Why isn't a self creating god as much of a paradox as a self creating universe.
Because believing in a self-creating god is an act of faith where logic is suspended by choice. Considering that there might be a perpetual recycling cause-effect relationship in the formation of matter from space-time is a means of thoughtful consideration and logical questioning. One requires an act of self-imposed closure, while the other simply says 'maybe' and looks for ways to figure it out.
"What does God need with a starship?". Clearly the answer is "God doesn't need a starship" It is easy enough to extrapolate that to "What does God need with a universe ?" and just as clearly " God doesn't need a universe" . No one has ever been able to answer that in a way that makes sense to me.
The next logical step in this series to me is, "What does the universe need with gods?" Belief CAN be a benefit to the universe if used properly. We can't all know everything all the time that we use to make 'decisions', so we take some actions through considered 'faith' in other people, systems or in our instincts. Any action taken based upon self-imposed
blind faith, however, is probably going to end up more consumptive than creative (Evil).
There is no reason to think that as we learn more about the way the universe truly functions, many things we think of as paranormal will not become 'normal'
and the reciprocal: As things we think of as paranormal become understood, then things we think of as normal will be considered 'reality challenged'.
I would add that religion was also created as a way to explain that which we don't understand.
In a conspiratorial sense, explanations of the unknown were used to build societal structure and domination when force alone wasn't enough to control large numbers.
I'll pass on the missionary (Try a Little Priest) and the salesmen -- I am a vegetarian you know.
I didn't know, congratulations. I envy your self-discipline and have much respect for vegetarianism. Sadly, though, I am burdened with keeping down the population of excess animals myself (since predators have been destroyed by humans, some of us take that responsibility). I also just don't have the teeth and time to chew enough vegetables to keep my calorie intake high enough for my farm work. It's the cross I bear. What about vegetarian missionaries?
My niece says, "I don't eat anything with a face."
I responded, "I face the things I eat."
In the end, our experience HAS shown us that there is no 'supernatural' only the natural that we don't understand
That's a good quote. I might borrow it sometime.
