“There are known, knowns… etc. “

Yet when the mention of all the tragic things that have happened the their "god" did not prevent, the only answers they can come up with is..."it's god's will or it's part of god's plan.

I know I can't argue with delusion, so on those occasions I walk away from the subject. Some people are die hard believers and you just can't reason with those who refuse to acknowledge the obvious contradictions. For my own sanity I don't engage.

I guess they've been imbibing in way too much of the "Holy Koolaid yet again.

That is sad. I try not to think of how many people I know and like are this delusional. I'd just rather not know.

Yes, why not just be grateful period, rather than crediting a deity?

When I hear someone exclaim "Praise Jesus! Thank God, I was spared" amid a devastating catastrophe, it seems to me they feel they were personally chosen to be spared due to their level of belief or servitude, while others were chosen to perish for some unknown reason, whether they feel they deserved it or it's part of God's plan. I'm not sure what good this does.

Truer reasons for good things happening are likely smart health habits, doctor's care, following traffic rules, wearing a seat belt, paying attention to severe weather warnings, the reliance of other people following laws, building codes and the collective wisdom of humanity to keep folks as safe and healthy as possible as far as we know how.

As a humanist, I believe in reason and natural consequences. So, I take every opportunity to be grateful without crediting a deity. There are so many ways to do so that makes more sense than thanking a God, in my opinion, for our good fortune.

Perhaps this is why so many people say things "Thank Goodness!" or "Thank my lucky stars" or simply "I'm so grateful to whatever powers that be that I am living another day!"

For some those "powers that be" might be a God, it might be Nature, it might their smart choices and the grace, wisdom, courage or bravery of those around them who are to credit. In many cases, we are reliant on the goodness of humanity, for our good fortune.

There are some things that are beyond our control, and beyond our comprehension, but I like to give credit where credit is due, when I know who or what to credit. If I don't know who or what to credit with my good fortune or who or what to blame for my ill fortune, then I prefer to just be grateful and realistic. Many times there are lessons learned what to do or not to do in the future, and pay those lessons forward when possible.

Goliath: Davey. Does Jesus love me Davey?

Davey: Yes, Goliath.

Goliath: Then why did he cut off my balls, Davey?

Well, first god is imaginary to begin with, so it isn't such a big leap for them to imagine all kinds of things that god saved them from as well.

I think they are crossing the line from being simply religious and into the realms of mental illness.

Oh, certainly. It is because of god that you wake up in the morning. We all know it. I'm wondering who would be responsible if I did not wake up. God has even numbered the hairs upon your head. I'm also wondering if he gave them names. How about some of them that I tweaked?

Sorry kid.
Jesus would have cured your cancer but you fell short of FB Praying Hand emoji likes by 173.

Or, god caused all the bad things that has happen to them and likes to watch them suffer before it finally kills them.

And some say "wheres the danger"?

Effin' STUPID, ain't it?....

You can't argue with stupidity.

If God is conceived as the sum of all natural phenomena, then the above quote is actually true. It harms no one to be grateful for what goes right.

Dude, how dare you doubt it. I can witness trails off into song about "can I get a witness". Sorry, back now. My story that proves this: I was hungry, I stopped into a pizza place and they had pizza already warmed and ready by the slice, for just $1. I didn't have much money on me, so getting a whole pie wasn't going to happen. God inspired them to make the pizza and sell it for cheap by the slice so I wouldn't have to be hungry. Glory howheblewya!

And the fools do rejoice for living in the land known as "The Great Delusion".

It is truly sad how easily so many people can be conned.
"The devil likes you, so he doesn't do nasty things to you, like making your plane crash."