without flaws if flawless - Perfect, at least as i'm using it here, implies not simply that something is itself without flaws, but that it is the ultimate, pure and absolute expression of its being. . . thus, any existing thing - particularly in material or real sense - is not perfect because it exists in its own finite and limited existence. . . God, being omnipresent and infinite is more than merely flawless - God is perfection itself and it is precisely this PERFECTION against which all else is imperfect.

as for STE's comment - i'm not trying to head that direction (nor for that matter seriously attempting to persuade someone to believe or not believe) - i was just recounting some of the classic philosophical arguments about the nature of the divine

urge is exactly right (as kierkegaard would agree) that belief is the only thing available to we the imperfect (as only the perfect could have perfect knowledge) and belief always requires a blind leap of faith. we are, as nietzsche so rightly put it, "the bungled and the botched" - i always find comfort in that idea.

The "Why" questions are generally where I take issue with most forms of organized religions. Because they all try to give an answer, while at the same time saying "God" is omnipotent, all-knowing, existing forever, etc. Yeah, Pat is all those things, and YOUR dumb ass has even the slightest idea why it does anything.

Here's a 'why' question; Why does it matter?

i suppose it matters because the vast majority of the planet's population have deep, fervent - at times violent and almost always conflicting views of what god is and in many ways those views continue to drive much of the world's economic, political and cultural life

That's basically saying "it matters because people believe that it matters."

Personally, I don't think it matters. We're never going to know, and even if at some point we do know, we won't be in any position to do anything about it, and at that point we won't really care anyways.

If I die and I find that there is no God at least nobody will be able to remind me that I was wrong. :p

i am going out to get wasted, so i cant dive into this topic with the attention it deserves, hopefully when i come home i just pass out because giving it undivided drunken attention is not what it needs, especially not since im drinking torques tonight. So here's some food for thought instead:

http://www.desiconnectionusa.com/gal...vin_Carter.jpg

i was raised christian but i dont go to church..i beileve there is a god and heaven but i hate ass holes who shove shit down people's throat's

think about this....why would people make a book about god(holy bible) and these god like storys if it wasnt true???

I have a book about dragons ;)

good for you