One thing that I have tried to understand but have never quite found an answer to is the common theme in many religions where the supreme being or God appears to want to be praised by human beings. Why for example is much Christian prayer nothing more than praise. Is it just sucking up? Is it something God wants? is it something we need? If God exists then he knows how important and great he is and so do we, so why keep repeating it?
I can see why a human King wants to be praise but it just doesnt make sense with God.
In my opinion, respect, praise, and release of self to a supreme power (where It exists or not) is mostly benificial to the self. If you can pull it off, it it probably one of the best stress relievers around--certainly better than Paxil. Of course, I speak from a podium outside the Christian church, so perhaps I'm just blind to the Truth. I'm sure some full blown Christians will chime in on this topic with their generic avoidence drivel.
Originally posted by thesonofsaulYes. It's a natural thing for a believer to do. The question is whether a given deity demands it or whether it's given freely out of love.
In my opinion, respect, praise, and release of self to a supreme power (where It exists or not) is mostly benificial to the self.
Hare Rama Hara Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare (*blam*)
Originally posted by thesonofsaulThe idea that a supposedly perfect god could benefit from anything is contradictory. If his condition is capable of being improved, then he wasn't perfect to start with. If there is a perfect god, he must have no need of anything, especially praise.
In my opinion, respect, praise, and release of self to a supreme power (where It exists or not) is mostly benificial to the self. If you can pull it off, it it probably one of the best stress relievers around--certainly better than Paxil. Of course, I speak from a podium outside the Christian church, so perhaps I'm just blind to the Truth. I'm sure some full blown Christians will chime in on this topic with their generic avoidence drivel.
Originally posted by rwingettIf there is a perfect god, he must have no need of anything, especially praise.
The idea that a supposedly perfect god could benefit from anything is contradictory. If his condition is capable of being improved, then he wasn't perfect to start with. If there is a perfect god, he must have no need of anything, especially praise.
The same could then be said for our devotion, obedience etc.
Originally posted by HalitosePlus, the singer is filled with praise--he can't hold back.
Not really. I think the standard answer to the question is found quite easily: He is given praise because He is worthy of it.
Psa 18:3 I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised...
What if you just don't feel like that? If the syllable God awakens nothing in you?
Originally posted by Bosse de NageWhat if you just don't feel like that? If the syllable God awakens nothing in you?
Plus, the singer is filled with praise--he can't hold back.
What if you just don't feel like that? If the syllable God awakens nothing in you?
Then obviously you have nothing of meaning to praise.
Edit: On rereading this I guess it can be taken the wrong way, so let me emphasise: "nothing" was meant in the sense of "no-God entity".
Originally posted by HalitoseGod may want these things, but he cannot need them, or derive any improvement from them. My post was directed to the idea that praise might be beneficial to god. It cannot be. That does not preclude god from wanting to be praised or obeyed, but he cannot need them or derive any benefit from them.
[b]If there is a perfect god, he must have no need of anything, especially praise.
The same could then be said for our devotion, obedience etc.[/b]