To consider that we could design a god according to our own list of criteria sounds as ridiculous and it does irrational. The truth about the existence (or otherwise) of god (or gods) is not determined by whether or not we would like there to be a god/s, and what we would like that god/s to be like. This is a truth that exists outside of our own opinion or desire, in the same way that I might desire to drive a Ferrari, but regardless of this I will still be driving my Pulsar (albeit very trustworthy Pulsar) to work tomorrow. I cannot simply ‘think’ or ‘desire’ or even ‘hope’ something into reality.
Each week I meet with a group of people and we read the Bible and consider what it has to say to us, consider how the Bible will inform and affect the way we live our lives, and encourage each other to do this. Last week was the second of six weeks where we are exploring six major worldviews (the way people approach and interpret life and god). Last Tuesday the topic of the day was Deism.
In a very sweeping summary, this worldview holds to ideas including:
- god exists and is much like a watchmaker – god winds up the clock (creates the world), and then lets it go, without a continuing involvement or interest in it.
- everything that can be known about god or morality can be determined by reasoning and observation.
- morality exists – there is a ‘right’ and a ‘wrong’.
- there is an afterlife and god will either reward or judge people according to their adherence to this moral code.
This is a both an interesting and frightening combination of ideas. For god to ‘get the ball rolling’ and then step back until judgement, reveals a god who is distant and uninterested. According to this worldview, god becomes involved again at judgement which is a terrifying concept because at no time has god revealed himself, identified his expectations or communicated with those whom he judges. Worst of all, this worldview provides no opportunity for redemption – moral failure (whatever that means) results in eternal punishment.
Coming soon – the third installment of
Lego god.This post is tagged
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