The problem is that this kind of Apologetics requires double-think.
And double-think and intellectual integrity are strange bed fellows.
as long as you are sure that it is the shade of gray that holds merit...
I agree with this within the constraints of your framework.
However, there is no universal law saying that:
- God must be someone we look up to.
- God must be good, noble, and virtuous
- God must be rational
- God must be consistent
Those are all assumptions about God.
In terms of making decisions about one's life, they seem reasonable; but in terms of rational logic, they cannot validate that the faith system is true. They're just constraints you've chosen to operate under because they seem to mesh with what you want to believe is true (which is fine, and I might even share some of those assumptions with you -- I just want to call a spade a spade).
these are not laws but given the nature of humanity, they are more than fair conclusions...or call them assumptions, if you prefer
someone we look up to -> the whole reason for God to exist from an atheist perspective and much of what a theist spent his life doing
good, noble, virtuous -> as exemplified by the prophets in every major religion...
rational -> the life lessons imparted in the scriptures are consistent with a brilliant teaching strategy...like a how-to manual for life
consistent -> consistency as seen in the overall thoroughfare of mankind...this is the hardest one to convince oneself of but i think that God works mysterious ways and that there is ALWAYS a reason
they cant invalidate the faith system either. people tried doing that with the Quaran but it didn't work because in the right context, God's word is...well, God's word.
i realize that i have faith but i haven't spent nearly enough time or effort to even be worthy of mention as compared any of the enlighetened souls that i hold in high regard. i can't really use my dealings with life to discount his presence.
my point being, i KNOW how, but i haven't PRACTICED the how ...so i havent expereienced...but i do believe.
This is a very important distinction.
The best way to find God/s is to seek his nonexistence. Conversely, the quickest way to overlook God is to try to explicitly assert his presence.
Very insightful point, SW.
not where God is concerned...unless you seek the nonexistance with an open and accepting mindframe