Belief in God 'childish,' Jews not chosen people: Einstein letter

BREITBART ^ | May 13, 2008

[stuartcr]

Well, ultimately, everything is God’s creation.

I do not know any of this, but I believe religions are the creation of man, desined to effect some control over a group. A belief of some Divine revelation would certainly aid in it’s popularity. Although, I don’t know how that revelation would be recognised, and distinguished as being any more valid than any other belief in a Divine revelation.

[quadrant]

Since you've closed you mind to the evidence of reason, to the evidence of nature, and to the evidence of revelation, little I could say would convince you.
If you have or want to have an open mind in the matter, I suggest you read THE CASE FOR GOD by Lee Strobel. What have you got to lose.

[Ethan Clive Osgoode]

I am not familiar with monist literature.

Monism as Connecting Religion and Science, Ernst Haeckel.
Mind, Motion, and Monism, George Romanes.
Riddle of the Universe, Ernst Haeckel.
Haeckel, His Life and Work, Wilhelm Bolsche.

[stuartcr]

Why do you say I’ve closed my mind to the evidence of reason, nature? What evidence exactly, are you talking about?

What exactly is the evidence of revelation? How would it be measured, reproduced, tested like all evidence should be?

Why would you want to convince me?

Perhaps, it is not so much I that have a closed mind, as it may be you. I have always said that this is just what I believe, not what I know, and that I may vey well be wrong, while you seem very sure, that you know these things, Where is your evidence? Evidence which doesn’t rely merely on faith. Do you require evidence to validate your beliefs? I don’t, if you do, perhaps your faith needs bolstering.

Why do you want me to read the book? Is it because somehow, you think that I do not believe in God, or because you want me tobelieve as you do?

[quadrant]

I want you to read the book because in the deepest sense I am concerned for you. Once, I wrote as you write: certain that God did not exist, certain that Divine revelation was a sign of a weak and gullible mind, and certain that truth varied from circumstance to circumstance. Now, after much study, reflection, and prayer, I realize that my opinions were driven by arrogance, hardness of heart, and pride. This process took decades for me. Prayerfully, it will not take as long for you. I pray that you will open your heart, mind, soul, and spirit, for I can promise you that if you do not you will never find peace in this world or the next.
Once again, I urge you to read THE CASE FOR GOD by Lee Strobel. The man is an intelligent and sophisticated.
What have you got to lose?

[stuartcr]

I am not, and have never said or even hinted at being certain that God does not exist, I’m sure He does. How did you come up with this notion?

[quadrant]

If you believe that God exists, I am pleased beyond words. And if you believe in an omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent, I suggest you read THE CASE OF GOD by Lee Strobel. The book will strengthen your faith.

[stuartcr]

I doubt I will read it, as I seldom have time to read anything, besides, my faith doesn’t need strengthening. Thanks though.

[quadrant]

Even if you don't read this book (though I urge you to do so) I cannot urge you strongly enough to begin reading. Remember the old Chinese proverb: reading is the foundation of wisdom.

[stuartcr]

I do read when I can, but I have a lot of other reading on my list to do first. I don’t read much religious stuff, because I really don’t believe anyone knows anymore about God, than anyone else. Besides, I’m quite satisfied with my current beliefs.

[quadrant]

One may learn about God from reading or studying, but one only begins to develop a relationship with God through prayer and meditation on the Divine. I promise you that prayer will bring you closer to Him and allow you insights into His character that will open your eyes to hints of a world that is beyond your imagination. So, I urge you in the strongest terms to read and pray. I shall pray that you do.

[stuartcr]

I don’t believe that anyone may learn about God from reading, I believe God puts the knowledge of Himself into each one of us according to His plan.

I agree with you about the prayer, as I do a lot of praying, and I’m thankful that God made me as He did.

[quadrant]

I said one may learn about God by reading but knowledge of God comes through relationship.
God put the need for God into each human being - as He put the need for the companionship of the opposite sex - but the development and flowering of that need is dependent on the willingness of each human to open himself or herself to God,
GOD made you as you are: for relationship with Him and with other humans.

[stuartcr]

I agree, God made us as we are.

[quadrant]

An if you refuse to develop a relationship with Him, you will never develop into your full potential as a physical and spiritual human being.

[stuartcr]

How do you come up with these conclusions about me? I never said anything about refusing to develop a relationship with God. How do you know I don’t have a relationship with God?

[quadrant]

From the implied language of your writings.

[stuartcr]

Where did I imply that I denied the existence of God, or that I refuse a relationship with God?

[quadrant]

Your replies indicate a person who is very self-satisfied with himself. Normally, self-satisfied people feel no need of a relationship with God.

[stuartcr]

Yes, I am quite self-satisfied. I believe it has everything to do with how God made me. You may want to review what you consider normal for others.