Quote:
Originally Posted by Jodou1  Quote:
Originally Posted by Skepticologist Quote:
Originally Posted by cheeta52 I have looked into this... In the bible god is said to Omnipotent. This is classically defined as the ability to see all hear all basically do anything and most importantly see into the future... If that one man can see into our direct and perpetual future then what of free will? There would be none thus the fall of man is of gods invention. | I think a better adjective for the characteristic of the christian god you're describing is omnisicent (all knowing). But you point up an essential dilemma. Once you accept the biblical description of god, which includes omniscience, you're left with the quandary of what god knows about your eternal destiny. Will you enter through the pearly gates and walk the streets of gold, or will you be an eternal resident of the lake that burns with fire and brimstone?
And you're right on target with the implications of such foreknowledge on free will. After all, if the all-knowing god knows you're going to be an eternal crispy critter, what in the hell are you going to do to make it not so? And that kind of thinking leads to questions like "Why the hell doesn't god just tell me where I'm going to spend eternity and save me all the bullshit if I'm heading to hell anyhow?"
The very ludicrous nature of such a philosophical circle jerk should make it abundantly obvious that (1) there is no supreme entity, at least as so futilely described in the holy scriptures, and (2) even if there were, it can't be taken seriously given the cruel games it plays with us poor humans. |
As my first post aside from introducing myself, I am giving you kudos. This is a point I've made to my family before. When something good or bad happens it's typically attributed to God. A blessing or tribulation that the all knowing had pre-determined for us. Then there's the belief that God knows what you're going to do, because he is after all "all knowing". Then throw into the mix the belief in Destiny, which for several people I know is the belief in God's master plan.
My mother for instance believes in all of the above, and doesn't see the flaw in it. If God is all knowing and has this master plan which is indisputable, then free will is a paradox.
If my choices truly are my own then it stands to reason everyone else's are too. Which would mean that if someone effected my life either positively or negatively it was a product of free will not some masterplan.
If the above is true, and God is still all knowing, then those choices lose all meaning. Why send us here to make choices that we will be judged on if the judgement will be a negative one. A cruel game indeed. |
This is good stuff here you 2.
1) No one religion has it all, not atheist, and Buddha, not Christians.
2) The other definition of Omni (whatever) is to know all this is POSSIBLE to know. This is the one that applies to this higher power thingie. It knows what can be known and doesn’t know what cant be known. As you guys pointed out, we need to keep in mind what we know today … nothing.
You guys are right on target with the other stuff.
