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Definition of "god"?

MattusMaximus

Intellectual Gladiator
MattusMaximus
Joined
Jan 26, 2006
Messages
15,948
Simple question:

What is "god"?

I'm interested in seeing various people's (both believers and non-believers, etc) definitions of "god". And for you polytheists, you don't have to limit the discussion to a single deity. All views on this are welcome.

Please discuss.
 
Main Entry:
1. god
Pronunciation:
\ˈgäd also ˈgȯd\
Function:
noun
Etymology:
Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German got god
Date:
before 12th century

1. Supernatural entity from a fairytale.
2. Placeholder for a change in our world that hasn't been explained by science yet. Used by inferior cultures and people
3. Father figure for way too many disillusioned people in the world that have yet to grow up.

Related words:
Santa Claus, Tooth Fairy, The Loch Ness Monster, Religion, Outdated Cultures.
 
Sometimes I am randomly some form of pantheist, in which I would define God as the natural laws, ultimate reality, etc.

Of course, it is just sexed up atheism. But whatever :p .
 
Not all if this is my definition.

So-called god:

Supreme Cosmic Spirit or Absolute Reality is said to be eternal, genderless, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, and ultimately indescribable in human language. To describe so-called god is to diminish so-called god.

So by definition so-called god is completely useless.

Paul

:) :) :)
 
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The fact that the OP can even be posted -- and make sense -- is yet another indication that "God" is a non-concept.

It is infinitely plastic.

If the definition of the concept is entirely up for grabs, if anyone feels free to define it any way they please, then obviously we're dealing with an empty term.

If it has infinite definitions, then it has no definition.
 
God is an infinite set. It's hard enough to agree on necessary conditions, sufficient conditions don't exist.

In order to try to define "God" you get ever more woolly and nebulous. God as a non human entity which had something to do with the start of the universe might be as close as you can get to a core definition. But then Shintoism does not require the gods of nature have a hand in the creation of the universe, so maybe that bit should be scrapped..........Which leaves God as a non human entity. But many gods take the human form, indeed some humans (like Prince Edward!) are regarded as such.

Maybe "God as a nonhuman (or possibly human) entity which has something to do with the creation of the universe (or not)" will have to do :)
 
andyandy said:
But many gods take the human form, indeed some humans (like Prince Edward!) are regarded as such.
Click to expand...
You mean Prince Philip. Even those on the island of Vanuatu would not worship Edward.

God is imaginary. Is that a good enough definition?
 
"God" is a man made construct that can be defined whatever way you decide...in fact most Christians have their own self definition of "God".
 
God is everywhere, and nowhere. God is everything, and nothing. God gives us the free will to do exactly what he, in his omniscience knows we are going to do.

Honestly, how could you not believe in God?
 
Mobyseven said:
God is everywhere, and nowhere. God is everything, and nothing. God gives us the free will to do exactly what he, in his omniscience knows we are going to do.

Honestly, how could you not believe in God?
Click to expand...


Don't be ridiculous.
 
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