I think that in regard to God and faith in God, there are really no “shouldn’t’s”. The question of God is the biggest that any thinking creature can deal with, and for many people it is second nature, or first, to ask questions that even they know can have no verifiable, replicable answers. I used to get in trouble with a person with whom I had a romantic relationship because I would ask something that caused her to respond with, “Why do you want to know that?” My response most of the time was that it was simply a “curiosity question”. I simply wanted to know because I wanted to know. I am certainly not suggesting that curiosity is the motivation for most or even that many of the people who ask questions about God possibly having a family, and what the true nature, behavior patterns and history of God might be. In many cases, this is simply a bid for political control, because if you define God in a certain manner, you can also define how the worship of God must be conducted, and who is allowed to conduct it, and who is not allowed this privileged role.
I tend to agree with your point of view on knowing God. I would only add that the term God has lost all meaning as people refer to it either as literal and true, or as a metaphor for love, compassion, or some other powerful characteristic.
I see the need for a religious connection, but my take is as a humanist, and the connection is to all of life and all of humanity. And I can use the word god (small g), which represents that something inside of us that can lead to peace, love, and equinimity in our lives. On balance, I think the term has lead to more damage in life than more peace and happiness. You could not say that for a religion like Buddhism, which has no “God” dogma and avoids trying to describe the undescribable.
This question will divide based on bible vs humanist view of God. New Testament writings very clear on the 4 items, in my opinion.
I am not a person of faith.
I think that in regard to God and faith in God, there are really no “shouldn’t’s”. The question of God is the biggest that any thinking creature can deal with, and for many people it is second nature, or first, to ask questions that even they know can have no verifiable, replicable answers. I used to get in trouble with a person with whom I had a romantic relationship because I would ask something that caused her to respond with, “Why do you want to know that?” My response most of the time was that it was simply a “curiosity question”. I simply wanted to know because I wanted to know. I am certainly not suggesting that curiosity is the motivation for most or even that many of the people who ask questions about God possibly having a family, and what the true nature, behavior patterns and history of God might be. In many cases, this is simply a bid for political control, because if you define God in a certain manner, you can also define how the worship of God must be conducted, and who is allowed to conduct it, and who is not allowed this privileged role.
I tend to agree with your point of view on knowing God. I would only add that the term God has lost all meaning as people refer to it either as literal and true, or as a metaphor for love, compassion, or some other powerful characteristic.
I see the need for a religious connection, but my take is as a humanist, and the connection is to all of life and all of humanity. And I can use the word god (small g), which represents that something inside of us that can lead to peace, love, and equinimity in our lives. On balance, I think the term has lead to more damage in life than more peace and happiness. You could not say that for a religion like Buddhism, which has no “God” dogma and avoids trying to describe the undescribable.