[kosta50]

Well he didn't do that, exactly, IIRC. Not quite. He merely indicated (in a 'way past post) that belief in God is indistinguishable from belief in pink unicorns

Thank you, bb. I appreciate your objectivity. As I said before, I don't know what is God, so it is impossible for me to equate God to pink unicorns.

As far as a belief in some axiomatic deity is concerned, it is no different to me than a belief in any other axiomatic man-made construct, the existence of which is by fiat. Hence, what stops you from believing in pink unicorns on Jupiter?

FWIW, I just figure our friend kosta is the classic snarling "dog in the manger": He can't eat the fodder; but he's determined to prevent all the other animals from eating it — even though their nourishment depends on it

That's implying motives, again, which you seem to do very much. Suffice it to say openly that I express my opinions at the expense of no one. Since you will agree that only God can give faith (because it's salvific), only God would be able to take it away. Therefore my opinions cannot stop anyone from receiving "spiritual nourishment."

On the other hand, if someone's opinions can make someone lose or find faith, then it is man, not God, who determines other man's salvation or perdition, which is not what Christians believe. Rather, they would say it is God's will. What do you say? Who determines if you should believe, God or man?

[caww]

Since Free-Rebublic is a pro-God site....why are you here? Many of your posts are confusing...do you believe in the Christian God? ...or some other God or none at all...or don’t you care to know one way or another?

[Cronos]

Kosta :On the other hand, if someone's opinions can make someone lose or find faith, then it is man, not God, who determines other man's salvation or perdition, which is not what Christians believe. Rather, they would say it is God's will. What do you say? Who determines if you should believe, God or man?

That opens up a question -- is it worth debating or even telling anyone the nature of God to convert them to one's opinion?

If we take the strict route you have outlined, then the conclusions are:

1. No
2. AND, this "god" is a remote, impersonal god who has left the universe and gone away and doesn't really bother

However, the difference is that well most religions (except Buddhism and Jainism), believe in an interventionist God, a word who talks through the prophets, who takes an "active interest"

If one agrees in an "actively interested God" as opposed to a "bye,bye, I'm outta here God", then the actively interested God can use humans as tools, so someone's opinions are the TOOL that makes someone lose or find faith. Hence that tools actions signify God's will

Take the example of a hammer -- the hammer directs the nail (gives it, its opinion), yet whether the nail follows through, or bends or whatever is determined by the wielder of the hammer (God).

[betty boop]

Who determines if you should believe, God or man?

Ultimately, I do — in response to God's living appeal, given in four revelations....

As Socrates said, "God only is wise."

[betty boop]

That's implying motives, again, which you seem to do very much.

I'm not so much trying to attribute motives to you as I am trying to understand your actions....

Actions speak louder than words.