Flawed Theology

Many people often gush about how the Christian God has blessed their lives. He has provided food, shelter, medicine, and the joys of life.  People pray before meals, thanking God for his generosity and for the food on their plate. Everything good is from God. There are many Bible verses that back this up, too.   "And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." 2 Corinthians 9:8 "Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!"  Luke 12:24 "So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’"  Matthew 6:31 "Everything that lives and moves about will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything." Genesis 9:3 But have they ever stopped to think -- for just a moment -- about whether God...

Let's create a deity and a religion associated with that deity.  For this exercise, it isn't really relevant whether we, as the creators of the deity, actually believe that the deity exists--we're just trying to see what it would take to build a religion around an imagined deity and convince people of it. Name of deity: Let's pick a name and apply an arbitrary gender.  How about... Regina Phalange, female.*  Our religion will be called Reginianity. Regina Phalange, friend to everyone Characteristics:  We want people to be impressed with Regina Phalange and not follow any other deities.  So let's make her all-powerful . She's so powerful she made the entire universe. We want people to love Regina.  Let's make her all-loving and benevolent ! We want people to trust Regina.  Let's make her very very wise. She's omniscient ! How to spread the news about Regina Phalange? Since Regina isn't about to go door-to-door introducing herself (she isn't r...

What would reality look like if God were real? Is this really where God chose to reveal himself? Let's make the following assumptions. The God in question is omnipotent, omnipresent, loving, merciful, and omniscient (the Christian God) The God in question designed and created the entire universe, including humans Which scenario looks more likely? Thanks to Ginna Baker and C.S. for your help with this post! 

Call to me and I will answer you.  -Jeremiah 33:3 (or, milk jug )   Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. -Matthew 7:7 (or milk jug, again ) How Does God Answer Prayers? There are many Christian sources  that say God always answers in one of three ways when he is asked for something via intercessory prayer. Yes No Wait Let's consider a hypothetical example of a woman who is actively looking for a job in the publishing field. She prays and prays, asking God to arrange this new position for her. The woman soon gets a job in her desired field.  GOD SAID YES. The woman fails to find a new job in her desired field, and moves on to focus on something else.   GOD SAID NO. The woman fails to immediately find a new job in her desired field, but she is persistent.  A few years later, she finds that publishing job.  GOD SAID WAIT. Do you see the problem with this? There is no other possible outc...