Posted by blue on June 20, 1998 at 01:46:00:
In Reply to: maybe we can finally end this thread... posted by David Stephens on June 19, 1998 at 12:07:05:
: God (e.g. the universe, physical reality, etc.) has revealed to me that a sadistic, judgemental bible-god cannot exist. It's also been revealed to me by careful study and contemplation that a god would not "reveal" or "inspire" anything for me via another man (such as the men who invented the bible-god and wrote the bible, or the men behind the comet cult). Therefore it's impossible for me to ever willfully disobey what god has revealed to me except to submit to another man's idea of god and start worshipping at the altar of "revealed religion".
: I do find it interesting though that your source for "god's revelation" to you is the words of other men. When did you decide to give up on finding god on your own and turn to what others tell you god is? Why did you first decide praying to someone else's idea of god was how to find an actual god? How may different other people's (and religions) gods did you pray to and evaluate before deciding on the one you've decided on?
There is a progression one needs to follow to intellectually satisfy one's search for God:
1. Were we created, or did we bounce into place?
You and I have both concluded there is, indeed, a creator. This separates us from the atheist.
2. Does the creator desire to retain contact (communicate) with His creation?
I would conclude yes, or He wouldn't have bothered with the exercise. This separates me from the agnostic.
3. What is the form of this communication?
At this point we can compare the various religions of the world, and see which make sense and which don't, and whether the Bible is or is not the best candidate for such communication. For instance, Moslems believe that the Old Testament originally contained theological Truth, but it has become so corrupted over time as to not be reliable today. Well, that makes no sense to me, in that a sovereign God should be able to keep His Word pure. (Atheists agree with me here, and try to argue that the Bible contradicts itself theologically, which it doesn't.)
Are we together so far?
Additionally, why do you expect to receive a unique revelation from God? Why would it be inappropriate for a sovereign creator to use a written record to convey His message? Look at the percentage of the earth's population that has easy access to the Scriptures today.
Also, do you believe that all men deserve the same eternal fate?
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