Is "God" the epitome of Evil?

[1137]

IMO most people conceive of a personal "God" with such descriptives as "Almighty, Infinite, the Supreme Being, Maker, Creator," etc. The common thread that joins all of those descriptives seems to be the word "action". That is, it is in the nature of such a "God" to act. I suggest that such a being would be infinitely evil (intentionally or not, is another question).

My reason being: all of creation and its associated activity is filled with dukkha (unsatisfactoriness/suffering). In my personal, direct experience, it is actually progressively greater amounts of stillness (non-activity, e.g. in meditation) that brings greater and lasting pleasure, ease, bliss, and peace. Stillness opposes the inhered active qualities associated with "God".

I don't think God is evil because I don't think God has conscious, willful intent.

 

[buddhist]

I don't think God is evil because I don't think God has conscious, willful intent.

So your idea of "God" is not "Creator"?

 

[1137]

So your idea of "God" is not "Creator"?

It's the creator sure, it just doesn't create with willful intent.

 

[Upaava]

What is your evidence for your belief that your active "God" is merciful and loving?

My belief comes from a lifetime of interaction with peoples of different nationalities, religions and creeds, and mentoring by wise elders. Of course, each person must find their own way.

 

[Dawnofhope]

Let's use the word "unsatisfying" instead of "suffering". Aren't all actions inherently unsatisfying?

When I supported and helped my mother in the final years of her life that was satisfying. When I assist those in need I am happy. When I am passive and inactive when my brother or sister is in need then how can I be satisfied? When I see injustice then I must stand up for that which is right and noble.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

It is hard for us to grasp all this with a finite mind. I trust that God/Brahman is beyond me and not the epitome of evil. Nothing we can conceive of is better than this.

Replace "brahman" with Jesus/Allah/etc. and the message doesn't change.

Interesting.

 

[buddhist]

When I supported and helped my mother in the final years of her life that was satisfying. When I assist those in need I am happy. When I am passive and inactive when my brother or sister is in need then how can I be satisfied? When I see injustice then I must stand up for that which is right and noble.

Did your mother still eventually pass on, even in spite of your support and help? Were those in need eternally satisfied with your assistance? Could something more always be done?

 

[George-ananda]

Replace "brahman" with Jesus/Allah/etc. and the message doesn't change.

Interesting.

No problem with that actually. I am an inclusivism proponent too. it is all One in this expansive and broader view.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

No problem with that actually. I am an inclusivism proponent too. it is all One in this expansive and broader view.

Indeed. The resonance of your statement has made my qi vibrate on higher quantum frequency planes.

 

[George-ananda]

Indeed. The resonance of your statement has made my qi vibrate on higher quantum frequency planes.

Or perhaps ricocheted off a closed-mind that is here just looking for an opening to exercise sarcasm?? Just maybe, some people are not that hard to figure out.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

Just maybe, some people are not that hard to figure out.

Couldn't agree more.

 

[Dawnofhope]

Did your mother still eventually pass on, even in spite of your support and help? Were those in need eternally satisfied with your assistance? Could something more always be done?

My mother eventually passed on as we all do. I feel at peace because I was able provide her what she needed. I believe it was eternally satisfying for both of us. There's always more that can be done, but what was done, was sufficient. To have neglected my duty would have been a cause of regret and unhappiness for us both. I loved my mother, and she loved me. It is love that endures.

 

[buddhist]

My mother eventually passed on as we all do. I feel at peace because I was able provide her what she needed. I believe it was eternally satisfying for both of us. There's always more that can be done, but what was done, was sufficient. To have neglected my duty would have been a cause of regret and unhappiness for us both. I loved my mother, and she loved me. It is love that endures.

I'm glad to hear that you received an eternal satisfaction from performance of your duty. Did you experience any dissatisfaction with her passing?

 

[Dawnofhope]

I'm glad to hear that you received an eternal satisfaction from performance of your duty. Did you experience any dissatisfaction with her passing?

Thank you. In regards to dissatisfaction, not all. She was nearly 90 and had many health problems so it seemed excellent that is was her time to be released from this world into the next. I did experience was of intense emotion that would best be described as 'grief' at the funeral but this has not persisted. Occasionally I miss her, and remember the time we had together, but also feel that she is still alive spiritually and we will be reunited in the next world.

 

[Jonathan Ainsley Bain]

Are you proposing that "God" is dualistic?

Oh yes.
At least our mortal appreciation of God can only be dualistic.
The moment we put into words any idea, dualism manifests between the idea and the word;
between our mortal perception and God.

 

[rusra02]

What's the benefit of all this activity? Won't we all eventually grow old, get ill, and die anyways?

Good question. I believe God's purpose was and is for us to live forever on earth, without sickness or pain. Revelation 21:3,4 promises; "God himself will be with them [mankind]. And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away." I believe the Bible explains how suffering and death began, and the steps God took and is taking to end suffering and death forever.