Hi atheists, what is your definition of God?

My definition of god is a fictional character that helps the superstitious explain things they don’t understand and feel more comfortable with their own mortality.

There are many definitions of god.
None are real entities.

I find the God of the Semitic religions the most problematic:
1. because he has been the most used as justifications of war, conquest, forced conversions, pogroms, racist atrocities, and the Inquisition.
2. because it is logically and tautologically impossible for a god to be omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent and good, and yet to have permitted and allowed suffering.
3. because there is plenty of archeological and historical evidence that the OT and subsequent religious developments were invented by men for the purpose of uniting and controlling people as nations. In the beginning it was mostly about survival, but later it became solely a matter of power and wealth.

I have no objection to the Hindu, Buddhist and Taoist "gods" because the term god is a mistranslation. Properly speaking they are idams, meaning personifications of abstract ideas. For instance, Saraswati symbolises knowledge.

I have little objection to the Esoteric Vedantist version of "god" because it is just consciousness, albeit conceived of as all-pervading, like a substance or energy from which all else is composed. I do have one quibble with it.
It redefines consciousness to such a degree that it turns the normal the normal meaning of the word into nonsense - effectively a synonym for energy (in either kinetic or latent form) as understood in quantum physics.

I have no objection to pantheist versions of gods or spirits such as believed by hunter-gatherer cultures. These tend to integrate human culture with the natural world, such that people can live in harmony with their ecosystem and the planet.

But for me, there is no such thing as a god. I am happy with science's methods of exploring and testing how this universe was made and how life evolved.
I have zero fear of death and my future non-existence; though I do fear the many sad and painful processes of aging and dying. I live my life as healthily as I can, and have the means to euthanize myself when the right time comes.
I am also content that we humans can work out moral codes and laws that work well most of the time, and that most individuals are capable of evolving and mostly living in accordance with their own ethics. We do not need gods to tell us how to live. We certainly don't need to invent gods to tell us what's right or wrong.

1. there's no proof that gods exist
2. there's no proof that gods don't exist
3. in any event, there’s no compelling necessity to even postulate gods, and, in any event, the postulation explains nothing (not even itself)... it merely tries to explain everything away.
4. therefore, I have no gods (I’m an agnostic atheist)

Where do I deny gods exist?

Show me

__________________________________

Have you learned to use the ‘reply’ button yet?

It’s hilarious... you present yourself as some sort of intellecualt... but you can’t even figure out how to use a ‘reply’ button.

it really would be quite sad were it not so funny 😂

Checking out yrger’s other post. He’s just here to insult Atheist and rant about his own definition. Which fails 100%

A claim made without evidence, can be refuted without evidence. He has nothing and he knows it. He’s wasting your time !

Hi ViciDraco, you say: "My belief is that what you define as God is an entity that does not exist. Just the same as I disbelieve in Zeus or Odin or Elohim."

Okay, then define Zeus or Odin or Elohim, then also give your definition of God if you have one, if you don't have one, please read my definition of God:

"God is the permanent self-existent spirit creator and operator of man and the universe and everything transient."

And we humans are one evidence of God's existence, if you don't accept God, then tell me what or who created you and me, okay?!


You see, hi everyone, atheists are not accustomed to thinking rationally and intelligently. They just stick to comparing God with silly figures of their own made-up nonsense, like God is a flying spaghetti monster.

Or a teapot in space.



===============

From VicDrago:

ViciDraco · 36-40, M
Do you believe in nuggelywumps? You have to define nuggelywumps if you are going to say no.

It doesn't work the way you are describing. You don't make something up to disbelieve in. Other people have claims that a thing called God exists. Atheism is simply the disbelief that the claims other people are making are true.

My belief is that what you define as God is an entity that does not exist. Just the same as I disbelieve in Zeus or Odin or Elohim.

The difference between an Athiest and your average Christian or Muslim or Jew is that we just disbelieve in one additional definition of God than those other groups.

Hi Doc, I suspect that you were some fundamentalist Bible Christian previously, because all your grudges against God have to do with the attributes and narratives about God as portrayed in the Bible.


I am into knowing God from reason.

And my reasoning on the origin of man and the universe tells me that there exists the permanent self-existent spirit I call God, Who is the creator and operator of man and the universe and everything transient.

That satisfies my rational intelligent curiosity to explain to myself on ultimate terms how and why I am a human unlike all other living things that are not human.

Humankind is oriented by God toward transcendence, you Doc are no different from the cattle and the donkeys and the frogs.


Okay, tell me what question from you I don't I care to answer.




=================

DocSavage · M
That is how and why He is God, the permanent self-existent spirit creator and operator of man and the universe and everything transient.

So, tell me yrger what good is he ? God might be self existent spirit. He might be operator of man and universe. What difference does it make ? From our perspective, life is still chance and circumstances. How we live it , is still more or less by our choices.
It been 13-14 billion years now since creation. If god has an agenda for us, what is it ? We live, we die, that’s it. God or no god. What influence we have on others is gone within a few short years.
God’s only value now is in the promise of an afterlife. Without some future reward or fear, we have no reason to care if god is real or not.
That’s the question you refused to answer. If god is reality, do we need to go the whole nine yards. Right , wrong, good , evil ? Do we have free will, or is god operating everything ?
Evidently, you consider his spirit important. What do you get out of it, that you don’t already have.
Think it over.
P.S. this is all based on your description. You say god is our motivation. What for ?

Hi Doc, you say, "I already presented my argument* on your last thread, you couldn’t refute it, so you ran away.

*Not definition


As you have already refuted my explanation, which refutation I could not have seen it because you are not a systematic expositor, that's why I could not have recognized it, please repeat it like in this way:

1.
2.
3.
Etc


==============

DocSavage · M
Okay, here is my definition of God:
"God is the permanent self-existent spirit creator and operator of man and the universe and everything transient."

All I want to tell them is that they must have the correct definition of God, otherwise they are denying the wrong god to not exist.

Best you get the definition of God from theists, theists are the authority of the definition of God Whom they know to exist.

Hi Doc, you don't know what is evidence, I challenge you to produce your definition of evidence, without going to dictionaries.

(Haha, and you are wasting my time, and I just love you because you are created by God as I am. )

Since you are incapable of giving straight answers to straight questions.
Here, is what you consider to be evidence of god presented earlier. As everyone can plainly see, you haven’t got a clue about what evidence is.
You asked for my definition of god, but you don’t want that. You want people here to use your definition of god, and then argue it
While you say it’s unfalsifiable, all with no evidence , of course.
Not gonna play your childish games chuckles. I already presented my definition on your last thread, you couldn’t refute it, so you ran away.
Every bit as probable and likely as yours. Without evidence against it.
But, you’re not going to admit it. So stop wasting time.

Dude. You are kinda creepy with the copying and pasting.

That is how and why He is God, the permanent self-existent spirit creator and operator of man and the universe and everything transient.

So, tell me yrger what good is he ? God might be self existent spirit. He might be operator of man and universe. What difference does it make ? From our perspective, life is still chance and circumstances. How we live it , is still more or less by our choices.
It been 13-14 billion years now since creation. If god has an agenda for us, what is it ? We live, we die, that’s it. God or no god. What influence we have on others is gone within a few short years.
God’s only value now is in the promise of an afterlife. Without some future reward or fear, we have no reason to care if god is real or not.
That’s the question you refused to answer. If god is reality, do we need to go the whole nine yards. Right , wrong, good , evil ? Do we have free will, or is god operating everything ?
Evidently, you consider his spirit important. What do you get out of it, that you don’t already have.
Think it over.
P.S. this is all based on your description. You say god is our motivation. What for ?

Okay, here is my definition of God:
"God is the permanent self-existent spirit creator and operator of man and the universe and everything transient."

all I want to tell them is that they must have the correct definition of God, otherwise they are denying the wrong god to not exist.

Best you get the definition of God from theists, theists are the authority of the definition of God Whom they know to exist.

Hi Doc, you don't know what is evidence, I challenge you to produce your definition of evidence, without going to dictionaries.

Haha, and you are wasting my time, and I just love you because you are created by God as I am. )

Since you are incapable of giving straight answers to straight questions.
Here, is what you consider to be evidence of god presented earlier. As everyone can plainly see, you haven’t got a clue about what evidence is.
You asked for my definition of god, but you don’t want that. You want people here to use your definition of god, and then argue it
While you say it’s unfalsifiable, all with no evidence , of course.
Not gonna play your childish games chuckles. I already presented my definition on your last thread, you couldn’t refute it, so you ran away.
Every bit as probable and likely as yours. Without evidence against it.
But, you’re not going to admit it. So stop wasting time.

Supernatural figure invented by the theists to respond to the questions they don't have an answer for.

No, not irrational at all. I may have a definition for "unicorn" or "dragon" even if I don't have reason to believe they exist. For your god it's the very same thing.

Atheists do not deny anything. They realize intuitively and intellectually it isn't probable.

Why do we need a definition beyond a mythical creation.

Hi Doc, welcome to my new thread, don't get overly angry - that's no way to be rational and intelligent.

Okay, here is my definition of God:
"God is the permanent self-existent spirit creator and operator of man and the universe and everything transient."

Let's talk about your definition of God Whom you deny to exist, okay?!


By the way, I gave you already many times the evidence for God existing, namely, us humans like you Doc and I Yrger - we did not create ourselves, so ultimately it is God.

If you deny God to have crerated you, tell who or what created you?!


==============

From Doc:
DocSavage · M
Asked and answered last time you posted the question.
Stop wasting time trying to avoid the numerous calls for you to put up or shut up.
We’ve all read your definition of god, and no matter how many times you post it, it still sounds stupid.
What also sounds stupid, is your narcissistic belief, that Atheist have no education or understanding of god. Or that they never even considered his existence. Atheism comes from actually experiencing and examining the belief, and finding the evidence lacking, just like your post.

So don’t waste your time Answering yrger. He’s not going to answer you

I’m agnostic.

attention-craving, self-absorbed, waste of time

To me, God is a conglomeration of human creativity, ideas and beliefs that has morphed though the ages to fit the purposes and needs of those in power. He is a fictional character in a poorly written and cunningly edited book that has also morphed to fit the needs of the powerful. God is a security blanket for those who need him and that's okay. Just don't ask me to drag that tattered, old blanket around with you.

Hi Emosaur, you say a lot of words, but I see that you also do some rational and thus intelligent thinking.

Now, see if youcan think on this statement from me:

"There is always existence or reality, and it will never go out of existence or reality."

Think! Will existence aka reality ever become non-existence or unreality.


==============

Emosaur · 22-25, M
@WaryWitchWandering While I technically agree, this doesn't really apply to religion as well as things like pseudoscience, conspiracy theories, and far-right ideologies (which all often go hand in hand).
For example, a truly harmless belief to hold is aliens; there is no evidence they exist, but believing they do isn't entirely illogical nor does it harm anyone.
What is illogical and harmful though is a belief in certain religions; many of them teach objectively incorrect things so by believing them one would be denying reality and science, which is literally delusion, and they also teach their followers to do atrocious things they would never do if it wasn't for their religion.
Respect is something which has to be earned, and ideologies like religion, pseudoscience and fascism certainly should not get any.

Religious wars are just large scale arguments over whos sky daddy is better

I’m also wondering… what does a belief (or lack of) in god have to do with intelligence?

It’s a personal thing I would think… I’ve met intelligent people on either side of the argument.

Live and let live. It’s really not any of your business what someone else believes or doesn’t. And if you try to say it’s just a discussion you’re trying to have or curiosity, it’s not, as it’s very one sided on your part, with an unwillingness to hear and accept other people’s ideas and beliefs. You don’t have to share a belief with someone to accept it. Not everyone on the planet thinks the same way or has the same experiences 🤷🏻‍♀️

You’re making a lot of assumptions there, bub. Since you’re the one claiming that God exists, you should have to define what you mean. Asking me to define every god I don’t believe in would be an endless task. It would be like asking you to describe everything that doesn’t exist.

Hi Doc, the spirit that is God created the universe, and He is not leaving His creation.

He is ouside time and space, and He can be inside you or is inside you.


And I must say that He is also in time and space, in other words He is eveywhere and He is everywhen.

That is how and why He is God, the permanent self-existent spirit creator and operator of man and the universe and everything transient.

You would not understand this, but here it is: God is the medium in which all things live and move and have their existence.





==========

DocSavage · M
Why would a being from the spirit world leave background radiation ?
And how do you explain the “ Made in Taiwan “ stamp on the bottom of Andromeda ?

God is an imaginary being created by religious people to control other people.
Do I win a cookie for having a definition?

A magical being said to wield wishing power in an intelligent way that creates all things while also promising the possibility of perfect eternal life in return for our obedience.

Hi Doc, you can as you still live, donate your brain to science, preferably in the micro biology department - anyway you are not using it. Haha.


===============

DocSavage · M
therefore it is created by God Who is the permanent self-existent spirit creator and operator of man and the universe and everything transient.

No, it doesn’t.
Hi Doc, here is my explanation why the cosmic microwave background radiation is important: because it shows that the physical/material universe has a beginning, therefore it is created by God Who is the permanent self-existent spirit creator and operator of man and the universe and everything transient.

When you die, make sure to donate your brain to science. Preferably the micro biology department.

Hi Doc, here is my explanation why the cosmic microwave background radiation is important: because it shows that the physical/material universe has a beginning, therefore it is created by God Who is the permanent self-existent spirit creator and operator of man and the universe and everything transient.



DocSavage · M
You seem to think the background radiation is so important, why don’t you give us an explanation.
It should only take about 75 words.

Hi everyone with intelligence, here is my definition of evidence:

"Evidence is anything man knows to exist which leads man to know another thing to also exist.

For example, I am in a forest in a small island I thought that no man had ever visited before, then I stepped on a pair of eye-glasses, the pair of eye-glasses is the evidence that some man had already been to the island.

1. there's no proof that gods exist
2. there's no proof that gods don't exist
3. in any event, there’s no compelling necessity to even postulate gods, and, in any event, the postulation explains nothing (not even itself)... it merely tries to explain everything away.
4. therefore, I have no gods (I’m an agnostic atheist)

Where do I deny gods exist?

Can you do that

Obviously not

You can’t use a simple ‘reply’ button, and you can’t show that I deny gods exist... you seem to be making up whatever suits you

Is that what you’re claiming here... that I deny the gods you simply made up?

If so... you really do need to show where I deny gods exist... or stop making such outlandish, unfounded, claims

1. there's no proof that gods exist
2. there's no proof that gods don't exist
3. in any event, there’s no compelling necessity to even postulate gods, and, in any event, the postulation explains nothing (not even itself)... it merely tries to explain everything away.
4. therefore, I have no gods (I’m an agnostic atheist)

Where do I deny gods exist?

Can you do that?

You can’t use a simple ‘reply’ button, so I assume you can’t show me where I deny gods exist.

1. there's no proof that gods exist
2. there's no proof that gods don't exist
3. in any event, there’s no compelling necessity to even postulate gods, and, in any event, the postulation explains nothing (not even itself)... it merely tries to explain everything away.
4. therefore, I have no gods (I’m an agnostic atheist)

Where do I deny gods exist?

Can you do that?

You can’t use a simple ‘reply’ button, and you can’t show that I deny gods exist.

1. there's no proof that gods exist
2. there's no proof that gods don't exist
3. in any event, there’s no compelling necessity to even postulate gods, and, in any event, the postulation explains nothing (not even itself)... it merely tries to explain everything away.
4. therefore, I have no gods (I’m an agnostic atheist)

Where do I deny gods exist?

Can you do that?

You can’t use a simple ‘reply’ button, and you can’t show that I deny gods exist... you seem to me making up whatever suits you

Is that what you’re claiming here... that I deny the gods you simply made up?

If so... you need to show where I deny gods exist.

1. there's no proof that gods exist
2. there's no proof that gods don't exist
3. in any event, there’s no compelling necessity to even postulate gods, and, in any event, the postulation explains nothing (not even itself)... it merely tries to explain everything away.
4. therefore, I have no gods (I’m an agnostic atheist)

Where do I deny gods exist?

Can you do that?

You can’t use a simple ‘reply’ button, and you obviously can’t show that I deny gods exist.

Hi Ynotisay, I think we had talked together previously, so we meet again.

You are like me a human with reason and intelligence.

Okay, let us talk about this issue, is there always existence, yes nor no.


=============

Ynotisay · M
You want reason? Are you sure? OK. There is no god. Out of the thousands that have been created not one of them is based in any type of literal reality. They're man made constructs. Every one.

But that's just because you asked for reason.

Out of curiosity. Would you be interested in a little perspective that might shed some light on the extraordinary arrogance that a 'god' exists and "he" created the universe? This will take ten minutes of your life but hopefully it'll slow your roll a bit with the "humans are special" nonsense.

No, it doesn’t.
Hi Doc, here is my explanation why the cosmic microwave background radiation is important: because it shows that the physical/material universe has a beginning, therefore it is created by God Who is the permanent self-existent spirit creator and operator of man and the universe and everything transient.

When you die, make sure to donate your brain to science. Preferably the micro biology department.

1. there's no proof that gods exist
2. there's no proof that gods don't exist
3. in any event, there’s no compelling necessity to even postulate gods, and, in any event, the postulation explains nothing (not even itself)... it merely tries to explain everything away.
4. therefore, I have no gods (I’m an agnostic atheist)


Can you do that

Very obviously not

You’re obviously Wong with your claim that atheists deny gods exists

Hmm... I wonder what else you’re wrong about

You can’t use a simple ‘reply’ button, and you can’t show that I deny gods exist... you seem to be making up whatever suits you

Is that what you’re claiming here... that I deny the gods you simply made up?

If so... you really do need to show where I deny gods exist... or stop making such outlandish, unfounded, claims

1. there's no proof that gods exist
2. there's no proof that gods don't exist
3. in any event, there’s no compelling necessity to even postulate gods, and, in any event, the postulation explains nothing (not even itself)... it merely tries to explain everything away.
4. therefore, I have no gods (I’m an agnostic atheist)

Where do I deny gods exist?

Can you do that?

You can’t use a simple ‘reply’ button, so I assume you can’t show me where I deny gods exist!

1. there's no proof that gods exist
2. there's no proof that gods don't exist
3. in any event, there’s no compelling necessity to even postulate gods, and, in any event, the postulation explains nothing (not even itself)... it merely tries to explain everything away.
4. therefore, I have no gods (I’m an agnostic atheist)

Where do I deny gods exist?

Can you do that?

You can’t use a simple ‘reply’ button, so I assume you can’t show me where I deny gods exist!

Hi Spoiledbrat, are you referring to me Yrger as holding a grudge, I don't hold any grudge against atheists, all I want to tell them is that they must have the correct definition of God, otherwise they are denying the wrong god to not exist.


From SpoiledbratL
Spoiledbrat · F
I don't know anyone who holds a grudge but some things people do are pretty awful. You can't expect everyone to forgive.

Don’t bother. Whatever description you have , it makes no difference. He can only see his own definition


Waste of time arguing with him.

1. there's no proof that gods exist
2. there's no proof that gods don't exist
3. in any event, there’s no compelling necessity to even postulate gods, and, in any event, the postulation explains nothing (not even itself)... it merely tries to explain everything away.
4. therefore, I have no gods (I’m an agnostic atheist)

Where do I deny gods exist?

Can you do that?

You can’t use a simple ‘reply’ button, and you can’t show that I deny gods exist... you seem to me making up whatever suits you

1. there's no proof that gods exist
2. there's no proof that gods don't exist
3. in any event, there’s no compelling necessity to even postulate gods, and, in any event, the postulation explains nothing (not even itself)... it merely tries to explain everything away.
4. therefore, I have no gods (I’m an agnostic atheist)

Where do I deny gods exist?

Can you do that?

You can’t use a simple ‘reply’ button, and you can’t show that I deny gods exist... you seem to me making up whatever suits you.

like your god, for example

New and additional evidence can change the conclusions however.
Piltdown man is a good example. The fraud was discovered when the technology advanced to a point that the fossil could be tested more accurately. The same is true with your definition of god. Based on old and outdated evidence, which has since been debunked.
The more you argue it, the weaker it becomes.

"God is the permanent self-existent spirit creator and operator of man and the universe and everything transient."

No he isn’t
End of discussion.

1. there's no proof that gods exist
2. there's no proof that gods don't exist
3. in any event, there’s no compelling necessity to even postulate gods, and, in any event, the postulation explains nothing (not even itself)... it merely tries to explain everything away.
4. therefore, I have no gods (I’m an agnostic atheist)

Where do I deny gods exist?

Show me

Hi SlaveEt, that is a most mouthful paragraph you wrote.


I like to witness whether you can think rationally and intelligently.

Tell me whether there is always some existence i. e. reality or not.


Use your brain to answer rationally and intelligently, okay?!


You have two options:
(i) Yes, there is always some existence i.e. reality.
(ii) No, there is always no existence i.e. no reality.


Hi everyone rational and intelligent, let us all sit back and await with bated breath to observe how SlaveEt responds to my invitation that he should think rationally and intelligently.




==================

SlaveEt · 31-35, F
To me, God is a conglomeration of human creativity, ideas and beliefs that has morphed though the ages to fit the purposes and needs of those in power. He is a fictional character in a poorly written and cunningly edited book that has also morphed to fit the needs of the powerful. God is a security blanket for those who need him and that's okay. Just don't ask me to drag that tattered, old blanket around with you.

1. there's no proof that gods exist
2. there's no proof that gods don't exist
3. in any event, there’s no compelling necessity to even postulate gods, and, in any event, the postulation explains nothing (not even itself)... it merely tries to explain everything away.
4. therefore, I have no gods (I’m an agnostic atheist)

Where do I deny gods exist?

Show me immediately

1. there's no proof that gods exist
2. there's no proof that gods don't exist
3. in any event, there’s no compelling necessity to even postulate gods, and, in any event, the postulation explains nothing (not even itself)... it merely tries to explain everything away.
4. therefore, I have no gods (I’m an agnostic atheist)

Where do I deny gods exist?

Show me NOW

1. there's no proof that gods exist
2. there's no proof that gods don't exist
3. in any event, there’s no compelling necessity to even postulate gods, and, in any event, the postulation explains nothing (not even itself)... it merely tries to explain everything away.
4. therefore, I have no gods (I’m an agnostic atheist)

Where do I deny gods exist?

Show me NOW!

Hi Doc, who tells you about Lucifer, but the Bible, so I am right to suspect you were previously a fundamentalist Bible Christian.


Anyway, tell me if you can reason from the fact and the truth that there is existence, and it is always in all circumstances present, so that prior to the arrival of the physical/material universe situated in time/space there is always existence.


Hi all readers, let us sit back and await with bated breath for the next grudge of Doc against the Biblical God.



=================

DocSavage · M
@yrger
According to you, we’re only acting by god’s design. Remember ? He’s calling the shots, everything we say and do is his will.
No wonder Lucifer rebelled.

1. there's no proof that gods exist
2. there's no proof that gods don't exist
3. in any event, there’s no compelling necessity to even postulate gods, and, in any event, the postulation explains nothing (not even itself)... it merely tries to explain everything away.
4. therefore, I have no gods (I’m an agnostic atheist)

Where do I deny gods exist?

Show me immediately!

Hi walabby, I concur with you, God is everything that is, because He is the stuff of everything in existence which He creates.

In other words, God uses His own substance as the materia to create us all, just like an artist uses clay to fashion a statue.



================

walabby · 61-69, M
God is "everything that is"...