God, god(s), and goddesses (henceforth referred to as God) is defined as an imaginary creation of a human mind or a group of human minds that has some powers over a defied group or tribe that persist essentially unchanged through several generations of the group or tribe. These powers are mediated and interpreted by a group of specialized members of the group, priests, or infrequently priestesses (henceforth referred to as priests) who have been given the power by the group to determine from the tradition what it is that God wants for and from the group.
God is endowed with powers, usually supernatural, to affect the lives of the defined group or tribe by enforcing moral precepts in this life or after death; protecting the tribe or group from "enemies" by granting exceptional skills or immunity to an individual or group of individuals in contact with the enemy; is normally in the form of an idealized human; is associated with certain rituals of worship which recognize the importance of God to the people; and is frequently identified as the creator of the group or of all humans.
Gods may be examined by scientific methods by observing the group rituals associated with group solidarity, moral teaching, and the protection of the group from predation, either natural, (unusual weather, e.g.) or other groups of humans. If the rituals identify an imaginary being or group of beings that imaginary entity is by definition God. The properties of God can be identified from the rituals defining the God.
If the group rituals are naturally centered or human centered it can be determined by scientific observation that the group has no God.
In short God is an imaginary entity, interpreted by priests from tradition, that determine the mores of and protects a defined group of humans.
The objective existence of God for Catholics is rationally observed in the Mass, in particular the Credo. The Credo describes what God is: One God, the omnipotent father, who created everything, and the Son who is one with God who came down from heaven and became a real person by the Holy Ghost and the Virgin Mary. (No hanky-panky by God, just magic and apparently a little help from Joseph and/or David, and/or God's eternal sperm bank.)
It describes what he did: Was sacrificed to expiate the sins of all men and was resurrected to once again become one God.
It tells why: so all will be resurected to enjoy eternal life.
Then comes the hook: God will judge all, and only those baptized for the forgiveness of sin will get the goodies.
There is nothing imaginary or unreal in that for Catholics. God is more important for them than Blü, J'Carlin, or any other person with the possible exception of the parish priest.Jul 20, 2015 -- 1:01PM, wrote:The objective existence of God for Catholics is rationally observed in the Mass, in particular the Credo. J'Carlin
"objective existence" ... "for Catholics"
Do you even understand the meanings of words you use? Rev atheist
I speak English very well. (First place in Ohio English state scholarship tests, 800 verbal SAT. A long time ago but I have practiced consistently since.)
A mental pattern may be objectively observed by noting consistent behavioral changes in those with the pattern. If a chimpanzee shares food with a companion who is unfairly denied a food reward by the experimenter we can objectively observe empathy and social concern on the part of the sharing chimp. We can also objectively observe that the experimenter is an asshole. (Even a chimp can observe that.) When this behavior is observed consistently among Chimps we can determine objectively that Chimps have the qualities of empathy and social concern.
All believing Catholics when they enter a holy space, will genuflect to recognize the presence of God in the space, and once again when they enter the pew for worship recognizing the presence of God in that space as well. How can an objective observer determine that God is not there to be recognized? Do we like the experimenter above deny them respect by claiming that they do not experience the presence of God or that the presence is a delusion? How do you objectively observe that? I have recognized a vague "presence" when I genuflect with a believing Catholic when I join them in worship. I cannot tell you what that "presence" was just like Dawkins couldn't identify the presence he recognized under the God Helmet experiment. My friend said it is God. I am not an asshole.
A believing Catholic also recognizes the presence of God (Jesus aspect) tangibly in the communion service. They also spend significant time confessing their sins, and doing appropriate penance so that the forgivness of sin promised in the Credo will take place and that the Judging personna of God Jesus aspect) will listen to His merciful mother and remit the sins of the believer. Again objective evidence of the existence of God for a believing Catholic. Please present your objective evidence that God does not exist for these fine people. Remember I speak English very well "objective" means not influenced by personal feelings or opinions in considering and representing facts.
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