19 May 17
Originally posted by chaney3What is that evidence you say you see?
Because I see evidence of creation without having seen the Creator.
That said, I could admit that I have been struggling with knowing for certain that God and/or Jesus are that Creator.
In my opinion, the Bible makes it difficult when trying to understand the character of God.
But this does not sway my view that a Creator exists.
- Joined
- 14 Mar 15
- Moves
- 28784
Originally posted by chaney3If the Christian Bible is getting in the way of your understanding of the divine, then it is probably fair to surmise that you are not a Christian.
Because I see evidence of creation without having seen the Creator.
That said, I could admit that I have been struggling with knowing for certain that God and/or Jesus are that Creator.
In my opinion, the Bible makes it difficult when trying to understand the character of God.
But this does not sway my view that a Creator exists.
The above is not a criticism, but a pragmatic observation. Clearly you are a 'theist' as appear certain of God's existence. I would use that as a starting point and focus more (for the time being) on leading a good life and looking after yourself and those around you. Perhaps you will, in the future, cross paths again with the Christian faith and be in a better position to receive it.
19 May 17
Originally posted by Ghost of a DukeNicely said, thank you.
If the Christian Bible is getting in the way of your understanding of the divine, then it is probably fair to surmise that you are not a Christian.
The above is not a criticism, but a pragmatic observation. Clearly you are a 'theist' as appear certain of God's existence. I would use that as a starting point and focus more (for the time being) on ...[text shortened]... he future, cross paths again with the Christian faith and be in a better position to receive it.
20 May 17
Originally posted by chaney3But we don't have shark teeth. That is not entirely a joke.
The human body.
Our bodies are much too complex to have not been created.
Since origin of life is unknown by man, I believe a Creator is responsible.
And who runs waste disposal through a recreation area. That was a joke.
Look, there is lots of evidence that nature exists. There is evidence that people believe in hundreds of gods. No evidence that any of those gods actually exist.
Why is your chosen god so mysterious? You have to have wondered about this.
20 May 17
Originally posted by apathistI have a theory:
That is key. Why is this proposed god deist?
Let's say that most people are genuinely making an effort to be the best person they can be. Would knowing for certain that a Creator is 'there' help us in our endeavor? Or hurt us?
Maybe we actually need the doubt? Just a theory.
Originally posted by chaney3Clearly, there are Christians (for example) who need "help" of this kind, and no doubt their certainty about there being 'a Creator' is sincere.
Let's say that most people are genuinely making an effort to be the best person they can be. Would knowing for certain that a Creator is 'there' help us in our endeavor?
What I find interesting (because it seems incoherent to me) is how, according to the convoluted dogma (subscribed to by many of them) they unilaterally declare themselves "forgiven" for not being the best person they can be (and do so because a maverick Jewish rabbi was executed by the Romans 2,000 years ago).
And then they also ~ unilaterally ~ declare themselves "saved" (a.k.a. immortal) ~ regardless of how short they come up in terms of how they live their lives ~ based purely on their "faith" in there being a Creator and their belief in a post-Hebrew folk story and cult of personality about God supposedly walking around on the earth.
Sure, them saying they "know" for certain that a Creator is there might help countless people to live righteous lives, but it is also an elaborate default excuse-mechanism for not living righteous lives (whilst retaining the right to condemn non-believers for thoughtcrimes and the alleged meaningless of their righteous living) for countless others.
20 May 17
1 edit
Originally posted by chaney3Like tossing the kids into the pool to see if they can swim.
I have a theory:
Let's say that most people are genuinely making an effort to be the best person they can be. Would knowing for certain that a Creator is 'there' help us in our endeavor? Or hurt us?
Maybe we actually need the doubt? Just a theory.
A hiding god makes sense. And it gets the finger.
20 May 17
Originally posted by FMFAre your eyes opening? This is exciting.
Clearly, there are Christians (for example) who need "help" of this kind, and no doubt their certainty about there being 'a Creator' is sincere.
What I find interesting (because it seems incoherent to me) is how, according to the convoluted dogma (subscribed to by many of them) they unilaterally declare themselves "forgiven" for not being the best person they c ...[text shortened]... evers for thoughtcrimes and the alleged meaningless of their righteous living) for countless others.
20 May 17
Originally posted by apathistWhy is it so important for you to have God reveal Himself?
Like tossing the kids into the pool to see if they can swim.
A hiding god makes sense. And it gets the finger.
In the Exodus story, God's presence was with the Israelites day and night, but it didn't matter. Their behavior didn't change.
Maybe His presence is not the issue. You calling it 'hiding', may be missing the point.