Zone1 do you believe in a god?

[ding]

What makes you think the creator wants us to worship? Is that the same as appreciating nature?

What attributes of the creator can you discern from what he has created?

First you have to know what worship originally meant.

Every extant attribute of reality comes from the creator.

 

[alang1216]

First you have to know what worship originally meant.

Every extant attribute of reality comes from the creator.

The original meaning of "worship" is rooted in the concept of recognizing and displaying the worth of something. It evolved from Old English "worth-ship," meaning "condition of being worthy". This suggests that worship is fundamentally about recognizing and acknowledging the inherent value and honor of whatever is being worshipped.

So how should one worship the creator of everything? I certainly recognize and acknowledge the inherent value of the universe, is that sufficient?

 

[ding]

The original meaning of "worship" is rooted in the concept of recognizing and displaying the worth of something. It evolved from Old English "worth-ship," meaning "condition of being worthy". This suggests that worship is fundamentally about recognizing and acknowledging the inherent value and honor of whatever is being worshipped.

So how should one worship the creator of everything? I certainly recognize and acknowledge the inherent value of the universe, is that sufficient?

Why do you assume worthiness is applied to the creator? Why isn't it are the creatures worthy?

 

[ding]

The original meaning of "worship" is rooted in the concept of recognizing and displaying the worth of something. It evolved from Old English "worth-ship," meaning "condition of being worthy". This suggests that worship is fundamentally about recognizing and acknowledging the inherent value and honor of whatever is being worshipped.

So how should one worship the creator of everything? I certainly recognize and acknowledge the inherent value of the universe, is that sufficient?

Let's say you have a very good friend and your friend gave you a gift that you really appreciated. How would you show that you were thankful, appreciative and worthy of receiving that gift from your friend? Because once you understand that, then you will understand the purpose of worship.

hint: it's not about or for the gift giver, it's about and for the gift receiver.

 

[ding]

So how should one worship the creator of everything?

By using the gift that was given to you to show your appreciation, thanks and worthiness of receiving the gift.

 

[alang1216]

I am not suggesting God is going to change you. I am asking you how you, having belief or knowledge of God, would change. No need to drag in Mecca, Ganges, Smith, or any other person or symbol. How do you imagine knowledge or experience of God might change your own attitude?

Until I know why I've changed, how can I know how I'll change? I can't just change my core beliefs any more than I could just change my sexuality and decide to become gay.

 

[ding]

I certainly recognize and acknowledge the inherent value of the universe, is that sufficient?

It's a start. But there is so much more that could be done by using your talents.

 

[alang1216]

By using the gift that was given to you to show your appreciation, thanks and worthiness of receiving the gift.

I do that already. It is something I have always tried to do.

 

[alang1216]

It's a start. But there is so much more that could be done by using your talents.

You may be overstating my talents but I do try to help my family, friends, and neighbors.

 

[alang1216]

Why do you assume worthiness is applied to the creator? Why isn't it are the creatures worthy?

Isn't this the opposite of what you said about worshipping the creator and not the created?

 

[ding]

I do that already. It is something I have always tried to do.

Except you missed out on the power of making it a sacred act for the creator. So again... a path not traveled and therefore no point of reference that you can compare what you have done.

 

[ding]

You may be overstating my talents but I do try to help my family, friends, and neighbors.

That absolutely does have benefit to you personally. Being thankful, being reflective, being forgiving, performing random acts of kindness all lead to a happy and thankful state of mind.

It's pretty easy to be happy when everything is going well. That's not the test though.

 

[ding]

Isn't this the opposite of what you said about worshipping the creator and not the created?

I worship the creator by showing my worthiness by using my gifts. Worshipping the created is more like chasing material wealth, sexual pleasure, power, fame, drugs, yourself, etc.

Just what is it that you hope to gain from this conversation?

 

[alang1216]

Except you missed out on the power of making it a sacred act for the creator. So again... a path not traveled and therefore no point of reference that you can compare what you have done.

How do I make it a sacred act? What are the rules?

 

[alang1216]

It's pretty easy to be happy when everything is going well. That's not the test though.

I've had only one real test and I got through it, mainly with the support of my wife, and I'm happy.

 

[ding]

How do I make it a sacred act? What are the rules?

It starts with acknowledging that it's your gift to God.

 

[alang1216]

I worship the creator by showing my worthiness by using my gifts. Worshipping the created is more like chasing material wealth, sexual pleasure, power, fame, drugs, yourself, etc.

I think I'm like every other normal person and try to maximize both aspects.

Just what is it that you hope to gain from this conversation?

Understanding of someone who is so very different from me. Why does this, obviously intelligent person, believe what he does. I have zero expectation of changing your beliefs nor would I want to.

 

[alang1216]

It starts with acknowledging that it's your gift to God.

God or the Creator? They are not the same things to me.

 

[ding]

I think I'm like every other normal person and try to maximize both aspects.


Understanding of someone who is so very different from me. Why does this, obviously intelligent person, believe what he does. I have zero expectation of changing your beliefs nor would I want to.

I'm sure you really do believe every bit of that.

 

[ding]

God or the Creator? They are not the same things to me.

They are to me. I use them interchangeably.