Religion
In reply to the discussion: There is a lot of talk in this forum about god [View all]Thats my opinion
(2,001 posts)While there is considerable interest in such a definition, it poses an impossible task. Definitions, by their nature set borders. They tend to describe what is within the borders and everything else, which is outside. Definitions rely on a knowledge of what is within the borders and what is outside. Definitions, therefore limit.
I believe that asking for a definition of God poses the wrong question. It suggests that God is a noun like any other nouna thing or a being to be defined.
But perhaps we are closer to reality if we think of God as a verbas doing, not as being. If you want to see what God does, consider evolutionthe ever-energized process which continually moves ahead refining and sustaining all that is. Think of God as the sustaining force in all life, without which there would be nothing. As long as you think of God as a definable thing you will get nowhere and only end up with people saying, prove it. Thus you are back to the definition of a thing or a being. What I am suggesting is that we must begin to think outside the boxoutside the borders of a thing or a being.
Or think of the highest and best of every value. What is the noblest force in the universe? Is it truth, beauty, harmony, justice, peace? What underlies any of these values? Why are they values at all? Is there something in the heart of the universe and in the human heart which celebrates the good? Then perhaps that underlying force is called God--not the energizer, but the energy!
I will tell you what I believe. I believe that there is some purpose in life and in the universein my life and in yours. I believe that there is in the universe a will for the living out of the good. I believe all life has meaning and that this is not just a tale told by an idiot full of sound and fury, signifying nothing. While I cannot prove that life has meaning, as if it were a thing to be defined and thus proved, I chose to live my life and the life of the world as having some purpose beyond myself. And so I have tried to give my life in the struggle to see this meaning and purpose lived out wherever it can be supported. I work for peace and justice because I believe in these values as having meaning. That dynamic action which gives meaning is what I call God.