Exactly Why Don't You Believe In the God of the Bible?

flushd,

No need to butt out. None at all. You are right. There are people in this world that do think and feel those things. It's just hard for me to imagine because I don't. I'm sure most of us can't really imagine feeling that way about someone.

And yes, I have to agree, there are even some Christians that might take delight in these thoughts. It's just sad anyone would feel like that.

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Momma Angel wrote:

Pauligirl,

Ok, how about we start with what your idea of what you think God should be?

Something better than that jerk in the bible. Compassionate, loving. One that wouldn't allow a child to starve or an old person suffer with cancer, or a city to be wiped off the face of the map by a hurricane. One that actually did something about problems here and now on earth, instead of worthless promises about the future.

Maybe I'm thinking of superman, but anything less than that is not worthy of praise. Mysterious ways be damned.
P

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Pauligirl,

I can certainly understand your feelings. It seems as though some people blame God for the bad things that happen and yet they won't credit Him with the good things. I am not saying this is what you are doing, just making an observation.

I guess my question is why should we expect God to do something about these things when we can't seem to even take care of problems ourselves? Like the homeless. We should have no homeless in this country (or anywhere). But we do. Is this God's fault or is it man's?

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Momma Angel wrote:

Pauligirl,

I can certainly understand your feelings. It seems as though some people blame God for the bad things that happen and yet they won't credit Him with the good things. I am not saying this is what you are doing, just making an observation.

I guess my question is why should we expect God to do something about these things when we can't seem to even take care of problems ourselves? Like the homeless. We should have no homeless in this country (or anywhere). But we do. Is this God's fault or is it man's?

Of course its man's fault. I don't believe any gods exists so I can neither give blame or credit. I was just answering your question about what I thought a god should be. But if there was a god, then yes-I would expect him/her/it to do something about it. Otherwise, what's the point of being a god? if it wants praise, let it do something good.

I do believe many Christians worship only because they believe the threat of hell. That's why the idea was invented. Carrot and stick.
P

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Pauligirl,

I know that isn't what you meant personally. It was just an observation I have made from reading a lot of different posts.

Ok, let me see if I can explain a bit where I am coming from on this. I think God does do a lot of good in this world. Sure, I wish He'd do more, I think we all do. I believe God is more concerned with our spiritual life instead of our physical life. Of course, to us, the bad things that happen all around us are what is important. So, if our spiritual life is more important to God then who are we to complain about our physical life?

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Momma wrote:

God does not want us to suffer. He knows we will suffer on this earth but it is not what He wants for us.

Statements like this keep popping up on your posts. How do you know what your God wants, or are those statements your PERCEPTION of what you think that he wants?

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If this god were omnipotent and he did not want us to suffer, we would not suffer . . . suffering and martyrdom are joyous prospects for christians, especially if it is others who suffer . . .

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Momma Angel wrote:

Pauligirl,

I know that isn't what you meant personally. It was just an observation I have made from reading a lot of different posts.

Ok, let me see if I can explain a bit where I am coming from on this. I think God does do a lot of good in this world. Sure, I wish He'd do more, I think we all do. I believe God is more concerned with our spiritual life instead of our physical life. Of course, to us, the bad things that happen all around us are what is important. So, if our spiritual life is more important to God then who are we to complain about our physical life?

Surely if God gave us physical life he should be responsible for us.
He didnt create the spirit of Adam and Eve did He?

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Phoenix32890 wrote:

Momma wrote:
God does not want us to suffer. He knows we will suffer on this earth but it is not what He wants for us.

Statements like this keep popping up on your posts. How do you know what your God wants, or are those statements your PERCEPTION of what you think that he wants?

This is a pertinent question. Does MA now claim to know not only that God exists, but his exact characteristics and mindset without any evidence?

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Can't speak for MA, 'cause she often misses the point, but God's purpose for humans is clearly stated in the first 2 chapters of Genesis.

If they had not eaten of the tree, they would still be here and we would not have war and crime and sickness and death.

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And your evidence that Genesis is reliable is?

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neologist wrote:

Can't speak for MA, 'cause she often misses the point, but God's purpose for humans is clearly stated in the first 2 chapters of Genesis.

If they had not eaten of the tree, they would still be here and we would not have war and crime and sickness and death.

Yeah, thats right, because an apple will solve everything!!!

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So basically God is saying we are stupid.His creation is stupid.

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Momma Angel wrote:

Questioner, the pain and suffering we go through here on this earth is man created. We are responsible for it, not God.[/b]

I agree, MA. We are totally responsible for the pain and suffering we go through. We are equally responsible for the joy and pleasure. So, where does God come in?

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material girl wrote:

neologist wrote:
Can't speak for MA, 'cause she often misses the point, but God's purpose for humans is clearly stated in the first 2 chapters of Genesis.

If they had not eaten of the tree, they would still be here and we would not have war and crime and sickness and death.

Yeah, thats right, because an apple will solve everything!!!

Brilliant exposition. Where did you get that idea?

material girl wrote:

So basically God is saying we are stupid.His creation is stupid.

Oh, I see. Your words, not mine.

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Setanta wrote:

And your evidence that Genesis is reliable is?

Point taken. Topic being formulated.

Edited to add:

And posted here:

http://able2know.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=67347

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Setanta wrote:

If this god were omnipotent and he did not want us to suffer, we would not suffer . . . suffering and martyrdom are joyous prospects for christians, especially if it is others who suffer . . .

<nodding.
The most frustrating aspect of the religion, to myself personally.

"Don't worry Johnny, bad girls who have sex afore marriage BURN IN HELL."
"Yeaaaaa! I'm a good boy. I'm going to heaven ! And all those mean sexy ladies who turn me down are gonna ROT IN HELL."

Laughing

sorry, just having a little bit of fun.

Neo, what if Adam and Eve were actually as dirty and nasty as the rest of us? Y'know, enjoying carnal pleasures, having babies with some pain on the womans' part, and all that noise.

Just wondering if you've ever entertained that possibility?

I've read Genesis. It's not a clear and concise lil thing. If read as a creation story (like any other; rather than THE one story), there is the possibility that all that junk about sin/punishment/purity/the fall is all symbolic of INNER HUMAN GOODNESS.

Whatya think? I actually like the bible when I read it in my own way.

Laughing

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Momma Angel wrote:

flushd,
I was taking what pauligirl said to mean that some Christians might actually want others to "burn in hell" so to speak. Believe me, I want that for no one.

The flakes that want others to burn in hell do not bother me nearly so much as the flakes that take some of the horrific text in the bible to heart and act out on what they perceive to be the wishes of their god.

How about the fine folks at Westboro Baptist Church that have been picketing the funerals of our fallen troops while carrying signs bearing these messages held aloft.

United You'll Fall

Too Late To Pray

God Blew Up The Troops

Fags Doom Nations

Don't Worship The Dead

God Is America's Terrorist

Fags Are Worthy Of Death

God's Rod (photo of airplane striking Twin Towers)

You're Going To Hell

Thank God For Dead Soldiers

God Is Your Enemy

America Is Doomed

God's View (picture of uncle Sam in cross-hairs of God)

Numerous American flags on the ground and held upside down

Links to accounts of some of their events with photos.
http://www.godhatesamerica.com/ghfmir/featured/epics/20051221_junction-city-ks-epic.pdf

http://www.godhatesamerica.com/ghfmir/featured/epics/20051231_stanton-ky-epic.pdf

http://www.godhatesamerica.com/ghfmir/featured/epics/2006/20060102_wheeler-tx-epic.pdf

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I will get back to everyone on why I think God doesn't WANT us to suffer. I am doing some research for this.

Mesquite,

Those are a certain group of people. They do not reflect what all or even most of Christianity IMO believe. I, in no way whatsoever, agree with what those people do or think. I don't know any place in the Bible that we should go out and do those things! Those things are not what God says we should do.

You cannot scare anyone into heaven.

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Response to Your Message
Howdy MA,
Thanks for your post regarding forum participant's views and opinions. Your perceptions are correct. In an forum of divisive, contentious issues, (religion, politics) exchange can degenerate into stone-throwing mayhem. Your sensitivity is noted.

I applaud you in your efforts. "...you have become all things to all men so that by all possible means you might save some."
ICorinthians 9:19-23NIV

While Paul was... in Athens...he reasoned... in the market place day by day... with those who happened to be there. Acts 17:16-21NIV

God Bless

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Exactly Why Don't You Believe In the God of the Bible?

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