I take from that you think that first I develop some sort of mental picture of God and give him attributes and then armed with my mental picture and comprehension of God I then seek evidence that fits the mental picture
Generally we can't help but develop mental pictures of things. So if you do, that is alright, as long as your intention is to advance yourself. The more you read, and understand, the hazing those mental images will become.
To sum up, foster the right attitude, and your mind will eventually clear, once you start to absorb the information. You won't lose what you already know or believe, but you will be in a position to observe them objectively.
So I form this mental picture,as no doubt the ancients did, where I give my made up God attributes of power to do anything and say this God could have created the universe and I observe the universe is there I therefore have my evidence that God exists....?
You need to clear your mind, not full it.
Or do you suggest I read scriptures where someone else presents their comprehension of God, no less imagined and no less made up, and happily and uncritically accept their concept that God created the Universe and armed with their version observe the universe is there and say I
I suggest you just chill, and empty your mind of preconceptions. That way you can process the information without your own interpretation colouring it.
Have you ever watch a movie, documentary, or read a book, that engaged you? Can you recall how you became engaged, and your state of mind?
If so, that's a good place to start.
I can imagine that approach in court.
"Your Honor we can imagine that whoever committed the robbery would look a sneaky type and if you look at the defendant he is certainly a very sneaky type and therefore guilty".
All that shows is you have imagination, and you use for stuff like that. Why don't you put that imagination under check, and use it to gain a better understanding of God.
Jan perhaps you have fallen victim to the second approach I entertained above
I haven't fallen victim, period.
But if that is how you see it, it's your loss.
Remember it is your position that is lacking, not mine.
Jan perhaps you have fallen victim to the second approach I entertained above.
You read a scripture which describes God as this and that and you are swayed by that made up work, (and be clear it is made up and issues from the mind of a man with no evidence that his work was influenced by God or the bottle, but I would pick the bottle because folk can say strange stuff when out of it,) and armed with a notion you found in an ancient work, you seek and declare the universe is clear evidence of God, the creator described in the book you just read
There's not a lot I can say to that, as you have already made up your mind, and it is now closed for business.
Me I observe the Universe and say I find no evidence suggestive of anything and can happily believe it was always here needing no explanation of creation.
I accept that. Notice I don't say you're wrong, deluded, conned, or stupid. It would be nice if you could accept my position without the need put it down (however subtly).
I lost the ability to walk properly, such that after the operation on my back I did I'm fact have to learn again how to walk.
And I think many folk find themselves in that situation.
I'm sorry to hear that.
Would you say you appreciate the art of walking now, more than you did when you took it for granted?
You prosecute the case for the existence of God the burden of proof is with you, it is up to you not me to present evidence and to make sure that evidence proves what's er it is that you wish to prove.
In reality, there's no need for that. It is what it is. People may be out in wilderness with no knowledge or access to that kind of culture.
Ultimately it is down to the individual person to realise what and who they are, and what is his/her relationship with God.
The question of whether or not God exists, is an atheist one. Otherwise there is no need to bring it up.
I can conclude God does not exist because the concept appears out of scriptures which offer no evidence that they hold any status higher than fictional works written by ancient folk who explained a world they did not understand by resorting to inventing Gods.
Men created God..God did not create men....and unfortunately Jan that is so far what the evidence tells us very clearly
This is what I'm talking about. From your perspective you are correct, but from my perspective, you are without God, which is why you have no comprehension God.
Is it possible that that could be the actual case?
Jan I have tried and there was a time I thought there was something to it.
Getting personal I believe there was a time where I was where you are now.
So why did I give up on the concept?
In truth I could see that I had become delusional and that there was absolutely no evidence of the existence of any God.
Then it's not currently for ypu
But don't make the mistake of thinking you correct, and I am wrong.
I respect the attempt and of course it is a helpful stepping stone to full understanding but a time comes where one needs to use what you learn and grow even further its sort of learning to walk by yourself and confidently.
Gee! Can't wait till I learn to walk by myself, in confidence!
You asked to mend some of my ways, please do the same.
I was referring to my failure to always present as respectful just because I feel that I am always respectful I can not ignore that others can interprets my actions as lacking respect so I fail to make sure my respect is not just internal but I show to the world that I take the time to demonstrate respect.
You're very condescending. It seems you try to be subtle about it, but aren't very good at subtleties.
Jan.
