God?

[Mordante]

In the link that Jap (Joe) posted above on this page, the author suggests that God is not a super-being among many beings, but Being itself, the very reason why something exists rather than nothing. This is the concept of classical theism, and is summarized under this link (or even better, read the book "Aquinas" by that author):

http://edwardfeser.blogspot.com/2012/07/classical-theism-roundup.html?m=1

Under the logic of this concept, which should become clear upon reading, God inevitably must be all powerful and unlimited (infinite). The idea of a God limited in power does not make much sense philosophically. If God were conceived just as a super-being among many beings (a limited, not all powerful God), then ditching the God concept altogether and embracing atheism would make more sense. But atheism has its own logical problems that cause me to reject it.

I do not agree with this. But maybe I’ll read the book. The presumption of 5he bible is that good is perfect. He created the perfect universe. If he could or can intervene that means that God is flawed. He gave humankind free will making humans the only ones responsible for their deeds. No one can blame any deity for our actions. This leads to the result that the crucifixion of a Jesus was nothing but pointless murder.

 

[wisnon]

My heart goes out to you. I am also facing similar sadness as we will be having a family meeting later this week to put my mother into Assisted Living and out of her independent apartment. Her memory has failed and she needs help. I will have her with me all day on Christmas and have to make it a good time and act as if everything is the same.

i am there with you with my mother in law. Indeed, that is why she no longer lives close to you.

 

[wisnon]

Thank you all for the kind words. I can selfishly grieve my friends condition but it doesn't change him facing mortality.

its an extremely tough thing to go thru. I hope your pal takes the time to enjoy the time and people he loves as much as possible and make peace with this life and his place within it. If he comes to term with is own reality as a spiritual being, it may allow him more time...but this always was a limited time game for all of us.

I feel your sadness and know that its even worse for your pal and his loved ones. I wish there was something I could do to fix it, but unfortunately I cannot. keep strong and try to be there for your friend, and dont give up hope.

 

[joeinid]

https://www.amazon.com/43-Movement-Keri-Baskin/dp/1539494926

 

[Ritmo]

Marty - Sorry about your friend. It is faith and patience that will be needed to help your friend and family get through ALS. The good news is that he has friends like you that will help him go through this next chapter of his life’s journey. Prayers will help as well.

 

[Nikhil]

Marty,

I hope this poem gives you solace as it has done for me ...


Sometimes the Almighty picks the flower that is still in full bloom;
Sometimes the rosebud’s chosen that we feel He’s picked too soon.

Sometimes the flower is fading with petals floating down,
but the Almighty knows the perfect time to gather flowers from the ground.

There is a heavenly garden in which the Almighty takes great pleasure
because He’s placed within it the loved ones that we treasure.

He walks among the blossoms giving them eternal rest,
and I know that it must please Him because He chose our very best.

 

[gadawg]

Marty ... so sorry for your friend and his family. We will definitely keep them in our prayers. God is there and loves us even when its difficult to see or understand.

Take Care

George