[Ghostfire (Banned)]

I've seen God before and none of you are correct in your description.

God is a unicorn.

[scumquat1]

I'm amazed at how many different views there are on this subject. Do Christians even agree on a single definition of God?

[Ari Shaffir (Banned)]

Originally Posted by scumquat1

I'm amazed at how many different views there are on this subject. Do Christians even agree on a single definition of God?

It might be because you didnt specify you only wanted the christian answer.

[RamboPreacher]

Originally Posted by scumquat1

Can someone define God for me? Is He/She/It some sort of being with a human form, or is God simply energy or perhaps consciousness without a body? Is God all powerful or is he governed in any way by the laws of nature and reality?

Given that there are so many believers on this forum, I'd appreciate one of you giving us a clear description of and definition of God. That would increase our understanding of the concept and might even bring a few more believers into the fold.

who's god, which belief system or tradition are you in reference?

Originally Posted by Mps2216

It'd seem to me that the instance you define God, he ceases to be "God". I only say this because when one defines something, he becomes quantified, and I don't think this omnipotent figure would be quantifiable. But perhaps that's just me, although I suppose this is one reason why don't believe in it/him/her/shim.

there is something to be said for this, though I think that too much metaphysical mumbo-jumbo could also take it to an extreme.

Originally Posted by *Blitzkreig*

I kind of agree with you. To me, it would seem impossible to put a face on God or give him some sort of wordly image.

Why is God always some old guy with a beard?

anthropomorphizations are strewn throughout human history in reference to deity's. Most belief systems use them for analogous reference, not physical characteristics. as to the old man image in some Christianities, there is a Biblical reference to "ancient of days", and other descriptors that artists will use in their particular descriptive prowess.

Originally Posted by DYE baller FOR life

i believe God is a man, only because of what is stated in Genesis, man created in Gods own image?
would make sense that God looked like a man.

I would disagree, (Judaeo-Christianity anyway, since you referenced "the Bible"). see my previous post replies as to why.

...
i personally don't think we will ever find out, even once you get to His judgment.
because (correct me if im wrong, nicely please) i believe it says somewhere in the Bible you cannot look upon Gods face?
or somthing along those lines.

I don't think we will find out in this realm of understanding. I believe that some have seen the "face of God" (again, Judaeo Christian, not a physical descriptor, but an analogy-reference) - there are some references of prophets and people in the Bible saying they have seen the "face of God" (Moses, Jacob come to mind).

Originally Posted by Ghostfire

I've seen God before and none of you are correct in your description.

God is a unicorn.

Really? and what tradition, or religious system is this based in, or are you your own religion-founder?

how about Altizer's (atheist) definition of God: “God is a forward-moving process of kenotic metamorphosis who remains himself even while passing through a movement of absolute self-negation.”

Many try to use their perceptions of the attributes of God as a definition, as exampled in this " Apostle's creed":

I believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth
And in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord
Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary
Suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, dead and buried; He descended into hell
The third day he rose again from the dead
He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty
From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead
I believe in the Holy Ghost
I believe a holy catholic church; the communion of saints
The forgiveness of sins
The resurrection of the body
And the life everlasting. Amen.

or the Creed from Nicea:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds; God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God; begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made.
Who, for us men for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried; and the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again, with glory, to judge the quick and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end.
And I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of Life; who proceeds from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets.
And I believe one holy catholic and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

I think that without anthropomorphic descriptions and analogous example and innuendo, it is impossible to "define" God (Judaeo-Christian). I will say that I believe that God is the great Supreme existing in eternity, unbegotten, unmade without beginning, without end; the uncaused-cause, not limited by His creation, this physics; existing in and out of time simultaneously without being arranged. To us, his mortal creation, He is who He presents Himself to us as for that particular, and punctiliar moment in linear time as we perceive it.

[scumquat1]

Originally Posted by Ari Shaffir

It might be because you didnt specify you only wanted the christian answer.

I don't only want the Christian answer.

Originally Posted by RamboPreacher

who's god, which belief system or tradition are you in reference?

I'll leave that up to those who have faith and a definition. I'm just interested in hearing what people have to offer.

[DYE baller FOR life]

Quote:
Originally Posted by scumquat1
Can someone define God for me? Is He/She/It some sort of being with a human form, or is God simply energy or perhaps consciousness without a body? Is God all powerful or is he governed in any way by the laws of nature and reality?

Given that there are so many believers on this forum, I'd appreciate one of you giving us a clear description of and definition of God. That would increase our understanding of the concept and might even bring a few more believers into the fold.

who's god, which belief system or tradition are you in reference?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mps2216
It'd seem to me that the instance you define God, he ceases to be "God". I only say this because when one defines something, he becomes quantified, and I don't think this omnipotent figure would be quantifiable. But perhaps that's just me, although I suppose this is one reason why don't believe in it/him/her/shim.

there is something to be said for this, though I think that too much metaphysical mumbo-jumbo could also take it to an extreme.


Quote:
Originally Posted by *Blitzkreig*
I kind of agree with you. To me, it would seem impossible to put a face on God or give him some sort of wordly image.

Why is God always some old guy with a beard?

anthropomorphizations are strewn throughout human history in reference to deity's. Most belief systems use them for analogous reference, not physical characteristics. as to the old man image in some Christianities, there is a Biblical reference to "ancient of days", and other descriptors that artists will use in their particular descriptive prowess.


Quote:
Originally Posted by DYE baller FOR life
i believe God is a man, only because of what is stated in Genesis, man created in Gods own image?
would make sense that God looked like a man.

I would disagree, (Judaeo-Christianity anyway, since you referenced "the Bible"). see my previous post replies as to why.

Quote:
...
i personally don't think we will ever find out, even once you get to His judgment.
because (correct me if im wrong, nicely please) i believe it says somewhere in the Bible you cannot look upon Gods face?
or somthing along those lines.

I don't think we will find out in this realm of understanding. I believe that some have seen the face of God (again, Judaeo Christian) - there are many references of prophets and people in the Bible saying they have seen the face of God (Moses, Jacob come to mind).

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ghostfire
I've seen God before and none of you are correct in your description.

God is a unicorn.



Really? and what tradition, or religious system is this based in, or are you your own religion-founder?

how about Altizer's (atheist) definition of God: “God is a forward-moving process of kenotic metamorphosis who remains himself even while passing through a movement of absolute self-negation.”

Many try to use their perceptions of the attributes of God as a definition, as exampled in this " Apostle's creed":
Quote:
I believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth
And in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord
Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary
Suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, dead and buried; He descended into hell
The third day he rose again from the dead
He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty
From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead
I believe in the Holy Ghost
I believe a holy catholic church; the communion of saints
The forgiveness of sins
The resurrection of the body
And the life everlasting. Amen.

or the Creed from Nicea:
Quote:
I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds; God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God; begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made.
Who, for us men for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried; and the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again, with glory, to judge the quick and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end.
And I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of Life; who proceeds from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets.
And I believe one holy catholic and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

I think that without anthropomorphic descriptions and analogous example and innuendo, it is impossible to "define" God (Judaeo-Christian). I will say that I believe that God is the great Supreme existing in eternity, unbegotten, unmade without beginning, without end; the uncaused-cause, not limited by His creation, this physics; existing in and out of time simultaneously without being arranged. To us, his mortal creation, He is who He presents Himself to us as for that particular, and punctiliar moment in linear time as we perceive it.

^^ well said my friend.

[NEp8ntballer]

Originally Posted by RamboPreacher

Many try to use their perceptions of the attributes of God as a definition, as exampled in this " Apostle's creed":

lol, in the Lutheran version it's "The holy Christian church"

[cryptic.paintball]

God = Celestial dictator

[RamboPreacher]

Originally Posted by cryptic.paintball

God = Celestial dictator

benevolent, celestial dictator. heheheheeheeee

[cryptic.paintball]

Originally Posted by RamboPreacher

benevolent, celestial dictator. heheheheeheeee

Both fit rather well.

[Mastermind26]

Originally Posted by cryptic.paintball

Both fit rather well.

How does dictator (tyrant and despot) fit well with benevolent (concerned for others/kind)?

[cryptic.paintball]

OT vs NT

[Mastermind26]

Originally Posted by cryptic.paintball

OT vs NT

He was still benevolent towards His people though.

[warbeak2099]

Originally Posted by Mastermind26

He was still benevolent towards His people though.

In many cases he was not. He only began practicing forgiveness after several books full of him killing a lot of his own chosen people.

[Mastermind26]

Originally Posted by warbeak2099

In many cases he was not. He only began practicing forgiveness after several books full of him killing a lot of his own chosen people.

I think you may have been reading in between the lines for that. Strict does not equal tyranny. He did set the rules pretty tough (still true today, the tough part) but that doesn't take away from His benevolence.

[warbeak2099]

The rules are still strict (not as strict), but the punishment seems to have gotten less harsh. Aka, no more genocide.

[The Foo]

Odin



Loki

[RamboPreacher]

Originally Posted by Mastermind26

How does dictator (tyrant and despot) fit well with benevolent (concerned for others/kind)?

how does dictator equate tyrant/despot?

[Mastermind26]

Originally Posted by RamboPreacher

how does dictator equate tyrant/despot?

Isn't that the "common" known use of the word? I mean a dictator would be nothing more than a person who dictates or gives instructions, but the commonly accepted use is a tyrant/depot.

Maybe you were being "cheeky"...

[RamboPreacher]

Originally Posted by Mastermind26

Isn't that the "common" known use of the word? I mean a dictator would be nothing more than a person who dictates or gives instructions, but the commonly accepted use is a tyrant/depot.

Maybe you were being "cheeky"...

nope. guess I never made the assumption that dictator equated tyrant. a dictator is a dictator. a person can be a tyrant. my point was exactly that, though. without definition, dictator can have a negative colloquial connotation, even if the definition isn't. so I added benevolent.

[daflo]

god is god. How the **** is some one suppose to explain god to you when know one knows what the hell god is? lol.

If you beleive in god, then he is a creature of faith, if you dont a creature of others imaginations.