An Imperfect God is Not Crazy and Here's Why

[_zeezrom]

After I had suggested that God is not perfect on another thread, a very nice person offered me this question:

But of what use is a God that opts to have no more worldy influence than a totem pole?

I responded with this:

I would like to suggest the following:

1. Someone to talk to when you are lonely, troubled, depressed, thankful, etc.
2. Peace of mind with the hope of redemption (from the scary God). She is fighting a battle as we speak - for us! For democracy! (This is supposed to sound like Obi Wan from Star Wars #3. Think of a slight British accent)
3. Someone to fantasize about (in a way that any child might fantasize about a mentor)

Can you think of others?

While the idea of an imperfect God might seem crazy at first, I would like to ask each of you to just wait a moment or two and please consider the idea. Don't dismiss it without giving it at least a day or two. Can you do that for me?

Here's why it is not a crazy idea: The reasons I stated above are actually some very important aspects that we all cling to as humans looking for something more. I would like to challenge each of you that the deepest meaning you find in your religions/philosophies/etc, can also be found in an imperfect God.

[_Quasimodo]

While the idea of an imperfect God might seem crazy at first, I would like to ask each of you to just wait a moment or two and please consider the idea. Don't dismiss it without giving it at least a day or two. Can you do that for me?

Here's why it is not a crazy idea: The reasons I stated above are actually some very important aspects that we all cling to as humans looking for something more. I would like to challenge each of you that the deepest meaning you find in your religions/philosophies/etc, can also be found in an imperfect God.

The trouble, Z, is that if God were imperfect, any universe she created could also be imperfect. Think of the ramifications.

War might be a common occurrence.

People in some parts of the world might be starving.

There might be crime.

Children might be born with deformities.

Some rulers might not be wise.

People of varying religious beliefs might hate each other.

Young people might die prematurely due to accidents and terrible diseases.

Cruelty might go unpunished.

Personally, I'm happy that we don't live in a world like that. Thank God for a perfect God.

[_just me]

While the idea of an imperfect God might seem crazy at first, I would like to ask each of you to just wait a moment or two and please consider the idea. Don't dismiss it without giving it at least a day or two. Can you do that for me?

Here's why it is not a crazy idea: The reasons I stated above are actually some very important aspects that we all cling to as humans looking for something more. I would like to challenge each of you that the deepest meaning you find in your religions/philosophies/etc, can also be found in an imperfect God.

The trouble, Z, is that if God were imperfect, any universe she created could also be imperfect. Think of the ramifications.

War might be a common occurrence.

People in some parts of the world might be starving.

There might be crime.

Children might be born with deformities.

Some rulers might not be wise.

People of varying religious beliefs might hate each other.

Young people might die prematurely due to accidents and terrible diseases.

Cruelty might go unpunished.

Personally, I'm happy that we don't live in a world like that. Thank God for a perfect God.

:D

[_Morley]

:D

Exactly.

[_Doctor CamNC4Me]

"Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able?
Then he is not omnipotent.

Is he able, but not willing?
Then he is malevolent.

Is he both able and willing?
Then whence cometh evil?

Is he neither able nor willing?
Then why call him God?"

- Epicurus

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I'm just not sure where any God can have a healthy relationship with a human being. Meditation and a nice cup of tea seems to be a better solution than believing in an imperfect god, no?

- VRDRC

[_zeezrom]

"Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able?
Then he is not omnipotent.

But once you get used to that idea, it ain't so bad. Kind of like you told me once: after you get used to the idea of ceasing to exist after this life, it ain't so bad. In fact, it might actually feel nice. :)

I'm just not sure where any God can have a healthy relationship with a human being.

People can have healthy relationships, so why not an immortal and a mortal?

Meditation and a nice cup of tea seems to be a better solution than believing in an imperfect god, no?

I don't know. I've not yet decided either way, to be honest. There certainly is no evidence telling me it's better.