The word "god" is probably one of the least understood, most abused words out there. It is used for so many things that the definition of god has gotten so broad the word itself has become almost useless.
So I will try to quickly cover this broad word: "god" and why in every scenario the concept is illogical.
I will start with the vaguest definition of god then ramp it up to more precisely defined "god(s)":
God is simply everything:
Why not simply use the word "everything" instead of a confusing, grossly misused and misunderstood word "god"?
God is some greater (than humans) entity:
This is such a vague version/definition of god, it stretches the "god" word definition past its breaking point. We are really not talking about god as most all people think of god. The earth is greater than humans, our Sun is certainly greater than humans. We are basically talking about anything that could remotely be interpreted as greater than humans, and certainly greater than a single individual. Anyone's parents (while they were a child) would fall under this definition easily.
The god of the gaps
Also frequently known as the creator that created everything but it outside space and time and cannot be understood. This also strains the word "god" but is used a lot more frequently, especially by apologetics (that frequently and dishonestly believe in much more than just god of gaps) to try to (!erroneously!) build their god idea from this foundation. There is absolutely zero reason to even suggest this particular god concept cares about us, and zero reason why we should care about said god, absolutely nothing is gained. Plus a whole host of other problems that arises with this concept of god (like the vastness of the universe.)
Anthropomorphized God
This is the most common god concept, all abrahamic based religions, and just about every other major religion past and present have created an anthropomorphized God. It easy to understand why humans have modeled god after themselves, because that is the easiest/laziest way for a god concept to be understood and be presented. In the need to grow a big and powerful/lasting religion, vague, complex god ideas are not going to have much staying power or ability to pick up new converts. This kind of "god" concept is the most ridiculous of all, especially religions that rely on writings from 1000+ years ago. This common type of religion requires a lack of a critical thinking mind, unquestioning faith, usually spreads through indoctrination/brainwashing or threat of violence and leans heavily on fear to propagate. To one outside of the particular religion's god idea it easy to spot how ridiculous these god concepts are, quite often the written ancient literature alone is enough reduce these god concepts to something only a fool would actually believe by anyone not in the religion that reads/learns of them.
It should go without saying, but all these god ideas are simply concepts, because there is zero actual evidence for any of these god concepts.
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I kept this purposely short, but if anyone feels I should add anything or have questions or a rebuttal I would love to hear them.
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▮I am an atheist that always likes a good debate
▮Please include @LogicFTW for responses to me
▮Tips on forum use. ▮ A.R. Member since 2016.
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@ Logic
Nailed it, mate...
You're using a vague definition for anthropomorphism - I assume you take it to mean assigning just about any 'human' characteristic to God. It's not the only definition for it. It's also worth noting that anthropomorphism is in some form present everywhere in the life of humans, religious or nonreligious - just in case you think you're above it.
Leper: anthropomorphism is in some form present everywhere in the life of humans, religious or nonreligious -
Anthropomorphism occurs mainly in children's literature/movies about cute animals with human-like traits, and in religions. Arrested development, perhaps?
Great job, Logic. Spelled it out quite nicely, I would say... *thumbs up*...
Oh, by the way, I forget who, but somebody in another thread inquired of Leper as to why he/she/whatever chose that particular screen name. Perhaps this will help...
From Oxford dictionary
leper (noun); plural noun: lepers
*a person suffering from leprosy.
•a person who is avoided or rejected by others for moral or social reasons.
synonyms: outcast, social outcast, pariah, untouchable, undesirable, exile, reject, nonperson, unperson, persona non grata
Gonna go out on a limb here and guess our most recent Muslim guest is not suffering from the disease. Therefore, it stands to reason he/she/whatever is simply trying to live up to the full potential of the secondary definitions. And he/she/whatever is doing one helluva job in exceeding that goal, I must say. All the more reason for the dirty sock smell around here since his/her/whatever arrival. Or, perhaps it is a troll that strolled in wearing a fetid set of socks. Either way, it stinks. Although, on the plus side, we do at least have another representative of the Islamic faith helping to educate the lurkers on the putrid sewage produced by that particular religion. Guess I'll just hold my nose a little longer until they are gone.
@Logic
You nailed it. One faithfool has tried to poop on your op.
@Old man shouts clouds:
Thanks! I tried to keep it short and to the point was afraid I left out something at my attempt at brevity.
@Leper
I agree we tend to anthropomorphize just about everything, this just further strengthens the point, humans tend to anthropomorphize just about everything, the various god concepts are no exception. I certainly do not think I am above it, I talk to my cat and dog all the time even though I know they cannot possibly follow complex conversation.
@xenoview
Thanks :) I actually hope more theist apologist come in here and comment and try to argue how the above is wrong, I welcome it.
@LogicFTW
I don't know for you, but i am sure the cats i had understood everything i have ever said... They were just snobbish!!!
@Talyyn
Ya know I sometimes wonder about my cat, she seemingly has it all figured out. No concerns or stresses, gets to lie around and relax all day, gets fed decent food every day, has a very cushy and sheltered life, with the biggest decision she ever has to make is how many times she wants to stretch when she gets up, or, if the next 5 minutes should be spent grooming itself instead of sleeping some more, (preferably in a warm spot like the edge of the couch next to the window in the sun all morning, or better yet, in my lap if I would just sit still for more than 30 minutes at a time.
Sounds like a divine like life to me.
WAIT A MINUTE: If you are an ignorant Iron Age person who knows nothing about the world or universe in which you live and no control at all over storms, tsunami, earthquakes, death, disease, volcanoes, stars, eclipses, and the rest.... It makes perfect sense to invent a reason for all these things and call it God. God is the answer of the ignorant. It makes perfect sense that they would attribute all unknown things to a God because of their simplistic way of thinking. It actually is logical for them to do this to help relieve stress in their lives and pretend they have some sort of understanding and control.
@Cognostic
Of course you and I know that "control" comes at the cost of giving other people actual control over them, but I suspect most people caught up in these religions do not realize that, especially in the past when being ignorant was actually mostly unavoidable, (where as today there is very little excuse to not inform oneself of actual answers.) Half of the world or more has access to the internet where they can inform themselves in comfort and safety, at any time of the day 24/7 with near instant results on answers to just about any question.
@LogicFTW: I got nothing to say. Sounds like you have an excellent grasp of the total situation.