It seems we have a “circular argument”, to be sure. I believe what I believe and you believe what you believe and neither of us will be convinced- right? You must see in order to know (you must be fun in discussions about gravity!). I have found that trying to describe a personal relationship with the Creator of the universe is a bit like trying to describe an orgasm to one who has never experienced it.
We CHOSE the pain, loss and, yes, earthquakes we experience in this life. I suspect that had the forebears known what went along with “being as gods”, they might not have been seduced by the enemy. There has to be a certain amount of security in allowing God to make all the decisions and choosing all the (unpainful) exigencies that we might have experienced. However, our pride (a singular human failing) would never have allowed it, and, I re-submit, most of humanity would make the same choice NOW. Would you prefer that God had struck Adam and Eve with lightning to keep them in the garden? He gave us free will- and we used it.
I’m sure that attributing our fate to “chance” has its appeal for some. The unsatisfying lack of explanation of nature and its laws leaves some of us decidedly more skeptical of atheism than others. I am a skeptic.
You seem like a smart guy (girl?) and I am sure you have given your atheism LOTS of thought. I am an old lady and have given my faith lots of attention. I collect degrees as a hobby, now (goes with being retired and having time on my hands!) and I find that the more I learn, the less I know. I do know this- there is something bigger and greater than us. I have chosen to believe in God and have no regrets.
BTW- I’m sure you used the Latin to impress and it worked! I am dang shure IM-pressed. Yoo sho’ gots yoo sum larn’in!
I'm always open. But I've already been on your side and decided it was not for me.
I re-submit, most of humanity would make the same choice NOW
I don't doubt it, although, you've seen the Russian communists pining for the old days. I think it's the right thing, too. However, I don't think a god can be purely benevolent and allow the suffering. Surely there is a way to give free will without the innocent suffering. If there isn't, then that is admitting that something is beyond the power of God. If there is, then God isn't doing it, thus not pure benevolence.
Given this world, infinite power, knowledge and benevolence cannot coexist. One must be less than infinite.
I’m sure you used the Latin to impress and it worked!
I wanted to define it first. After that I just think it sounds cool in the Latin. Anything sounds cool in Latin. For me it started with this line:
"What's this, then? "Romanes eunt domus"? People called Romanes, they go, the house?"