I would like to begin by investigating the last question first, but before I do that, a few words on the first two questions.
Is God real? By this, I mean is there a sentient being that exists from the perspective of a non-believer. So, for example, sometimes people say that Santa Clause exists the the hearts of charitable people at Christmas. If God exists in that sense, and only that sense, then the answer to my question--Is God real?--is no.
I think this is a really hard question to talk about because it is hard to find any other ground rules. The idea of God clearly evolves in the Bible from the Hebrew God to the only God. Before the Israelites started telling stories, I think "God" was one of several gods. Since the Bible has been written, ideas about who God is--even the Christian understanding of God--have not remained stagnant. See Process Theology, http://www.process-theology.org/, teaching that God is still evolving.
So, that woud be a slippery question. Similarly, the lack of objective data makes Is religion good for people? potentially frustrating. I can give my story; someone else can give her story. Then what?
I think the beginning should be the easiest question: Is religion good for the country?
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2 comments:
You are correct that the definition of God is problematic for non-believers. I checked out the process theology website briefly.
My perspective is this, though: why should I believe in anyone's view of God, when every other magic story which lacks supporting evidence is just as convincing?
The follow-on question, of whether religion is good for the country, leads you into the more practical aspects of religion that do lend themselves to rational analysis. So, rather than focusing on the metaphysical notions of a personal God, we can instead focus on the measurable benefits derived from a social structure which encourages members of a congregation to participate in a coordinated fashion in the improvement of their community.
Jim:
Matlatzinca,
The impact of religion on America is more measureable than the existence of God.
The existence of God is more interesting because it does not seem that reasonable minds could differ on such a thing--and yet they do. I experience God through my day-to-day living. So, it is very natural for me, to spend much of my time making talking about the practical--what good is religion?--and sprinkle in musings about a personal God.
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