IS the christian god the only one that exists? Why?

[dcalling]

In that case, how do you know that the gods in other monotheistic religions do not exist?
How do you know that there are not multiple gods (polytheism)?

In my mind, the other Gods might just be the same one, or ones that are made up.

Let's take the first assumption. I think since we have God's 'breath' or spirit in us (since we are made by God), we have this tendency to want to know God. In Taoism Laozi said he know something is there in the beginning and is the foundation of all, but can't name it.

The way I think God is 'one' (not polytheism) is that God is in unison, God is unified in goodness, love and purpose. I don't think there is Gods for riches, birth, health, rain etc, and I only pray to one God. But the Bible does use 'We' multiples when God talks, so maybe part of God, with the same intention, can feel like a separate entity to us.

I did a lot of research on other religions, so far the only one beside Bible that appears to be flawless is Buddhism, not able to pick anything bad or flawed in it except it did not make me a better man, the Bible did (I think it is because we are sinners and with our own deeds we can't escape sin except through Jesus alone). Let me know if you can find another religion that matches Christianity, I will definitely research it.

 

[workmx]

I remember you posing this question as a rebuke against Pascal's wager in one of your other threads. I explained there that Pascal had ruled out other faiths as being unreasonable in his Pensees and suggested that if you wanted to explore your rebuke further, to post it as a separate OP, so I'm pleased to see you do so.

I would agree with what aiki said...because the Bible says as much...that there is only one true god. There's quite a few versus that say this...here is one:

"For there is one God..." 1 Timothy 2:5 (KJV)

Now I understand, as a former non-believer, that doesn't say much to non-believers. Why should one take the Bible as reliable?

And I believe aiki went on to answer that in the rest of his post #2.

I would only go beyond what aiki has already said by reminding you that the bible is not just one single book, but a library of books written over a long span of time by many different authors and the continuity between these many different books and authors is truly remarkable! Also, the life of Jesus related in the NT fulfills the messianic prophecies of the OT extremely well! Then, there is also the evidence that surrounds the resurrection of Jesus, which led credibility to the claims of Jesus, that he was in fact God, and he viewed the OT scriptures as reliable.

So why do I reject other gods? Because the bible says that the god of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is the one and only true god. So, your next step would be to start investigating some of these reasons we listed concerning why we believe the bible is reliable.

What if the bible be wrong?

I gets many things wrong (eg: there are no talking animals in the real world): could this be just another one?

 

[workmx]

Because when compared to the Bible, they just don't measure up. The Bible is a very singular text. Why?

1. Its incredible unity.
2. Its amazing track record of fulfilled prophecy.
3. Its archaeological/historical accuracy.
4. Its philosophical/moral/spiritual profundity.
5. Its impact upon human history.
6. Its power to change lives.

And so on.

Not surpringly, I would liek to see evidence for all those claims, if you wish to hold my interest.

It is not my energy that you are at risk of exhausting, but my interest. If you are here to sincerely understand the Christian worldview, if you really want to know what followers of Christ think, then I am glad to discuss such things with you. However, your tone in most of your posts is antagonistic rather than inquiring and, to be frank, often distinctly disingenuous. I have neither the time, nor the desire to debate my faith with someone who is determined to see it as foolishness no matter the reason and evidence I give to support my faith.

An interesting use of words there.

Can you explain why someone might think that your views are "foolish"?

I take them much more seriously than that.

I want to understand how and why you think the way that you do. It is a case of understanding how you live your life and if it is an examined one.

That is a pretty serious endevour.

Do you think that it may be dangerous to hold unjustified irational beliefs?

If yes, why?

 

[workmx]

In my mind, the other Gods might just be the same one, or ones that are made up.

Let's take the first assumption. I think since we have God's 'breath' or spirit in us (since we are made by God), we have this tendency to want to know God. In Taoism Laozi said he know something is there in the beginning and is the foundation of all, but can't name it.

The way I think God is 'one' (not polytheism) is that God is in unison, God is unified in goodness, love and purpose. I don't think there is Gods for riches, birth, health, rain etc, and I only pray to one God. But the Bible does use 'We' multiples when God talks, so maybe part of God, with the same intention, can feel like a separate entity to us.

I did a lot of research on other religions, so far the only one beside Bible that appears to be flawless is Buddhism, not able to pick anything bad or flawed in it except it did not make me a better man, the Bible did (I think it is because we are sinners and with our own deeds we can't escape sin except through Jesus alone). Let me know if you can find another religion that matches Christianity, I will definitely research it.

Do you really think that the bible is flawless?

Seriously?

 

[aiki]

Because when compared to the Bible, they just don't measure up. The Bible is a very singular text. Why?

1. Its incredible unity.
2. Its amazing track record of fulfilled prophecy.
3. Its archaeological/historical accuracy.
4. Its philosophical/moral/spiritual profundity.
5. Its impact upon human history.
6. Its power to change lives.

And so on.
​

Not surpringly, I would liek to see evidence for all those claims, if you wish to hold my interest.

To be clear: I have not the slightest interest in "holding your interest." You approached the Christians who frequent this forum with a question that you wanted them to answer, they did not approach you. I don't see, then, how they are obliged to keep you interested in their answers. Do you have good reason to doubt the claims about the Bible that I've made? If so, what are those reasons?

An interesting use of words there.

Can you explain why someone might think that your views are "foolish"?

I don't know why someone might think that. Why do you think I should?

I take them much more seriously than that.

You keep saying this but it isn't in evidence in how you engage with the responses you receive.

I want to understand how and why you think the way that you do. It is a case of understanding how you live your life and if it is an examined one.

And why is it important to you to investigate these things?

That is a pretty serious endevour.

Oh? Why is that?

Do you think that it may be dangerous to hold unjustified irational beliefs?

If yes, why?

Of course I do. This is why I spend the time and effort I do trying to encourage and persuade atheists to consider a better worldview.

Selah.

 

[workmx]

To be clear: I have not the slightest interest in "holding your interest." You approached the Christians who frequent this forum with a question that you wanted them to answer, they did not approach you. I don't see, then, how they are obliged to keep you interested in their answers. Do you have good reason to doubt the claims about the Bible that I've made? If so, what are those reasons?

So, no evidence then. Cool.

We will ignore those claims then.

I don't know why someone might think that. Why do you think I should?

I don't know. You mentioned the word.

So, why do people think you/your ideas are foolish?

You keep saying this but it isn't in evidence in how you engage with the responses you receive.

That is your interpretation.

You do not know anything about my moitvations.

And why is it important to you to investigate these things?

Why do you think an unexamined life is important?

Oh? Why is that?

Because, if you believe one thing for bad reasons, you may believe other things (which are harmful to you) for bad reasons.

It is about being gullible. Ther is research that shows children brought up in religious households are more gullible than other children.

As a member of a eusocial species, I do not like the ideas that my fellow humans are in real danger (as compared to fake kind).

Of course I do. This is why I spend the time and effort I do trying to encourage and persuade atheists to consider a better worldview.

I'll set aside that atheism is not a worldview, just a single posiiton on a single issue.

Do you think that religion is a "better worldview"?

I cannot see how something that appears to be an illusion is better than active engagement with the world as we know it.

 

[workmx]

To be clear: I have not the slightest interest in "holding your interest." You approached the Christians who frequent this forum with a question that you wanted them to answer, they did not approach you.

Pity that.

Because I thought that the people here might have some reasonable ideas about why I should believe in god.

I guess you are saying that you have none.

I am assuming (always dangerous) that you are a believer. Why do you believe?

 

[oi_antz]

What is a god?

 

[TheyCallMeDavid]

I assume that:
- most christians believe in a single one god (monotheism); and
- that this god is the christian god.

In that case, how do you know that the gods in other monotheistic religions do not exist?

How do you know that there are not multiple gods (polytheism)?

1. Because the Bible can be shown to be supernaturally inspired of God by hundreds of very narrowly fulfilled Prophecies especially about Jesus which Jesus fulfilled hundreds of years later , precisely .

2. Because there is more historically verifiable evidence for the life, death, burial, resurrection of Jesus including eye witnesses/internal evidences/external non Christian testimony by first century Historians/ and scientific archeological finds that corroborate places, events, Jewish Priests who were involved in the actual condemning of Jesus just prior to his crucifixion.

3. Because Jesus predicted his own death and resurrection, then accomplished it, which no other person in history has ever done....whatever Jesus taught or spoke of is then absolutely true. Including that he was the actual Creator in the flesh.

4. Because of the real bonified confirmed miracles Jesus performed in the presence of thousands of people of which eye witnesses wrote about. Because these Writers went to horrific deaths instead of recanting their stories and writings about Jesus . No one dies knowing they are dying for a big lie.

5. Jesus clearly taught that there were 3 independent personalities that make up the Godhead : The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit of God. Whatever came out of Jesus' mouth was truth , completely.

6. Because Jesus is true and real, this makes every other competing Religion, Polytheism, Philosophy totally null and void .... a fraud and outright lie.

7. Because no other World Religious Leader ever claimed to be God then backed it up, and, because no other World Religion deals with Mans Sin and a Savior required to erase it and to be reconciled to an infinitely holy and righteous Creator of us all.

8. Because of the very real power of Christ in the life of a converted Christian who is inwardly transformed from a state of rebellion, narcissism, hedonism to a completely reconstructed Vessel now dedicated to serving God and others instead of Self grandizement.... a person who exemplifies the Fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:24 whereas before his conversion, it was the opposite.

 

[aiki]

So, no evidence then. Cool.

We will ignore those claims then.

LOL! You can jump to conclusions as you like. You seem rather eager to do so. I repeat my questions to you: Do you have good reason to doubt the claims about the Bible that I've made? If so, what are those reasons?

You didn't answer my questions, so perhaps I should follow your example and assume you don't have any good reasons to deny my claims.

So, why do people think you/your ideas are foolish?

You'd be better served to ask them, don't you think? They are the ones who think my ideas foolish, not me.

Why do you think an unexamined life is important?

How do you know my life is "unexamined"?

Because, if you believe one thing for bad reasons, you may believe other things (which are harmful to you) for bad reasons.

How do you know I have bad reasons for my beliefs?

It is about being gullible. Ther is research that shows children brought up in religious households are more gullible than other children.

What research is that, exactly?

As a member of a eusocial species, I do not like the ideas that my fellow humans are in real danger (as compared to fake kind).

That's nice - and a bit presumptuous. Do you frequent skydiver websites, or freeclimbers chat rooms to challenge them on their dangerous interests?

Selah.

 

[Joshua260]

What if the bible be wrong?

I and others have already explained in this thread why we believe the bible is reliable. Let's please not retread old ground.

 

[TheyCallMeDavid]

Originally Posted by workmx

What if the bible be wrong ?


RESPONSE: Its actually impossible for it to be wrong because its truth doesn't come from fallible Man. Further, if you take the time to read just the book of John with an unbiased open Mind, you start to see theres something special about its text and it actually speaks to you deeply. Also, the Bible has never been proven wrong historically, scientifically, or thru archeology . In fact, the Old Testament of the Bible written 2-3,000 b.c. lists over 50 scientific facts and statements that have been proven correct in modern times such as air has weight, the earth is a sphere, the oceans have springs on their floor, the hydrological system , atomic disintegration and more. If you took the time to truly examine the Bible and its credibility, it would shock you. It speaks to the inner recesses of the Human Soul, its literally changed the hardest of criminals into peace filled loving meek People, and its been the strength for Presidents, U.S. Generals, top Medical Doctors, as well as the average Joe Schmoe .

Are you willing to warm up to the Bible and give it a chance with yourself ? If the Christian Faith were real, would you willingly give your life to Christ who claimed and proved to be the actual Creator who came to earth ?
​

 

[dcalling]

Do you really think that the bible is flawless?

Seriously?

Seriously? Do you even read the post before reply? Below is my original post

In my mind, the other Gods might just be the same one, or ones that are made up.

Let's take the first assumption. I think since we have God's 'breath' or spirit in us (since we are made by God), we have this tendency to want to know God. In Taoism Laozi said he know something is there in the beginning and is the foundation of all, but can't name it.

The way I think God is 'one' (not polytheism) is that God is in unison, God is unified in goodness, love and purpose. I don't think there is Gods for riches, birth, health, rain etc, and I only pray to one God. But the Bible does use 'We' multiples when God talks, so maybe part of God, with the same intention, can feel like a separate entity to us.

I did a lot of research on other religions, so far the only one beside Bible that appears to be flawless is Buddhism, not able to pick anything bad or flawed in it except it did not make me a better man, the Bible did (I think it is because we are sinners and with our own deeds we can't escape sin except through Jesus alone). Let me know if you can find another religion that matches Christianity, I will definitely research it.

 

[workmx]

I and others have already explained in this thread why we believe the bible is reliable. Let's please not retread old ground.

I disagree.

The bible endorses slavery, rape and murder.

It is hardly a reliable text.

Consistent - yes, reliable - no.

 

[workmx]

Originally Posted by workmx

What if the bible be wrong ?


RESPONSE: Its actually impossible for it to be wrong because its truth doesn't come from fallible Man. Further, if you take the time to read just the book of John with an unbiased open Mind, you start to see theres something special about its text and it actually speaks to you deeply. Also, the Bible has never been proven wrong historically, scientifically, or thru archeology . In fact, the Old Testament of the Bible written 2-3,000 b.c. lists over 50 scientific facts and statements that have been proven correct in modern times such as air has weight, the earth is a sphere, the oceans have springs on their floor, the hydrological system , atomic disintegration and more. If you took the time to truly examine the Bible and its credibility, it would shock you. It speaks to the inner recesses of the Human Soul, its literally changed the hardest of criminals into peace filled loving meek People, and its been the strength for Presidents, U.S. Generals, top Medical Doctors, as well as the average Joe Schmoe .

Are you willing to warm up to the Bible and give it a chance with yourself ? If the Christian Faith were real, would you willingly give your life to Christ who claimed and proved to be the actual Creator who came to earth ?
​

TCMD - I have read the bible with an open mind and twice at that.

An open mind is someone without a belief that they feel a need to justify, by definition christians are closed minded.

I am willing and open to following the evidence to a rational conclusion. the problem with god claims is that there is no evidence, that I have seen.

Do you have any?

 

[workmx]

Let's take the first assumption. I think since we have God's 'breath' or spirit in us (since we are made by God), we have this tendency to want to know God. In Taoism Laozi said he know something is there in the beginning and is the foundation of all, but can't name it.

The way I think God is 'one' (not polytheism) is that God is in unison, God is unified in goodness, love and purpose. I don't think there is Gods for riches, birth, health, rain etc, and I only pray to one God. But the Bible does use 'We' multiples when God talks, so maybe part of God, with the same intention, can feel like a separate entity to us.

I did a lot of research on other religions, so far the only one beside Bible that appears to be flawless is Buddhism, not able to pick anything bad or flawed in it except it did not make me a better man, the Bible did (I think it is because we are sinners and with our own deeds we can't escape sin except through Jesus alone). Let me know if you can find another religion that matches Christianity, I will definitely research it.

Did you read your post?

I have highlighted the relevant bit.

Are you denying now that you claimed that the bible is flawless?

Seriously? Do you even read the post before reply? Below is my original post

In my mind, the other Gods might just be the same one, or ones that are made up.

That is the key point: what made you reject those gods?

 

[oi_antz]

wrkmx, is #28 inconvenient or difficult to address?

 

[workmx]

wrkmx, is #28 inconvenient or difficult to address?

I don't really know.

Yahweh is typically presented as an omniscient, omnipotent, and omnibenevolent creator of the universe. And typically is claimed to be the only god.

What do you think god is?

 

[oi_antz]

I don't really know.

Yahweh is typically presented as an omniscient, omnipotent, and omnibenevolent creator of the universe. And typically is claimed to be the only god.

What do you think god is?

I think it is a typo. You are using it in the context of a name, but the spelling indicates a noun. This is why I said "what is a god", not "what is God". I know that God in a Christian sense refers to an absolute entity who created everything else. I think the word 'god' refers to something that people worship. But I want to examine your definition of what a god is, and I want you to do that too. I expect that when you provide an answer to that question, the answer to your OP should become more obvious. This goes for all the other questions that I ask you too, which is why I asked whether you duck my questions because they are inconvenient or difficult to address. Why did you not address that question btw, was it inconvenient or difficult?

 

[workmx]

I think it is a typo. You are using it in the context of a name, but the spelling indicates a noun. This is why I said "what is a god", not "what is God". I know that God in a Christian sense refers to an absolute entity who created everything else. I think the word 'god' refers to something that people worship. But I want to examine your definition of what a god is, and I want you to do that too. I expect that when you provide an answer to that question, the answer to your OP should become more obvious. This goes for all the other questions that I ask you too, which is why I asked whether you duck my questions because they are inconvenient or difficult to address. Why did you not address that question btw, was it inconvenient or difficult?

I know people claim that gods exist.

I don't know why they claim that.

It seems like something that we cannot know.

So, sorry - I cannot answer the question because I don't know.

Which is why I asked people who DO claim to know.