I don’t want to get into a discussion of the existence of God because positions are so entrenched by both sides that it would be pointless.
No, my question is: What is the point of God now?
Thousands of years ago early man quite reasonably assumed that gods must have made the world. They had to be appeased. Today with our knowledge of evolution, Big Bang theory etc a creating god is superfluous.
Again, early man ascribed all disease and illness to the gods being angry. They had to be appeased. Today with our knowledge of microscopic viruses we understand disease. God is superfluous in this regard.
Also, early man thought earthquakes and volcanoes were punishments from the gods. They had to be appeased. Today with our knowledge of seismic activity this punishing god is superfluous.
With limited scientific knowledge it is quite understandable and reasonless to believe in gods. Today we are armed with the science to explain everything.
So what is the point of God now?
@pianoman1 saidSo what is the point of God now?
I don’t want to get into a discussion of the existence of God because positions are so entrenched by both sides that it would be pointless.
No, my question is: What is the point of God now?
Thousands of years ago early man quite reasonably assumed that gods must have made the world. They had to be appeased. Today with our knowledge of evolution, Big Bang theory etc a cre ...[text shortened]... n gods. Today we are armed with the science to explain everything.
So what is the point of God now?
The complete answer could well fill several volumes, but I'll give it a go:
God gave us the law (the commandments) not to unduly restrict us, but to keep us from destroying ourselves and each other, but he did not do so, then simply depart the scene. God is omnipotent, he watches over us, guides us, and tests us. IMHO that is the "point" of God now.
@pianoman1 saidFor those who need them, God figures ~ and the religions that are built around them [with instructions, threats, promises etc.] ~ serve a purpose in uniting people, supporting structures in society, developing trust and cooperation, and for those whose moral compasses might not function without a perceived divine lawgiver, Gods/religions provide them with what they think is an objective, moral north star, so to speak.
So what is the point of God now?
@pianoman1 saidMaybe something like the opposite of a point -- more of an expansion into a greater consideration if not comprehension.
@mchillGod is omnipotent, he watches over us, guides us, and tests us.
How do you know? As an atheist I don’t need somebody to watch over me! I’m very happy muddling through life, making mistakes and learning from them, being kind and charitable to my fellow man. What is the point of God now?
-Removed-I missed this aspect from my answer to Pianoman1's question.
The personal and private solace and aspiration that faith provides are important, regardless of whether the God in question is real.
Your "hope and belief" are not, for you, the "point of God"; instead, they are the effect of believing in God.
That effect is real whether or not the aforementioned God is real.