# 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:** 17
**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:** [April 1, 2013, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-god-would-you-believe-in-and-follow/653643/321 "2013-04-01T22:21:25Z")
Unconditional love rules. ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2013, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-god-would-you-believe-in-and-follow/653643/322 "2013-04-02T01:00:32Z")
> [@lekatt](#): > > Unconditional love rules. No, it drools. \* Seriously, a 2 day gap and you come back to post _that?_ \*A grade-school level line like that deserves a grade-school level response. ---
**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:** [April 2, 2013, 2:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-god-would-you-believe-in-and-follow/653643/323 "2013-04-02T02:43:31Z")
> [@Der\_Trihs](#): > > No, it drools. \* > > Seriously, a 2 day gap and you come back to post _that?_ > \*A grade-school level line like that deserves a grade-school level response. OK ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2013, 3:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-god-would-you-believe-in-and-follow/653643/324 "2013-04-02T03:40:42Z")
> [@lekatt](#): > > Unconditional love is… …a guarantee of badly behaved dogs. ---
**Author:** ![Who\_me\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/958977/32.png) [@Who\_me\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Who_me_1)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2013, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-god-would-you-believe-in-and-follow/653643/325 "2013-04-02T22:52:55Z")
I know this thread has gone far since the original question, but I’m answering it anyway. Apologies if someone has already given this answer. What god could I believe in and follow? None. Anything that powerful would not require my belief nor my following it. ---
**Author:** ![Trinopus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/2bfe46/32.png) [@Trinopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trinopus)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2013, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-god-would-you-believe-in-and-follow/653643/326 "2013-04-03T03:58:25Z")
> [@Who\_me\_1](#): > > . . . None. Anything that powerful would not require my belief nor my following it. But…could one be so good, noble, wise, and just plain nice that you would follow it? I’ve met people who have really good leadership skills, and I would follow them. (And, in fact, have!) In my professional career, I’ve had at least three really good bosses. Isn’t a God/god conceivable who is as good as this, if not vastly better? Such an entity might not require you to follow it…but it might sufficiently reward you for following it as to make that the wisest possible action. (There is, of course, also the very ugly flip side to this notion: a rotten stinking bully of a God who punishes dissent so horribly that you pretty much have to obey, out of sheer self-preservation. If Fred Phelps’ idea of God demonstrated its existence… Ick… I just made myself sick…) ---
**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:** [April 3, 2013, 4:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-god-would-you-believe-in-and-follow/653643/327 "2013-04-03T04:30:57Z")
> [@lekatt](#): > > These quotes are from one who loves completely. Much more than I. > “There are no guarantees. > From the viewpoint of fear, none are strong enough. > From the viewpoint of love, none are necessary.” > > ``` > "Every moment of your life you are offered the opportunity > to choose -- Love or fear, > to tread the earth, or to soar the heavens." > > "Your entire human experience is predicated on your viewpoint. > Your viewpoint is predicated on your > inner belief system and that is predicated on > how much you believe in fear > and how much you believe in love." > > ``` If you’re going to quote something, at least have the good grace to credit it properly. The above was written by Emmanuel Teney. ---
**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:** [April 4, 2013, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-god-would-you-believe-in-and-follow/653643/328 "2013-04-04T19:57:27Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > If you’re going to quote something, at least have the good grace to credit it properly. The above was written by Emmanuel Teney. It was not written by: Emmanuel Teney Professor of Psychiatry Wayne State, Detroit, Michigan He probably quoted it from the real Emmanuel of the book “The Book of Love” I know the real Emmanuel wouldn’t mind since He teaches unconditional Love. ---
**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:** [April 4, 2013, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-god-would-you-believe-in-and-follow/653643/329 "2013-04-04T19:59:17Z")
> [@Who\_me\_1](#): > > I know this thread has gone far since the original question, but I’m answering it anyway. Apologies if someone has already given this answer. > > What god could I believe in and follow? > > None. Anything that powerful would not require my belief nor my following it. You got that right. ---
**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:** [April 4, 2013, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-god-would-you-believe-in-and-follow/653643/330 "2013-04-04T20:31:12Z")
> [@lekatt](#): > > It was not written by: Emmanuel Teney > Professor of Psychiatry > Wayne State, Detroit, Michigan > > He probably quoted it from the real > Emmanuel of the book > “The Book of Love” > > I know the real Emmanuel wouldn’t mind since He teaches unconditional Love. I’ve seen multiple cites that say they were written by Emmanuel Teney. What’s your cite? ---
**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:** [April 4, 2013, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-god-would-you-believe-in-and-follow/653643/331 "2013-04-04T20:38:34Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > I’ve seen multiple cites that say they were written by Emmanuel Teney. What’s your cite? Crap-nevermind. I just found out that your “Emmanuel” was “channeled” by Pat Rodegast. Next time, try quoting real people. ---
**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:** [April 5, 2013, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-god-would-you-believe-in-and-follow/653643/332 "2013-04-05T16:28:48Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > Crap-nevermind. I just found out that your “Emmanuel” was “channeled” by Pat Rodegast. Next time, try quoting real people. He is very real and very wise. He teaches unconditional love which is very powerful. Where love is fear cannot abide. People are full of fear and lack love today. They won’t understand until they actually do it. Many say they can’t fine God yet won’t love. God is love. It is that simple. Nothing makes one happier, more peaceful and successful than love. Unconditional Love. If there are conditions it is not love only a contract. ---
**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:** [April 5, 2013, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-god-would-you-believe-in-and-follow/653643/333 "2013-04-05T16:46:16Z")
> [@lekatt](#): > > He is very real and very wise. He teaches unconditional love which is very powerful. > Where love is fear cannot abide. People are full of fear and lack love today. They won’t > understand until they actually do it. Many say they can’t fine God yet won’t love. > God is love. It is that simple. Nothing makes one happier, more peaceful and successful than love. Unconditional Love. If there are conditions it is not love only a contract. What about the people who can’t find God, but do love? What are they doing wrong? ---
**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:** [April 5, 2013, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-god-would-you-believe-in-and-follow/653643/334 "2013-04-05T18:04:42Z")
> [@Human\_Action](#): > > What about the people who can’t find God, but do love? What are they doing wrong? I would say they are not loving unconditionally. Everyone loves somebody, their sponse, children, friends, but it is not unconditional. Go the second mile. Love everyone until you see God looking back at you from their eyes. I am not religious. But the teachings of Jesus will get you there because He knew. Most religious people do not follow Him. That is why I claim no religion. ---
**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:** [April 5, 2013, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-god-would-you-believe-in-and-follow/653643/335 "2013-04-05T18:17:20Z")
> [@lekatt](#): > > I would say they are not loving unconditionally. Everyone loves somebody, their sponse, children, friends, but it is not unconditional. Go the second mile. Love everyone until you see God looking back at you from their eyes. > > I am not religious. But the teachings of Jesus will get you there because He knew. > > Most religious people do not follow Him. That is why I claim no religion. Is this unconditional love compatible with a social contract? If I love everyone unconditionally, could I also kill them in self-defense, or turn them over the police to be prosecuted for a crime? ---
**Author:** ![Learjeff](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/94ad74/32.png) [@Learjeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Learjeff)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2013, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-god-would-you-believe-in-and-follow/653643/336 "2013-04-05T22:38:00Z")
Aha, I see: we’re not doing it right! In any case, I’m confident that people who talk about unconditional love don’t really understand the meanings of those two words. Obligatory reference to TPB: [You keep using that word. - YouTube](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2y8Sx4B2Sk) ---
**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:** [April 5, 2013, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-god-would-you-believe-in-and-follow/653643/337 "2013-04-05T23:58:15Z")
> [@Human\_Action](#): > > Is this unconditional love compatible with a social contract? If I love everyone unconditionally, could I also kill them in self-defense, or turn them over the police to be prosecuted for a crime? Technically it does, if you remember Jesus defended His own murderers against Peter. Jesus saved the prostitute which was a capital offense and forgave her.. Jesus could have run or He could have called legions of war angels and cleared the whole place but He did neither. We are all not at the level of knowledge He had. I am not of His level. But I try to do the best I can hoping the hard choices don’t present themselves. ---
**Author:** ![Largo62](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/45deac/32.png) [@Largo62](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Largo62)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2013, 7:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-god-would-you-believe-in-and-follow/653643/338 "2013-04-07T07:34:17Z")
Lacking evidence, I wouldn’t believe in any kind of god. If the god the Christians believe in could be proved (he can’t) I wouldn’t follow him anyway. ---
**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:** [April 7, 2013, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-god-would-you-believe-in-and-follow/653643/339 "2013-04-07T14:14:24Z")
> [@Largo62](#): > > Lacking evidence, I wouldn’t believe in any kind of god. If the god the Christians believe in could be proved (he can’t) I wouldn’t follow him anyway. The God of unconditional love is real and following the principles of unconditional love will benefit anyone that does so. It is a choice that men make when they understand the benefit of doing so.It is the “better way” to live on this planet. The gate is open to all but only a few enter into the garden. Love ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2013, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-god-would-you-believe-in-and-follow/653643/340 "2013-04-07T14:29:32Z")
> [@lekatt](#): > > The God of unconditional love is real and following the principles of unconditional love will benefit anyone that does so. It is a choice that men make when they understand > the benefit of doing so.It is the “better way” to live on this planet. The gate is open to all but only a few enter into the garden. That’s nothing but baseless assertion after baseless assertion. And “unconditional love” is _creepy_, not attractive. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-god-would-you-believe-in-and-follow/653643.md?page=16) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-god-would-you-believe-in-and-follow/653643.md?page=18)