Didier:
(How many metaphors in the last paragraph? )
A LOT!!!
LOL
I was thinking of Psalm 39, which ends with a very strange prayer (O God, just leave me alone);
Not the normal run of things, huh?
Was it abridged?
Of course Job immediately comes to mind
Wasn't he proved to have an entirely wrong pattern of thought regarding such things?
Paradoxically the Epilogue which vindicates Job actually sides with the friends (because it is a happy ending).
Ahhh, and all is finally well with the world, as we get to merrily trot our way home after listening to the storyteller...
...but as long as you deal with people who believe in God "for true" the term is not really available for metaphorical use.
Just use a small "g", it works for me
Leo:
Anyone remember that old Star Trek episode
I remember it well. Gawd I hate how that dates me
SP:
Yes, Muslims apply their beliefs to everyone. If you are not following the Koran, then you won't get the blessings.
And is BibleGod TM any different?
You don't receive the blessings unless you actually are in the covenant, regardless of how much you might think you're in it (at least that's how the story goes).
Brenda:
Simply, if you don't like what's being said, it is probably hitting a soft spot of your own (one finger pointing produces three pointing back) possibly your own doubts being triggered?
Ermm... No - LOL
You've been here how long? Quit psychoanalysing me, already
If you read some of my past posts you may get a different picture of me than the one you appear to have acquired.
Nonetheless, thanks for the hugs. They are ALWAYS appreciated (((hugs)))
Pole:
Ok, mate. I re-read your original comment and you used a lot of hedge words in it indeed.
I like hedge words
Besides, I'm rarely offended, especially on the subject of religion.
Nonetheless, I do feel I have the right to stand up for those who might feel they are oppressed.
We're not a dictatorship, we're an autonomous collective...
I guess I can feel the Absolute, but it escapes any definitions
And there stems many of the problems, especially if one is myopic enough to think that one's own god-view is the only "truth". Unfortunately many have and do, yes?
FMZ:
My personal belief is that it was all just a clever ploy by people in power, who decided that it would be a good idea to use fear as a basis for worship.
People consciously worked through that logic?
Well, maybe some did, but I have to question whether or not that was always the case, and in every case. I see plenty of sincere religionists who want nothing to do with power-struggles, so to leave the comment at that would be IMHO disingenuous to the majority
To dig a little deeper, yes, our love often does need an object.
I honestly can't think of an example where love doesn't have an object.
Nor can I recall of a de-personalised source of that quality.
I know it's using human concepts again, but that's what ya get when you use human terms to describe something that's allegedly transcendant.
Sometimes we must bring our view of God down a notch to fit it in a human body, so that we can see him in a familiar way. This seems to be an effective (though flawed) way of giving God worship in a directed manner.
Some do that, yes.
Others do no such thing, but when trying to describe the ineffable, use such terms as they feel they may, whilst reserving the right to state that "it is all that and more so..."
Scully:
As I said earlier, what I said initially was not intended to offend anyone (especially not you), but it was an honest assessment based on the knowledge - albeit limited knowledge - I have of God.
S'ok, there really is no offense taken, I assure ya.
Luvs ya back some
