Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
No, it was people doing that. People are the hands of God - for good or bad.
The problem with so many discussions about God is often God is defined in ways that are not true.
Buddha, Jesus & many others explained that God is not some external observable thing but “the kingdom (realm/experience) of God is within you.” When you realize how it couldn’t be any other way, you’re left with responsibility- which is why many would rather look to a sky-daddy to blame.
God is defined as love. The word is like GOoD - which is potential in us all, but often is revealed through “bad.”
Isn't it marvellous? God orders bad stuff - humans get the blame. Humans do good stuff - God gets the credit.
Some basics that might be taken for granted that we got from Moses:
1. Don't kill
2. Don't steal
3. Don't lie
4. Don't cheat
5. Honor your parents (generally, parents are each of ours first morality teachers)
Moses has not been adequately established as an historical character.
Prohibitions of the sort you list here are extremely common in all cultures because they are the basic underpinning of social reciprocity. Including cultures that predate Moses, even if he existed.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperSoul
As religion has evolved, the moral laws have evolved. Jesus (who was likely greatly influenced by Buddhism) explained that the old laws were ok - but there were higher laws. IE: Old laws say, "Don't cheat on your wife" New law he suggested was "Don't even lust after any other woman - guard your thoughts not just your actions."
It is true that religious morality is far from immutable. It can't be; the actual source of morality is society; if religion does not evolve along with society in the way that religion decorates and embellishes societal morality, it will itself become immoral, and suffer the consequences.
As religion has evolved, the moral laws have evolved. Jesus (who was likely greatly influenced by Buddhism) explained that the old laws were ok - but there were higher laws. IE: Old laws say, "Don't cheat on your wife" New law he suggested was "Don't even lust after any other woman - guard your thoughts not just your actions."
I agree sins are bad, but I also accept that they're human nature and constantly feeling guilty and feel needing to ask God for forgiveness could cause neurosis.
I agree sins are bad, but I also accept that they're human nature and constantly feeling guilty and needing to ask God for forgiveness could cause neurosis.
Also in my experience most people have a hard enough time getting forgiveness from themselves, let alone from some capricious invisible character.
I suppose that imagining that god forgives you is a way for some people to gain "permission" to forgive themselves, so there's that.
Also in my experience most people have a hard enough time getting forgiveness from themselves, let alone from some capricious invisible character.
I suppose that imagining that god forgives you is a way for some people to gain "permission" to forgive themselves, so there's that.
Both great points. I would also add that the feeling that God forgives me, but doesn't forgive people who don't believe like me is a selfish / immoral one.
God repeatedly ordered babies and children to be hacked to death with swords. God once drowned the entire planet. God condones and supports slavery. Humans have outlawed genocide and slavery worldwide. God could take some morality lesson from humans.
Not hard to believe that you'll blame God for immorality here on earth Moderator cut: Unacceptable language . Are you going to be the teacher of God?
And God didn't drown "the entire planet"...the earth is flat.
Last edited by mensaguy; 01-26-2018 at 11:04 AM..
Reason: Totally unacceptable language for the R&S forums.
Both great points. I would also add that the feeling that God forgives me, but doesn't forgive people who don't believe like me is a selfish / immoral one.
Is your "feeling" based on what God's only begotten Son, Jesus Christ did for you?
Not hard to believe that you'll blame God for immorality here on earth Moderator cut: Unacceptable language . Are you going to be the teacher of God?
And God didn't drown "the entire planet"...the earth is flat.
What is your religion?
Last edited by mensaguy; 01-26-2018 at 11:05 AM..
Reason: Quoted post edited.
There have always been leaders who perceive new applications of the principles taught in the best religions and within the same belief system there have always been foot draggers and outright reactionaries. The difference can be astounding.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
