DrW wrote: ↑Mon Mar 15, 2021 3:32 am
While the British, French and American commanders prayed for Allied victory and the German commanders prayed for victory for the German Empire, God would simply be unable to answer all the prayers in the affirmative.
That’s my point. So at that juncture, since it is impossible, you take the path of least resistance, in my opinion, to say that there is no God. Since God isn’t able to do what WE would expect that he could/should be able to do...and doesn’t...then he either has no interest or doesn’t exist. To take an alternate path and be open to the possibility that God isn’t able to do the impossible...and live with that...is a much harder road to travel. The result is death, disease, and other ‘fallen world’ attributes that are VERY difficult to deal with from a mortal perspective (why is God allowing this or that to happen?). So again, a whole lot of folks take that other path I mentioned up front.
If I’m hearing what you’re saying correctly, you are suggesting that God, if he exists, ought to be able to fit a square peg into a round hole.
DrW wrote: ↑Mon Mar 15, 2021 3:32 am
No problem for religionists though, since logic, reason and reality do not count for much where unfounded belief is concerned. Since the Christian concept of God is based in fantasy, ignorance and tradition...
That is a rather unfounded and even condescending assumption. There are a whole lot of pretty smart folks out there that would take issue with that. I’m assuming that you are referring to or relying wholly upon the Bible God and the stories contained between the covers of that book? 2 Kings 2:23-25; Joshua 10; etc.
DrW wrote: ↑Mon Mar 15, 2021 3:32 am
I suppose the answer for a believer would simply be a matter of personal choice. Like everything else religious, they can simply make it up as they go along.
Again, that is your view as a secular materialist who interprets what information we have in a way that meets the expectations you have of the world. For example, you have a view towards the Anthropic Principle that allows you to continue your disbelief in a creator. Other scientists (I’m assuming this may be your profession?) would see the Anthropic Principle as evidence of a creator. Or at least opening the door to that possibility. Put both of you in the same room and you’re both going to have a reasonable discussion, yet neither one of you is going to give an inch while attempting to take a mile.
DrW wrote: ↑Mon Mar 15, 2021 3:32 am
My own response is that the question itself is moot (or nonsense - take your pick) since the God of Christianity (and especially Mormonism) simply does not, and cannot, exist.
And as long as you are set in that dogmatic position and not willing to give an inch, that’s where the discussion ends, for you. Others remain open to a creator/God.
Regards,
MG