Where does God live?

we are either all guessing ; or keeping abreast of scientific knowledge or have received divine advanced human knowledge not held by many others?
 

VaughanJB said:
Come now people, the human race isn't completely idiotic.

Modern humans appeared 190,000 years ago, and since then we've moved from caves to elaborate houses with computers, lights, machinery to make things easier for us. We're flown to the Moon, have rovers on Mars, and have satellites circling above us giving us communication and all kinds of data. Medical research has delivered great advances. In Medieval times the average life span of a male was 31 years. It's more than double that today.

We're smart. We're advanced. We're just not smart enough.
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I was prepared to oppose your view until I read your final sentence. It seems to me that much of what appears to be stupidity is actually driven by greed. This is especially true for the pollution we see today—intelligent individuals wouldn't tolerate it, but those driven by greed have a motive to permit it
 

Joey said:
we are either all guessing ; or keeping abreast of scientific knowledge or have received divine advanced human knowledge not held by many others?
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Or we are trying to surpass reasoning and find understanding.

((( If I can get one foot hooked over the fence again, the dog rips my pants again, and I have to go home and start over. Again. )))
 
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gruntlabor said:
There are many who disagree. They have, so to speak, taken Science as their god.
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"So to speak" appearing in quotes tells me you don't want people to take this too literally, and that is wise. I think it's possible that a few, although certainly not "many," take science as their god. I say this because I have never met anyone who has made that claim. Not one. But we frequently hear theists making that claim in behalf of others who they don't understand. They have labeled science a god, but a lesser god of course.

I believe theists have created an imaginary similarity between God and science as a psychological defense mechanism, so they can point at others and say, "See! They believe in nonsense too. They are no better than us."

Science is not a god. It is a logical process of investigation, and neither of those things are gods.
 
Naturally said:
The answer to the question of where God lives is Heaven.
Heaven is the throne of God.
If looking for a physical postal address, you won't find it.
God doesn't have a social security number either.

So does God not also live within you? Or maybe lives among you?
In Luke 17:20–21, Jesus says, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you” (NKJV). The context of Jesus’ statement is a question put to Him by His Pharisee detractors who had asked when the kingdom of God would come (verse 20).

Jesus’ answer was that the kingdom of God was not coming in the manner the Pharisees were expecting. The kingdom would not be inaugurated with spectacle or splendor; there would be no great and magnificent leader who staked out a geographical claim and routed the Romans; rather, the kingdom would come silently and unseen, much as leaven works in a batch of dough (see Matthew 13:33). In fact, Jesus says, the kingdom had already begun, right under the Pharisees’ noses. God was ruling in the hearts of some people, and the King Himself was standing among them, although the Pharisees were oblivious to that fact.

But what about translations of Biblical text? The New Testament was written in Greek. Was anything lost or misconstrued?
Various translations render the Greek of Luke 17:21 various ways. The phrase translated “within you” in the KJV and NKJV is translated as “in your midst” in the NIV, NASB, and NET; “among you” in the NLT and HCSB; and “in the midst of you” in the ESV. Earlier versions of the NIV had “within you” with a marginal note suggesting “among you.” There is obviously a difference between saying “the kingdom of God is within you” and “the kingdom of God is among you.”

There are three popular interpretations of Jesus’ words in Luke 17:21 that the kingdom of God is within you (or among you): 1) the kingdom of God is essentially inward, within man’s heart; 2) the kingdom is within your reach if you make the right choices; and 3) the kingdom of God is in your midst in the person and presence of Jesus. The best of these interpretations, it seems, is the third: Jesus was inaugurating the kingdom as He changed the hearts of men, one at a time.

For the time being, Christ’s kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36). One day, however, the kingdom of God will be manifest on the earth (Isaiah 35:1), and Jesus Christ will rule a physical kingdom from David’s throne (Isaiah 9:7) with Jerusalem as His capital (Zechariah 8:3).

Where did God live (exist) before he created heaven (and earth)?
If God is not a physical being, He is not limited to the laws of physics or restricted by time. Christianity simply claims that God has always existed. That concept is as easily understood as the concept of infinity I suppose.

It's not unusual as human beings with our limited knowledge and understanding, that many find a need to have a frame of reference. But that limits our ability to comprehend reality. Scientists once believed that the Earth was the center of the universe. Then it was thought that the Milky Way represented the entire universe.

As technology provides a means to look farther into space, we acquire a better understanding of what's out there. But we will forever have a limited frame of reference, which is unfortunate.

That's because we can't think outside the box as long as we are in it. We can only guess, and speculate, and dream up our thoughts and ideas. Even Einstein realized the limitations of our comprehension:

"I prefer an attitude of humility corresponding to the weakness of our intellectual understanding of nature and of our own being." — Albert Einstein

During my near death experience when I was 19, the event occurring was so overwhelming and beyond my comprehension, I sensed my mind searching for a point of reference. My mind attempted to place the event in a context I might understand, but there are still unanswered questions. Although I don't cherry pick, deny, doubt or disavow what occurred. I believe it, because I experienced it ... even if I don't understand the totality.

There is a lot to be considered to understand our existence. Studying the physical laws of the universe only helps us begin to visualize obscure details of the unknown.

As humans, we have the intelligence to analyze our world and learn a lot about the laws of physics and how the universe works. However, the balance of our understanding is solely based on theory and interpretation.

Perhaps it's only natural to feel a need to know where we came from, as well as how and why we got here and from whom and where. But unfortunately, this knowledge is one that we may never acquire in it's entirety and of a comprehension beyond human understanding.
Sometimes ya just gotta have faith.
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just now deleted a bunch of stuff I intended to post as a reply. However, truth be known I don't care. This conversation goes round and round fueled by the opinions of my favorite cohorts. With that said https://youtu.be/P5ZJui3aPoQ
 
gruntlabor said:
:) I think Infinity and eternity are one and the same concept, except that eternity applies only to time. Yes, I have a big problem with infinity. I can't seem to get past it. Does it exist outside of theory? That is my first question.
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It exists within the field of mathematics. If mathematics is the language of the Universe then infinity is possibly more concrete than mere theory, but that is a very big IF.
 
Warrigal said:
It exists within the field of mathematics. If mathematics is the language of the Universe then infinity is possibly more concrete than mere theory, but that is a very big IF.
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That was my thought when it was proposed that infinity may not be possible. As a mathematical exercise, it is certainly possible. In any other case, all bets are off, at least for now.
 
Naturally said:
Our views of God, physics or anything and everything else ultimately depends on perspective and context.
Science will tell you that light travels faster than anything. But that is wrong.
No matter how fast light travels, it finds darkness has always gotten there first, and is waiting for it.
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Umm .... Darkness is merely the absence of light. It doesn't travel.
Light has a source it is traveling from. Darkness has no source. It doesn't move.
 
JustDave said:
Science is not a god. It is a logical process of investigation, and neither of those things are gods.
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Of course that goes without saying, but I like my phrase because some of us accept whatever Science asserts as settled truth, when it is certainly not. It creates confusion among those of us who are trying to understand. It would help us laypeople immensely if researchers would only state something like: THIS IS A POSSIBILITY, or THIS IS THEORETICAL, or THE FOLLOWING IS UNPROVEN TO DATE
 
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gruntlabor said:
Yes. Math is theoretical --abstract. Numbers do not exist in reality.
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Have to disagree here. Mathematics begins with counting and measurement. These are the very real foundations for more complex mathematical operations. Newton's equations may seem theoretical but they have very real applications in engineering.
 
gruntlabor said:
Of course that goes without saying, but I like my phrase because some of us accept whatever Science asserts as settled truth, when it is certainly not. It creates confusion among those of us who are trying to understand.
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There is a tendency to view science as a body of knowledge, rather than a tentative process of reevaluation and discovery. Every science text book has an obligatory chapter or two on the scientific process, but it's glossed over in classrooms, where the focus is quickly shifted to what we have "learned," rather than HOW we have learned. I think it's because the scientific process is hard to teach at elementary levels.

So I can see why the misunderstanding exists. People gravitate to perceived "truths." They want to find truth where it doesn't exist for the comfort it provides. Change and the evolution of understanding can be unsettling.
 
Warrigal said:
Have to disagree here. Mathematics begins with counting and measurement. These are the very real foundations for more complex mathematical operations. Newton's equations may seem theoretical but they have very real applications in engineering.
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Yes, I meant that 'math' in an intangible thing, it's a study, an idea. It's not a thing that we can actually add or subtract from the universe, like a molecule, or a star or light or lemon pie.
 
gruntlabor said:
Yes, I meant that 'math' in an intangible thing, it's a study, an idea. It's not a thing that we can actually add or subtract from the universe, like a molecule, or a star or light or lemon pie.
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As far as I know, you can't add or subtract from the universe. You can only convert.
However, if I'm wrong, please don't subtract pie. Stars and molecules we have tons of, so I really won't miss them, but I will miss pie.
 
which God are we discussing here? : the C of E ; RC ; C of C ; Presbytarian ; Jehovah W ; the God referred to as Allah ; Christadelphinians ; Baptists ; Indias Gods ; need I continue??
 
JustDave said:
There is a tendency to view science as a body of knowledge, rather than a tentative process of reevaluation and discovery. Every science text book has an obligatory chapter or two on the scientific process, but it's glossed over in classrooms, where the focus is quickly shifted to what we have "learned," rather than HOW we have learned. I think it's because the scientific process is hard to teach at elementary levels.

So I can see why the misunderstanding exists. People gravitate to perceived "truths." They want to find truth where it doesn't exist for the comfort it provides. Change and the evolution of understanding can be unsettling.
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You are kind and understanding of the scientists that I would call arrogant and prideful with the pride that goeth before the fall, and the laypeople that I would call lazy and bone headed.
 
Joey said:
which God are we discussing here? : the C of E ; RC ; C of C ; Presbytarian ; Jehovah W ; the God referred to as Allah ; Christadelphinians ; Baptists ; Indias Gods ; need I continue??
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This is an equal opportunity question, so any God is fair game.
 
bobcat said:
As far as I know, you can't add or subtract from the universe. You can only convert.
However, if I'm wrong, please don't subtract pie. Stars and molecules we have tons of, so I really won't miss them, but I will miss pie.
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:) You call my lemon pie converted. I call it subtracted. Either way, there's math involved.
 
bobcat said:
This is an equal opportunity question, so any God is fair game.
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oh so any old God will do then well that has really stuffed it all up - don't think you'll get much support from around the planet - we do have international members here do we??

There seems to be a few erhm "disagreements going on around the planet atm related to various other named Gods - or is it the same God just with long multiple names?
 
Magna-Carta said:
It's said that God created heaven and earth, and some bible passages suggest that God resides in heaven, and that's where some of us might go when we die, to be with him in heaven. But to me this begs the question, if God created heaven, where did God live before he created heaven?
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I've posted about that
where did God live before he created heaven?
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in other threads with no reply by those that have blind faith in a sentient being that will have to be billions of years old.

Think of it this way.

A box is going to be built. The builder can't be inside the box.

So the God that those with blind faith would have to live outside the box. Not to shabby of a place to live if the bible is correct.

According to Revelation chapters 21 and 22, Heaven, or the New Jerusalem, is depicted as a stunningly beautiful city coming down from God. It is described as having streets of gold, gates of pearl, and walls made of precious stones.

Belief that comforts some is terrific but not everyone needs that crutch to get thru life.
 
bobcat said:
It is clear from your response that you don't understand what I wrote. I'm not asking anyone to concede any postulates. I said "If God lives in the heart, do you mean the mind, or brain"? I also asked: "When you say God lives in your heart, do you mean he is a disembodied entity that just floats around in your body"? I am asking anyone who believes it to explain exactly what they mean when they say he lives in their heart. If they can't expand on that, or they choose not to, then fine.

In addition, I am not asking anyone to accept anything I believe. That's not my purpose for asking the question. Whether you believe that or not is up to you, but it is the truth.
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The philosopher Rene Descartes deduced that the "seat of the soul" was located in man in the pineal gland, which is located in the center of the brain, more or less. If you listened to the old rock group, The Moody Blues, specifically the album, In Search of the Lost Chord, a song said, "Between the eyes and ears there lie, the sounds of color, and the light of a sigh." --a point of attention and effect of meditation.

Typically, other than knowing that this gland produces a few hormones--one being that of possibly a powerful hallucinogen, and one as a regulator of sleep, science has no idea why we even have this gland/organ. But to the point, this is Mr. Descartes input on where the soul resides. And, since the soul is a sliver, if you will, of God--thus God--this is a prime location for you, and one I tend to agree with for myself. It is actually a very interesting gland in the body, often called the Third Eye, and used as a point of meditation. Interestingly, considering its location, it actually contains rods and cones as would be found in the retinas of one's eyes, therefore, capable of perceiving light.

Here is a good page on Descartes and the pineal gland if you're interested.

Descartes and the Pineal Gland (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy)

 
Joey said:
later tonight I will watch a doco program called Wonders of the Sun - narrated by Dara O Briain in about 45mins time - it appears to be only two episodes in length. The first I watched a few weeks ago and found it mind blowing - not to say the least because scientists are in the process of building a large collection of housed machines in a "chernobyl" still structure in order to build a sun on earth?? . I share this here because many will believe that God created the universes and suns etc etc - well either they are just accidental or extremely extremely intelligent?
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well needless to say - anyone really interested in this topic will perhaps also find the referenced doco I cited above? - our eminent scientists have calculated and predicted that 'hydrogen fuel' in the sun will run out in approx 4.5 billion yrs and then of course our planet earth and no doubt other surrounding ones will implode and die despite having no life forms on them anyway. I suppose it might depend on how large each of us want to imagine the entire universe is and then can quite comfortably believe in a 'God' as equally as large?
 
Topoff said:
The philosopher Rene Descartes deduced that the "seat of the soul" was located in man in the pineal gland, which is located in the center of the brain, more or less. If you listened to the old rock group, The Moody Blues, specifically the album, In Search of the Lost Chord, a song said, "Between the eyes and ears there lie, the sounds of color, and the light of a sigh." --a point of attention and effect of meditation.

Typically, other than knowing that this gland produces a few hormones--one being that of possibly a powerful hallucinogen, and one as a regulator of sleep, science has no idea why we even have this gland/organ. But to the point, this is Mr. Descartes input on where the soul resides. And, since the soul is a sliver, if you will, of God--thus God--this is a prime location for you, and one I tend to agree with for myself. It is actually a very interesting gland in the body, often called the Third Eye, and used as a point of meditation. Interestingly, considering its location, it actually contains rods and cones as would be found in the retinas of one's eyes, therefore, capable of perceiving light.

Here is a good page on Descartes and the pineal gland if you're interested.

Descartes and the Pineal Gland (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy)
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I assume that hypothesis would apply to women also?
 

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