In order to be considered a God, does he/she/it have to be omnipotent, omniscient, benevolent, or all-loving? Does a God have to be at all concerned with humans? Can a God not have any of these qualities and still be a God? What exactly is it that makes God God, and why does God have those qualities as opposed to others? Does a God have to be devoid of certain qualities to be a God?
(I'm not asking what your religion says God is, I'm asking why those things make you God a God. Just so there's no question about this later)
I think the only necessary trait is that your god inspire reverence in you.
For some people that necessitates God being omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent. For others those traits are not essential.
For some people that necessitates God being benevolent. For others, not.
For some, God is love, perhaps unconditional and universal. How could God be so petty as to deny God's love to anyone?
For others, a god of unconditional love violates their sense of justice, which might include righteous wrath.
For some people that necessitates God being concerned with humans. If God is apathetic to us, then why care about God?
For some people that necessitates God not being concerned with humans. How can something as grand as God be concerned with puny humans?
The only necessary trait is that your god inspire reverence in you. God is your highest values, your deepest concerns, your greatest aspirations. Picture those traits you most admire, that is your image of God.
