Posted by Ezekiel 25:17 on May 02, 2002 at 01:31:24:
In Reply to: Re: GOD IS JUST LIKE SANTA CLAUS posted by C. Augusto Valdés on April 28, 2002 at 21:14:28:
: Ok letīs make the beginning statement clearer. I don't doubt there was something or someone who created existance, somehow it had to begin in the first place, that's undeniable, according to the most basic laws of physics there is always a cause, that is the 'First Cause' statement that makes the idea of God plausible. I Don't doubt there was a First Cause, I don't know if that cause was sentient, sentient enough to have feelings and thoughts (and children). Letīs say, for the purpose of the following statement, that that first cause is an entity we may call God. Now, my second idea is: If God exists why must she choose the people from Israel (Or for that matter, any other particular people) or ask for reverence and praisal?
I've just realised what motivates me to write. Its not compliments but irritation :) So forgive my "Just for the Record" post as obviously it has inspired me in my busy schedule to read a few more opinions.
I don't believe there necessarily has to be a first cause to the universe. The law of physics whilst noble is only based on our knowledge of Earth and perhaps a little of our solar system. We do not have the scope of knowledge to even predicate such a large claim as the 'first cause' without further knowledge of the entire universe.
To answer your first question. Christianity is now embraced by different cultures worldwide, it is no longer just restricted to the Jews. (by the way I like how you referred to God as 'she')
I think the more relevant question is why God needs to choose at all?
This leads me on to your second question, why any deity would want to seek reverence and praise. I believe this to be the most naive concept in any religion. I'd imagine any all powerful deity with supposed good intentions would have got past the pride stage.
However, setting up a powerful figurehead is the key to success of any large organisation, be it religious or financial. Praise and adulation is inevitable for some reason or another, and if it is indoctrinated, so much the better for the religion. Those points are not so much against God, but against organised religion, and who am I to argue?
Ezekiel 25:17