Blog Comments

This is so cool, and, by the way, I am really, really smart. Just so you know.

You can see I goofed again above. Thought I was putting it below the Hitch post.

I just want to support your idea about the end of knowledge. What a sad day that would be.

The answer is God, because for me God (in order to be God) would need to be infinite and being infinite means no end to knowledge.

No end to learning is a good thing in my book. Just another point of view that draws me into things I find captvating, like quantum physics, string theory and multi-verses--the thought of other sentient beings in our galaxy, all good stuff and me being a part of all this. Just doesn't get much better than that and having a concept of God should not preclude this kind of an experience.

I can even envision God as the universal hardware, and us as the apps. That's kind of fun, don't you think?

We'll probably evolve to be more than that, but this is just dandy for me..right now. Best wishes for the holidays to you and Cleo.

Jack, I "promoted" this to an article on the home page.

Just learned of his death on your blog spot, Jack. Even though I'm on the other side of the aisle, I loved him too--for his laser wit, clarity of expression and ability to analyze succinctly. My condolences to you---and me.

we have to ask ourselves if we put our faith in mankind or God

To what end? We don't just "put faith" in something, we put faith in it to achieve something or produce something. I can surmise what you mean by putting faith in god, you mean to trust him to do what he said and promised. But what purpose does putting faith in mankind serve?

All good points. But at the end of the day, we have to ask ourselves if we put our faith in mankind or God.

Can't argue your point. We all resemble each other regardless of what we understand or believe.
The difference may lie in how we experience life.
"She was old and still having too much fun. That's just not right, is it."

Mankind has accomplished many things, but we no sooner solve a problem and more problems pop up for us.

I don't see any indication that a belief in a god corrects this or that those who believe in gods are immune to the same thing. The only difference I see between believers and non-believers is their philosophical differences. They share the same behaviors, the same physical characteristics; in fact if one were just to go by appearances and never know a person's philosophy we couldn't tell who were believers and who were non-believers among those walking down the sidewalk in any major U.S. city.

(Jack) There is no difference between Muslims, Hindus or anyone who worships a different god, and those in old testament times who worshiped idols or other gods. God does not call people those religions, they go there because of their own decision. The Bible is generally critical of mankind because it doesn't seek God, but wants to go its own way. Mankind has accomplished many things,.but we no sooner solve a problem and more problems pop up for us. Humanity has always been incapable of solving all its problems and coming to God on its own. In his word God says he will not refuse anyone who wants to come to him.

(Jack) There is no difference between Muslims, Hindus or anyone who worships a different god, and those in old testament times who worshiped idols or other gods. God does not call people to those religions, they go there because of their own decision. The Bible is generally critical of mankind because it doesn't seek God, but wants to go its own way. Mankind has accomplished many things, but we no sooner solve a problem and more problems pop up for us. Humanity has always been incapable of solving all its problems and coming to God on its own. In his word God says he will not refuse anyone who wants to come to him.

I am aware the Truth shines upon us as the light from the Sun does as an everyday occurrence we do not appreciate until we turn our face toward it.

Not with a 10 foot pole!

Got it. Read it. Good.

Something very odd happens when I hear the "Truth." It's like a rush of sound runs through my mind--and it's physical as well! Then it becomes part of me and I have no choice but to hold it deeply.

I was raised with a more appealing model than the ones you cite. Even though “mistakes were made,” etc., I’ve never felt, pathetic or helpless because of this concept:

MAN. The compound idea of infinite Spirit; the spiritual image and likeness of God; the full representation of Mind. M. B. Eddy, 1876

The use of the phrase “compound idea of infinite Spirit” makes me think of the possibility of a hierarchy of sentient Life forms that exist and run the full gamut from pure thought or energy (NO! not ghosts or spirits associated with death—no, no, no), to the physical format that defines human beings... and.... other ideas inhabiting the universe.

MIND. The only I, or Us; the only Spirit, Soul, divine Principle, substance, Life, Truth, Love; the one God; not that which is in man, but the divine Principle, or God, of whom man is the full and perfect expression; Deity, which outlines but is not outlined. M. B. Eddy, 1876

The thing I like about this writing is that is wouldn’t move sideways if a whole bunch of other “beings” were to suddenly pop up on the other side of the universe, because man is expressed as a “compound idea,”---how all inclusive is that?

It would seem you see belief in God as a coping mechanism, so why not just let them cope?

I object to it because religious belief requires a negative view of both one's self and humanity in general. In order to convince people they need god religions portray humans as weak, evil, pathetic creatures with no ability to help themselves or anyone else. Religion teaches that we are doomed to an eternal damnation unless we accept the dogma of a particular faith. It's a belief system built on negativity. Religion discourages its members from trying to be good people, from trusting themselves and loving themselves. It encourages a mindset that is detrimental to individuals and societies. A good illustration of religiously-inspired self-mistrust is in the comment above yours, "...we are completely dependent on him." That attitude completely devalues humanity.

We like to think that we choose God, but he really chooses us...

If that were true how do you account for Muslims, Hindus and those who worship a different god than you?

You might think this is strange coming from me, but there is an element of truth to all your points. Some more then others. What is it though, besides the obvious ramifications of the fanatical few, that causes you to see it as such a terrible thing? It would seem you see belief in God as a coping mechanism, so why not just let them cope?

People generally believe in God because they know that there is something other than mankind. We like to think that we choose God, but he really chooses us and we are completely dependent on him. We believe in him because he tells us to.

It just didn't seem to match your usual upbeat style. My apologies and glad to hear all is well.

Of course "some people talk to God because they really believe he's there". I don't argue that. But why do they believe he's really there? That's what I'm addressing above. People don't generally believe in a god because they want to but rather because they need to.

...did you just make all that up?

Yes, I originally wrote that about 3 years ago. I came across it yesterday and thought it was worth posting since the original post was to a blog that no longer exists. Ironic but true story: the blog was RadicalAtheist.com. It was a blog I had for several years and got around 30,000 unique hits a month. Last year I became unable to maintain several blogs and closed them down, including RA. Now I see the domain has been purchased by none other than Joel Osteen. I suppose I should be flattered.

...looking at the world from another angle might help you feel better.

I've looked at this world from a lot of different angles in my life. My present angle has me feeling pretty good, thanks.