Wyz_sub10

This topic was sparked by abother thread talking about the preconceived notion of Christians regarding their idea of Christianity and the reality of Christianity.

Here's the scenario:

God decides to make some changes. (Out of necessity for a mcguffin, let's say the change is to require Christians to bath on Sunday at 5:00pm).

It's irrelevant why god wants this. (Let's just say he has his reasons) But he wants to communicate this to his followers.

How can he do this?

Any Christian I know, when comfronted with questionable direction, will return to the bible for clarification. But this wouldn't be in the bible. This is a new law from god.

If god sends the message through someone, that person will be denounced as a "false prophet."

If god decides to write in in the sky, it will be denouced as trickery.

What options does god have?

Essetially, is god hancuffed by his past decisions? Is god unable to make new law, issue new commandments, or make changes to previous laws?

If not, then isn't this a limitation on god?

Further, isn't this limitation being imposed on him by his followers, rather than the other way around?

And if so, have Christians taken power away from god?

Ojuice5001

Good thinking. Yes, Yahweh is limited by the revelation he gave in the past. It's kind of like how the Founding Fathers created a constitution rather than declaring themselves an absolute oligarchy; the purpose of this limitation was different, but in both cases a set of rules becomes more powerful than its creator, thanks to the fact that many people would rather have a system based on following rules than obeying commands (and I agree with them).

However, I should note that commands aren't really the strongest weapon at a god's disposal. It is much more effective to manipulate history in such a way that a tradition arises of performing the desired action, and this is what Yahweh has done--whatever thing Yahweh wants someone to do, there is a sect or subculture in his realm that does it. Changing large-scale traditions is more difficult, especially since Yahweh is not the only god.

I think the limitation arises both from Yahweh and the humans---Yahweh created the system, and the humans sustain it. It absolutely does cast doubt on his omnipotence

Wyz_sub10

I'm surprised this hasn't gotten a little more input, especially from theists.

Essentially, the question is whether can no longer influence his followers beyond what he has said already - god cannot change his mind.

(wrong forum perhaps?)

Ojuice5001

You'll notice that the only theist who answered believes Yahweh to be a finite god and not the only one in existence. For this reason and many others, Christians should become Roman polytheists.

Wyz, feel free to comment on my first post.

[ November 28, 2002: Message edited by: Ojuice5001 ]</p>

Wyz_sub10

I like your analogy to the Constitution - it seems as though everything that happenes in the US must be judged through 200 year old eyes.

While many Americans respect the Foundings Fathers, they also recognize that the constitution can be amended. I doubt any Christians would feel that the bible could be amended (well...except Mormons ).

I also agree that commands are god's biggest weapon, but it raises the point - if the bible provides the basis for the "system", and god cannot change the system, then god is subject to his own rules.

*But* it's because of man that he cannot change the system. And man will not allow the system to be changed because he is convinced through blind faith that it is unchanging.

Therefore, god is bounds and subject to the blind faith of his followers.