06-22-2011, 10:03 AM | #21 | |||
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Udine, Italy
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Re: In the beginning
Probably.
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"we know no Gods exist, or if they exist, we know they won't ever interfere down here under-any-circumstances-no-take-backs" Or "we think the Gods are under certain self-imposed restrictions to their interventions, so that their actual interventions are so rare that they might even not exist - but we also know that people claim miracles happen from time to time". There is a difference, expecially if one ponders the alternative while he is facing a short-tempered holy man who says: "move another step and the Gods will smite you with a lightning bolt". At this point, I'd suggest having a look at the preview of GURPS Powers: Divine Favor. |
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06-22-2011, 10:11 AM | #22 |
Join Date: Dec 2007
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Re: In the beginning
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06-23-2011, 05:09 AM | #23 | |
Computer Scientist
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Dallas, Texas
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Re: In the beginning
Quote:
Luke 1:37 KJV:"For with God nothing shall be impossible." This is Gabriel's assurance that the improbabe births he has just heralded to Mary (her barren old lady cousin starting her third trimester, Mary herself to conceive a boy despite being a virgin) will come to pass, but the Greek usage connotes words rather than deeds, and "God's promises are always kept" is a more apt if somewhat less grand translation. Genesis 18:!4 is a similar assurance about Sarai's pregnancy, though in one verse the Elohim say, "How is this hard for G-d?" This is immediately before G-d goes to make a personal inspection of Sodom and Gomorrah in 18:21 "I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know." This seems inconsistent that an omni* being has to make a personal inspection; the various commentaries bundled with the texts these days hold that this is an inspirational, or example-setting passage for judges among men and expressed in man's language. If so, it seems inconsistent to treat other passages meant for man's consumption as other than figurative as well. Jeremiah 32:27 is another reassurance that a hard-to-believe though not physicaly impossible prophecy will come to pass. NIV: "I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?" Yes, Jeremiah should go ahead and buy the plot right before the city is conquered because it will be temporary, and there will return their children for a new covenant: "And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me." More, heavily figurative lanaguge. |
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06-24-2011, 01:23 AM | #24 |
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Udine, Italy
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Re: In the beginning
Dear Jeff, I'd be happy to reply and my reply would also be quite long and boring. But I reckon that with your last post, we have reached the point where the roleplaying contents disappeared altogether. We might try continuing this in General Chatter, but even there it's the kind of topic that can quickly get hot and... closed.
So let's exercise some restraint. I'll just advise you to raise the issue with a theologian, if he's worth his salt it will be a rewarding conversation. My apologies if you find this response disappointing. |
06-24-2011, 07:40 AM | #25 | |
Computer Scientist
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Dallas, Texas
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Re: In the beginning
Quote:
I'll just do the omniless approach first, while the others work out if doing the other way is hurting bad fun or not. |
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Tags |
cosmology, create, gods, powers, religion |
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