Is the major problem with discussing the existance of God really that no one can agree on what a 'god' is?

Question

Most the time when people talk about what God is they just give a list of negative traits or 'all' traits like
-invisible (light passes right though)
-immortal (not mortal)
-all knowing (in contrast with human's limited knowledge)
-all powerful (in contrast with human's limited power)

etc . . .

And when a logical inconsistancy is pointed out--the believer just ignores it or alters his/her definition of God a bit.

In other words god is defined at that which is beyond human limits and comprehension. I can believe that stuff exists beyond human limits and comprehension but I don't think that whatever it is is properly called a 'god'. At least not a 'god' that shows the very human traits of love and wrath and jealousy.

So what is a god--besides the sum of what is beyond human limits and comprehension (which is getting smaller all the time) mixed with a few human traits and emotions?

Don H:
'[Language] was designed to describe a physical reality.'

Actually it seems to me language is used to communicate ideas and concepts--not necessarity physical reality. As evidenced by the fact that we can envision and talk about that which is not real or has not happened (or not happened yet).

lol whynotaskdon:
I see your point, but I think it only supports my point. See, most people I know really don't agree that most of those really fit the definition of 'god.'

Answer 1

There are as many gods as there are thoughts in the minds of believers. It's nonsense to discuss the existence of something without first defining it. Once you modify the definition, you have admitted that the thing originally in question does not exist.

But then you're just playing mental games. If you can simply modify your definition of god at will, then clearly he exists only in your thoughts.

You don't have the power or authority to change the nature of god if he's real.

Answer 2

You're correct. God is a manmade idea and label.
As soon as someone comes back from the dead to tell what is happening for sure, I just can't believe a book of short stories that was written by people, translated, re-written many times and interpreted differently by each church, even if they are of the same denomination.
People think there has to be a reason to be here. The only reason animals and plants don't have all of this hokey pokey is because they don't have language.
People should spend their time more constructively than dwelling on religion and try to make life peaceful for themselves and others and to try and enjoy this strange existence that we have. Nobody can say what happens after death.
It's absolutely ridiculous to say that 'people' are born as sinners (there can be no rational agreement across the board as to what qualifies as a sin anyways), and they believe they HAVE to TRY and be a good person for the FEAR OF THE WRATH OF GOD. Who wants a life like that? How bitter to assume people are born evil.
People are cool, interesting and surprisingly helpful and caring even in the worst of situations. We need more tolerance for people's differences, nobody has had the same experiences or have experienced the same event in the same way.
Religion is a silly waste of time and energy and is nothing more than a money making business for the gullible.

Answer 3

look at the same time as faith receives shaken you could't merely fake you do not have doubts once you recognize you somewhat do. How is it conceivable to misinform your self? in case you try to cajole your self that pixies exist what occurs? you recognize you try to brainwash your self & your rational ideas steps in to assert 'you recognize it really is somewhat somewhat unlikely deep down so do not waste some time!' hence you could't 'patch up' misplaced faith because you recognize you try to 'unlearn' what has already been learnt so that you could't ever turn lower back the clock to develop into ignorant of reason & good judgment back. Welcome your destroy out from the unconsidered existence! - Or ought to you opt to be ignorant back to respond to you question: 'My moms and dads ought to hate me if i stated i didnt trust.' Do you recognize hateful human beings? If no longer do not recognize their narrow mindedness. besides how can everyone 'choose' what they do or do not trust? you've got here upon that what you opt to be likely to be actual isn't something you could merely 'choose' to be reality are you able to? are you able to easily 'choose' to trust cigarettes aren't any further undesirable for you? No yet some fools can carry that conception. you're wise adequate to take exhilaration in that desiring god to be actual would not regulate the actual incontrovertible reality that there is easily no evidence that god is actual. 'faith' is merely an excuse human beings supply for believing inconceivable concepts at the same time as they haven't any sturdy motives to trust such issues. it really is not any longer a trifling blunders. P.S. Sara says 'atheism is a notably fixed position'. Is it? If I say 'i do no longer imagine the claims made about gods usually are actual.' are you 'fixed'? No. If evidence turns up you could say 'Ah sure! This evidence is verifiable! this isn't assuming something! Now i trust.' - it really is the reason agnostic atheism is open to correction & no longer 'fixed' if verifiable evidence does happen. 'truth is an uncomfortable position yet truth is a ludicrous position.' - Voltaire

Answer 4

The problem is your question. I'm not being inflammatory. But every time someone asks a question like this, people try to define God based on human perceptions and emotion.

God is something that exists greater than all humanity. We can perceive a fraction of it; but not the entirety. We can not experience it fully, nor define it completely withing the scope of our existence or experience.

Stop trying to define God, and just accept that God exists. Believe.

Answer 5

Main Entry: 1god
Pronunciation: 'gäd also 'god
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German got god
1 capitalized : the supreme or ultimate reality: as a : the Being perfect in power, wisdom, and goodness who is worshipped as creator and ruler of the universe b Christian Science : the incorporeal divine Principle ruling over all as eternal Spirit : infinite Mind
2 : a being or object believed to have more than natural attributes and powers and to require human worship; specifically : one controlling a particular aspect or part of reality
3 : a person or thing of supreme value
4 : a powerful ruler

Answer 6

A perfect illustration of just one of the contradictions is this.

If god is all powerful and can do anything, can he make an object so large or heavy that even he can't move it?

This points out that god is not all powerful by one of two possible limitations:
1. the limit of what can be created
2. the limit of what can be moved

Answer 7

God is Love

Answer 8

I think that's one of the main differences between religions. I would say that if there IS a god, its far beyond our understanding so why bother arguing about details we don't understand to begin with.

Answer 9

The problem is language. It was designed to describe a physical reality.
It fails us miserably when we try to use it to describe anything of the spirit like God.

Answer 10

We are created in God's image and likness..therfore we have similar emotioins since we are personal beings. God created space and time (universe) therefore God is ETERNAL, because he always was..since he had no beginning in the outer realm.