Featured Bible says God hardened Pharaoh’s heart ? ! ? — this is not in keeping with free will.

[Multicolored Lemur]

On the theme of ethics being common and easy. Discount Tire had a sign on the wall —

“Be Honest,
“Work Hard,
“Have Fun,
“Be Grateful,
" _______ “

And I honestly forget the 5th one! In fact, it would be interesting to think what if there was a 5th, 6th, and 7th.

5. _________
6. ____________
7. ______\______

* My actual visit to Discount Tire was merely so-so.

* ethics are easy, as long as the person is not demanding “absolute truth” or “absolute proof” or something of that sort.

 

[Scooter]

The best path is to follow the ethics God gave in the Bible. But people don’t want to conform to God’s standards so they invent their own code of ethics that conform to their lives.

 

[AgnosticBoy]

Have you seen the movie Minority Report?

No, I haven’t seen it, but I’ve heard about it. Without giving away the plot, is there a relationship that I’m going to be rooting for? That’s one way I think about movies these days.

I actually don't remember to that extent. I just liked the storyline and setting.

I remember the movie being long or thinking that it could've ended way earlier.

Yes, God should act to prevent a child being abused or neglected, to prevent a bridge from collapsing, etc, etc.

We tie ourselves into knots trying to find excuses for “God.”

I brought it up thinking that if we had the ability to time travel, our ethics would also evolve to suit that. Maybe won't go as far as wiping out entire civilization, including their firstborn, but it has me thinking that God's ethics would also be different because of his ability and vantage point.

 

[AgnosticBoy]

Whose ethics are you using? The atheists? The agnostics? The religionists? God always does what's right regardless of the ethics man develops. If people don't understand or they disagree with actions God takes, the issue is with us and not God.

I'm perfectly fine going off of the biblical standards for this discussion. I've been doing that already for the most part.

 

[Multicolored Lemur]

I brought it up thinking that if we had the ability to time travel, our ethics would also evolve to suit that. Maybe won't go as far as wiping out entire civilization, including their firstborn, but it has me thinking that God's ethics would also be different because of his ability and vantage point.

Yeah, it would be different. But there has to be at least 5 better alternatives to mass murder.

It does sound like the situation would make an interesting movie

 

[AgnosticBoy]

Yeah, it would be different. But there has to be at least 5 better alternatives to mass murder.

That's also a point that goes with the 'problem of evil' argument.

Why couldn't God just allow people to be born that would freely choose good?

 

[Multicolored Lemur]

Why couldn't God just allow people to be born that would freely choose good?

or nudge them like a parent.

——————-

as a screenwriter, however, sometimes a character is almost defined by his or her vice.

And sometimes in real life, a vice can play to strength. That’s the other side of the coin.

 

[AgnosticBoy]

Moderator comment:

This comment was lost during an upgrade. Reposting it again.

Why couldn't God just allow people to be born that would freely choose good?

or nudge them like a parent.
——————-

as a screenwriter, however, sometimes a character is almost defined by his or her vice.
And sometimes in real life, a vice can play to strength. That’s the other side of the coin.

We have to keep in mind that this life may not be the only script. Christians believe it continues beyond this life to an ultimate good ending.

Do you think that takes some of the sting out of the problem of evil, particularly the point about God creating a path that would not allow for problems or harm?

 

[AgnosticBoy]

Moderator comment:

@Scooter's comment was lost during a website upgrade. My apologies, Scooter. Luckily found it stored somewhere. Reposting it...

Christians believe it continues beyond this life to an ultimate good ending.

Scooter replies: Well, it’s only a good ending for a few.

Do you think that takes some of the sting out of the problem of evil, particularly the point about God creating a path that would not allow for problems or harm?

Scooter replies: Absolutely! What a glorious time that will be when there is no more evil to deal with!!!

 

[Multicolored Lemur]

We have to keep in mind that this life may not be the only script. Christians believe it continues beyond this life to an ultimate good ending.

Do you think that takes some of the sting out of the problem of evil, particularly the point about God creating a path that would not allow for problems or harm?

I will consider the question. To me, it’s pretty hypothetical.

This 1991 movie may give a foothold and handhold. It’s about a Non-Christian heaven, maybe? , and/or afterlife. However, it does give people what they’re familiar with.