Is God dead?
A discourse36 total reviews
Comment from c_lucas
Congratulations for a job well done. I have over thirty years in Theology and I have never found an essay that even comes close to yours. Very well written with good imagery and descriptive scheme.
reply by the author on 13-Sep-2008
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Congratulations for a job well done. I have over thirty years in Theology and I have never found an essay that even comes close to yours. Very well written with good imagery and descriptive scheme.
Comment Written 12-Sep-2008
reply by the author on 13-Sep-2008
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Thanks. A lot of my insight is due to my teachers; they trained me well. Thanks for a great review.
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You're welcome. Charlie
Comment from whizpurr ^-^
I very much appreciated reading your well written, intelligent, comprehensive and scholary submission, Alvin. A sentence in your second last paragraph stood out to me: "This idea has actually been in Christianity since its inception in the idea of the righteous pagan." This sentence reminded me of some similar statements I read in THE PAGAN CHRIST, a book which I greatly enjoyed. It was a good contest. These prompts certainly 'prompt' one to pour out the goods! All of the entries are excellent and seem to come at the same truth from different slants. Thanks for sharing yours.
Sincerely,
Whizpurr ^-^
reply by the author on 13-Sep-2008
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I very much appreciated reading your well written, intelligent, comprehensive and scholary submission, Alvin. A sentence in your second last paragraph stood out to me: "This idea has actually been in Christianity since its inception in the idea of the righteous pagan." This sentence reminded me of some similar statements I read in THE PAGAN CHRIST, a book which I greatly enjoyed. It was a good contest. These prompts certainly 'prompt' one to pour out the goods! All of the entries are excellent and seem to come at the same truth from different slants. Thanks for sharing yours.
Sincerely,
Whizpurr ^-^
Comment Written 12-Sep-2008
reply by the author on 13-Sep-2008
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Thank you for a great review. I truly appreciate that. Who wrote "The Pagan Christ"? I would be interested in seeing it, and I have a great friend who is a renowned New Testament scholar who would be interested in it as well.
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Cordial Greetings Alvin,
Thanks for your note.
The author of THE PAGAN CHRIST (Recovering the Lost Light) is Tom Harpur. The book is published by Thomas Allen Publishers of Toronto, Canada. Mr. Harpur, like your friend, is a well known biblical scholar with a profoundly interesting background. In my opinion, this book is a 'must read'.
Hope you are having a great day.
Bright blessings.
La Don (Whizpurr ^-^)
Comment from nitad
But a God of goodness, of love, who suffered for us (in Whitehead's words, the fellow sufferer who understands) is with us and will remain with us always. That God and that God only is worthy of worship, praise, and prayer.
Alvin,
You have done an excellent job articulating the argument of whether God is dead or not. And you did so without the usual "let me throw my beliefs in your face and let's see if you dare contradict me in your review" mentality that we often see in religious based writings on this site. Bravo!
The ending resonated with me for it is what I truly believe. I am Lutheran and I noticed you mentioned Ephesians 2:8--I believe this will all my heart that we are saved by grace, through faith alone and not of our works. How convenient it would be for many if that were not the case and they could actually buy their way into Heaven. Oy.
I don't know if you have read it or not, but one of my favorite books on this subject is Dietrich Bonhoffer's The Cost of Discipleship. Especially the chapter entitled, Cheap Grace vs. Costly Grace.
This one is worthy of both a six and my vote.
Well done, my friend.
Nita
reply by the author on 13-Sep-2008
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But a God of goodness, of love, who suffered for us (in Whitehead's words, the fellow sufferer who understands) is with us and will remain with us always. That God and that God only is worthy of worship, praise, and prayer.
Alvin,
You have done an excellent job articulating the argument of whether God is dead or not. And you did so without the usual "let me throw my beliefs in your face and let's see if you dare contradict me in your review" mentality that we often see in religious based writings on this site. Bravo!
The ending resonated with me for it is what I truly believe. I am Lutheran and I noticed you mentioned Ephesians 2:8--I believe this will all my heart that we are saved by grace, through faith alone and not of our works. How convenient it would be for many if that were not the case and they could actually buy their way into Heaven. Oy.
I don't know if you have read it or not, but one of my favorite books on this subject is Dietrich Bonhoffer's The Cost of Discipleship. Especially the chapter entitled, Cheap Grace vs. Costly Grace.
This one is worthy of both a six and my vote.
Well done, my friend.
Nita
Comment Written 12-Sep-2008
reply by the author on 13-Sep-2008
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Thanks. You have, to me, an unusual interpretation of the Lutheran position, but it is probably closer to Luther himself than most contemporary Lutheran positions are. One of my first teachers in religion impressed upon me that grace was not cheap. I greatly appreciate him for doing that. Thanks for a great review and the six stars. I am honored and moved.
Comment from jshep
This is an amazing work, Alvin. Your work is flawless, written with the ease of a knowledgable man, and also a man who is comfortable with who he is and with his faith. I actually related very deeply with what you have written. For no other reason than lack of sense, I have never felt a fear of God's power. Your write made me think about why that is so, and I realized that His love was first and foremost for me and His forgiveness. Why would I fear Him when He loves me and forgives me for my sins. It really becomes so simple. Thank you for a wonderful essay and for offering your comforting words of wisdom. Excellent job. Joyce
reply by the author on 12-Sep-2008
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This is an amazing work, Alvin. Your work is flawless, written with the ease of a knowledgable man, and also a man who is comfortable with who he is and with his faith. I actually related very deeply with what you have written. For no other reason than lack of sense, I have never felt a fear of God's power. Your write made me think about why that is so, and I realized that His love was first and foremost for me and His forgiveness. Why would I fear Him when He loves me and forgives me for my sins. It really becomes so simple. Thank you for a wonderful essay and for offering your comforting words of wisdom. Excellent job. Joyce
Comment Written 12-Sep-2008
reply by the author on 12-Sep-2008
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Thanks for a great review. You certainly caught the gist of the essay well. I truly appreciate it.
Comment from tteach
I can always count on you to present a well researched, logically organized, intellectual discourse whenever religion is involved. YOur breadth of knowledge amazes me. I read things that I've never known, and so you gave me a lot to think about.
Perfectly presented. Should stand a good chance of winning.
reply by the author on 12-Sep-2008
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I can always count on you to present a well researched, logically organized, intellectual discourse whenever religion is involved. YOur breadth of knowledge amazes me. I read things that I've never known, and so you gave me a lot to think about.
Perfectly presented. Should stand a good chance of winning.
Comment Written 12-Sep-2008
reply by the author on 12-Sep-2008
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Thanks for the review. I greatly appreciate it, for the reviews have been quite mixed. Thanks also for the six stars; I appreciate them as well.
Comment from sharon fallis
Alvin, I read this all the way through, and although I believe what I am finding in my "A Course in Miracles", this was a good write about some of the more paramount beliefs. God is neither Good or bad. He is all loving, and creates love giving it life. Read my chapter on the first page of the book section. Thank you for sharing your ideas with me. Sharon
reply by the author on 12-Sep-2008
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Alvin, I read this all the way through, and although I believe what I am finding in my "A Course in Miracles", this was a good write about some of the more paramount beliefs. God is neither Good or bad. He is all loving, and creates love giving it life. Read my chapter on the first page of the book section. Thank you for sharing your ideas with me. Sharon
Comment Written 12-Sep-2008
reply by the author on 12-Sep-2008
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Thanks for your review. I looked at your profile and I am not sure what work you are referring to by "my chapter on the first page of the book section." What is it entitled?
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Why Jesus Christ----Who is He? is the name of the story. Thank you for reading my profile. It's an old one and needs to be updated. Sharon
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Alvin, I have done some major revising. Hopefully for the better! If you would care to re-read it again, I would love to hear your new thoughts about it. Sharon
Comment from raimie
About a year ago I left the church i was raised in for 24 yrs. I know longer shared their fundamental beliefs. I turned to a new age group. I was happy at first as it was new and exciting. but, every step of the way, i felt as if something were missing. but, i could not put my finger on it. One day in great distress my natural instinct was to pray to god. Then I knew what I was missing. The one on one relationship with god the father. The one thing that never failed me was the trust in through all god things are possible. In the new age group, i quit turning to god for answers and went to "prophets". i have left the new age, but not returned to my former church. I am now attending a smaller church and am quite content. Thank you for sharing. **But a God of goodness, of love, who suffered for us (in Whitehead's words, the fellow sufferer who understands) is with us and will remain with us always**
reply by the author on 12-Sep-2008
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About a year ago I left the church i was raised in for 24 yrs. I know longer shared their fundamental beliefs. I turned to a new age group. I was happy at first as it was new and exciting. but, every step of the way, i felt as if something were missing. but, i could not put my finger on it. One day in great distress my natural instinct was to pray to god. Then I knew what I was missing. The one on one relationship with god the father. The one thing that never failed me was the trust in through all god things are possible. In the new age group, i quit turning to god for answers and went to "prophets". i have left the new age, but not returned to my former church. I am now attending a smaller church and am quite content. Thank you for sharing. **But a God of goodness, of love, who suffered for us (in Whitehead's words, the fellow sufferer who understands) is with us and will remain with us always**
Comment Written 12-Sep-2008
reply by the author on 12-Sep-2008
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Thank you for your review; I appreciate it.
Comment from Frankwhite
As you may well know i am not a believer, i dont no belive God could have died as he was never there. However this is a well reaserched and well reasoned piece. It refrences some of the major thinkers in this timless debate. You are correct to show up Augustines moronic quote. I am a follower of Kant when it comes to ethics, he reasoned that true morality can only be found through freedom, yet if we submit totally to the will and law of a higher power we can never totally be free. It is intresting you mention Whitehead and his process philosophy. Whitehead was of course a fan of Plato whos work has been manipulated by relgion mainly chritianty throughout the ages.I cannot agree with your final conclusion, for why does Love need a god, can we not simply love for loves sake?This God you speak of stinks of a watered down squash. However you have obviously thought about this piece and for that you should be praised. It was thought provoking and intresting and you have earnt everyone of your five stars. You may have even inspired me to respond with my own thoughts.
reply by the author on 12-Sep-2008
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As you may well know i am not a believer, i dont no belive God could have died as he was never there. However this is a well reaserched and well reasoned piece. It refrences some of the major thinkers in this timless debate. You are correct to show up Augustines moronic quote. I am a follower of Kant when it comes to ethics, he reasoned that true morality can only be found through freedom, yet if we submit totally to the will and law of a higher power we can never totally be free. It is intresting you mention Whitehead and his process philosophy. Whitehead was of course a fan of Plato whos work has been manipulated by relgion mainly chritianty throughout the ages.I cannot agree with your final conclusion, for why does Love need a god, can we not simply love for loves sake?This God you speak of stinks of a watered down squash. However you have obviously thought about this piece and for that you should be praised. It was thought provoking and intresting and you have earnt everyone of your five stars. You may have even inspired me to respond with my own thoughts.
Comment Written 12-Sep-2008
reply by the author on 12-Sep-2008
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Thanks for your review. I think "power in powerlessness" is one of the hardest concepts to grasp in liberal Christianity. Whitehead thought of his philosophy as an inversion of Kant--I happen to think myself that Kant's philosophy was pernicious, as it reduced religion to morals and, for me, that takes away aesthetics and worship. Thanks also for stimulating my mind.
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Maybe you could take a look at some of my work lol ?
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Science fiction is not my forte and I don't write it well. I would advise you have someone like Barry W Metcalf look at your work.
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My work is philosophy, pure and simple
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I am sorry; in a cursory glance, it seemed to have a futuristic setting. Is that incorrect?
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That is true, but it is philosophy
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I see. I don't really feel qualified to review it. Thanks for asking me, though. I do appreciate it.
Comment from Patrick G Cox
Excellent exposition of a very tricky area. Sadly I suspect that many will not understand you or appreciate what you are saying, the alternative of "omnipotent" and opposed to "Satan" - the classic dualist position - is just too attractive. We live in a world where no one wants to take responsibility for their own actions and failings. Very well done!
reply by the author on 12-Sep-2008
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Excellent exposition of a very tricky area. Sadly I suspect that many will not understand you or appreciate what you are saying, the alternative of "omnipotent" and opposed to "Satan" - the classic dualist position - is just too attractive. We live in a world where no one wants to take responsibility for their own actions and failings. Very well done!
Comment Written 12-Sep-2008
reply by the author on 12-Sep-2008
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Thank you for catching exactly the gist of my argument and for a good review.
Comment from fjf
I found this interesting and written with a scholarly flair, however I find the the conclusion rather arrogant and question the ability of the author to speak with such
authority.
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
reply by the author on 12-Sep-2008
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I found this interesting and written with a scholarly flair, however I find the the conclusion rather arrogant and question the ability of the author to speak with such
authority.
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 12-Sep-2008
reply by the author on 12-Sep-2008
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For clarification, I taught Religion on the college level for years, have a BA with Highest Honors in Religion from Oberlin, and a M. Div. cum laude from Yale. I have served as a consultant to the now former Bishop of Los Angeles (Episcopal/Anglican.) For my writing credentials, see my biography on this site. Thank you for your review.
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Your writing is great, it is your conclusion and the tone that I didn't care for.
