(May 6, 2014 at 6:48 pm)Fidel_Castronaut Wrote: There is no singular definition of a 'god' though. That's the point. FWIW the OP only asked what a god 'is', of which a definition of attributes would only be part of it.
There is no singular definition because there is no singular belief. There are billions of believers who believe in an entirely different version of a god. They might belong to the same church, the same congregation. They might all have a picture given to them of a god, or given a definitive list of attributes. It doesn't matter, their beliefs surrounding that god will be different.
No definition can encompass that. Chad said 'object of devotion'. I'll go with that as it seems true.
Anyone can devote anything to anything. Anything in that instance can be a god.
You said "any supreme being that created the universe would fit the definition of being a god".
Why? According to who? You? What about people, theists, who disagree with you? Does creating a universe qualify you to be a god? Why? And how do you know?
You said too that there is a correct definition of a god. But I haven't seen one conducive to me reaching that conclusion. I don't think equating the definition of a square, or an integer, two very real and arguably tangible concepts, can be equated to that of a 'god', which I argue is the antithesis.
I still stick with my point; a god is whatever a believer wants it to be.
Then I ask, what is supreme being.
To-morrow, and to-morrow, and to-morrow,
Creeps in this petty pace from day to day,
To the last syllable of recorded time;
And all our yesterdays have lighted fools
The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!
Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player,
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage,
And then is heard no more. It is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing.
Creeps in this petty pace from day to day,
To the last syllable of recorded time;
And all our yesterdays have lighted fools
The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!
Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player,
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage,
And then is heard no more. It is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing.
