Thread: The Riddle of Epicurus

Originally Posted by Guy Incognito

Is the answer to that question not obvious?

False dichotomy. God could be neutral.

Originally Posted by scourge99

Why do you willingly worship such a disgusting god?

ah, some subjectivism?

Originally Posted by Guy Incognito

Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able?

Then he is not omnipotent.

Is he able, but not willing?

Then he is malevolent.

Is he both able and willing?

Then whence cometh evil?

Is he neither able nor willing?

Then why call him God?

The premises this question implies:

1. There is a God.
2. Choice exists.

God is a fairy tale for grown ups. God is only an idea with no objective correlation.

Choice is illusion, because in order for it to occur there would have to be more than one possible outcome given identical circumstances. Since natures outcomes are determined by physical laws, there is only one possible outcome, therefore choice cannot exist.

There is no riddle here, only misunderstanding of the premises. Assumptions based upon false premises create all kinds of false dilemmas. Many people have fun and are in awe in such fantastic confusions. This is were the magic seems most real, where no explanation can exist.

This enchanted world was dashed to bits inside my mind years ago.

Originally Posted by empireofreason

God is only an idea with no objective correlation.

So?

Still useful.

Originally Posted by ecofarm

False dichotomy. God could be neutral.

Neutral is one way of putting it. From a Biblical point of view God is merely a liar.

"For I am merciful, saith the Lord, and I will not keep anger forever." (Jeremiah 3:12)
"Ye have kindled a fire in mine anger, which shall burn forever." (Jeremiah 17:4)

"If I testify about myself, my testimony is not valid." (John 5:31)
"Jesus answered: Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid." (John 8:14)

"And Jesus coming, spoke to them, saying: All power is given to me in heaven and in earth." (Matthew 28:18)
"the whole world is under control of the evil one." (1 John 5:19)

Originally Posted by Mr Objective

Neutral is one way of putting it. From a Biblical point of view God is merely a liar.

"For I am merciful, saith the Lord, and I will not keep anger forever." (Jeremiah 3:12)
"Ye have kindled a fire in mine anger, which shall burn forever." (Jeremiah 17:4)

"If I testify about myself, my testimony is not valid." (John 5:31)
"Jesus answered: Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid." (John 8:14)

"And Jesus coming, spoke to them, saying: All power is given to me in heaven and in earth." (Matthew 28:18)
"the whole world is under control of the evil one." (1 John 5:19)

yes because it is better for you to take 2 verses in the same book completely out of context and twist them to your warped point of you so that you can call G-d a liar, rather than admit your arrogance.

Originally Posted by ecofarm

God could be neutral.

That possibility is covered by the last question in the riddle.

Originally Posted by DarkWizard12

yes because it is better for you to take 2 verses in the same book completely out of context and twist them to your warped point of you so that you can call G-d a liar, rather than admit your arrogance.

And yet you appear to be unable to come up with a counterargument. Interesting.

Originally Posted by Guy Incognito

That possibility is covered by the last question in the riddle.

Only the second question tackles it (sort of). A neutral God would be able but unwilling. Unwiling would depend on the reasons for his neutrality. The conclusion that he is malevolent is a bit of a leap.

Originally Posted by Ben K.

Only the second question tackles it (sort of). A neutral God would be able but unwilling. Unwiling would depend on the reasons for his neutrality. The conclusion that he is malevolent is a bit of a leap.

Right, good point.