The euthyphro dilemma.

[Shell B]

What if I told you that the two of us are pondering the same wonders, but that God is the line which 'connects-the-dots' more accurately, so to speak?

I'm not surprised at all that you would say that. However, he/she/it connects the lines more accurately for you, not for me. I see god nowhere. god is not something that fits into the equation as I see it.

And why does your not having seen anything to suggest such mean there is no God, or even lend credence to the idea that there is no God?

Since you're so assertive, I might ask you the same question in reverse.

I don't look for things that aren't there. I see the world the way it is laid out before me. If I looked for signs of unbelievable things everywhere, I would believe in a lot more than your god, but I don't. It's a waste of time.

Just because you have not seen something does not mean it does not exist or is not possible.

There's no arguing that, unless. . . My perception is my reality. god does not exist in my perception. Therefore, he does not exist in my reality, nor is he/she/it possible. I see no reason to believe that he exists in yours, either, aside from the fact that you want him to.

What is your concept of God, anyway?

I have no concept of god. It is a figment of the imagination of far too many people.

Why do you consider it outside your realm of possibility? Isn't that a bit close-minded?

Why do I consider it outside of the realm of possibility? Well, I'll never have the time to answer that question fully. I can say that there are too many inconsistencies on behalf of believers and their sacred texts. For example, Christian A says "seek god in the world around you." Christian B says, "Look for god within yourself." Both ideas are preposterous and inconsistent with one another.

What if your concept of God is wrong?

That's not possible. See above.

It sure didn't take you a very long amount of time.

Actually, that's the conclusion I came to after years of being inundated with the story. Assumptions, Watson, tsk, tsk.

I would suggest you open your eyes a little wider, and observe the world around you a little more thoroughly. That is the best way to come to an understanding about God. There is evidence all around you, if only you will open yourself to experiencing it.

I've heard that before. How do you know that I haven't? How do you know you are not wrong? Did god tell you? /joke

And yes, you do need to expand your understanding of fables. It would certainly help, because your current understanding is lacking.

Baloney. Aesop's lessons are clear and concise, if a bit dated.

Well that's a very blind way to read a story, Shell B. When you read other books that actually serve as parables, do you simply read it for the story, or the underlying message as well? Similarly, do you just listen to music for what is spoken, or what is actually being said/the message that is being conveyed?

Music, like the bible, is interpreted differently by different people.

That's the point of reading in general.

Perhaps for you.

And my understanding of God is based on a thorough examination of the outside world around me. Do you take issue with that?

No, I simply think your examination was based on preconceived notions. That is my preconceived notion of Christians.

He is God, He has not yet and has been merciful thus far.

If god truly existed, he has been anything but merciful. I think the worst thing I ever saw in my life was a six-year-old boy with leukemia. I used to babysit for him. If god existed, he would have that to answer for.