Let us talk about God or Goddess ;-)

[_Yoda]

I think that since we, as humans, are rather egocentric creatures, it makes the most sense for us to relate to a Supreme Being at least somewhat resembling us.

I'm at the beach typing on my phone(no WiFi access for my iPad), so I'll expand on my answer more after the weekend.

:-)

[_Everybody Wang Chung]

........One could make a very persuasive argument that religion, far from being the source of morality, has been the source for more bloodshed, oppression and violence than almost any other single thing in human history. ...........

My underlining.

Weighing in, I don't agree with this statement, Wang. If you said that "religion has been the excuse for more bloodshed, oppression and violence," then I might find merit.

Yeah, you're probably right. There are several words which better convey what I was trying to articulate.

By the way, do NOT see "Mr. Popper's Penguins". Good Lord, that movie sucked!!

[_truth dancer]

Speaking of penguins, why is it that they work together so amazingly well? If ever there were creatures that behaved altruistically it must be them.

And, far as I know they do not have religion to guide and direct them.

Actually, as I think about it, they get along better than us human types. (smile)

Hmmm... Mok? ;-)

~td~

[_Ceeboo]

Hey TeeDee (Looks like I am late to the party, again. Cool thread in my opinion.

I know what the LDS God looks like, (thanks to Joseph Smith...smile), but for the non-LDS folk who believe in a God or Goddess, could you describe what this is? A being? An essence? A spirit? Or, is Jesus up in heaven as a man?

For me, this is a very tough one.
It is my opinion that there is no word/words that exist to us humans (Nor could we even begin to comprehend them if there were words available to us) that could/does do a good job in describing something as completely awesome, mysterious, and unlike any other thing we would attempt to compare it to.
Having said all that (nonsense?), I am most comfortable in choosing the words of a Creator/God.

Secondly, I would invite anyone and everyone to share with me, (us), what you believe is evidence for the existence of God.

As far as I can tell, this can not be done.

I'm not looking for the typical statements like, "look at this world, of course there is a God," because I do look at this world but do not, in any way, come to the conclusion that it means there is some sort of being that is directing, intervening, or even creating it.

Given the choices we all face (I think there are only two, yes?), I would suggest/think that either "conclusion" posses similar challenges and at the ned of the day, both are simply and only beliefs.
(A whole other thread needed to offer opinions/perspectives as to which "conclusion" is more reasonable, in my opinion)

Also, the idea that is often used in the LDS world, "the spirit told me," doesn't work for me either. My observation is that the world over, the impressions, revelations, inspirations, etc, etc. are all different so the "spirit," doesn't seem reliable at all.

I agree, there are countless "problems" and several levels of "issues" that sorround these personal claims.

For those of you who do not believe in God, feel free to share your opinons on why you do not, or what it was that convinced you God does not exist.

Although I clearly do not fit into this category, I am a little curious as to why you ask for their "opinions" and not have them (like you asked of us believers) share what they believe is the best "evidence" that there is no God

Thanks everyone,

~td~

You are most welcome. :)

Thank you as well.

Peace,
Ceeboo