Free said:
Loren Michael said:
my understanding of pure logic is like that of a computer. logic itself is impeded my emotions, humanity and whatnot. my understanding of something of pure reason would exclude characteristics of being a "jealous god" and the like.
I should be careful with what I am saying. By "pure reason" I mean "the highest reason," or perhaps better yet "perfect reason". I do not mean that God is purely reason with no emotion, like Spock or a computer; God's ability to reason, to be logical, isn't impeded by his emotions and isn't contradictory.
fair enough. i can appreciate that idea.
Loren Michael said:
keep in mind that i don't feel that contradictions necesarily are a bad thing. they can simply be characteristics of a fluid reality. i mean no disparagement of god when i attribute him as such.
Do you have an example of a contradiction in mind, whether biblical or theoretical?
not particularly. i was simply under the impression that if god wishes to contradict himself, it's not a bad thing, and not necessarily illogical. it could be merely an externality of a change in god's desire. sorry i don't have anything specific in mind. i'm just thinking in a general sense.
Loren Michael said:
why is god purported to be pure reason? what is the biblical stance on this, what is the interpretation that would indicate it, or whatever?
Off the top of my head I would give you John 1:1. The
logos, the Word, was considered the highest reason in the universe to the Greeks. There is also the verse that speaks of man's wisdom being but foolishness to God.
I would argue that if we are rational beings and that most/all things are consistent with our laws of rationality, that God, being omniscient, would be that much more rational then we. It would seem that the laws of reason are so foundational to our knowing and discovering truth, that if God could contradict any of these laws, we could never know the truth about him.
How about a paraphrase of C. S. Lewis: nonsense is still nonsense even when it is talked about of God.
Just a few jumbled thoughts. If any of it makes sense, explain it to me. ;)[/quote]
i think i get a sense of where you're coming from. as of right now, my thoughts are clouded from too much of a second helping of turkey, but i'll pop back tomorrow and see if i can't string togeteher a post that is both sound and intersting, as you have done.