(April 15, 2013 at 12:41 pm)Tex Wrote: I don't think removing any possibility for doubt is required of God. In fact, I think it's required he allow the possibility. The greater the possibility to doubt, the greater the free will. Those who investigate generally (but not always) find the evidence, but some of this evidence must be studied and contemplated before understood. All of this is an exercise of the will.
So, you're positing a universe that has a creator god that definitively exists, has a plan for us, a way that he desires we should act for a maximally good life, and loves us enough that he wishes to spend eternity with us... but will not, in any sense, give us proof that he exists because he wants us to make our own mistakes, upon which he is personally offended and willing to punish us eternally for doing so, all the while grieving that he has to do so. Am I right in this?
How does this not strike you as a cosmic-level act of passive aggression?
Quote:If we were simply given knowledge beyond the shadow of a doubt, free will would not be very important. It would allow us to eat beef over chicken, but that's about it. Instead, because of the doubt, those that do not want to receive knowledge don't by their own free choice. Those that want the knowledge are free to obtain it by their own workings.
Why would god wish for a universe to exist wherein it is possible for his creations, that he loves, to fall into sin, which he hates? How does this make sense to you?
Quote:Finally, I don't even know if the knowledge beyond a doubt would help so many people. I can't reasonably say all, but most people would still want to do what they want, make their own way, and basically dismiss the knowledge they have as unimportant.
This contradicts your earlier statement that absolute knowledge of god would suppress free will, but I do agree with you; knowing that something exists doesn't necessarily entail that one must worship it. It would, however, be a much better way of ensuring the maximum number of people are fit to enter heaven, no?
Quote:To note again, to for you but mainly to other readers, no knowledge saves. Even Native Americans have a chance for salvation.
It'd sure as hell help.
"YOU take the hard look in the mirror. You are everything that is wrong with this world. The only thing important to you, is you." - ronedee
Want to see more of my writing? Check out my (safe for work!) site, Unprotected Sects!
Want to see more of my writing? Check out my (safe for work!) site, Unprotected Sects!