# On God, His/Her/Its Nonexistence, and Bullshit **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [April 26, 2005, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-god-his-her-its-nonexistence-and-bullshit/301240 "2005-04-26T20:31:55Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 10
**Author:** ![cosmosdan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a6a055/32.png) [@cosmosdan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cosmosdan)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2005, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-god-his-her-its-nonexistence-and-bullshit/301240/181 "2005-05-11T16:12:55Z")
> [@monavis](#): > > If the egg of love exists it would be in the Truth,for it would truly be there…hence truth. If it didn’t contain truth it wouldn’t be really lovebut a sham. > > Monavis > [@](#): > > Sorry about the comma missing between love and but. I should have added if the chicken of truth existed then it would be there because it existed. Truth is what really is. Ahhh two serious responses to my not serious post. Look, it seems to me if God is timeless and eternal, then the qualities of God are timeless and eternal. Did one come before the other or is one contained within the other? I’m certain I don’t know and I’m pretty sure neither you or Liberal know. We use words to try and comprehend and describe what is actually indescribable. {Hoodoo inserts candy bar joke here} I see love and truth as intertwined in a way that is impossible to seperate. You can’t have one without the other and thats enough knowledge for me to move forward. Frankly when you guys get going you’re often over my head but I find it interesting and thought provoking and I sincerely thank you. ---
**Author:** ![cosmosdan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a6a055/32.png) [@cosmosdan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cosmosdan)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2005, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-god-his-her-its-nonexistence-and-bullshit/301240/182 "2005-05-11T16:19:01Z")
> [@Hoodoo Ulove](#): > > Why did the Chicken of Truth cross the Road of Life? So that Monavis could explain its true nature to it. {can’t seem to use the little smilies, how’s that work?} honestly though. I’m still trying to figure out > [@](#): > > If the egg of love exists it would be in the Truth,for it would truly be there…hence truth. If it didn’t contain truth it wouldn’t be really love but a sham. > Monavis How can love be an ornamental covering for a pillow??? ---
**Author:** ![monavis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e0b2c6/32.png) [@monavis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monavis)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2005, 11:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-god-his-her-its-nonexistence-and-bullshit/301240/183 "2005-05-12T11:42:53Z")
> [@cosmosdan](#): > > So that Monavis could explain its true nature to it. > {can’t seem to use the little smilies, how’s that work?} > > honestly though. I’m still trying to figure out > > How can love be an ornamental covering for a pillow??? The Truth is just what is. It doesn’t need any other thing to exist, Every thing else must contain some truth. We do not always know it, we do at times try to deny it, but truth is the only thing that needs nothing else…Thuth is in every thing and can be different at other times, such as: If one lookes at a tree and says the tree has green leaves, it is truth, in the Fall if some one else saw the tree he (or she) could say the tree has many colors of leaves, In winter one could say, the tree has no leaves. All would be true at that moment they saw it. The whole truth is that the tree leaves change with the seasons. The egg of love would have to be in truth to exist, If Truth is a chicken, it would be the chicken even without love, But it would first have to be the truth. Monavis ---
**Author:** ![monavis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e0b2c6/32.png) [@monavis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monavis)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2005, 11:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-god-his-her-its-nonexistence-and-bullshit/301240/184 "2005-05-12T11:51:52Z")
> [@Hoodoo Ulove](#): > > **Liberal** , I’m trying to get this. > **Monavis** says the existent is God. > I say merely naming the existent God tells us nothing. > You say essence precedes existence. > How does your statement contradict mine? My contention is not that “The” existent is God, but that the word God means all that exists. To me God is not a being, but Being. Monavis ---
**Author:** ![cosmosdan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a6a055/32.png) [@cosmosdan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cosmosdan)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2005, 12:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-god-his-her-its-nonexistence-and-bullshit/301240/185 "2005-05-12T12:40:39Z")
> [@monavis](#): > > The Truth is just what is. It doesn’t need any other thing to exist, Every thing else must contain some truth. We do not always know it, we do at times try to deny it, but truth is the only thing that needs nothing else…Thuth is in every thing and can be different at other times, such as: If one lookes at a tree and says the tree has green leaves, it is truth, in the Fall if some one else saw the tree he (or she) could say the tree has many colors of leaves, In winter one could say, the tree has no leaves. All would be true at that moment they saw it. The whole truth is that the tree leaves change with the seasons. The egg of love would have to be in truth to exist, If Truth is a chicken, it would be the chicken even without love, But it would first have to be the truth. > > Monavis says you… it’s still just an opinion. ---
**Author:** ![calm\_kiwi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9fc348/32.png) [@calm\_kiwi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/calm_kiwi)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2005, 12:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-god-his-her-its-nonexistence-and-bullshit/301240/186 "2005-05-12T12:55:46Z")
> [@monavis](#): > > My contention is not that “The” existent is God, but that the word God means all that exists. To me God is not a being, but Being. > > Monavis My contention is that ‘The’ is like the science experiments we did at high school. Petri dish…add bacteria…sit back and watch life grow. To me being IS is being. ‘God’ is some peoples way to explain being. We all go through life with our own explanations. (have you noticed that the more times you see the word being, the more it looks like it is spelt wrong?..No? Just me? OK 🙂 ) ---
**Author:** ![Hoodoo\_Ulove](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/58956e/32.png) [@Hoodoo\_Ulove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hoodoo_Ulove)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2005, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-god-his-her-its-nonexistence-and-bullshit/301240/187 "2005-05-12T14:00:11Z")
> [@monavis](#): > > God is not a being, but Being.Monavis Of what use is the word “God”? ---
**Author:** ![cosmosdan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a6a055/32.png) [@cosmosdan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cosmosdan)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2005, 12:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-god-his-her-its-nonexistence-and-bullshit/301240/188 "2005-05-13T00:19:07Z")
> [@Hoodoo Ulove](#): > > Of what use is the word “God”? when you stub your toe, or drop something, etc. saying Being Damit…just doesn’t feel as good. ---
**Author:** ![monavis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e0b2c6/32.png) [@monavis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monavis)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2005, 11:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-god-his-her-its-nonexistence-and-bullshit/301240/189 "2005-05-13T11:50:35Z")
> [@Hoodoo Ulove](#): > > Of what use is the word “God”? God is a word we use to explain what is. Some use other meanings,as I see it Existance is unending and has always been, what ever exists, because if something came out of nothing, it would then be in existance. Monavis ---
**Author:** ![Hoodoo\_Ulove](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/58956e/32.png) [@Hoodoo\_Ulove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hoodoo_Ulove)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2005, 1:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-god-his-her-its-nonexistence-and-bullshit/301240/190 "2005-05-13T13:12:06Z")
> [@monavis](#): > > God is a word we use to explain what is. See, that’s my problem. I don’t see how it naming “what is” “God” explains a beingdamned thing. (you’re right, Dan - not the same) ---
**Author:** ![cosmosdan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a6a055/32.png) [@cosmosdan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cosmosdan)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2005, 12:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-god-his-her-its-nonexistence-and-bullshit/301240/191 "2005-05-14T00:18:22Z")
> [@Hoodoo Ulove](#): > > See, that’s my problem. I don’t see how it naming “what is” “God” explains a beingdamned thing. (you’re right, Dan - not the same) Being Dam right it ain’t. ---
**Author:** ![monavis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e0b2c6/32.png) [@monavis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monavis)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2005, 11:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-god-his-her-its-nonexistence-and-bullshit/301240/192 "2005-05-15T11:04:19Z")
> [@cosmosdan](#): > > Being Dam right it ain’t. There is a difference between Being(existing) and “a” being. In order for any one or thing to be everywhere at the same time, it would have to be in everything and every thing in it. I just watched a program on PBS on the life of Einstein and he said the same thing. I am nowhere near a genius, but I understand, and have understood that for a long time. Being and existing are the same thing. Monavis ---
**Author:** ![cosmosdan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a6a055/32.png) [@cosmosdan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cosmosdan)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2005, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-god-his-her-its-nonexistence-and-bullshit/301240/193 "2005-05-15T17:45:48Z")
[QUOTE] > [@monavis](#): > > There is a difference between Being(existing) and “a” being. No fooling? WOW!! > [@](#): > > In order for any one or thing to be everywhere at the same time, it would have to be in everything and every thing in it. > I just watched a program on PBS on the life of Einstein and he said the same thing. I am nowhere near a genius, but I understand, and have understood that for a long time. Being and existing are the same thing. Being and existing may indeed be the same thing. You see on these boards that we don’t agree on what actually exists and what doesn’t. I suppose that means we don’t really know what being is either. If you’re sure you know then good for you. Monavis; I’ve enjoyed most of your input and offer sincere thanks. I can’t figure out why you continue to post serious and supposedly profound answers to our posts which are just kidding around. Is that part of your being? ---
**Author:** ![Hoodoo\_Ulove](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/58956e/32.png) [@Hoodoo\_Ulove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hoodoo_Ulove)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2005, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-god-his-her-its-nonexistence-and-bullshit/301240/194 "2005-05-15T17:55:37Z")
**Dan** and **Monavis** , this one _is_ serious, and unanswered. > [@Hoodoo Ulove](#): > > See, that’s my problem. I don’t see how giving “what is” (or being) the name “God” explains a thing. ---
**Author:** ![cosmosdan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a6a055/32.png) [@cosmosdan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cosmosdan)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2005, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-god-his-her-its-nonexistence-and-bullshit/301240/195 "2005-05-15T22:35:04Z")
[QUOTE] > [@Hoodoo Ulove](#): > > **Dan** and **Monavis** , this one _is_ serious, and unanswered. > > See, that’s my problem. I don’t see how giving “what is” (or being) the name “God” explains a thing. It doesn’t for me. In some respects God is a concept that is constantly updated by our percetption, according to our experiences and the evolution of our beliefs. We strive to sift through the myths and traditions to learn the truth about ourselves and God. Each journey is unique within the individual. ---
**Author:** ![monavis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e0b2c6/32.png) [@monavis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monavis)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2005, 11:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-god-his-her-its-nonexistence-and-bullshit/301240/196 "2005-05-16T11:26:15Z")
[QUOTE=cosmosdan] > [@](#): > > No fooling? WOW!! > > Being and existing may indeed be the same thing. You see on these boards that we don’t agree on what actually exists and what doesn’t. I suppose that means we don’t really know what being is either. If you’re sure you know then good for you. > > Monavis; I’ve enjoyed most of your input and offer sincere thanks. I can’t figure out why you continue to post serious and supposedly profound answers to our posts which are just kidding around. Is that part of your being? Sorry, I thought people on the board would like a different side of the story. To me belief is a personal thing and find others interesting. Monavis ---
**Author:** ![cosmosdan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a6a055/32.png) [@cosmosdan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cosmosdan)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2005, 11:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-god-his-her-its-nonexistence-and-bullshit/301240/197 "2005-05-16T23:39:57Z")
[QUOTE=monavis] > [@cosmosdan](#): > > Sorry, > > I thought people on the board would like a different side of the story. > > To me belief is a personal thing and find others interesting. > > Monavis No apology needed. As I said I enjoy your posts. I find others beliefs interesting as well. HooDoo had a serious question for you in the above post. ---
**Author:** ![monavis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e0b2c6/32.png) [@monavis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monavis)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2005, 10:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-god-his-her-its-nonexistence-and-bullshit/301240/198 "2005-05-17T10:02:13Z")
[QUOTE=cosmosdan] > [@monavis](#): > > No apology needed. As I said I enjoy your posts. I find others beliefs interesting as well. HooDoo had a serious question for you in the above post. In answer to Hoo Doo, I would reply;according to the dictionary the word being means all that exists, everywhere. I take everywhere to mean the cosmos and beyond (if there is such a place beyond). There is a difference between being, and “A” being. That is why I respect all people, places, and things. On this earth we are all connected. I try to respect everyone, their beliefs, the environment, and their properties. In my beliefs God is the totality of all that is. Not in the Christian or Judeo sense.Not a heavenly Father who watches over us. I respect everyone’s right to their own belief,they do not have to accept mine. Life experiances, the things we were taught as children,what we have studied etc. helps us decide what we believe. Monavis ---
**Author:** ![Liberal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/848f3c/32.png) [@Liberal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Liberal)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2005, 10:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-god-his-her-its-nonexistence-and-bullshit/301240/199 "2005-05-17T10:10:03Z")
> [@Hoodoo Ulove](#): > > **Dan** and **Monavis** , this one _is_ serious, and unanswered. The difference lies in the nature of the existence. Unlike any other being, God exists in all possible worlds — that is, She exists necessarily. Why can there be only one? Well, argue by reductio. Or, as Koons puts it: “Suppose that it were possible for something to be a supreme being but not a necessary being. … then in this imagined situation we have both a necessary being and a supreme being that is not necessary. Since every necessary being is a supreme being, this would mean that we had two supreme beings, which is supposed to be impossible.” ---
**Author:** ![Hoodoo\_Ulove](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/58956e/32.png) [@Hoodoo\_Ulove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hoodoo_Ulove)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2005, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-god-his-her-its-nonexistence-and-bullshit/301240/200 "2005-05-17T14:05:43Z")
> [@monavis](#): > > . . .I respect all people, places, and things. On this earth we are all connected. I try to respect everyone, their beliefs, the environment, and their properties. I have great respect for a religious view which has such positive ethical consequences. > [@monavis](#): > > In my beliefs God is the totality of all that is. My question arises not because I believe your view to be false, but because I am unable to make sense of it. I think there must be something unsaid in your belief, and this is what I am trying to draw out. We all necessarily believe in the “totality of all that is”. In your belief as you express it, to believe in God is no more than to believe in the existence of “all that is”. What additional information about “all that is” is conveyed by naming it “God”? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-god-his-her-its-nonexistence-and-bullshit/301240.md?page=9) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-god-his-her-its-nonexistence-and-bullshit/301240.md?page=11)