Thoughts for GoodK: Did God Do It? Do It All?

[_Sam Harris]

Hey GoodK! :-)

I wanted to start this thread yesterday, but I was pooped from the removal of my third titty (long story), not to mention I did some mad shopping (2 weeks worth of work clothes for $150, I ROCK!!!), and I was tired. But you posted something that stuck in my mind, and I wanted to talk on it here if you don't mind. It was about this post:

http://mormondiscussions.com/discuss/vi ... 576#133576

And your reply:

http://mormondiscussions.com/discuss/vi ... 579#133579

Especially this part:

But I don't see how one can attribute something good to God, like the wonder of human life, but not attribute something like the pain of disease, death or the bad luck of being born in a third world country.

You make a very valid point. I once wrote that I think humans are in a kind of symbiosis with God. I see God as a force of good that runs through all living things. I'm learning not to personify God, to let go of that "ole white man in the sky" image that my culture ingrained in me. It just doesn't make sense. I like to think of human beings, well all living things if you want to be truthful as threads in God's tapestry...from my POV. We're too close up to see the picture. Each thread is a different length, thickness, color...but all are precious. The special thing from my POV, is that we choose where and how we weave ourselves into this picture...or even if we do at all. I feel that the choice is okay, no matter what choice we make. We're far better contributors to this world if we're at peace with our decision to enage or not engage spiritually, than we are if we do so or do not do so out of anger or fear.

As far as what people attribute to God, I agree with you. I believe that "God" is far more passive than people give the force credit for. Humanity tends to want this superhero to save them, "why didn't God..."...but we forget how much power we have within ourselves to heal, wage peace, learn, grow...

So may of our problems could be solved if we tilted our questioning eyes downwards and realized that spiritually we're stewards...not victims.

Thoughts?

[_Yoda]

So may of our problems could be solved if we tilted our questioning eyes downwards and realized that spiritually we're stewards...not victims.

This is a very profound statement, Sammy! It actually falls in line with "faith without works is dead." ;)

We are our own spiritual stewards. We make our own choices and control our own destinies in this sense.

Life has a way of throwing curve balls. But it's what we are able to do with those curve balls that defines us.

[_Yoda]

I did some mad shopping (2 weeks worth of work clothes for $150, I ROCK!!!)

Dang it, woman! Next time, take me with you! LOL

[_Sam Harris]

So may of our problems could be solved if we tilted our questioning eyes downwards and realized that spiritually we're stewards...not victims.

This is a very profound statement, Sammy! It actually falls in line with "faith without works is dead." ;)

We are our own spiritual stewards. We make our own choices and control our own destinies in this sense.

Life has a way of throwing curve balls. But it's what we are able to do with those curve balls that defines us.

One of the things I liked about my worldviews class is the fact that they emphasized that we were stewards, they emhpasized how we as Christians were responsible not only for our actions, but for how we took care of the world. I'd never been taught that before.

When the biggest curve ball hit was when I learned that you don't always have to build meticulously. And you don't have to get mad about the flaws, either. :-)

[_Sam Harris]

I did some mad shopping (2 weeks worth of work clothes for $150, I ROCK!!!)

Dang it, woman! Next time, take me with you! LOL

Old Navy, baby!

[_Yoda]

I did some mad shopping (2 weeks worth of work clothes for $150, I ROCK!!!)

Dang it, woman! Next time, take me with you! LOL

Old Navy, baby!

I love that store! We could do dangerous damage there together! ;)

Steve and Barry's is awesome, too!

Sorry for the derail! LOL

[_Sam Harris]

Oh no worries, totally in line with my spastic mind. GoodK will post eventually.

How do you like my "new name"? So ironic...

[_GoodK]

Hey GoodK! :-)

I wanted to start this thread yesterday, but I was pooped from the removal of my third titty (long story), not to mention I did some mad shopping (2 weeks worth of work clothes for $150, I ROCK!!!), and I was tired. But you posted something that stuck in my mind, and I wanted to talk on it here if you don't mind. It was about this post:

http://mormondiscussions.com/discuss/vi ... 576#133576

And your reply:

http://mormondiscussions.com/discuss/vi ... 579#133579

Especially this part:

But I don't see how one can attribute something good to God, like the wonder of human life, but not attribute something like the pain of disease, death or the bad luck of being born in a third world country.

You make a very valid point. I once wrote that I think humans are in a kind of symbiosis with God. I see God as a force of good that runs through all living things. I'm learning not to personify God, to let go of that "ole white man in the sky" image that my culture ingrained in me. It just doesn't make sense. I like to think of human beings, well all living things if you want to be truthful as threads in God's tapestry...from my POV. We're too close up to see the picture. Each thread is a different length, thickness, color...but all are precious. The special thing from my POV, is that we choose where and how we weave ourselves into this picture...or even if we do at all. I feel that the choice is okay, no matter what choice we make. We're far better contributors to this world if we're at peace with our decision to enage or not engage spiritually, than we are if we do so or do not do so out of anger or fear.

As far as what people attribute to God, I agree with you. I believe that "God" is far more passive than people give the force credit for. Humanity tends to want this superhero to save them, "why didn't God..."...but we forget how much power we have within ourselves to heal, wage peace, learn, grow...

So may of our problems could be solved if we tilted our questioning eyes downwards and realized that spiritually we're stewards...not victims.

Thoughts?

Hi there!

Even though I do not believe in God, I am not opposed to "spiritual" experiences (but I do wish there was a better word, because I think God or religion try and take credit for it) or things like meditation, perhaps even a collective consciousness, but I don't believe in "God". Personified or not.

[_Sam Harris]

Hey GoodK!

I think that the word "God" is too human. Perhaps "higher consciousness". I like meditation, need to learn how to do so. Do you meditate?

[_Yoda]

How do you like my "new name"? So ironic...

I mentioned this on another thread, but I actually think it's kinda cool. Now I can call you Sammy on the board as well as in emails! LOL