reply to post by Chronogoblin
The whole two-sided nature of the christian/jewish god is what really makes me take a step back from organized religion. My logical brain can't
reconcile an "all-loving" being with a vengeful and jealous being. It's an oxymoron. Such fails in the face of rational thoughts . . . .
Chronogoblin, I absolutely love your post. Every point you made is an exact expression of my own thoughts (although I believe you have verbalized it
a bit more eloquently than I). Many believers (from what I've experienced) seem to view these opinions as an attempt to discredit the idea of God.
In my opinion, however, it has been organized religion that has created all the confusion over God that has resulted in many atrocities.
As far as this post by the OP, it brings up some interesting things to ponder, although I think the descriptors for a "sociopath" follow more in
line with what one would perceive as the Devil. And this is where I think there has been some foul play with respect to the Bible and it's writings.
Certainly, one has no reason to doubt God had an influence in the Bible's writings because our inner self recognizes many of the lessons in the
Bible are indeed the most sure path to a peaceful and happy existence. But it would be foolish to assume that there was no other influence introduced
into this book by man or the Devil, IMO. Without meaning to offend anyone, doesn't the perception of God in the Bible resemble something more
closely fitting the persona of the Devil?
>>>A god that expects us to practice unconditional love, tolerance, patience, and forgiveness, but who ultimately will throw us into hell for eternity
if we don't abide by his rules
>>>According to The Bible, a jealous God," although this is the same God who commands us not to be jealous or envious of others
>>>A God that repeatedly condemns homosexuals as sinners for their actions, suggesting they live a life that goes against their true nature, although
these instincts he condemns them for were put there by him
>>>As suggested in the Bible, a God who seemingly created us for the purposes of worshipping him, suggesting he operates off of an ego
I say this sounds more like the Devil's handiwork. Manipulate humanity into believing our God is everything he commands us not to be. Essentially,
a hypocritical, ego-maniac who's number one priority is to keep us living in fear and using us for his own self-serving purposes. It also pulls us
away from the real God, the one more resembling the kind you spoke of in your post who really loves us unconditionally, for eternity, and who would
never banish us to hell for the very flaws he created us to have.
I think we've been misled about God by the Master Deceiver himself. This is just my viewpoint based on my own personal experiences. I don't know
anything more about God than the next guy, and that's a fact.