I can certainly relate, especially in regards to both the confounding contradictions in the omniscient, omnipotent, omnibenevolent definition of God and my own constantly changing view of the potential existence for some type of God. My change came primarily from redefining the question of God from “does God exist” to “how might God exist”. I find the definitions of God or the gods in all of the doctrines of major religions too rudimentary–unchanging, specious products of antiquity.
One conception of how God exists that I find much more compelling comes from the American philosopher Charles Hartshorne. In his view, God must be a constantly changing one that actively experiences everything that is, from our (and other sentient creatures) subjective experiences to the ever-developing universe at large. If you’re interested in far more thorough and clearly written summary of this particular conception of God, check out the entry on Hartshorne at the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy: https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/hartshorne/#ExisActuGod (it can be dense reading at times, but it’s the clearest, most efficient outline I’ve read).
Sometimes I still think I’m reacting to the idea of oblivion that might come with that so terrified me when I first really appreciated what it meant in my youth. I’m trying hard to let that go, but the vanity of my ego constantly whines about how imminently important my own stupid thoughts are.
Our rabbi used to say "Pray as if everything depends on G-d and Act as if everything depends on you". Prayer and meditation are part of almost all cultures - even if you go to more recent things like "vision boards" or "Willing it into existence". Putting positive energy into your brain is always good. In fact - folks who got fake "placebo" knee surgery were happier than those who got the real surgery. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2002/07/020712075415.htm
I believe in God with my whole body, soul, and spirit. I am human and I have free will so I'm no saint, but I try to be kind and loving to others the way I believe God would be. He gives me peace and hope in times of despair - something I'm not sure I'd have without Him.
Knowing is an impossibility. I'm not even sure fully believing is a possibility. To me, belief will always be conditional and will require continual renewal. Does it change anything practical in my life? Yes.
That's important. I don't think it changes anything for me. There is this famous story of a chasidic rabbi, whose students asked him why god created atheists, since everything in the world was meant to have a purpose. (I am obviously paraphrasing here). He told them that atheists do good not because there is a threat from heaven, but because they want to do the right thing. He told his students to act in the world like atheists and do right simply because it is right, as if there was no god. I feel some kinship to that perspective.
I can certainly relate, especially in regards to both the confounding contradictions in the omniscient, omnipotent, omnibenevolent definition of God and my own constantly changing view of the potential existence for some type of God. My change came primarily from redefining the question of God from “does God exist” to “how might God exist”. I find the definitions of God or the gods in all of the doctrines of major religions too rudimentary–unchanging, specious products of antiquity.
One conception of how God exists that I find much more compelling comes from the American philosopher Charles Hartshorne. In his view, God must be a constantly changing one that actively experiences everything that is, from our (and other sentient creatures) subjective experiences to the ever-developing universe at large. If you’re interested in far more thorough and clearly written summary of this particular conception of God, check out the entry on Hartshorne at the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy: https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/hartshorne/#ExisActuGod (it can be dense reading at times, but it’s the clearest, most efficient outline I’ve read).
Sometimes I still think I’m reacting to the idea of oblivion that might come with that so terrified me when I first really appreciated what it meant in my youth. I’m trying hard to let that go, but the vanity of my ego constantly whines about how imminently important my own stupid thoughts are.
I'm also in the deist camp. I believe in something more. Don't know who or what it is, but it's something.
Our rabbi used to say "Pray as if everything depends on G-d and Act as if everything depends on you". Prayer and meditation are part of almost all cultures - even if you go to more recent things like "vision boards" or "Willing it into existence". Putting positive energy into your brain is always good. In fact - folks who got fake "placebo" knee surgery were happier than those who got the real surgery. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2002/07/020712075415.htm
I believe in God with my whole body, soul, and spirit. I am human and I have free will so I'm no saint, but I try to be kind and loving to others the way I believe God would be. He gives me peace and hope in times of despair - something I'm not sure I'd have without Him.
Love you Michael! You're the best! ❤️
Does knowing or not knowing whether there is a god change anything practical in the life you live or in the impact you want to have?
Knowing is an impossibility. I'm not even sure fully believing is a possibility. To me, belief will always be conditional and will require continual renewal. Does it change anything practical in my life? Yes.
That's important. I don't think it changes anything for me. There is this famous story of a chasidic rabbi, whose students asked him why god created atheists, since everything in the world was meant to have a purpose. (I am obviously paraphrasing here). He told them that atheists do good not because there is a threat from heaven, but because they want to do the right thing. He told his students to act in the world like atheists and do right simply because it is right, as if there was no god. I feel some kinship to that perspective.
I subscribed for the orphans. I’m glad I did.
I think you're wonderful, Michael. So happy you exist.