Yes we should act, that much I agree with. We shouldn't just rely on a god to do everything for us, however that doesn't mean he should do nothing. You seem to bypass the differences between us and god, in that we are finite beings contained within the prison of time with limited powers. Even if we were to individually do something to affect the noble causes or the greater good it would only be a pin sized dent on a medicine ball sized problem. God, on the other hand, could hypothetically turn the medicine ball into rays of sunshine and we would all dance under the happy tree. However he doesn't even seem to contribute more than the masses of pins we try to stick into it. It's not really a question of 'Why doesn't god do everything for us?' More one of 'Why doesn't god do anything for us?' I know what some would say, that 'god moves in mysterious ways', but surely if he was doing enough to make an impact then we would notice.
Don't worry about the sarcasm, William, it's all about the bright side. Still it's not really my case to argue, more of a general debate. Though I will look further! Thank you.
Haha, the meteor would be a nice touch. Maybe something as simple as announcing his actual presence would be nice. It certainly worked in the Old Testament, where it seemed he was talking to everyone! Yet it seems these days there are no voices, no ringing shouts in the mountains, when just the knowledge of there being a god would suffice to calm down pretty much everybody.
Still, better a life as a blissful mindless zombie than a horrifically self-conscious being. Sadly I think we're all a bit beyond that 'mindless' stage, and there's no going back!
(1).What if we are not finite beings? As my signature suggests, that is precisely our problem. It is because we have determined our time is "finite", we do not put the emphasis on the future we need to. Even if we are not, but we act and believe as though we are, we consciously strive to insure tomorrow is better that today. Hell, our children deserve that. They didn’t ask to be here, we kinda forced them to be.
(2) Now what do you suppose would be the outcome of that? Have you ever been around a "spoiled" child? What can we possibly learn if someone constantly cleans up what we constantly mess up?
What worked in the Old Testament? God revealing himself certainly didn't prevent genocide, but just the opposite. Check out the link to another thread on this forum; http://www.philosophyforum.com/forum/philosophy-forums/branches-philosophy/philosophy-religion/3253-try-reconcile-numbers-chapter-31-god-benevolent.html
Simple belief in God is enough to get some folks riled up so that they're willing to commit suicide just for the chance to kill someone else. I shun to think of what those sort of people would do if they knew God exists. You may be asking for more than you're willing to bargain for if you want God to reveal himself. As you point out, there's no going back to a simpler, more innocent and naive state of existence. Well, the same would be true if God suddenly showed up. There's no going back to fix it if it turns out that we were better off not knowing.
If god merely made his presence known then mankind would come to some sort of halt due to an ever present fear of hell, ceasing crime almost entirely because now they would know that they're being watched.
Also, I love this thing ->
Or perhaps deeming our time 'finite' makes us look at the future as we are supposed to. There seem to be multiple outcomes in facing ultimate mortality, throwing aside the ideas of souls for the moment. First we can all just sit around and wait for it to happen, doing absolutely nothing as the world crumbles around us, or second we can strive to make our and others mortal lives the best that they can be. What is the point in living once if you can't live once that well?
That's precisely the point. Kolbe, since I have been old enough to "think for myself" I have learned to take 'everything" man writes with a grain of salt. Considering all the edits, translations, changes, additions and subtractions the bible has gone through, plus some of the unbelievable metaphors many believe to the letter, it lies at the top of the pile.
Whatever you think of the truth of the Bible, I think there is good evidence to suggest the actual text has not significantly changed since it was first written, especially the New Testament. The earliest manuscript copy we have is from 125 AD putting it 25-50 years after it was first written. The next best attested document in the whole of the ancient world is Homers Iliad written c. 900BC, the earliest copy being from c.400 BC, giving a 500 year gap.
Apparently the NT documents agree 99.5% with other, the remaining differences being about spelling and word order, while documents for the Iliad agree 95%.
Is Our Copy of the Bible a Reliable Copy of the Original?
It isn't my definition of how it is but rather it's the thread starter's definition. How can we suppose to hold God to account for the suffering in the world while we sitting around doing absolutely nothing about it? That's just us saying, "Hey God, I don't give a **** about the world's problems, but you should!" Why should God give a crap when we don't? It's our world to live in after all. If we mess it up then it's our problem, not his. Yet we expect him to solve our problems while we sit around doing nothing...
Who commits the genocide? Who created the Gods? How in God's name is God going to step in on what man is doing?... when it's man who created the God in the first place??? It's man who is the coward. It is man who commits genocide. It is man who is the murderer, raper, evil doer... not God. It is man who brings unbalance to a balanced universe. It is not something we need to look up to God for help but look deep inside of our own selves for answers.
When will man stop using God as a scapegoat and take the responsibility where the responsibility lies?
It troubles me that none of you have brought up a simple point.
This hypothetical God would not interfere. He cannot interfere.
This hypothetical God gave us free will (if you are a student of theology, then you know what this means) and told us to help ourselves. He is not going to interfere because it would mean removing the most precious gift he has given us.
If the bible is correct... God created us, gave us a world to live in, gave us rules to live by, emotions to feel, people to love, intelligence with which to seek, defends us from Satan, sends angels to watch over us in times of need.... now you want him to babysit us too. Frankly, I think your problem is that you have no appreciation for this hypothetical God.
For generations he has watched over us. I think it is about time that we learned to watch over ourselves.
Well, let's use the bible as an [albeit poor] example of god's pathetic attempt to make life meaningful for us. Assuming it is an authentic tool, the bible is intended (in part) to convince christians that "here's how the major events will unfold to bring about the end of the world, now watch and be amazed." I fall into the group of humans who would not be impressed if the one who created earth could also follow a simple schedule. So, what are we to make of these fabulous predictions? Better yet, how could anyone care, especially if it appears to be implied that this god will figure out a way to make these catastrophes happen one way or another?
Hi all. The problem of evil, which I think is the main problem being discussed here, is a very difficult one, at least for me. And I've spent lots of time thinking about it, debating, reading, etc. And I'm still not done with it by any means... So I'm not downplaying that issue at all.
But, the question of cowardice, as originally posed, is empty. The definition of a coward is: One who shows ignoble fear in the face of danger or pain. So the motive for in-action must be fear, and I don't think that an omnipotent (all-powerful) god would be motivated by fear. Maybe indifference, curiosity, sadistic pleasure, or maybe something more noble... but not fear.
Solace, when you say "people", I take it you refer to the billions that are said to be represented by a handful of politicians, the policy-makers, the ones who set the course of human history from their corporate jet-set conference rooms. Those billions are not spoken for. You do not see the will of the "people". When we speak of attrocities that no doubt take their place throughout our history, they are not the acts of the people. They are the acts of the few who pull the strings that tie them to a coward god. The "people" are not responsible.
And let's not get into the whole "voting" schpiel because, if the ones who have always been in control are the ones counting the votes, then that argument doesn't hold a drop of water.
So, when we talk about god, the question remains. Either one exists or it doesn't. Either way, the situation is the same. If there is a god, the fair assumption is that this god is indeed aware, and turns a blind eye toward corruption. If a god exists, then the case has been made that it is a cowardly god. No amount of chastising can change that. Why blame the people?
If people are to blame, it is for believing in such a pathetic fairy-tale as opposed to embracing reality. The scenario, in which a cowardly god runs away from taking action against corruption, is supported by evidence all over the world. What kind of action should god take? Don't ask me! I am not a god.
Pusyphus,
It seems you want a God to lead us around on a leash. Or at least it is that impression as you are beleaguering a point of what a poor job He is doing in that He is afraid to give us the help we need. If He would just do His job we wouldn't have to be accountable for anything and just play all day long under his watchful eye.
Many here have offered alternatives to your line of thought yet it seems you are determined to blame God for whatever reason and I am sure you have yours. In all probability it is that it relieves you of all culpability as it is much easier to point a finger of blame. All I can say, IMO, waiting around for God to do something really neat so we can now believe in his existence is a "child's game". Such as "show me a sign" and then I will believe in you. Do you honestly think God is that irresponsible. Sorry for my using "human terms". I do so just to make a point, that's all. I mentioned the scenario of the "spoiled children" and it seemed to go in one ear and out the other.
What is it you are trying to accomplish? It is evident most who are offering their thoughts don't matter to you. If it is necessary for you to convince us that God is a coward, it seems, if what other are posting is any measure of your success, you are not faring well on this one. I think what is truly stifling your effort is your attempt to associate God with human frailties, such as cowardice. You have to go a little deeper than that, I think. I understand, as I think most others do to, what you are trying to say and are doing their best to aid you in reaching a deeper understanding. Name calling I don't think will accomplish much in any forum where answers are sincerely sought. Please don't take my post the wrong way. I am just trying to help you in your efforts. That's what we are all here for.
Willam
Tell me one genocide that has ever occured that was caused by only a few individuals.
You seem to have a lot of animosity for authority. I don't blame you particularly, but I wonder, if everyone in your government was removed and replaced with people that you to know to be decent and trustworthy, how long before someone comes along with a legitimate case of corruption against one or all of them? My guess is not very long. Would it be God's fault then too?
So how far does this go? How many of our problems, the evil that gets done in the world everyday, can we blame on God? If my buddy cheats on his wife, is God to blame for her pain? If someone steals your car, is it God's fault? If you steal someone else's car, is that God's fault too? If we're going to blame God because we have corrupt leaders then we might as well blame him for everything else too. Why not?