Is belief in God idiotic?

[Sam Slater]

It doesn't matter which God. The point is if he/she demanded, would you acquit a murdering, torturing, sweaty, slavering paedophile?

[keithphillips]

It does matter which God because this thread is called 'Is belief in God idiotic?' not would you acquit etc etc...
Keith

[Sam Slater]

Keith, as long as the God is supernatural, it doesn't matter.

[Pervert]

Assuming (a big assumption) that one exist, is there any other kind??????

[Sam Slater]

Maybe Keith is referring to a Greek, or pagan god? Regardless, I don't know why Keith thinks it's important to answer the questions.

[Pervert]

In order to answer the question, someone must have a fundamental belief in a god; if they have that belief, they're not going to want to answer a question specifically designed to undermine that faith. Don't think anyone is going to bite, Sam.

[Sam Slater]

Oh I know that Carac. Theists have been dodging the uncomfortable questions for 2000 years!

I like the dilemma, because for me, if the Angel Gabriel came to me in my sleep, I'd think someone spiked my tea, or it was merely a dream. I'd convict without hesitation. For the theist, can he/she take the risk to ignore it, or pass it off as a dream? If they really do believe in God, the test of faith such as the dilemma is possible, leaving a REAL believer with no option if God's word is final; they'd have to acquit the raving paedo. Of course, they can't admit it because they'd come in for criticism, and they're shown up for what they really are - a bit loony.

[harmonyluvver]

The question revolves around whether Gabriel is telling the truth and if he is, then the person obviously isnt a slavvering loony, despite the apparent facts. You could ask the same question with if someone you trusted implicitly or someone who had a potential to have greater knowledge than you, told you the person was innocent, what would you do. So does the person turn out to be innocent in the end ? Or is it Satan playing with people lol

[Pervert]

It's part of our conditioning as kids to want to believe in some higher power, and that it is good. Worth watching The Last Temptation Of Christ (haven't read the book, sorry) to see how we can be fooled by that belief.

If we can jettison that belief system, that there is some guiding hand behind all that happens in the universe, then the nonsense of life at least makes some sense. The belief in an omnipotent being is the equivalent of abdicating all responsbility to a callous, unfeeling sociopath imho.

[Sam Slater]

[quote]The question revolves around whether Gabriel is telling the truth and if he is, then the person obviously isnt a slavvering loony, despite the apparent facts.[/quote]

Uh? Would God have a liar working for him? If you believe in God, why would you think the Angel Gabriel is lying? Surely that's blasphemy in itself?

[quote]You could ask the same question with if someone you trusted implicitly or someone who had a potential to have greater knowledge than you, told you the person was innocent, what would you do.[/quote]

It's not the same, because a friend is an equal. We don't worship our friends, nor kneel to their every command like a god. You can argue and debate with friends, and have differing opinions. With a god, obedience is non-negotiable. God's word is your word.

[quote]So does the person turn out to be innocent in the end ?[/quote]

That's the theist's decision, but will they step up to the plate?