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  1. Home
  2. Critical Examination of Islam
  3. What is the nature of God?
  4. Do you agree ?

Do you agree ?

Scheduled Pinned Locked Moved What is the nature of God?
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  • J Offline
    J Offline
    Jafar
    wrote on last edited by
    #3

    Due to confusion on the actual meaning of the word "God".
    I refrained from using such word and prefer to use the word "Infinite".

    From the perspective of the Infinite.
    Anyone is ME.
    Anywhere is HERE.
    Anytime is NOW.

    Due to by definition, infinity does not have any edges/border, in any form of definition (identification, space or time). In time context it doesn't have any beginning or ending. As all finite definition of time is inside / part of the Infinite.

    Thus the reason why there can only be one Infinite.
    And no finite things exist outside of the Infinite.

    As part of the 'illusion', every finite part of the Infinite is created with opposing polarity concept.
    Because of 'good' exist then it's opposite 'evil' also exist, because 'love' exist then 'hatred' also exist and so on and so on.

    Under heaven all can see beauty as beauty only because there is ugliness.
    All can know good as good only because there is evil.
    -- Lao Tse, Tao The Ching

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    • FusionF Offline
      FusionF Offline
      Fusion
      wrote on last edited by
      #4

      I've pondered deeply over your insightful comments regarding the use of the term "God" versus "Infinite," and I appreciate the depth of thought you've shared with us. Your perspective has undoubtedly enriched our discussions and understanding of the divine.

      The essence of our dialogue seems to revolve not around the semantics of "God" or "Infinite" but rather our individual and collective understanding of the Creator's nature. When I use the term "God," it is with the intention to convey the Infinite's boundless and unfathomable essence, much in the spirit of what you articulated. The choice of word—whether "God," "Infinite," or another—is ultimately a bridge towards communicating our reflections and feelings about the divine.

      Your reflections bring to light the profound reality that the Infinite, by its very nature, transcends the limitations of human language and concepts. It encompasses all dualities and exists beyond the confines of time, space, and form. This understanding resonates deeply with the core of many spiritual traditions across the world.

      It's intriguing to consider the diversity of paths and names humanity has devised to connect with and understand the Infinite. The Vedas, for instance, speak of a singular, unifying principle behind the manifold expressions of divinity, mirroring the essence of what you've described. This diversity in expression—be it through idols, rituals, or names—is perhaps a testament to the Infinite's inexhaustible nature, accommodating the limitless ways in which we, as finite beings, seek connection and meaning. Of course Islam is against all shapes or forms of describing the creator-Allah which is mention in Quran based on the Arabic use of word Allah to describe the infinite.

      I wholeheartedly agree with your sentiment that the essence of our discourse should not be clouded by the terms we choose to employ. What matters profoundly is the intent and understanding with which we approach the concept of the divine. The Infinite, God, or any name we ascribe is but a reflection of our attempt to grasp that which is ultimately beyond comprehension.

      As our understandings evolve and as science offers new lenses through which to view the universe, our language and metaphors for the divine may also shift. Yet, this journey of exploration and understanding is a beautiful aspect of the human experience. It speaks to our inherent longing to connect with and understand the Infinite in all its manifestations.

      References
      OM! That (the Invisible-Absolute) is whole; whole is this (the visible phenomenal); from the Invisible Whole comes forth the visible whole. Though the visible whole has come out from that Invisible Whole, yet the Whole remains unaltered.
      The indefinite term "That" is used in the Upanishads to designate the Invisible-Absolute, because no word or name can fully define It. A finite object, like a table or a tree, can be defined; but God, who is infinite and unbounded, cannot be expressed by finite language. Therefore the Rishis or Divine Seers, desirous not to limit the Unlimited, chose the indefinite term "That" to designate the Absolute.
      In the light of true wisdom the phenomenal and the Absolute are inseparable. All existence is in the Absolute; and whatever exists, must exist in It; hence all manifestation is merely a modification of the One Supreme Whole, and neither increases nor diminishes It. The Whole therefore remains unaltered.
      All this, whatsoever exists in the universe, should be covered by the Lord. Having renounced (the unreal), enjoy (the Real). Do not covet the wealth of any man
      Source https//www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/3283/pg3283-images.html

      So let people continue to use the word God, Allah, Bhagwan, Lord etc. as long as they try to understand the creator in hope the creator may guide them.

      Due to confusion on the actual meaning of the word "God".
      I refrained from using such word and prefer to use the word "Infinite".

      From the perspective of the Infinite.
      Anyone is ME.
      Anywhere is HERE.
      Anytime is NOW.

      Due to by definition, infinity does not have any edges/border, in any form of definition (identification, space or time). In time context it doesn't have any beginning or ending. As all finite definition of time is inside / part of the Infinite.

      Thus the reason why there can only be one Infinite.
      And no finite things exist outside of the Infinite.

      As part of the 'illusion', every finite part of the Infinite is created with opposing polarity concept.
      Because of 'good' exist then it's opposite 'evil' also exist, because 'love' exist then 'hatred' also exist and so on and so on.

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      • J Offline
        J Offline
        Jafar
        wrote on last edited by
        #5

        Yes use whatever "name" that one prefer as a reference to the all inclusive, the infinite.
        Brahman, Tao, Heavenly Father, The Source, Ar-Raheem, Great Spirit...

        Name is not important, what's more important is to grasp (at least) the concept of infinite.
        Bound-less, border-less, edge-less, on any dimension.
        To such extent that even the definition of dimension (space, time) is also defined inside the infinite.

        As such that any form of conception that is finite (bordered, edged) on any dimension will be and must be a part of that infinite.

        It will be then self-evident that
        There are many finites but there can only be one infinite.

        That which is infinite cannot be many, for many-ness is a finite concept.
        --Ra, Law Of One

        Now..
        From the perspective of any finite (which definitely part of the infinite).
        There is here, because not here (there) exist..
        There is me, because not me (he/she/it,them) exist..
        There is now, because not now (past, future) exist..

        For any finite, there is always a border / edge that act as a separation between IS and NOT IS. Between 'here' and 'there', between 'me' and 'not me', between 'now' and 'past or future'.
        Yet any of those finites, is always inside the infinite.

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        • shukriS Offline
          shukriS Offline
          shukri
          wrote on last edited by
          #6

          Yes use whatever "name" that one prefer as a reference to the all inclusive, the infinite.
          Brahman, Tao, Heavenly Father, The Source, Ar-Raheem, Great Spirit...

          My friend,

          What is the characteristic of this "The Infinite"
          Does He/She have intuity, feeling, consciousness, etc. like human beings
          OR Just like a robot?

          Thank you.

          "Our Lord, do not impose blame upon us if we have forgotten or erred"

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          • J Offline
            J Offline
            Jafar
            wrote on last edited by
            #7

            As mentioned, all-inclusive.
            And you are referring to "the infinite" with 3rd person grammar in English.
            As if you view "the infinite" is located "outside of you"?
            How could something that has no border / edges be located outside of anything?

            Since before time and space were,
            the Tao IS.
            It is beyond is and is not.
            How do I know this is true?
            I look inside myself and see.
            -- Lao Tse, Tao The Ching

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            • shukriS Offline
              shukriS Offline
              shukri
              wrote on last edited by
              #8

              As mentioned, all-inclusive.
              And you are referring to "the infinite" with 3rd person grammar in English.
              As if you view "the infinite" is located "outside of you"?
              How could something that has no border / edges be located outside of anything?

              Do you mean "The Infinite" has no desire, no feeling, no consciousness, etc. contrary to human beings!
              Sorry sir, I don't get you!

              Three more questions
              (1) If you get something that makes you happy, do you pay your gratitude to "The Infinite" OR you just pay the gratitude to yourself as you are part of "The Infinite"!
              (2) If you need something so badly, do you try to communicate or pray to Him/Her OR you just do nothing as "The Infinite" is already in you!
              (3) Do "The Infinite'' have a jurisdiction or control over your journey on this earth and in the hereafter?

              Just for my curiosity.
              Thank you.

              "Our Lord, do not impose blame upon us if we have forgotten or erred"

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              • J Offline
                J Offline
                Jafar
                wrote on last edited by
                #9

                Do you mean "The Infinite" has no desire, no feeling, no consciousness, etc. contrary to human beings!

                As mentioned, all inclusive.
                All X
                Whatever X is...

                From the perspective of the infinite.

                • Anyone is me (Identification)
                • Anywhere is here (Space)
                • Anytime is now (Time)

                We've discussed using the analogy of Lord Of The Rings and Tolkien on another thread.
                Let's use that analogy, everyone / everything in Lord Of The Rings is actually Tolkien.

                And then you're interacting with few characters, how would you answer the following

                • An Orc asked you.. "Does Tolkien have fangs?"
                • Gollum asked you.. "Does Tolkien love Fish?"
                • Frodo asked you.. "Where is Tolkien? Is he in Shire?"
                • Gandalf asked you.. "Does Tolkien proficient in Magic?"
                • Sauron asked you.. "Does Tolkien have desire towards power and control?"
                • Treebeard asked you... "Does Tolkien love the tree and forest?"
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                • shukriS Offline
                  shukriS Offline
                  shukri
                  wrote on last edited by
                  #10

                  Sir,
                  The main purpose of my previous posts is to know the attributes\traits of "The Infinite" you believe in.
                  As you know in the Quran, the God's Attributes are given by God's Asmaul-Husna (the most beautiful names of God) such as Merciful, Omnipotent, Wise and so on.

                  OR
                  May I know if "The Infinite" in your belief is not considered as God by your definition!

                  Thanks.

                  "Our Lord, do not impose blame upon us if we have forgotten or erred"

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                  • shukriS Offline
                    shukriS Offline
                    shukri
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #11

                    We've discussed using the analogy of Lord Of The Rings and Tolkien on another thread.
                    Let's use that analogy, everyone / everything in Lord Of The Rings is actually Tolkien.

                    If An Orc, Gollum, Frodo are actually Tolkien, they must have the same power/capability like the first/original Tolkien!
                    Is that true, sir?

                    "Our Lord, do not impose blame upon us if we have forgotten or erred"

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                    • shukriS Offline
                      shukriS Offline
                      shukri
                      wrote on last edited by
                      #12

                      Since before time and space were,
                      the Tao IS.
                      It is beyond is and is not.
                      How do I know this is true?
                      I look inside myself and see.
                      -- Lao Tse, Tao The Ching

                      Did you do the same thing as Lao Tse did?
                      How to do that?

                      *Sorry sir!
                      So many questions from me.

                      "Our Lord, do not impose blame upon us if we have forgotten or erred"

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                      • J Offline
                        J Offline
                        Jafar
                        wrote on last edited by
                        #13

                        Did you do the same thing as Lao Tse did?
                        How to do that?

                        Meditate, look inside yourselves.

                        If An Orc, Gollum, Frodo are actually Tolkien, they must have the same power/capability like the first/original Tolkien!
                        Is that true, sir?

                        Of course everybody in LOTR is actually Tolkien.
                        No each character are uniquely defined and designed by Tolkien so they're not as 'powerful' as Tolkien who can basically create anything he wants in LOTR.
                        Each character that Tolkien has created gives Tolkien a unique perspective to the LOTR universe that he has created. The conflict of Frodo vs Sauron in LOTR is actually Tolkien vs Tolkien.

                        Try to author your own novel, and you will understand the concept.

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                        • D Offline
                          D Offline
                          Dersaadet
                          wrote on last edited by
                          #14

                          https//youtu.be/wEAE6IhPu_U?si=WQfg-00nq7T9doQD

                          Watch the video and if you are a believer in One God pls explain why and how he got it wrong about God and Evil and if you agree with him explain pls why.. No argument just for info and knowledge and see what people indeed think of God....
                          Thanks..

                          I watched the video, in my opinion it’s basic things. Because even people believe any of them like Abrahamic religions, mean accept God and evil, if we look another religions which is more than one god, or personal doctrine are same, maybe they don’t have one god and evil, instead of they have good and bad concept. This is dualism dilemma. That’s why Abrahamic religions solved this problem, because they don’t have dualist God. Mean you live with any abrahamic religion believers together. No problem. There belief or no belief. So, in Abrahamic religion , all fact or fhenomeon created from by God. We just choose and act thats it. Even some personal doctrines is same.because I can understand to evil, which is love to God and doesn’t accept to prostrate to in front of to Adam . Because evil is jeaolus.thats why probably Adam should be frustrated. According to the all books human load lots of resbonsibility.

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