A 'man' - hardly, he`s too busy realizing interests.Side step and you could possibly know that the Mind is an analogy of the Creator.It`s not not hard to compare.
It could be an important message that when Paul specifically mentioned both Epicurean and Stoic philosophers in the Bible. These names and their thoughts may not be known well by many readers nowadays.
Yes, it really is amazing the power that the "fear of God" has over people! Prior to Duality you had many individual Gods, like the Egyptians had. Duality enabled control. Control brings power and wealth. All there in black and white for any person to see.
That completely misses Epicurus's point. Any God that had to create evil for good to exist isn't omnipotent. Any God that created evil when it didn't have to, is malevolent. A God worth its salt could and would create good that had meaning without any need for evil. If someone needs evil to recognize what's good then I'd suggest they need a far more practical kind of help than any God can offer.
That's not accurate and you are missing the point. For whatever reason, the omnipotent creator choose to create and work within a framework of natural law-- Why don't you explain how good could be recognized without there being evil. Is God malevolent due to the choice made? Based on our knowledge, I guess so-- but my perspective is very narrow as we can't see the entire picture. surf
How is that relevant? Are you saying evil exists for the sole purpose of recognizing good? That's a high price to pay for the people being slaughtered in Syria and elsewhere in the world, don't you think? So that you could wax poetic about the distinction in the comfort and safety of your lofty perch? By your reckoning, I guess that we're just game pieces on a board of an amoral God who's more concerned about the rules of his game than the wellbeing of the participants. As an aside, let's look at your reasoning in another context. Do you really need to taste awful food to appreciate something you enjoy? If so, then you should open a restaurant and apply the concept. First serve your patrons some decomposing animal flesh for their sniffing and viewing experience (they can even taste some if they want), and then follow it by serving the real dishes. Imagine how pleased your customers will be with their dining experience, being presented with such a distinction to better appreciate their meal. After all, how could they possibly appreciate food they like if they don't first have something that turns their stomach?
You can BE evil. You can BE good. Did God create kindness? Did God create the Macarena dance? That concept makes no sense to me. God granted us free will, to do evil or good things. Where is it written that God created evil so that good can exist? Prior to the first known "evil acts;" beings existed--(angels); and it was good. Isaiah 55:8-13 King James Version (KJV) 8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. Job 38: 1-... King James Version (KJV) ... 4Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. 5Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? 6Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; ... Matthew 7:6 King James Version (KJV) 6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
No. EDIT: I think I see the point you're trying to make, but your statement is vague. So I will say to the extent that free will allows one to pretty much do whatever they wish, Yes...at that time...most likely. It can seem to a casual observer that God doesn't exist.
If you want to believe in God, that is what you do. If you want to excuse others for sex abuse of children, then your thought process is not right. If you think that cutting the heads off people in the name of God is alright, then you really have some serious thought issues. If you believe in something just because you were told to, then you are just continuing the tradition of brainwashing and should accept you are a weak minded individual. Blessed is HE who believes, yet does not SEE!!!!!