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[Sushan]

This topic is about the August 2021 Philosophy Book of the Month, Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream by Dr Frank L Douglas

“Why does God have favorites?” He furrowed his brow, thought for a moment and in his deep Scottish accent replied, “Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it: Why hast thou made me thus?” Out of respect, I remained silent. But inside, a loud voice shouted, “If the thing was made with the powers of reasoning, would not he who formed it, expect it to ask questions?”

(Location 235 of Kindle version)

This quote shows a question that this author had because of the hardships he went through due to racial discrimination.

Let's begin this discussion from the hypothetical point of accepting God's creation of this world. Do you think that God really had favourites? Did He create the world in a way for his favourites to thrive over the difficulties of the less fortunate ones? Or did humans manipulate the religious teachings as well and the priests prohibit ordinary men from questioning the so-called 'God's word'?

[Tegularius]

People have always preferred their own groups...which is not always centered in ethnicity, for which god becomes spokesman. God is extremely useful in that respect never having rescinded a command made by humans in spite of groups being on opposite sides.

The phrase Gott Mit Uns or god with us used by all concerned especially when embroiled testifies to that. God's favourites are a multiplex of all those who invoke him, making god that which is truly Beyond Good & Evil...in practice: chosen by everyone, he chooses no one!

[Sushan]

People have always preferred their own groups...which is not always centered in ethnicity, for which god becomes spokesman. God is extremely useful in that respect never having rescinded a command made by humans in spite of groups being on opposite sides.

The phrase Gott Mit Uns or god with us used by all concerned especially when embroiled testifies to that. God's favourites are a multiplex of all those who invoke him, making god that which is truly Beyond Good & Evil...in practice: chosen by everyone, he chooses no one!

I too think so. God has been a concept for a long time and people have used with both good and evil iintentions. If God is the loving father as described He would not have chosen anyone to either be privileged or be under-privileged. It is men who have chose to supress fellow men based on various discriminations and credited those deeds to God's account.

[Sculptor1]

This topic is about the August 2021 Philosophy Book of the Month, id=352912]Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream by Dr Frank L Douglas[/url]

“Why does God have favorites?” He furrowed his brow, thought for a moment and in his deep Scottish accent replied, “Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it: Why hast thou made me thus?” Out of respect, I remained silent. But inside, a loud voice shouted, “If the thing was made with the powers of reasoning, would not he who formed it, expect it to ask questions?”

(Location 235 of Kindle version)

This quote shows a question that this author had because of the hardships he went through due to racial discrimination.

Let's begin this discussion from the hypothetical point of accepting God's creation of this world. Do you think that God really had favourites? Did He create the world in a way for his favourites to thrive over the difficulties of the less fortunate ones? Or did humans manipulate the religious teachings as well and the priests prohibit ordinary men from questioning the so-called 'God's word'?

God's "chosen people" have suffered at least as much as any group. They are the victims of the largest systematic focused, slaughter in history.
Do you think that the assumption underlying your post is a valid one? Maybe the Jews are just wrong and they were never the "chosen people"?
Why would god stand by whilst black people are continually singled out for prejudice?
Then there is the whole issue of childhood cancer and a massive range of diseases that could only be the result of indifferent natural forces, rather than a divine being making favorites.
The other assumption in your question that is false is where you pose a choice; between god's picking favorites and humans abusing religious teachings, when there is at least as much suffering that is due to religion as is due to natural forces (god in your view presumably) that seems completely indiscriminate and respects no favorites.

There is one simple solution to your problem that answers all questions here, without contradiction.

[detail]

Well the meaning of existing riches , together with a good mental and physical health of you and your family is mostly understood as god. Unluckily this means that a normal person of everyday life has no god at all.

[Fellowmater]

God doesn't play favorites. Much of what is mentioned here is simply consequences. People have given what you call earthly abundance is the result of their actions and their behavior and that they have taken the right steps and have the right attitude to achieve something. And I believe the same goes for the spiritual side. What happens is that some people are willing to receive from God and open their hearts to Jesus while others don't. God loves us at our own level and doesn't force things on us. If internally our heart is rejecting Jesus, he won't force his way in. Only when we are fully opened and willing to his action, he would give us many gifts.

So God doesn't play favorites. He gave us all equally free will and the ability to choose. What we receive is based on our free will not on favoritisms. If I choose good and I choose to open my heart to God and I choose his road, then I will receive multiple gifts, both earthly and spiritual. But if I choose to do whatever I want, do not want to follow God and instead, I tell to God is my way or the highway, and want to do whatever in life with no consideration over consequences, then I am not going to get any spiritual gifts and I will have the consequences of all my negative actions.

[Sushan]

This topic is about the August 2021 Philosophy Book of the Month, id=352912]Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream by Dr Frank L Douglas[/url]

“Why does God have favorites?” He furrowed his brow, thought for a moment and in his deep Scottish accent replied, “Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it: Why hast thou made me thus?” Out of respect, I remained silent. But inside, a loud voice shouted, “If the thing was made with the powers of reasoning, would not he who formed it, expect it to ask questions?”

(Location 235 of Kindle version)

This quote shows a question that this author had because of the hardships he went through due to racial discrimination.

Let's begin this discussion from the hypothetical point of accepting God's creation of this world. Do you think that God really had favourites? Did He create the world in a way for his favourites to thrive over the difficulties of the less fortunate ones? Or did humans manipulate the religious teachings as well and the priests prohibit ordinary men from questioning the so-called 'God's word'?

God's "chosen people" have suffered at least as much as any group. They are the victims of the largest systematic focused, slaughter in history.
Do you think that the assumption underlying your post is a valid one? Maybe the Jews are just wrong and they were never the "chosen people"?
Why would god stand by whilst black people are continually singled out for prejudice?
Then there is the whole issue of childhood cancer and a massive range of diseases that could only be the result of indifferent natural forces, rather than a divine being making favorites.
The other assumption in your question that is false is where you pose a choice; between god's picking favorites and humans abusing religious teachings, when there is at least as much suffering that is due to religion as is due to natural forces (god in your view presumably) that seems completely indiscriminate and respects no favorites.

There is one simple solution to your problem that answers all questions here, without contradiction.

More or less your argument goes towards the point of believing in no God (I am a non-believer too), and I have not spoken about the so called biblical chosen people. Yes, if they were the chosen ones God would have rescued them before their sufferings.

Religion is not the only thing that discriminate or harass people, yes, there are abundant natural causes. But when people discriminate other groups of people various religious teachings play or have played in the history very massive roles.

[Sushan]

Well the meaning of existing riches , together with a good mental and physical health of you and your family is mostly understood as god. Unluckily this means that a normal person of everyday life has no god at all.

That is my point. Every good thing gain credit for the God and such privileged people are seen as God's favourite, while the under-privileged remain out of God's sight. If there is a superior power why He has not spread resources equally. Or has it been always the humans whi have kept the God in front of them and deprived their fellow men from the privileges?

[Sushan]

God doesn't play favorites. Much of what is mentioned here is simply consequences. People have given what you call earthly abundance is the result of their actions and their behavior and that they have taken the right steps and have the right attitude to achieve something. And I believe the same goes for the spiritual side. What happens is that some people are willing to receive from God and open their hearts to Jesus while others don't. God loves us at our own level and doesn't force things on us. If internally our heart is rejecting Jesus, he won't force his way in. Only when we are fully opened and willing to his action, he would give us many gifts.

So God doesn't play favorites. He gave us all equally free will and the ability to choose. What we receive is based on our free will not on favoritisms. If I choose good and I choose to open my heart to God and I choose his road, then I will receive multiple gifts, both earthly and spiritual. But if I choose to do whatever I want, do not want to follow God and instead, I tell to God is my way or the highway, and want to do whatever in life with no consideration over consequences, then I am not going to get any spiritual gifts and I will have the consequences of all my negative actions.

For the spiritual part I can agree with you. It is up to you to choose your spiritual path and its level.

But for the mundane things, is there any connection between your faith and the riches that you own? If so the world's first ten billionaires have to be God's best followers. But such a thing is not seen in their lives (with all due respect). So it is hard to accept the fact that you will get mundane riches depending on your level of faith.

[fionaimmodest]

God does not show preference to people but he does show preference to behaviors. That is something any of us can do. Follow his rules.

[Sculptor1]

This topic is about the August 2021 Philosophy Book of the Month, id=352912]Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream by Dr Frank L Douglas[/url]

“Why does God have favorites?” He furrowed his brow, thought for a moment and in his deep Scottish accent replied, “Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it: Why hast thou made me thus?” Out of respect, I remained silent. But inside, a loud voice shouted, “If the thing was made with the powers of reasoning, would not he who formed it, expect it to ask questions?”

(Location 235 of Kindle version)

This quote shows a question that this author had because of the hardships he went through due to racial discrimination.

Let's begin this discussion from the hypothetical point of accepting God's creation of this world. Do you think that God really had favourites? Did He create the world in a way for his favourites to thrive over the difficulties of the less fortunate ones? Or did humans manipulate the religious teachings as well and the priests prohibit ordinary men from questioning the so-called 'God's word'?

God's "chosen people" have suffered at least as much as any group. They are the victims of the largest systematic focused, slaughter in history.
Do you think that the assumption underlying your post is a valid one? Maybe the Jews are just wrong and they were never the "chosen people"?
Why would god stand by whilst black people are continually singled out for prejudice?
Then there is the whole issue of childhood cancer and a massive range of diseases that could only be the result of indifferent natural forces, rather than a divine being making favorites.
The other assumption in your question that is false is where you pose a choice; between god's picking favorites and humans abusing religious teachings, when there is at least as much suffering that is due to religion as is due to natural forces (god in your view presumably) that seems completely indiscriminate and respects no favorites.

There is one simple solution to your problem that answers all questions here, without contradiction.

More or less your argument goes towards the point of believing in no God

No exactly. It goes towards NOT believing in god. A subtle and important difference. The smart thing to do is not beleive. Try to seek out knoweldge, and always keep knowledge contingent on evidence and reason.

(I am a non-believer too), and I have not spoken about the so called biblical chosen people. Yes, if they were the chosen ones God would have rescued them before their sufferings.

Religion is not the only thing that discriminate or harass people, yes, there are abundant natural causes. But when people discriminate other groups of people various religious teachings play or have played in the history very massive roles.

Agreed.

[Sculptor1]

God does not show preference to people but he does show preference to behaviors. That is something any of us can do. Follow his rules.

What rules?

[Sushan]

God does not show preference to people but he does show preference to behaviors. That is something any of us can do. Follow his rules.

That is even more questionable. Simply I can take this as if you are good you will get God's help, but if you are bad God will look away. But when we look at the society we see the exact opposite. The drug lords, mafia bosses, thieves, and killers have the biggest amounts of riches and comforts. I am not certain whether they have even seen a church or spoken with God ever.

But the honest, helping fellow who visit the church on every Sunday and lead a good life in every aspect remain poor (relatively). And this discrimination is very well seen when your skin colour is dark.

Maybe the God is rewarding you for your behaviours in your after life, but definitely not in your life in this world.

[Sushan]

This topic is about the August 2021 Philosophy Book of the Month, id=352912]Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream by Dr Frank L Douglas[/url]



(Location 235 of Kindle version)

This quote shows a question that this author had because of the hardships he went through due to racial discrimination.

Let's begin this discussion from the hypothetical point of accepting God's creation of this world. Do you think that God really had favourites? Did He create the world in a way for his favourites to thrive over the difficulties of the less fortunate ones? Or did humans manipulate the religious teachings as well and the priests prohibit ordinary men from questioning the so-called 'God's word'?

God's "chosen people" have suffered at least as much as any group. They are the victims of the largest systematic focused, slaughter in history.
Do you think that the assumption underlying your post is a valid one? Maybe the Jews are just wrong and they were never the "chosen people"?
Why would god stand by whilst black people are continually singled out for prejudice?
Then there is the whole issue of childhood cancer and a massive range of diseases that could only be the result of indifferent natural forces, rather than a divine being making favorites.
The other assumption in your question that is false is where you pose a choice; between god's picking favorites and humans abusing religious teachings, when there is at least as much suffering that is due to religion as is due to natural forces (god in your view presumably) that seems completely indiscriminate and respects no favorites.

There is one simple solution to your problem that answers all questions here, without contradiction.

More or less your argument goes towards the point of believing in no God

No exactly. It goes towards NOT believing in god. A subtle and important difference. The smart thing to do is not beleive. Try to seek out knoweldge, and always keep knowledge contingent on evidence and reason.

(I am a non-believer too), and I have not spoken about the so called biblical chosen people. Yes, if they were the chosen ones God would have rescued them before their sufferings.

Religion is not the only thing that discriminate or harass people, yes, there are abundant natural causes. But when people discriminate other groups of people various religious teachings play or have played in the history very massive roles.

Agreed.

Yes, believers can believe what they prefer and non-believers can look for knowledge and reason. But the issue is the difficulty to go against the privileged majority who use religion upon the less educated and less privileged people to control them and further deprive them of their rights and comforts. I think if a God was truly there this couhave been easily stopped. This process continues because it is done by a group of greedy men who want to keep all the riches to themselves, and know that the best way to do that is disrupting any attempts on social equality.

[Sculptor1]

God's "chosen people" have suffered at least as much as any group. They are the victims of the largest systematic focused, slaughter in history.
Do you think that the assumption underlying your post is a valid one? Maybe the Jews are just wrong and they were never the "chosen people"?
Why would god stand by whilst black people are continually singled out for prejudice?
Then there is the whole issue of childhood cancer and a massive range of diseases that could only be the result of indifferent natural forces, rather than a divine being making favorites.
The other assumption in your question that is false is where you pose a choice; between god's picking favorites and humans abusing religious teachings, when there is at least as much suffering that is due to religion as is due to natural forces (god in your view presumably) that seems completely indiscriminate and respects no favorites.

There is one simple solution to your problem that answers all questions here, without contradiction.

More or less your argument goes towards the point of believing in no God

No exactly. It goes towards NOT believing in god. A subtle and important difference. The smart thing to do is not beleive. Try to seek out knoweldge, and always keep knowledge contingent on evidence and reason.

(I am a non-believer too), and I have not spoken about the so called biblical chosen people. Yes, if they were the chosen ones God would have rescued them before their sufferings.

Religion is not the only thing that discriminate or harass people, yes, there are abundant natural causes. But when people discriminate other groups of people various religious teachings play or have played in the history very massive roles.

Agreed.

Yes, believers can believe what they prefer and non-believers can look for knowledge and reason. But the issue is the difficulty to go against the privileged majority who use religion upon the less educated and less privileged people to control them and further deprive them of their rights and comforts. I think if a God was truly there this couhave been easily stopped. This process continues because it is done by a group of greedy men who want to keep all the riches to themselves, and know that the best way to do that is disrupting any attempts on social equality.

Greed is only one aspect. There seems to be an urge to expunge difference. You've only to examine tha hatred and spit meted out to people that are a "bit different"; homsexuals, trans, non binary; differnt colour, ethnicity; fat people; thin people. When I was a kid having long hair meant you were a girl, and scorn would follow any boy with the guts to let their hair grow to Beetle length.
Catholics persecute Protestants who persecute Jews who persecute Palestinians ad infinitem