Evolution took a long time (Introduction)

by David Turell , Monday, February 13, 2017, 16:58 (2840 days ago) @ dhw

dhw:I didn’t say that the presence of humans “creates emotions in Him”. My point is a) that (if he exists) he must have had a reason for creating humans, and b) it is not unreasonable to suppose that since nothing existed before him, he may share some of the attributes with which he has endowed us humans. But you are right: we do not “need” to consider any of the subjects we discuss. However, we have embarked on these discussions because they are important to us, and I do not see why we should suddenly limit their scope to your own guesses concerning God’s purposes.

We have gone 'round and 'round about this subject. You have your view. I have mine. I try to humanize Him as little as possible. You more so. It doesn't go anywhere.

DAVID: Figuring out how to relate to His personage is a more difficult issue. I approach Him hoping He is interested, nothing more. Bleak? Yes. But anything more is a human invention based on how we are.

DAVID: I stick by my approach that He has objectives (purposes) without experiencing self-satisfaction, as we do.

dhw: Pure speculation on your part.

Of course, based on the point that He is a personage like no other.

DAVID: ...but with our brains we have solved many so far. He didn't ask us to solve the problems created, He gave us the brains so we could, because we are forced to.

dhw: I believe you when you say he didn’t actually order you to solve the problems, but you have told us that was his “tough-love” purpose.

Tough love is His approach to us, not a purpose, since He gave us big brains which can solve problems.

DAVID: And I'm sure He is watching. My humanizing approach is quite opposite yours.

dhw: That is the nub of the whole matter. You dismiss alternative versions of your God’s purpose on the grounds that they “humanize” him, though you admit that your own version also humanizes him. The problem is quite simply that you do not want to consider any view of God’s purpose that differs from your own. One last question: since you are always the one looking for purpose, and since you are sure God created us, and since you are sure God is watching us, what do you think might be God’s purpose for watching us?

He created us. Why shouldn't He be interested in seeing how we handle problems? Interested not purposeful.