IF God Exists, Then What Does the Word "Exists" Mean?

[Sunstone]

If god exists, then what does the word "exists" mean when used in that context?

To elaborate, when I say some physical thing exists, it is pretty evident that what I mean by "exists" is it can either be immediately detected by my senses, or ultimately detected by my senses. An example of something that can be immediately detected by my senses is @SalixIncendium's alarming paisley codpiece, which he firmly believes to actually be fashionable. An example of something that can be ultimately detected by my senses is an electron. Here's how that works: Although I cannot immediately detect an electron, I can detect by my senses things that are influenced or impacted by an electron. Hence, there is a way in which I can detect an electron by my senses. So when I say a codpiece or an electron exists, I know what I mean by "exists".

But what do I mean when I say "God exists"?




___________________________________________
And now for some stimulating Nigerian/French Fusion Music....

 

[WhyIsThatSo]

If god exists, then what does the word "exists" mean when used in that context?

To elaborate, when I say some physical thing exists, it is pretty evident that what I mean by "exists" is it can either be immediately detected by my senses, or ultimately detected by my senses. An example of something that can be immediately detected by my senses is @SalixIncendium's alarming paisley codpiece, which he firmly believes to actually be fashionable. An example of something that can be ultimately detected by my senses is an electron. Here's how that works: Although I cannot immediately detect an electron, I can detect by my senses things that are influenced or impacted by an electron. Hence, there is a way in which I can detect an electron by my senses. So when I say a codpiece or an electron exists, I know what I mean by "exists".

But what do I mean when I say "God exists"?




___________________________________________
And now for some stimulating Nigerian/French Fusion Music....

If your definition of "God" is the ultimate source of "existence" PERIOD....then you should understand that to think that way is a paradox.
The ultimate source of existence, whatever label one gives it, CANNOT "exist" within "existence"......being it's source.

The True God is beyond mere existence, completely indescribable and completely incomprehensible...….always has been, always will be.

 

[PureX]

We can't detect electrons. We can detect the effect of their existence, however.

 

[osgart]

Does space exist? In the absence of materiality what exists? I am compelled to think there is an abstract existence by my experiences.

 

[crossfire]

If god exists, then what does the word "exists" mean when used in that context?

To elaborate, when I say some physical thing exists, it is pretty evident that what I mean by "exists" is it can either be immediately detected by my senses, or ultimately detected by my senses. An example of something that can be immediately detected by my senses is @SalixIncendium's alarming paisley codpiece, which he firmly believes to actually be fashionable. An example of something that can be ultimately detected by my senses is an electron. Here's how that works: Although I cannot immediately detect an electron, I can detect by my senses things that are influenced or impacted by an electron. Hence, there is a way in which I can detect an electron by my senses. So when I say a codpiece or an electron exists, I know what I mean by "exists".

But what do I mean when I say "God exists"?

Do abstract ideas "exist?" Your mind is certainly capable of detecting them, your mind can be affected by them. You can also observe other peoples' minds and behaviors being affected by abstract ideas/concepts, but unconscious matter is probably not affected by them (unless you consider the Princeton random number generators as being affected by them.)

 

[crossfire]

We can't detect electrons. We can detect the effect of their existence, however.

Like this? To some people, the idea of god or devil might make their hair stand on end like the electrons of static electricty.

 

[Skwim]

.

. ​

 

[Heyo]

I have a detailed list of things "existing" and may make an OP about it sometime but it is much too philosophical for most people to grasp. In short, there are (at least) 5 ways a thing can exist:
1. Physical existence. Things that are measurable with instruments. I call these (and only these) "real".
2. Existence as an ideal. These are the things that are in Plato's realm of numbers and forms.
3. Constructs. Things that we agree upon exist and have meaning. Laws, borders, nations.
4. Fantasies. Things we agree upon do not exist but we can talk about them as if they exist, like characters in a book.
5. Illusions. Things that we don't agree upon but have some value to a single person or small group, like dreams.

The question is, in which category would you put "god"?

 

[crossfire]

Does space exist? In the absence of materiality what exists? I am compelled to think there is an abstract existence by my experiences.

Space can be measured, e.g. "the house is one mile away."

 

[1213]

IF God Exists, Then What Does the Word "Exists" Mean?

it means "to be".