# What kind of God would you believe in and follow **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [March 22, 2013, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-god-would-you-believe-in-and-follow/653643 "2013-03-22T15:12:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 15
**Author:** ![lekatt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lekatt/32/7269_2.png) [@lekatt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lekatt)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2013, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-god-would-you-believe-in-and-follow/653643/281 "2013-03-29T17:28:06Z")
The law of attraction acknowledges the connectedness of all things. I used a tree to illustrate this: God is the tree and we the leaves. So if one leaf attacks another it attacks itself. The principle is brought out strongly in “A Course in Miracles.” If you attack your brother it is an attack on yourself. Now if you wish to see this as it happened in your life write down your thoughts or remember them and see what the outcome was. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2013, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-god-would-you-believe-in-and-follow/653643/282 "2013-03-29T17:38:39Z")
> [@lekatt](#): > > The law of attraction acknowledges the connectedness of all things. > I used a tree to illustrate this: God is the tree and we the leaves. > So if one leaf attacks another it attacks itself. The principle is brought out > strongly in “A Course in Miracles.” If you attack your brother it is an attack on > yourself. > > Now if you wish to see this as it happened in your life write > down your thoughts or remember them and see what the > outcome was. Fed by fertilizer, full of sap, prone to disease and badly in need of trimming. When the hard times come the leaves die off and become mulch for the tree, for without a constant influx of fertilizer and mulch the tree will die of starvation…and itself become food for the next tree. ---
**Author:** ![Human\_Action](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/ac91a4/32.png) [@Human\_Action](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Human_Action)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2013, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-god-would-you-believe-in-and-follow/653643/283 "2013-03-29T17:55:12Z")
> [@lekatt](#): > > I don’t believe that is correct, the law of attraction has been with us far back into history although it may not have been call by that name. Galatians 6:7 doesn’t qualify; see below. Any other evidence? > [@lekatt](#): > > Jesus said: “Whatsoever ye sow, so shall ye reap.” > This is the law of attraction and it is expressed in all major religions in some form. Galatians 6:7-8 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. This is a very simple passage: God cannot be fooled; those who delight in sin shall depart from God, those that delight in God shall have eternal life. It has nothing to do with reincarnation, mental powers, worldy rewards, or punishment in future lives. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2013, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-god-would-you-believe-in-and-follow/653643/284 "2013-03-29T18:36:20Z")
Can’t believe I’m about to do this… The OP: > [@lekatt](#): > > \*\*What kind of God would you believe in and follow \*\* > > There has been many posts about God here. Most of them have been rejected outright. So now just describe the kind of God you could believe in. Create your own God as you would have Him/She/It to be. The major religions of this world have failed in my opinion to put forth a supreme being that could be accepted by everyone. I believe you can do this. **lekatt** has constructed a Tree God and appropriately cherry picked the kinds of attributes he would want that entity to possess. Sure, this god is full of contradictions. What god isn’t? Whatever other personal (misguided) convictions **lekatt** holds, I think he’s asked and answered his own OP. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2013, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-god-would-you-believe-in-and-follow/653643/285 "2013-03-29T18:46:51Z")
Well, yes-he has created his god, and now he worships the god he created. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2013, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-god-would-you-believe-in-and-follow/653643/286 "2013-03-29T18:48:38Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > Well, yes-he has created his god, and now he worships the god he created. QED: Law of Attraction. ---
**Author:** ![Learjeff](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/94ad74/32.png) [@Learjeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Learjeff)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2013, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-god-would-you-believe-in-and-follow/653643/287 "2013-03-29T19:05:23Z")
Are we having fun yet? ---
**Author:** ![Ludovic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2013, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-god-would-you-believe-in-and-follow/653643/288 "2013-03-29T19:10:40Z")
Marmalade, I like marmalade. ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2013, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-god-would-you-believe-in-and-follow/653643/289 "2013-03-29T19:12:11Z")
Bow down before the fearsome might of marmalade! ---
**Author:** ![Human\_Action](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/ac91a4/32.png) [@Human\_Action](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Human_Action)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2013, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-god-would-you-believe-in-and-follow/653643/290 "2013-03-29T19:14:28Z")
> [@Learjeff](#): > > Are we having fun yet? Sure! Speaking only for myself, of course. For one, having never been religion and coming from a non-religious family, the whole idea of constructing a religious belief system of laws and tenets is totally foreign. It’s actually unsettling to learn how it happens, honestly; the idea that this structure of laws and beliefs is sincerely held, and yet based on _nothing_ beyond personal conviction is a reminder to use reason and science whenever possible, and to question all assumptions. For two, I’m now clearer on what I _don’t_ believe in. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2013, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-god-would-you-believe-in-and-follow/653643/291 "2013-03-29T19:15:02Z")
> [@Ludovic](#): > > Marmalade, I like marmalade. Color me… whooshed. ---
**Author:** ![lekatt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lekatt/32/7269_2.png) [@lekatt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lekatt)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2013, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-god-would-you-believe-in-and-follow/653643/292 "2013-03-29T20:17:55Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > Fed by fertilizer, full of sap, prone to disease and badly in need of trimming. When the hard times come the leaves die off and become mulch for the tree, for without a constant influx of fertilizer and mulch the tree will die of starvation…and itself become food for the next tree. Just as you are negative I am positive that is how we are different. ---
**Author:** ![lekatt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lekatt/32/7269_2.png) [@lekatt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lekatt)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2013, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-god-would-you-believe-in-and-follow/653643/293 "2013-03-29T20:24:42Z")
> [@Human\_Action](#): > > Galatians 6:7 doesn’t qualify; see below. Any other evidence? > > Galatians 6:7-8 > > Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. > > This is a very simple passage: God cannot be fooled; those who delight in sin shall depart from God, those that delight in God shall have eternal life. > > It has nothing to do with reincarnation, mental powers, worldy rewards, or punishment in future lives. Who is the most important Galatians or Jesus. They call it the new testament because it replaces the old. Jesus said: "You have heard it said, but now I tell you… ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2013, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-god-would-you-believe-in-and-follow/653643/294 "2013-03-29T20:25:50Z")
> [@lekatt](#): > > Who is the most important Galatians or Jesus. They call it the new testament because it replaces the old. Jesus said: "You have heard it said, but now I tell you… I thought you weren’t religious? Do you follow the Bible or not? ---
**Author:** ![lekatt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lekatt/32/7269_2.png) [@lekatt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lekatt)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2013, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-god-would-you-believe-in-and-follow/653643/295 "2013-03-29T20:27:24Z")
> [@QuickSilver](#): > > Can’t believe I’m about to do this… > > The OP: > **lekatt** has constructed a Tree God and appropriately cherry picked the kinds of attributes he would want that entity to possess. Sure, this god is full of contradictions. What god isn’t? > > Whatever other personal (misguided) convictions **lekatt** holds, I think he’s asked and answered his own OP. I really wish it were that simple. ---
**Author:** ![lekatt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lekatt/32/7269_2.png) [@lekatt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lekatt)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2013, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-god-would-you-believe-in-and-follow/653643/296 "2013-03-29T20:28:43Z")
> [@Learjeff](#): > > Are we having fun yet? Yes, I think we are truly having fun now. ---
**Author:** ![lekatt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lekatt/32/7269_2.png) [@lekatt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lekatt)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2013, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-god-would-you-believe-in-and-follow/653643/297 "2013-03-29T20:36:36Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > I thought you weren’t religious? Do you follow the Bible or not? No, I don’t follow the Bible, but there are things in the Bible that are worth learning. I don’t see everything black or white the world is full of grays. ---
**Author:** ![lekatt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lekatt/32/7269_2.png) [@lekatt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lekatt)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2013, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-god-would-you-believe-in-and-follow/653643/298 "2013-03-29T20:42:08Z")
> [@Human\_Action](#): > > Sure! Speaking only for myself, of course. > > For one, having never been religion and coming from a non-religious family, the whole idea of constructing a religious belief system of laws and tenets is totally foreign. It’s actually unsettling to learn how it happens, honestly; the idea that this structure of laws and beliefs is sincerely held, and yet based on _nothing_ beyond personal conviction is a reminder to use reason and science whenever possible, and to question all assumptions. > > For two, I’m now clearer on what I _don’t_ believe in. Do you believe in “for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.” Well if you do you have met the main law of spirituality. ---
**Author:** ![Trinopus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/2bfe46/32.png) [@Trinopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trinopus)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2013, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-god-would-you-believe-in-and-follow/653643/299 "2013-03-29T21:06:21Z")
> [@Human\_Action](#): > > . . . the whole idea of constructing a religious belief system of laws and tenets is totally foreign. It’s actually unsettling to learn how it happens, honestly; the idea that this structure of laws and beliefs is sincerely held, and yet based on _nothing_ beyond personal conviction is a reminder to use reason and science whenever possible, and to question all assumptions. . . . As a (frustrated) fantasy writer, I do it all the time. I’ve constructed numerous (fictional) religions, and, in addition, a couple of significant Christian variants (heresies?) Sort of like what C.S. Lewis did with Aslan or Tolkien with Elbereth. It’s FUN! It’s good solid entertainment, and, if you do it honestly, it can actually teach you a lot about life, faith, your fellow man…and yourself. > [@lekatt](#): > > Do you believe in “for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.” > > Well if you do you have met the main law of spirituality. If I do something nice to someone, they’ll do something nasty to me? You were on sturdier ground when you quoted “As you sow, so shall you reap.” I can dig that. But “opposite reaction?” Huh? That’s the exact opposite of what Jesus said. Gardening makes a better metaphor for spirituality than Physics does. ---
**Author:** ![lekatt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lekatt/32/7269_2.png) [@lekatt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lekatt)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2013, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-god-would-you-believe-in-and-follow/653643/300 "2013-03-29T21:22:16Z")
> [@Trinopus](#): > > As a (frustrated) fantasy writer, I do it all the time. I’ve constructed numerous (fictional) religions, and, in addition, a couple of significant Christian variants (heresies?) Sort of like what C.S. Lewis did with Aslan or Tolkien with Elbereth. > > It’s FUN! It’s good solid entertainment, and, if you do it honestly, it can actually teach you a lot about life, faith, your fellow man…and yourself. > > If I do something nice to someone, they’ll do something nasty to me? You were on sturdier ground when you quoted “As you sow, so shall you reap.” I can dig that. But “opposite reaction?” Huh? That’s the exact opposite of what Jesus said. > > Gardening makes a better metaphor for spirituality than Physics does. I think you are right about gardening. But the opposite IMHO only means coming back and not as you said. I am a writer also, mostly poetry besides my life experiences. What is your pen name [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-god-would-you-believe-in-and-follow/653643.md?page=14) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-god-would-you-believe-in-and-follow/653643.md?page=16)