I'm really having a hard time here. What I mean is, if God didn't exist, that is, if it were a for-real, proven fact that God didn't exist, that would clarify some things. But it hasn't been proven that God does NOT exist.
Now, since we don't have a way of scientifically proving that God does or doesn't exist, I am having a hard time understanding how foolish some of these bold people can be, that they would mock God. I mean, what if He exists?
If God doesn't exist, any reverence for Him that I might show would be wasted. If the reverence happened to be in the form of $money that I donated to a church, then I would at least be donating to the support of some preacher. It would be like I was helping him and his family to live, no matter how ignorant and foolish they were. And I could feel a little bit of pride in that.
But what if God DOES exist? You don't REALLY know that He doesn't. Some of you should be a little more quiet, rather than mocking of something you don't know.
If there is a God, there is a good chance that He isn't just a little bit God, but that He just might be God Almighty. You are going to die in a few years. If you don't honor the idea of God existing, and He DOES exist, He has all time to mess with you if He wants. I would think THAT would induce a little respect of the idea, so at least you would act civilly towards the idea.
If it ever gets proven that there is NO God, then you have all the time you want to freely mock. But until you have the proof, how can you be so foolish as to tempt something that might be as great as God? Some of your fellow mockers who have departed this life, might already be suffering in great pain and agony, on some other planet, in some other dimension, totally outside of your sight.
You want respect. What if God exists, and wants respect a thousand times more than you do?
I have had discussions that have gone like this.
Friend: I believe all paths are equally valid so the idea of one way being the only way is wrong.
Me: Let's say you are right. All paths are valid. But Christianity says that there is no way to the Father except through Christ. Wouldn't it be logical to at least follow Christianity then? It seems to be the safest route.
Friend: That is actually logical. You are starting to persuade me.
Of course, BADecker, I agree with you.
The only thing I am pondering though is the idea of God "wanting" our respect. I think perhaps it is more that He wants us to seek Him on our own and not be forced to. The "respect" of God by all will eventually take place. Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. It will either be out of our own choice or after we die. But I think many people see God as mean and judgmental when in reality He doesn't want anyone to suffer and loves us all very much. He wants everyone to know Him and to seek Him and love Him and the "respect" should come from a true relationship and awe of how amazing He is. Just my thoughts.