Quote:
Originally Posted by Anteater
Hmn. First off, your definition of a Christian is a bit off. Judaists are the ones who believe in salvation through an unscrupulous God; Christians are those who seek salvation in Heaven through the words of Jesus (the son), and who furthermore believe that he died so that human beings could get to this Heaven by acknowleding his identity and methods rather instead of what the rabbi at the local temple would tell you to do. I mean c'mon, what's easier here, taking a goat up on a mountain and slitting its throat, or thanking a 2000-year old dead guy for dying on a Roman cross?
|
I know that but I just said god because the bible teaches that god and his son are one.
Quote:
|
Second, it doesn't matter if the indifferent God created you, can give you things, etc because the very fact that something eternal, powerful, and bodiless exists outside of you is pretty darn incredible.
|
Not to nitpick, but aside from the eternal thing (and even god had to have had a beginning but you presented the same argument for a universe existing instead of a higher power but please please please let's not get into this discussion because its an obvious and giant circle a universe is bodiless and powerful and immortal. So I think we can agree, a higher power and the universe are equally incredible things.
Quote:
|
After all, there's quite a lot to learn simply by observing such an entity, assuming a time comes when we could ever see this hypothetical God in action. Learning and seeking are the same as striving towards something new. (And in regards of why a God is important even if It's indifferent: I guess its kinda like wanting to be like your parents even if they don't care what you choose to do with your life. I'm tired so it's difficult to explain well.)
|
Here's what I'm getting at though...if the god is indifferent and you just die, no heaven, no floating around in space, you just die, then how would that god be any different to you than an indifferent universe which would do no more for you? Your christian idea of a god, okay, he gives you heaven, I can understand the purpose there but saying any form of god would give humanity a purpose, I feel, is flawed.
Quote:
Basically, my faith and my mind are on two different wavelengths here. I like to think and postulate and wonder about the possibilities of stuff, while at the same time maintaining a faith in the optimism of the God I hope exists. Neither my irrational beliefs or mental ponderings interfere with one-another or influence my life in negative ways, so what's the problem with it? 
|
I don't have really have a problem with it...I just don't understand how your mental pondering could be complimentary or totally seperate from your idea of god.