The absence of what we call existence. But then we wouldn't be around to make that call.What would convince you that it wasn't real?
The absence of what we call existence. But then we wouldn't be around to make that call.What would convince you that it wasn't real?
Sounds like gibberish to me. What does "existence" have to do with God. Why does "existence" require God?The absence of what we call existence. But then we wouldn't be around to make that call.
How could it possibly be without God?Sounds like gibberish to me. What does "existence" have to do with God. Why does "existence" require God?
Or you are full of shit.Okay. Could be you're not ready.
Appreciation and Love of life is "shit"? I think the opposite more likely.Or you are full of shit.
That is not your premise. We aren't talking about life itself, but the idea that life is permiated with some undetectable spirit, who's role and nature you insist on remaining vague and indefinable.Appreciation and Love of life is "shit"? I think the opposite more likely.
Why must it be definable? I contend that the purpose of life is life itself. It's the mind that searches for meaning.who's role and nature you insist on remaining vague and indefinable.
Okay. I will try my best. It is an exploding star, a spiral galaxy, a dead animal carcass, the cold chill of a winter's morning, a flower, a dog urinating on a tree, sex, the smell of burnt popcorn, the feelings of joy and sadness, a memory, a plaid shirt, a picture, etc, etc, etc...It's not a thing if you can't define it.
If your definition of God is that it's everything, even I believe in everything, so I believe in your God. But it's also useless as an idea, it doesn't add anything to what we already know, since the word nature already suffices and is less likely to be confused with the baggage of religion.Okay. I will try my best. It is an exploding star, a spiral galaxy, a dead animal carcass, the cold chill of a winter's morning, a flower, a dog urinating on a tree, sex, the smell of burnt popcorn, the feelings of joy and sadness, a memory, a plaid shirt, a picture, etc, etc, etc...
The definition of God is probably endless, SG. One might even say infinite.
You can call it nature if that somehow makes it more palatable. I don't know what baggage you are fearful of holding. From my perspective, every day is a day in church. Every recognition of life's gifts is a prayer. But if people feel a need to erect a building and meet on a designated day to give thanks, I haven't a problem with that either.since the word nature already suffices and is less likely to be confused with the baggage of religion.
I think the predictable response to that is:But if people feel a need to erect a building and meet on a designated day to give thanks, I haven't a problem with that either.
Agree. What it's called is not the point; what it does - such as, say, take mindful and deliberate action - is.Calling nature a being seems to me to ascribe qualities to it that are lacking. Empathy, for instance.
provided there is no assertion that said god exists for anyone else
Our being happy or not does not bring things into existence.Certainly there is no obligation on your part. If you are happy, I don't want to take that away from you.
Agreed.Our being happy or not does not bring things into existence.
I could be miserable and you could be overjoyed, but that itself does not lend any credence to the existence of a god.
*shrug* How could it possibly be without unicorns?How could it possibly be without God?