[BolJon]

For me, there is no doubt that God exists. What puzzles me is the true nature of God. I know that it is next to impossible to fully understand the whole concept of God unless you have reached enlightenment. But at least I want to have something to start with in this lifetime.

Since I was introduced to Catholicism at school, I accepted the belief in a personal God, that is, a Supreme Being who is the source and creator of everything that there is. God for me is an entity who has His/Her own individuality. I held on firmly to this belief until I bumped into the concept of an impersonal God.

The idea of an impersonal God, as what I have read, tells us that God is the universe itself. It holds that everything is one with the universe, including man, making us all gods. It also presents that what determines the course of life is not the judgment or intervention of a deity but the laws of the universe. This implies that if we use these natural laws to our advantage then we become the masters of our own fate.

These two different concepts of God bring me to a dilemma. It really bothers me because I would still prefer a personal God who is compassionate, merciful, and loving over a God without a personality. Fellow symbianizers, what is your take on this? I would really appreciate to know your two cents about this issue.

[pcruztemp]

what you "like" has little bearing on reality. you can invent any religion if you like but it will be just a placebo if atheists are correct

[BolJon]

Originally Posted by pcruztemp

what you "like" has little bearing on reality. you can invent any religion if you like but it will be just a placebo if atheists are correct

I beg to disagree. What I "like" matters. Eastern philosophy has been saying for thousands of years that "We create our own reality." Even modern physics tells us that the ultimate stuff of the universe is mind stuff. That means what we think about will soon become real. Therefore, what I or you "like" can become reality.

Now if the universe is made up of mind stuff or thought or consciousness then I suppose that it must have been conceived first in the mind of someone very intelligent. Do you think man is intelligent enough to have thought of the whole universe? No. It must have been someone with infinite intelligence. And you know who I am referring to.

[BolJon]

still waiting for your 2 cents...

[BolJon]

Please share your views.

[mcjal]

@ BolJon: may i ask what is your idea of a "personal God" and an "impersonal God"? thanks.

[pcruztemp]

Originally Posted by BolJon

I beg to disagree. What I "like" matters. Eastern philosophy has been saying for thousands of years that "We create our own reality." Even modern physics tells us that the ultimate stuff of the universe is mind stuff. That means what we think about will soon become real. Therefore, what I or you "like" can become reality.

gee then how come the universe is not to the liking of those people killed by natural disasters and those poor starving to death in africa?

and if modern physics agrees, can you give scientific books or papers that support it?

[BolJon]

Originally Posted by pcruztemp

gee then how come the universe is not to the liking of those people killed by natural disasters and those poor starving to death in africa?

I'm not saying that everything that you like will eventually come true. It will still depend on how you use nature's law to your advantage. You see, everything is governed by rules. If you follow these rules, then it will do you well. If not, then you will have a hard time in life.

Originally Posted by pcruztemp

if modern physics agrees, can you give scientific books or papers that support it?

Let me quote the renowned British physicist Stanley Eddington. He said "ultimate stuff of the universe is mind stuff."

Albert Einstein said "Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life's coming attractions."

You may also want to try the book The Tao of Physics by physicist Fritjof Capra.

[BolJon]

Originally Posted by pcruztemp

gee then how come the universe is not to the liking of those people killed by natural disasters and those poor starving to death in africa?

With regards to natural disasters, my God! That's force majeure. You cannot blame that to the victims or even to God because that's how nature works. We cannot do anything about it.

[sevenshadows]

Originally Posted by BolJon

These two different concepts of God bring me to a dilemma. It really bothers me because I would still prefer a personal God who is compassionate, merciful, and loving over a God without a personality. Fellow symbianizers, what is your take on this? I would really appreciate to know your two cents about this issue.
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BolJon, what is it that:
1. really bothers you?
2. brings you to a dilemna?

Question: What is the magnitude of that effect on you? Does this prevent you from enjoying your meal?