List Universe opened up comments on the question, Does God exist? As you might imagine, much of what came out was fruitless haranguing, but it did provide a very useful list of links provided by unbelievers and believers as to why they do or don’t believe. Good for us apologists to consider and study.
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That's an interesting polemic, with which I agree, but what you forgot is, you not only get *responsibilities* that have *almost nothing* to do with your salvation (and everything to do with eternal reward), you get *privileges*, which include:
– assurance of forgiveness
– deep, permanent, agape love
– assurance of guidance and care
– assurance that evil can be turned to good in your life
– an integrated worldview that is complete and congruent with reality
– a worldwide community of others who love God
– a life of purpose and meaning that is part of a larger plan for good (though other world views might offer that too)
– power that transforms you into a better person
I'm sure I left things out, but you get the idea. I like your approach though, it's challenging, esp. to our "what's in it for me" approach to truth.
seeker,
Thanks.
I just don't see why anyone would consider the things on your list worthwhile benefits of the responsibilities on my list. The only explanation I can offer is that they have had a personal encounter with God, calling them.
Absent that personal encounter, I suspect that most professions of belief are motivated by the desire to protect an illegitimate privilege involving the exercise of some degree of power.
Nathanael Snow
Absent that personal encounter, I suspect that most professions of belief are motivated by the desire to protect an illegitimate privilege involving the exercise of some degree of power.
Well, my own experience was solely motivated by a desire not to miss God's plan for my life, and God's love, based on the passages in Matt 7. I had no idea of responsibility, nothing. But I did encounter God, and WAS changed on the inside.
unless the universe is some sort of cosmic accident, along with life and all the innumerable variables contained there in, i would have too say yes.
and if i am wrong, in the end i loose nothing. if i am correct, my faith is vindicated and what is more important, as a believer in the resurrection hope, i can carry on my God's assigned duties.