What does God do?

[naomi24]

Apparently we can't blame God for the ills of this world and we must be grateful to him for the good in the world- but I don't see him doing anything at all - so what does he actually 'do'?

[jomifl]

I don't think he has done anything since that cock up over mary..

[Kathyan]

He doesn't do anything because he doesn't exist!

[RATTER15]

jomifl, I must correct you, there was no ><cock up<<!!

Naomi!! you know better.

I think the best I can offer is not god but "Mother Nature" she does a marvellous job, just look around you, however She also has a wicked cruel hand sometimes!

[jomifl]

Ratter, so how did she get pregnant?

[RATTER15]

Jomifl, It was a godly act!!

Mind you, that is what they say about me afterwards as well!! :-)

[naomi24]

The question was really aimed at those who believe in him - those who seem to believe he actually 'does' things in a practical sense.

[RATTER15]

I think we are just being a little jovial this morning Naomi :-)

[Khandro]

What does God do? - That depends rather on where you are coming from. As you have told everyone ad nauseam; as far as you are concerned, there is no God, I wonder why you ask the question, - I think you should seriously ponder that.

[chakka35]

Yours is a strange attitude, Khandro: that one should not ask believers about what they believe when one is not a believer oneself. It would surely add to the sum total of human knowledge to answer naomi's question rather than to suggest that she shouldn't ask it.

I have spent years on this site trying to get inside the minds of religionists in an effort to discover why they are happy to eschew the intelligence that evolution has given them in favour of a belief in ancient superstitions. It is no more than an interest in one's fellow human beings. I show the same curiosity about astrologers, crystal-gazers, UFO fanatics, people who waste money on quack 'medicines', and other believers in weird things.

[Khandro]

^^ Have you nothing better to do?

[naomi24]

Khandro, This is a genuine and valid question, but I might be forgiven for thinking you have no answer to it. As for ‘ad nauseam’, that seems to be a response well-used by people who’d rather those who disagree with them would just shut up.

[cazzz1975]

Believing in god brings comfort to a lot of people, praying makes people feel better, it helps people come to terms with tragedy.

[naomi24]

Cazz, I understand that, but that is a product of individual faith and nothing else. I'd like to know what the faithful believe he, personally, actually does in a practical sense.

[cazzz1975]

I have a lot of catholic family, they will praise god for good health, fortune, pregnancies even weather. whereas I would question things, they would link anything positive to the lord rewarding them for their prayers. when tragedy strikes they pray and say its part of gods plan.

[beso]

cazzz1975 //Believing in god brings comfort to a lot of people, praying makes people feel better, it helps people come to terms with tragedy. //

Because this is the model of spirituality sold in the dogma of various churches. They are taught in a framework that ensures their unquestioning compliance of the faithful with the oligarchy of the particular church.

They are taught that there is nothing beyond this perception drilled into them from birth. Those not destined for the divine are headed for hell.

Take away this blinkered perspective and we see opportunity to celebrate life rather than peer into the promised future of an afterlife "heaven" had though complete obedience to doctrine.

[cazzz1975]

I dont agree with being fed religion as a child. However I think "prayers" are a coping strategy for some people. I wouldnt begrudge anyone the use of prayers and belief if it gets them through a very sad time in life.

we all use one crutch or another in life be it sport, antidepressants, alcohol or the like

[beso]

cazzz1975 //we all use one crutch or another in life be it sport, antidepressants, alcohol or the like//

Indeed, but understandably, some of us object when followers of the particular brand of of crutch insist that their unsubstantiated claims of special knowledge of universal truth aught to be used to guide public policy even when observation and logic indicate otherwise.

[Khandro]

To answer your question naomi, this wednesday (26th) will be Yom Kippur, and if you are a Jew you will believe that; 'Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the year--the day on which we are closest to God and to the quintessence of our own souls. It is the Day of Atonement--"For on this day He will forgive you, to purify you, that you be cleansed from all your sins before God" (Leviticus 16:30).'
Of course if you are not Jewish you may well believe differently, but it seems pretty potent stuff - and before you dismiss it, pause to consider that the Jewish race are proportionately the most intellige people on earth.

[Kromovaracun]

"the Jewish race are proportionately the most intellige people on earth."

I didn't realise races of people had been credibly ranked by intelligence in the modern age. Would you mind providing some evidence for this?

[mibn2cweus]

...pause to consider that the Jewish race are proportionately the most intellige people on earth.

Kinda makes you wonder, don't it . . . who's writing the IQ tests?