"IF" there was a God....

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Thanks again for everyone putting in their two cents on this question.

I read every post, and wish I could answer all. But I just don't have the time lately. I've been very busy. And somewhat scatter brained, as some here would gleefully agree! I did enjoy reading most of your posts! Very entertaining!

Anyhoo... What I got for answers, and a general consensus is the following according to popularity:

1. the Christian (and possibly other) God is not a welcome vehicle.
2. God's lack of involvement in our lives.
3. a curiosity about just what God is/does/did etc.
4. a disdain for any idea of a deity.

I'll start with the least and work up....

4. Personally, I think that anyone who has a negative view of any idea a deity exists, has a problem. I'm not saying that they are beyond changing their attitudes... but I don't see much hope. And it's usually in a sarcastic, immature manner which is hard to reason with, or even converse most times.

3. Here is common ground! Curiosity is human nature: We all want to know! Obviously there are many, MANY things we don't know. And God would theoretically have all the answers. I really enjoy exploring this realm with most of you. I've had some very intelligent and stimulating conversations with 3 or four of you, and its appreciated!

2. I think we could "all" agree here sometimes too! But, here's where our (Christian) faith comes into play. And also where the divide starts to widen. Two or 3 of you have expressed being neutral on God's involvement, "if he exists". But questions do rise about "why" all the pain, suffering, blood and tears. And honestly... we as Christians would be fools to say we know "completely" why. But, there are very many things in our power [as humans] to actually change ourselves. Sans the OT God, most of modern-day problems can be attributed to us! A lot of good could happen, if we united to do just that.

1. Ok.... Here's where the ax falls! The major complaint from most is Christianity. But, is it Jesus? Or, is it the religion that evolved around Him?

I didn't hear a negative about Jesus himself. I'll be the first to agree that the Catholic religion has, and will probably always have problems. But, what organization doesn't? That's not an excuse! Unfortunately, Catholics and Christian religion draws many troubled people. But the double edged sword is that we are also trying to help them as followers of Christ! Believe me, I wish Jesus could send a blessing of healing and peace to these people. I pray and hope that He will.

This then gets to the reasons we are followers of Christ. LOVE. I won't preach to you here, but let me just say that we as people have the power to help and love each other. And probably (over time) eradicate every disease, ailment and problem known to man! But, we will never conquer Death, or sin! Jesus did that for us! And that my friends is the basis of our Christian faith.

Thanks, this was a fun thread! Keep it comin'. R

I must admit that I am always surprised at the free ride that Jesus gets as well.

I cannot tell you how disappointed I was in the story of him that I got from mark's gospel.

I have said before that for me it was a case of #messiahfail.

I think it is just that I would expect my messiah to have a higher moral standard than I do and I did not see that in the gospel.