Posted by Exodus 22:19 on November 20, 2001 at 16:07:31:
In Reply to: 3 questions posted by Ezekiel 25:17 on November 20, 2001 at 07:06:32:
: Let us assume for one moment that God exists.
Ok.
: Apart from the bible, is there any actual signs one can point to in stating that God is just, merciful or even cares one iota about the existence of humans?
Well Maw, there is lots.
#1 I don't see Satan anywhere. Except when I look at Cher. But maybe that's just me.
#2 If God didn't give a stuff, why would we exist in the first place?
#3 Even if we are just one big experimental joke, I can think of funnier ones. But I suppose humour is always in the eye of the beholder...
: Does the existence of God necessarily mean the existence of the devil?
Well that's a bit tough isn't it. No. They're just arbitrary concepts designed to describe good and evil. I think when most people think of God though, they're thinking of a greater power, not necessarily the Biblical type God.
: What qualities or attributes should God have to make
: him/her/it worth believing in? (e.g. Merciful, loving, omnipotent)
Don't you think that's a bit beside the point. You can believe in God if you find reason to believe. It's not a matter of what qualities God has.
If God is an omnipotent all powerful being, as I'm sure you like to think, then don't you think that saying "Well, gee God I'd like to believe in you, but you don't magic up enough chocolate for me these days." is going to cut it?
Maybe your idea of God is Jeanne from "I dream of Jeanie"
Come to think of it, it's mine too :)