We know that the human mind did not evolve to know reality as such but only those aspects of reality "out there" that are relevant for survival and reproduction. Therefore human reasoning is just a fallible instrument for necessarily limited knowledge. We keep pushing these limits with the help of mathematics and science, but it is not reasonable to claim that the human mind is capable of knowing ALL there is to reality.
Being an atheist (not an agnostic) I am quite sure that the personal (theistic) deity is a figment of imagination (because it is obvious that humans created God(s) in their image).
But if someone defines God as "ultimate Reality", we have to admit that there is simply no way to know what this reality is in itself in all its totality. Homo sapiens is certainly the smartest animal on earth, but that is a far cry from being "a little god of the World" (Goethe)
Therefore it depends on what you mean by "god": a fictitious "Father in heaven" - or ultimate Reality which is beyond our means of knowledge, but which can be an object of faith.
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Feel free to reply to any comment by clicking the "Reply" button.Calling the "ultimate Reality" god, is meaningless however. It's just a word substitution if all "god" means is something we can't know.
Tomfoolery33
Level 9
Sep 16, 2018
0
I agree fully with this assessment. “Ultimate Reality” is not a thing to be believed or disbelieved. About all we can do with regards to Ultimate Reality is to stand in awe and appreciation.
Maybe the word “God” has been ruined through misuse, and should be abandoned.
Matias, I hope that you continue with your wonderful posts.
WilliamFleming
Level 8
Sep 16, 2018
1
I have this stubborn streak in me that is not comfortable with the idea of allowing the “ruiners” to degrade our cultural inheritance (one) and then make us go looking for replacements (two). I’d rather do the work of cleaning the soiled items and putting them back into their rightful service than to allow the ignorati to continually chase me from my own nest and then leave it to me to build a new one. It is the responsibility of ignorance to adjust to culture; not the other way ‘round. Reality stays; ruiners take a hike. (steps down from soapbox) 
I get what you are saying, and I agree to some extent. The problem as I see it is that the word “God” includes a host of ancient mythical figures such as Zeus, Woden, Ares, etc., etc. Then there’s Yahweh, the old Semitic God that is worshipped by Jews, Muslims, and Christians in some form or other. I’m not very well educated about this, but isn’t Yahweh a product of the harsh desert society, patriarchal, stern, punishing. That is the God worshipped by most of the world’s people. I don’t call myself an atheist but if that’s all I knew about God I’d be an atheist too.
The Hindus have a bunch of minor gods or demigods in their possession, but then, while keeping those they developed the sophisticated metaphysical concept of Brahman, a concept that resonates with me and makes me shiver in awe, even though I have no training in the subject. Brahman of the Upanishads is a different kettle of fish than mythical gods like Jahweh, and anyway, I don’t think the Indians present Brahman as a god. “Ultimate Reality” would be closer.
As I say, I am no expert, but I do lean toward thinking there’s a higher power beyond the world of our senses, and that the word “God” as it is used by most people is not an adequate name for that higher power.
I greatly value your input.
Yes. For matters that are currently beyond our ability to know, but which may impact our happiness or safety, faith is all that is available to us. We are not forced to have faith, exactly as we are not forced to be happy or safe. Good arguments could probably be made for or against the advisability of adopting faith, but faith is always available where knowledge is not. To my thinking, faith is not confidence in a particular outcome, but rather confidence that I have no obligation to suffer.
skado
Level 9
Sep 16, 2018
1
I believe that gods were created in our image.. as humanity grows, our ideas and beliefs become whatever time period we live in, as well as where we are born. I also believe we carry our genetic memories with us to help us try to explain the unknown... ya know.. I believe that we spend too much time wondering, arguing, or even caring about other peoples beliefs. When what we shd do is try to find that peace of mind that comes from not knowing!!
cancungirl33
Level 2
Sep 16, 2018
1
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