as just leaning back and waiting for everything to come to you, because this is not the way it works.

Brg,
Karsten

[fireman]

One thing you must remember when praying. God will answer all prayers in His time not ours. He will never fail you. You will get your answer to prayer right when you need it. Also if while praying and you get nothing, maybe that is your answer. It may not be the answer we may want, so we think our prayer has not been answered when in reality it was. God will open doors to your prayer when you need to have them opened, not before.  Accepting God is a personal choice for everyone. The hardest thing about it is admitting you are a sinner and humbling yourself to believe it. Once you humble yourself to God fully, then you become strengthened in knowing God is always with you.

[Tyson]

God will open doors to your prayer when you need to have them opened, not before. Accepting God is a personal choice for everyone. The hardest thing about it is admitting you are a sinner and humbling yourself to believe it. Once you humble yourself to God fully, then you become strengthened in knowing God is always with you.

Of course it's all my fault, what was I thinking!  Obviously I didn't pray "right", so that's why I got no answer.  I simply couldn't "own up to" my own horrible baseness and disgustingness in comparison to god.

Oh yeah, and if I'm a sinner, then that's Gods fault, not mine (I didn't make me the way I am [human], he did).  Why should I take responsibility for his mistake (or maybe he did it on purpose).

So you think that my crisis of faith was my fault?  You think the utter lack of any response is still my fault?  So let me ask you this, when does God take some responsibility?  I'm now an agnostic, turned away from christianity PRECISELY because I got no response to my prayers.  How is that good?  How is that in any way my responsibility?

I'm not bitter or angry about the lack of any sign or anything like that, I AM angry about other people trying to lay the blame for this situation at my feet.  I did my part.

And that's the problem with those statements I quoted, your base assumption is that god is always good and always does right, so when something comes along where it appears that god "dropped the ball", they lay the blame anywhere and everywhere, except on god.  Screw that, I'll not take the blame for something in which I am blameless.  So, someone did fail here, and it wasn't me.  

I'm sorry I'm coming off angry here, but it irks me, when I know in my heart of hearts that I did everything I could to try to connect with god, and all I got was a big fat zero.  Somebody's door was closed, and it wasn't mine.

[woodsyi]

Tyson,

I feel for you.  I think one finds god in many ways.  A person is usually born and raised in a socio-religious community and is raised in a specific traditon.  At some point in everyone's life, one has to question the validity of these teachings and come to terms with it -- be it denial or acceptance.  Although I was raised in a Presbyterian tradition, I don't call myself a Christian because I have an issue with the doctrine of exclusive Christology.  I attend an Episcopelian Church (Catholic without the pope because Henry VIII wanted a divorce ) which allows plenty lattitude in one's religiosity.  My grandmother was Budhist, my father was a Confucian/Taoist and my mother is a Christian.  I find Kahl Rahners anonymous Christian idea condescending.  I find jihad repugnant.  I once cried as I read a book of compassion by a Tibetan Budhist feeling the sorrow of us all.  Yet, I am facinated by the active teachings of love by Jesus even if it means I am subjected to uninvited words of joy by those who must spread the word of joy.  Salvific messages never get to me but messages of compassion and charity inspire me.  My religion is an inward journey for Sunyata and outward practice of Christian charity.  I decided to delete the exclusivity clauses in all paths that I accept.  I don't mean to commit hubris: I hope God will forgive me for taking liberty with this indescretion because I do it with humility.  Mysterium, tremendum et facinans works for me.

By the way, why are we drawn to harmony rather the cacophony?

[ryno]

I've been following this thread, and enjoyed it very much. Best case it made me think and learn something about myself, worst case, when I get in a discussion about religion, I'm better able to express my thoughts and listen to others. Thanks to everyone for that. I never planned on posting, I'm a let you believe what you want if you let me do the same kind of person. But, I disagree with telling a person who is trying to find faith, belief , or whatever you want to call it  to pray and you will get a sign from God. You need to get out and experience the beauty of the world, go hiking, volunteer, read, educate yourself on spirituality and religion. People with a belief have it because they has experiences that formed it. When you have belief, praying and meditating can be wonderful. If you don't, it can be fruitless. And don't get discouraged, enjoy it, see new things, meet new people. Some day something might click and you could accept Jesus, or maybe the teachings of Buddha will strike a nerve. Maybe, just maybe, you'll discover that you don't need religion to be a spiritual person with strong beliefs.

Ryan

p.s . I'm not trying to tell tyson he sits alone every night listening to music, although on this board maybe he does.

[toobwacky]

FWIW, I found my answers...  If you have 5 minutes, here they are:
http://www.caravanairporttransportation.com/stars

I'm the author of the website and its contents...

tw

Very cool site....

Thank you Marbles!  

and, toobwacky, please tell me this: what happened *before* the big bang, anyways?

doug s... Lemme slightly change your question to “what existed before the Big Bang?” and attempt to answer...

It’s entirely possible that nothing existed before the Big Bang and if something did exist, it may be impossible for us to ever know what it was.

However, and of course I’m just speculating here, I see an intelligent design behind the creation of the universe.  This, and my intuition, leads me to believe that prior to the Big Bang, it’s quite possible that mind existed. Call it consciousness, pure thought or God if you want.  This, of course, begs the question “who created this consciousness, pure thought or God?”  

My answer is, when it comes to events prior to the Big Bang; we are all (and probably will remain forever) agnostics.

[Aether Audio]

Tyson,

First off, I would tell you not to take anything anyone has to say about your experience too seriously – including myself.  I am no “guru,” that’s for sure!  No man knows your life or what you have been through.  God alone knows your life, your heart and your experiences.  In the end, He alone is the only “guide” we can trust.

If you were to ask my advice concerning your particular situation, I would share from what little wisdom I possess.  I’m sure many will take issue with this, but I will try to only share what I feel I have been lead to say by the “Spirit of God” that guides my thoughts.  Sometimes I don’t permit God to speak through me as I should, but for your sake I will try to put my own opinions and thoughts aside.  

Fundamentally, acting in this manner constitutes the role of a “priest.”   Although I am not in any way ordained by any ecclesiastical body, nor qualified in my own eyes to esteem myself as one, nonetheless, in the context of trying to help you I am operating within the definition of one from a scriptural perspective.  This imparts a very serious level of responsibility to me and I am opening myself up to serious consequences should I slip and express my own opinion as though I were speaking for God.  If only more ministers would understand the level of responsibility they hold.  Many have done far more harm than good to the cause of Christ.

On some level, this is every Christian’s struggle, to put aside his own thoughts and ways, and let God’s Holy Spirit lead him or her.  To do so, we must be at peace within and have no selfish interests motivating us .

Enough - So this is what I would tell you:  Do not assume that someone must be at fault.  If God is truly good, then by default he cannot be.  For starters, this would be a good position to take.  This simple fact alone takes some small amount of faith to accept.  This then becomes the first step and the beginning of your new “faith.”

Secondly, do not assume you are to blame either.  Condemnation is a tool of Satan that he uses to turn people away from God.  God does not condemn you.  Christ died to set us free from condemnation and death.  Only Satan keeps a running list of your failings and never ceases to remind you of them.  

You should consider that the scriptures teach of an “evil one,” an enemy of both God and man.  He is even called “the accuser of the brethren.”  If you feel condemnation, consider that it is not God that condemns you, but rather another “voice” inside your mind (or well intending people) trying to convince you that you are not acceptable to God.  Satan knows that if he can convince you of this, then you will blame God and turn from Him - and go no further in your quest.  The fact that you have not heard God’s voice or have not been given a sign means nothing.  Consider that possibly those methods of contact are not the ones God has chosen for you.  Often He does use them with some but I know of many that have experienced neither – yet they have still come to know God in a very personal way.

I will now dare to take upon myself the role of “priest” and stand in the place of God.  I tell you that not only does God not condemn you, but neither do I.  Sometimes we need more than an invisible God to meet our needs, sometimes we need to feel Him, touch Him and hear His voice.  For this purpose (amongst many others) He has placed His Holy Spirit in the hearts of men, so that they then can... become the “God of flesh and blood” that from time to time we all need.  Not God himself per se, but a reflection of God in the flesh.  Tyson, I forgive you – whatever it may be that you may need (or have needed) forgiveness for.  Yet, not I, but it is Christ that dwells within me that forgives you.

There, it is done.  Whatever burden of guilt that you may have carried is history and “cast as far as the east is from the west and remembered no more forever.”  I know, this sounds crazy and on top of that you may not "feel" any different at all right now.  It makes no difference, this has nothing to do (directly) with feelings.  Rather, it is a matter of spiritual "fact."  Actually, there is no need for you to completely understand what I have just done - for the moment - but you will in time though.

For those that would say, “How dare I?” or “Who do you think you are?” or "What a nut!" all I can say is – go read your bible.  The act of forgiving others is but one of the many acts of authority that believers are entitled to exercise. According to God, “Whatsoever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven and whatever you release on earth shall be released in heaven.”

This now becomes your second step of faith (if you choose to take it).  It is for you to believe that you are not condemned at all by God.  There may have been a time when your own conscience convicted you because you had no care or consideration for the things of God, but those days are long past or you wouldn’t even care to know now and we wouldn’t be here now.  Your desire for truth is your absolution and the evidence of God’s acceptance.  You see, God has placed the hunger in your heart to know Him.  Jesus said, “No man comes to the Father but by me, and no man comes to me except the Spirit leads him.”  The fact that you want to know is evidence that God’s Holy Spirit is calling you and leading you.  This would not happen unless the Father had already seen and judged your heart to be acceptable.  Can you believe that God loves and accepts you just as you are?  This too takes faith.

The third and final step of faith (at least in the initial phase) is about “making contact.”  You state that you have already prayed.  Fantastic!  You have, in your own level of understanding, made the effort to reach out.  I sure won’t tell you that you didn’t “do it right.”  But I will tell you this much, God doesn’t require some form of mystical combination of words to hear you.  In fact, the scriptures tell us that He knows what we would pray even before we think or ask.  But He didn’t say anything back?  Well, not yet anyway.  Or…did He?  I think this is where you may have overlooked something.

If you or anyone else honestly thinks God hasn’t spoken to you – you’re WRONG!  He has spoken quite a bit actually, volumes even.  Where…when?  HIS HOLY SCRIPTURES!!!  That’s where and when.  He has given us His WORD and it is commonly referred to as the BIBLE.  OK, here it comes.   Yada, yada, yada… How can you believe a bunch of words written by a bunch of really old dead guys?  Yak, yak, yak…I’ve heard it all a million times before.  Try it, you’ll like it!  Well, maybe not but it is the WORD of God nevertheless.  I remember a preacher saying once that, “You’ll never know God any better than you know His Word.”  Didn’t I say this process requires some faith?  This is obviously a big hurdle for some folks.  You say you’ve read it before?  Read it again…and again…and again – until God makes His presence known or you go blind – whichever comes first.

The only “proof” I can give that the Bible is the WORD of God…is what the Bible says about itself (some “evidence,” huh?). “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.”  Study the scriptures and see what God has to say about Himself, about you, about everything.  Before you do though, ask God to guide your mind and lead you to the true meaning woven within the fabric of the scriptures.  I know it doesn’t make much sense to study an old book that’s been re-written probably countless times and all the rest.  Try putting all that “logic” aside for a while and “just do it!”  You’ll see.  “The wisdom of God is foolishness to this world.”

As you read, choose to believe (yes, it is a choice) that God is guiding you in the process.  Be open to what you read.  If you go in with the mind of a cynic, you’ll receive nothing more than a refined level of cynacism and a bad case of eyestrain.  Try to read it with the innocence of a child (not the limited understanding of one though!).  I’m not suggesting that you allow yourself to become gullible at all!  Jesus said, “Lest you become as little children, you will in no wise enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.”  If something doesn’t make sense, ask God what it means.  Expect an answer too, just as a child expects an honest answer from his earthly father to his questions.  Oh yeah, be prepared to change your opinions on a lot of things you think you know and/or understand.  You might even find yourself being challenged about the way you treat yourself and others.  Remember: all bets are off and everything’s open to re-evaluation.

You might be surprised to find that God will honor your diligence in seeking Him, and before long you may even begin to sense His presence.  Whatever and whenever, I guarantee that diligence and sincerity will prevail in the end.

Lest any should suggest I’m merely trying to steer you towards my particular brand of religion (Christianity), I would also suggest that at some point you investigate as many other religions as you may be inclined to.  By all means, study the Koran, Buddhism, Taoism, and Hinduism, even Satanism!  Study them all.  Leave no stone unturned.  Just remember to trust this “God,” whoever He is, to guide you throughout your coarse of study. If He is real and He loves each of us as per His reputation, He won’t let you be deceived.  

Oh boy, I can just hear it now.  There will be some folks saying, “You’re convincing him to go and get mixed up in a bunch of false religions.  If he gets confused and led astray it will be part your fault.”  Nope, don’t believe so at all.  Tyson, if you end up a Buddhist or something, well…I hope you’ve found what you’re looking for.  But I ain’t scared.  If you follow through with half as much sincerity and diligence as I’ve suggested above, it’s my sincere belief that you will come to know Jesus Christ as your personal savior.  I am convinced that the true Word of God can stand up against any doctrine or belief.  Before you’re done, you will come to see the truths of Christ’s teachings and become a believer.  If not, well…it won’t be the first time I was wrong!  Wherever your journey may take you, I pray the Lord will go with you and keep you my friend.  And if there's anything else I can do (except free speakers! ), just let me know.

God bless,
-Bob

[woodsyi]

I never understood the role of Satan in Christian theology.  We are talking about THE Omnipotency here and yet we have this "free agent" Lucifer and his henchmen Beelzebub going about messing up people's lives.  Unless we have a true Manichean sect here, one has to assume that The Almighty is orchestrating the whole thing.  It's an interesting way to deal with the problem of theodicy.

[Danny Richie]

Hi guys,

I have dropped in on this thread only a little bit and have not been following it all the way through. For some reason I felt compelled to check in on it again to see where it led.

Let me first start by saying that I would typically not get involved in an argument with a group of atheist over whether or not there is a God. It is rarely a fruitful effort.

You either believe that the universe created itself from some explosion that took place millions of years ago, and that life evolves, or creates itself from dust and dirt. Then within the life span of an living organism it suddenly divides into gender based creatures of male and female now requiring both of them in order to reproduce.... and we all evolved from monkeys. When we die its over...

Or, you believe we and everything that we see was created. That we were created in God's own image. That he created us male and female. That we have a soul...

You can all believe whatever you like and debate it among yourselves until you are blue in the face.

But then it appears that the thread actually took a different turn. Tyson asked some questions looking for answers, looking to God for answers. This inspired me to respond. This response is directed to you, Tyson, mainly.

First allow me to make what we can agree for now are assumptions.

Lets assume that there is a God. That we were created in his image. That there is a heaven and a hell. That we have a soul... There are many that believe this much.

The next question is what is the bases for our beliefs?

Most base there own beliefs on there own personal feelings. Right and wrong for most is what each person makes of it. For this reason, many develop their own religion and belief system. This is a man based or man derived system and is found in most denominational groups where like minded people come together.

Then again, there are those that believe in God but as the bases for their belief is the word of God. They use the Bible as the bases for what they believe and worship not by their own desires but God's. These believe that it is the plan of God that his word, his message, his will, given to us, and recorded by the prophets and apostles is divine. The Bible is then the reference. It is the source for all answers.

Tyson, here is where I inject some opinion. If you are searching for answers regarding God. You will not find it in the views of men. You will find it in the word of God.

Regarding what you have said. The Bible or word of God states the following. This is not my opinion or words but the Lord's.

Regarding a sign?

If it is a sign that you ask for then the Lord says in Luke 11:29: Christ's words, "... This generation is a wicked generation; it seeks for a sign, and yet no sign will be given to it but the sign of Jonah." Then in Matthew 12:39: Christ says "An evil and adulterous generation craves for a sign; and yet none will be given to it but the sign of Jonah the prophet."

In regards to praying, the question thus is, does the Lord hear the prayers of the lost? What does the word of God say to this regard?

The Bible says in 1 Peter 3:12: "For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous and His ears attend to their prayers. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."

Whose prayers does the Bible say the Lord hears? The righteous. Are the righteous saved people or lost people? The obedient or disobedient?  

The Bible teaches us that we have a mediator. We have one to represent us before God. 1 Timothy 2:5: "For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."

Christ said in Mark 14:6: Jesus said to him,"I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the father, but through me."

Who that is of the world can even think that God will hear their prayers if they are disobedient to God and are not his children? Who without Christ can be recognized by the Lord?

In Matthew 7:21-23 Christ says: "Not everyone who says to me 'Lord, Lord,' will enter into the kingdom of heaven: but the one that does the will of My Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that last day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name cast out demons, and in your name perform many miracles?' And I will say to them, I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness."

One would think that those people mentioned here in this verse also prayed to God, but Christ says that he did not know them. Do you think their prayers were heard?

Tyson, if you seek for answers from the Lord it can be found in his word. Turn to the Bible for answers. If you cannot find the answer you seek then let me know the question and I will give you book, chapter, and verse, and do so gladly.  

[Aether Audio]

Ahhh... Danny.

I knew my true brothers would stand beside me in this effort.  It is a blessing to know you and call you my brother and friend.  To think this thread would go this far!  God truly works in mysterious ways.  "If I be lifted up, I will draw all men unto me."  All we have to do is share His WORD, relax and watch Him do the work!

It is a joy to be ONE in Christ.  May the Lord bless your efforts here as well as all that you do.

-Bob

PS. - Love those Caps!  Gonna have to get some more soon.  YOU WERE RIGHT!!!  They are better.

[Aether Audio]

Tyson et.al.,

Not to belabour the issue, but here are some interesting links concerning the "WORD of God."  I do not submit this as any form of "proof" of anything - as there is none, just interesting reading of some rather "strange" relationships.

http://www.biblewheel.com/GR/GR_373.asp

Here is another.  It has some pretty strong references to eastern religions and the concept of "chanting" or "mantra" and I do not recommend delving into such things.  But the site is very informative with regards to the origins of the word "amen" and its root being THE WORD of GOD.

http://www.heartbeat2000.com/aum.htm

The above link also outlines the origin of and the connection between the "Golden Ratio" or "Phi" and the process of recursive evolution of living systems, the connection between the spiritual and material worlds contained within the number "5" or "phive," as well as the division of "Unity" and the relationship of God the "Father," God the "Son," and God the "Holy Spirit."  Although, this reference is purely speculative. Further breakdown and analysis of "Phi" is outlined on a connecting page which I have included seperately below:

http://www.heartbeat2000.com/phi.htm

If nothing else, the information on "Phi" is very interesting from a speaker building standpoint.  Many knowledgeable designers use this "Golden Ratio" within the context of their designs (as we do! ).

Hopefully this information will be of some value - or at least entertaining.

Take care,
-Bob

[doug s.]

SP Pres,
I have a serious question for you (in the sense that I'm truly interested in your answer, rather than trying to set you up to prove a counter-point).

I'm an agnostic (formerly atheist). My dilema is that I have no predisposition to choose one faith or religion over the other (christianity, judaism, budhism, islam), and since you can't be "all" of them, a choice is necessary. What advice could you give someone like me who is uncertain which path to take?

And to follow up on that same question, how can I be confident that I made the right decision, once I have chosen a path?

To me, this is a very serious and critical decision, one which will echo in eternity. The question is not whether or not to have faith, but how to choose a particular faith.

yes, tyson, you should be *wery* careful in choosing the "correct" faith.  wouldn't it be a pisser to be truly conwinced that ya have in fact found the right one, and that after having been a good & pious  person, in awe of god's spirit & power, that ya end up in hell anyways, cuz ya picked the wrong one?!?  

tyson, seriously - this is where yure going wrong - imo only, of course!     after all, what the f**k do *i* know?  

my feelings are more aligned w/ryno & woodsyi - i suggest looking at what they have said, for guidance.  anyone who directs you to a single source for "the word of god", like the koran, the bible, zap comics, or whatever, is *completely* missing the point, imo.  whatever force/spirit/??? is out there that is interacting with our existence is EVERYWHERE.  it is NOT limited by whatever may be written in any single tome.  following jesus/mohammed/"insert-fave-deity-here/etc.", is so *LIMITING*.

ymmv,

doug s.

[doug s.]

I never understood the role of Satan in Christian theology.  We are talking about THE Omnipotency here and yet we have this "free agent" Lucifer and his henchmen Beelzebub going about messing up people's lives.  Unless we have a true Manichean sect here, one has to assume that The Almighty is orchestrating the whole thing.  It's an interesting way to deal with the problem of theodicy.

c'mon woodsyi - the god-lucifer thing is *so* transparent.  i *know* yure smart enuff to understand that it's yust due to the fact that christian theology was writting by humans interested in one thing & one thing only: CONTROL.

regards,

doug s.

[doug s.]

doug s. wrote:
and, toobwacky, please tell me this: what happened *before* the big bang, anyways?


doug s... Lemme slightly change your question to “what existed before the Big Bang?” and attempt to answer...

It’s entirely possible that nothing existed before the Big Bang and if something did exist, it may be impossible for us to ever know what it was.

However, and of course I’m just speculating here, I see an intelligent design behind the creation of the universe. This, and my intuition, leads me to believe that prior to the Big Bang, it’s quite possible that mind existed. Call it consciousness, pure thought or God if you want. This, of course, begs the question “who created this consciousness, pure thought or God?”

My answer is, when it comes to events prior to the Big Bang; we are all (and probably will remain forever) agnostics.

funny you should mention using "existed" instead of "happened".  i went back-n-forth, trying to decide which word i should use here!  
 

re: who created god, this question & your last statement certainly sums up things for a lot of us, i'm sure.  myself, i am yust left in...*WONDER*

doug s.

[toobwacky]

You either believe that the universe created itself from some explosion that took place millions of years ago, and that life evolves, or creates itself from dust and dirt. Then within the life span of an living organism it suddenly divides into gender based creatures of male and female now requiring both of them in order to reproduce.... and we all evolved from monkeys. When we die its over...

Or, you believe we and everything that we see was created. That we were created in God's own image. That he created us male and female. That we have a soul...

A third philosophy would be that: “With a Big-Bang, God created the universe and that evolution of celestial bodies and live beings are His process of continuing creation.”

tw