Is God Altruistic? Is God Happy?

[BrianSoddingBoru4]

I read your replies, but that seemed to be pretty far from the point.  The outcome of an act has no bearing whatsoever on whether or not that act was altruistic.  All that matters is why the act was done.

As I said earlier, it is perfectly plausible that God as described does good things for people and makes their lives wonderful (or at least better).  But if prayer or belief is required for God to act, then God isn't altruistic.  Similarly, if I give the bum mentioned earlier a great walloping wad of cash with no conditions or expectations and he is murdered for the money thirty seconds later, my original act was still altruistic.

I don't know why you're having trouble grasping this.

Boru

and again.. I use my self as the example where I hated the idea of God for many of the reason I see on this website. but above all else I wanted the truth. I was shown the truth despite my own efforts. I wanted to fight God. I remember hearing a story about God wrestling with/fighting some guy in the old testament all night long, and God had to break his hip in order to bring the fight to an end. If I prayed a prayer it was if you give me that opportunity I will kick your ass and spit in your eye. Not exactly the lords prayer.. not exactly a prayer. But God showed me the truth anyway.

Want a biblical example of the same type of disbelief till God moved first?
Surly you know of doubting Thomas. One of the inner 12 Thomas after the execution of Christ like the other scattered and fled as they too where being hunted. Peter called a meeting of the remaining 12 to a home in the city center, thomas had trouble getting there. while the other 10 where there Jesus came and spoke. then left. shortly there after thomas arrived and heard what just happened from the other 10 and their hosts. thomas refused to believe till God provided proof enough for him to believe. what did God do? He met that request.

Jesus said blessed who can just believe and that things on faith, meaning to those who can just live on faith are or will receive reward, for everyone else God is simply waiting for your invitation.

This is why I have trouble minding the gap as your pointed out. I don't see one. as far as I can see Jesus waiting for your invatation is no different than you having to sign up for government assistence or in a church pantry sign up for food assistance.

You still aren't getting it.  There is nothing wrong with God waiting for an invitation, neither logically nor theologically.  God has every right to demand that people ask him for help before he offers it, and I never said otherwise.

But that demand, by virtue of the fact that it exists, renders everything God does as non-altruistic.  Why?  Because your definition said altruism requires disinterest.  God is clearly interested, therefore, God is not altruistic.  This doesn't mean that God is mean or vile or hateful or burdensome (there are other arguments for that).  All it means is that God expects something in return for his help.  I don't have a problem with that.

I think you're missing the point about the Incredulity of Thomas.  Jesus provided direct, physical proof of his claims.  Don't you find it odd that he no longer does that?

Boru