It brings to my mind the various human concepts of god. I have read many different concepts, ranging from the incomprehensible, to childish. Its honestly a question I cannot give a simple answer to, as to me a God is a human concept borne out of the reasons I mentioned earlier. God is such a commonly used word, that people often accept it has a meaning, even if they don't beleive in a god.
I suppose the first thing that springs into my ind when people use the word god, is: a restriction of thought in peoples mind; a desire to put a name on something; a desire for people to seek a purpose and meaning beyond the realms of science; indoctrination; and blood, misery, fear, pain and war and a lack of liberal morals often combined with a stagnation of society.
By stangation of scoiety I mean entire countries laking the ability to properly care for, medicate, feed themselves, and an inability to properly study science, medicine etc. I realise that often other factors go hand in hand with this, but god is usually a major part of it as far as I can see. I've lost count of how many people I had to explain that their work cannot be submited to a journal of science, because they seem to see the reasons for their discovery as an act of god. I find it difficult when people devote their time to praying for a solution to their babies illness, or their poor exam grades, or their poor financial situation, instead of devoting their time to doing something that is actually going to help. I've worked in quite a number of 'developing' countries, and to see the danger of this system of thinking is heartbreaking, and it worries me how many lives have been ruined, and even taken, by a beleif in god instead of common sense.
I suppose that sounds more like I am describing religion, not god, and I realise people beleive in god without having a religion...although I beleive that as long as people belive in god, the organisation of religion will continue, and all that it entails will follow.
I'm sorry if that sounds in anyway rude, it isn't supposed to be. I have many good religious friends and have even lived in the houses of Muslims in the middle east. Religion is something that I have a strong interest in, but as far as I can see, to accept the reality of a god, is to dismiss all other alternative theories....and I find it ironic when people tell me I am small minded for not beliving in god.
These are just my opinions of course that I am offering for discussion puposes only....they arnt supposed to be inflamatory in any way....I enjoy this kind of debate alot !!!
I can see you probably wanted a more simple answer....but I cannot give one.
