Arguments For A Manmade God (punishment, Earth, Leviticus, soul)

[The Voice of Reason]

I'm looking for some of the better arguments that God is made by man.

In another thread, Meogi made the following statement:

Originally Posted by meogi

He may be merciful and providing to me now, but why does he stop after I die?

As I read this question, I realized that I was reading a very unique (new to me) argument for mankind making God.

If God exists, why would our state of existence make any difference to him? If God does not care enough to impart his damnation (or rewards) on us while we live, why would he care just because our body ceases to function? To God, this would be nothing more than a hiccup - he's gonna be around tomorrow either way. According to most theistic religions, our body ceases to function, but our soul will live forever (usually in Heaven or Hell). So, to God, you would think God sees our earthly existence as no big deal. It is mankind that thinks the earthly existence is the important one. What a great argument for a manmade God.

Meogi's question may be the one of the best arguments I've ever seen for the position that God is made in our image (anthropomorphism).

I'm looking for feedback on this thought, and any other arguments for anthropomorphism.

Thanks,
TVOR

[_salam_]

This life is just a test to essentially see who is worthy of reward or punishment.

[The Voice of Reason]

So, I have about 70 or 80 years (if I'm lucky) to prove myself to God? The same God that made me? The same God that knows all? The same God that knows what is in my heart? Then, after a 70 year run, I'll be rewarded (or damned) for eternity? I would think he could see his way clear to give me, let's say, 1000 years out of an eternity.

What about the people that are killed at the age of 8 or 9 years old? Is that enough time for him to determine whether they deserve Heaven or Hell? Okay, you say that the young innocent ones get a free pass. Well then, what about the 18 year old? At what age is the cutoff date for the free pass?

I'm listening.

TVOR

[Mr Spinkles]

Originally Posted by _salem_

This life is just a test to essentially see who is worthy of reward or punishment.

Why would God need to test to see anything if he already knows everything?

[Sunstone]

If you're looking for arguments that God is manmade, read The Masks of God by Joseph Campbell. Somewhere around the third or fourth volume, the evidence that God is manmade mounts up and becomes overwhelming.

[linwood]

Thanks TVOR.
Cool thread.

Maybe the cut off point is mentioned somewhere in Leviticus? Numbers?

I dunno...

[The Voice of Reason]

Originally Posted by Sunstone

If you're looking for arguments that God is manmade, read The Masks of God by Joseph Campbell. Somewhere around the third or fourth volume, the evidence that God is manmade mounts up and becomes overwhelming.

Sunstone -
I haven't gotten any Campbell to read yet (it is on my list though), so perhaps you could give us a couple of the bigger nuggets.

Thanks,
TVOR

[Sunstone]

Originally Posted by The Voice of Reason

Sunstone -
I haven't gotten any Campbell to read yet (it is on my list though), so perhaps you could give us a couple of the bigger nuggets.

Thanks,
TVOR

Voice, you will thank yourself for reading Campbell. He's that good!

I'd love to give you some "big" nuggets, but the problem is that Campbell really doesn't offer any "big" nuggets -- not so much as he just keeps on offering you one tiny bit of gold after another until you eventually discover that you have a whole houseful of gold.

I guarantee that you will find Campbell full of facts. And the overwhelming meaning of those facts is that the concepts we have of God are manmade.

[The Voice of Reason]

I like this guy already.

TVOR