12 Mar 05
...... of the notions which are usually referred to as false gods or idols ? ...... for instance the false god called "money", the false god called "earthly possessions" the false god called "fame", the false god called "power" ?
Do you believe as an atheist or agnost in the true existence of these notions and their workings in reality ?
Do you think it is a good or bad idea to pursue their demands ?
Do atheists believe in the existence of false gods, idols ?
What are your thoughts, dear atheists ?
12 Mar 05
Originally posted by ivanhoeI don't know what you're talking about. Could you clarify this, please.
...... of the notions which are usually referred to as false gods or idols ? ...... for instance the false god called "money", the false god called "earthly possessions" the false god called "fame", the false god called "power" ?
Do you believe as an atheist or agnost in the true existence of these notions and their workings in reality ?
Do you ...[text shortened]... eists believe in the existence of false gods, idols ?
What are your thoughts, dear atheists ?
12 Mar 05
Originally posted by ivanhoeAs an agnost, I would contest that our definitions of "god" differ.
...... of the notions which are usually referred to as false gods or idols ? ...... for instance the false god called "money", the false god called "earthly possessions" the false god called "fame", the false god called "power" ?
Do you believe as an atheist or agnost in the true existence of these notions and their workings in reality ?
Do you ...[text shortened]... eists believe in the existence of false gods, idols ?
What are your thoughts, dear atheists ?
12 Mar 05
Originally posted by rwingettI think he was just wanting to hear you say "yea, we worship idols and false gods." I think that would have made his day.
He sounds like a Buddhist trying to get us to give up our worldly attachments. I understand that christians used to be like that in the very beginning. Not anymore.
12 Mar 05
Originally posted by darvlay
As an agnost, I would contest that our definitions of "god" differ.
Let's assume somebody obeys the demands of for instance "power" and neglects in his pursuit of reaching this goal "justice".
In connection with the attachment and the pursuit of "power", you could call "power" an idol, a false god.
12 Mar 05
Originally posted by ivanhoeOne of the defining features of polytheism is the attachment of supernatural causes to things like the pursuit of power, an atheist couldn't be a practitioner of polytheism and remain an atheist.
Let's assume somebody obeys the demands of for instance "power" and neglects in his pursuit of reaching this goal "justice".
In connection with the attachment and the pursuit of "power", you could call "power" an idol, a false god.
If by "idol" you mean a metaphor for an desire to have power , thats an altogether different ball of wax, because you are using the term to mean a human desire. In that sense an Atheist could have the entire range "false gods "
Think in terms of the "Seven Deadly Sins " = "false gods "
12 Mar 05
Originally posted by frogstompYes. Agreed. I can't see power, money, sex, or any other desire for a material object or specific pleasure as being interpreted as a god or "false god/idol" as Ivanhoe references. Those things are desires and wants.
One of the defining features of polytheism is the attachment of supernatural causes to things like the pursuit of power, an atheist couldn't be a practitioner of polytheism and remain an atheist.
If by "idol" you mean a metaphor for an desire to have power , thats an altogether different ball of wax, becau ...[text shortened]... ange "false gods "
Think in terms of the "Seven Deadly Sins " = "false gods "
An alcoholic may crave a drink, but I don't think he'd ever see it as an idol to worship. Alcohol may ruin his life, he may do anything to get his hands on a bottle, but still he wouldn't see it as a god in the sense that we think of god.
12 Mar 05
Originally posted by frogstomp
One of the defining features of polytheism is the attachment of supernatural causes to things like the pursuit of power, an atheist couldn't be a practitioner of polytheism and remain an atheist.
If by "idol" you mean a metaphor for an desire to have power , thats an altogether different ball of wax, becau ...[text shortened]... ange "false gods "
Think in terms of the "Seven Deadly Sins " = "false gods "
Correct. What are these seven deadly sins ? I never could remember them ..... oops ......
Pride, Envy, Gluttony, Lust, Anger, Greed and Sloth.
[In the meantime Ivanhoe starts listening to Kurt Weill's "The Seven Deadly Sins" sung by Lotte Lenya ......... Nicht wahr, Anna ? Ja ... Anna ......]
12 Mar 05
Originally posted by wib
Yes. Agreed. I can't see power, money, sex, or any other desire for a material object or specific pleasure as being interpreted as a god or "false god/idol" as Ivanhoe references. Those things are desires and wants.
An alcoholic may crave a drink, but I don't think he'd ever see it as an idol to worship. Alcohol may ruin his life, he may do anythin ...[text shortened]... hands on a bottle, but still he wouldn't see it as a god in the sense that we think of god.
That's interesting wib. My way of seeing what a god is and does in our lives goes in this direction.
12 Mar 05
2 edits
Originally posted by ivanhoeI believe a million dollars worth of hospital-based treatment would go further toward healing me of pancreatic cancer (just to pick an example) than a bottle of holy anointing oil would.
... for instance the false god called "money"...[/b]
A few years back, the actor who calls himself 'Mr. T' was preaching on Trinity Broadcasting. He had recently experienced some medical problem (cancer if I recall correctly), and had gone the usual medical route to have it treated. He claimed he was now healed, but he still gave glory to the Christian god for the healing. I am more favorably impressed when believers rely entirely on faith healing, and thereby leave medical insurance companies (or taxpayers, in the case of indigent believers) unburdened.