NationStates Jolt Archive

So tell me what you think!

It is recorded in the holy bible that God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” It is self-evident that the image and likeness mentioned do not apply to the form and semblance of a human being because the reality of divinity is not limited to any form or figure. Nay, rather the attributes and characteristics of God are intended. Even as God is pronounced to be just, man must likewise be just. As God is loving and kind to all men, man must likewise manifest loving-kindness to all humanity. As God is loyal and truthful, man must show forth the same attributes in the human world. Even as God exercises mercy toward all, man must prove himself to be the manifestation of mercy. In a word, the “image and likeness of God” constitute the virtues of God, and man is intended to become the recipient of the effulgences of divine attributes. This is the essential foundation of all the divine religions, the reality itself, common to all.

'Abdu'l-Baha, Foundations of World Unity (Wilmette: US Bahai Publishing Trust, 1979 sixth printing) P. 93

I look a bit like Venus... in her later years.

Why an omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent being would want to look like US, I don't know....

Every god is created in the image of the people and culture that it originated from.

Why an omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent being would want to look like US, I don't know....

A peculiar kind of fetishism, I would suspect.

So tell me what you think!

It is recorded in the holy bible that God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” It is self-evident that the image and likeness mentioned do not apply to the form and semblance of a human being because the reality of divinity is not limited to any form or figure. Nay, rather the attributes and characteristics of God are intended. Even as God is pronounced to be just, man must likewise be just. As God is loving and kind to all men, man must likewise manifest loving-kindness to all humanity. As God is loyal and truthful, man must show forth the same attributes in the human world. Even as God exercises mercy toward all, man must prove himself to be the manifestation of mercy. In a word, the “image and likeness of God” constitute the virtues of God, and man is intended to become the recipient of the effulgences of divine attributes. This is the essential foundation of all the divine religions, the reality itself, common to all.

'Abdu'l-Baha, Foundations of World Unity (Wilmette: US Bahai Publishing Trust, 1979 sixth printing) P. 93
The bible is of no relevance. Yah does not look like anyone else.

God looks kind of like a cross between George Burns, Morgan Freeman and Alanis Morissette. *nod*


:eek:

Ewww....!!!

God is a manovelent bastard and man has done a very good job of living in his image

God looks kind of like a cross between George Burns, Morgan Freeman and Alanis Morissette. *nod*

:eek:

Ewww....!!!According to one reliable source, actually god looks exactly like Alanis Morrisette... *nod*

So God has a receeding hairline too?

So God has a receeding hairline too?

Alanis Morisette has a receeding hairline???

I AM GOD.

:mp5:

I look like god because I am god.

Let me put it this way...

I look old, wear a long white gown, have a white beard, and there's this triangle with an eye inside hovering over me.

I hate divinities that can't develop their own style.

I look like god because I am god.

I contest your claim

I contest your claim

*Smites you*

God molded us in his general image, but ascribed to us a biological method of propagation which has inherent flaws in it as a system of preserving the integrity of the information. I believe that Adam and Eve were the humans which most closely resembled God, but that we have diverged from there as a result of mutations and alterations of DNA over the generations (no, I don't mean that we evolved -- we were never apes or birds or platypi, but our physical appearance did change over time).

God molded us in his general image, but ascribed to us a biological method of propagation which has inherent flaws in it as a system of preserving the integrity of the information. I believe that Adam and Eve were the humans which most closely resembled God, but that we have diverged from there as a result of mutations and alterations of DNA over the generations (no, I don't mean that we evolved -- we were never apes or birds or platypi, but our physical appearance did change over time).

O...kay.


Is the earth flat too?

Is the earth flat too?

In short: yes. However, it is only because of the multi-dimensional complexity of the universe which can render a simple object in a more convoluted form. We cannot comprehend the full intricacies of the universe, so we naturally mis-interpret geometric shapes since they have been distorted by the physical structure of the universe. However, I will stipulate that for humans, with limited cranial capacity, the Earth appears to be a spherical object.

In short: yes. However, it is only because of the multi-dimensional complexity of the universe which can render a simple object in a more convoluted form. We cannot comprehend the full intricacies of the universe, so we naturally mis-interpret geometric shapes since they have been distorted by the physical structure of the universe. However, I will stipulate that for humans, with limited cranial capacity, the Earth appears to be a spherical object.

I'm going to back away slowly now.

I'm going to back away slowly now.

When you have attained complete spiritual enlightenment, you will be able to tear apart the cloth woven of gossamer strands of science and mathematics which separates Man from God. With frightening clarity, you will be able to view the world as it was created by God and not how it is delineated by Man. I urge you to pray until you find the ultimate truth, and I beseech you not to find me "insane" in the meantime.

I look a bit like Venus... in her later years.
:fluffle:
God looks kind of like a cross between George Burns, Morgan Freeman and Alanis Morissette. *nod*
:eek:
Ewww....!!!
I'd hit that!
So God has a receeding hairline too?
I do - so I guess He does, too?

I'm hawt regardless if there is a gawd or not... :p

I'd hit that!

As would I! Normally, I don't resort to violence, but I would when dealing with such a grotesque being. "Eww" is right!

As would I! Normally, I don't resort to violence, but I would when dealing with such a grotesque being. "Eww" is right!
Okay, let me rephraise that - I'd make sweet love to It to the sound of Barry White, mmkay?

Violence resolves nothing.

My soul is a reflection of the God that created it, but other than that I look nothing like him. God has no physical form, so it's pretty much impossible to conceive of what he looks like since it's not something that can be experienced with our biological eyes or brain.

My, my some very interesting replies.

"God creates dinosaurs, God destroys dinosaurs, God creates man, Man destroys God, Man creates dinosaurs." ;)

Amusing, my vote split it evenly to 7 votes each.

I am God, however I do not discount that others here are God, nor do I say the God in majority religions isn't God. We are all God once we realise :)

I think that would make me look like God, as opposed to God looking like me:)

Do you think god looks anything like Jesus? Most kids look like their parents.

When you have attained complete spiritual enlightenment, you will be able to tear apart the cloth woven of gossamer strands of science and mathematics which separates Man from God. With frightening clarity, you will be able to view the world as it was created by God and not how it is delineated by Man. I urge you to pray until you find the ultimate truth, and I beseech you not to find me "insane" in the meantime.

You are nutty as a fruitcake. *nod*

I should know; I can smell my own kind. :)

I challenge all of your claims...

God does not exist in a mortal visage. We were created in God's image, his perception of self, his mental image of his existence's identity. God has no form currently, because we are that form...we are God whether you choose to believe it or not. All time and space was one, and a single conscious that desired experience. God, humans, and evil sprouted from that want after the big bang, and here life came to be. Time and space are contained infinitely within our awareness, our conscious, or spirit...whatever name gets you off. We all are the creator, and we all hold the universe within us. The more that are born, the more time continues to expand...in space...reality is what you make it...

So, sure...you're creationisms on God are all right, but they only apply to the reality you create for yourself, as there is no true reality within our mortality, because our existence is non-existence.

Now, considering the fact that I'm hammered, feel free to completely ignore my distortion of reality.

Do you think god looks anything like Jesus? Most kids look like their parents.

Do you know what Jesus looks like? If you do then you are without a doubt the oldest person ever. Very amazing!

So tell me what you think!

It is recorded in the holy bible that God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” It is self-evident that the image and likeness mentioned do not apply to the form and semblance of a human being because the reality of divinity is not limited to any form or figure. Nay, rather the attributes and characteristics of God are intended. Even as God is pronounced to be just, man must likewise be just. As God is loving and kind to all men, man must likewise manifest loving-kindness to all humanity. As God is loyal and truthful, man must show forth the same attributes in the human world. Even as God exercises mercy toward all, man must prove himself to be the manifestation of mercy. In a word, the “image and likeness of God” constitute the virtues of God, and man is intended to become the recipient of the effulgences of divine attributes. This is the essential foundation of all the divine religions, the reality itself, common to all.

'Abdu'l-Baha, Foundations of World Unity (Wilmette: US Bahai Publishing Trust, 1979 sixth printing) P. 93

More important, why is God referring to himself in the multiple?

He looks like Zeus!

More important, why is God referring to himself in the multiple?

Sorry I am a little slow? Please explain what you mean.

More important, why is God referring to himself in the multiple?

At the time most people believed in many Gods. There are other places in the bible old testament where we see that, too.

I look a lot like God because I am God... and so is everyone else. As per the principles of egotheism. :p

Sorry I am a little slow? Please explain what you mean.

Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.

So, is there more than one God, or is this one of those divinity things, like the royal we?

Do you know what Jesus looks like? If you do then you are without a doubt the oldest person ever. Very amazing!

No :( all I have to go on is this painting
http://www.sanford-artedventures.com/Play/leonardo/images/leo_last_supper_l.jpg
Most people just assume it's accurate.

No :( all I have to go on is this painting
http://www.sanford-artedventures.com/Play/leonardo/images/leo_last_supper_l.jpg
Most people just assume it's accurate.

Leonardo Da Vinci knew what Jesus looked like?

God looks like Alanis Morrissette :cool:

God looks kind of like a cross between George Burns, Morgan Freeman and Alanis Morissette. *nod*


:eek:

Ewww....!!!

Blah! You beat me to it!
And why is the poll not multichoice?

When you have attained complete spiritual enlightenment, you will be able to tear apart the cloth woven of gossamer strands of science and mathematics which separates Man from God. With frightening clarity, you will be able to view the world as it was created by God and not how it is delineated by Man. I urge you to pray until you find the ultimate truth, and I beseech you not to find me "insane" in the meantime.

To truly attain complete enlightenment, you must also transcend the Veil of Language, and give up the Word, Grasshopper.

God molded us in his general image, but ascribed to us a biological method of propagation which has inherent flaws in it as a system of preserving the integrity of the information. I believe that Adam and Eve were the humans which most closely resembled God, but that we have diverged from there as a result of mutations and alterations of DNA over the generations (no, I don't mean that we evolved -- we were never apes or birds or platypi, but our physical appearance did change over time).

I like the idea that we were originally made of fungus (molded).

You are nutty as a fruitcake. *nod*

I should know; I can smell my own kind. :)

But he's not nearly as much fun as you :)

God looks like me. Coincidence? I think not.

Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.

So, is there more than one God, or is this one of those divinity things, like the royal we?

I think the OP explained it fairly well. After our likeness is meant to explain that it is the different attributes of God that are referred to.

"It is self-evident that the image and likeness mentioned do not apply to the form and semblance of a human being because the reality of divinity is not limited to any form or figure. Nay, rather the attributes and characteristics of God are intended. Even as God is pronounced to be just, man must likewise be just."

So there is only one God with many different aspects or attributes. We see this idea or concept demonstrated in the many different "gods" in Hinduism.

God looks like me. Coincidence? I think not.

Or one very terrible accident.

Leonardo Da Vinci knew what Jesus looked like?

Very bright that Leonardo.

God looks like me. Coincidence? I think not.

God got plastic surgery. *nod*

since i don't know what you look like, that can betaken one of two wyas :(

god looks like santa claus

god looks like santa claus

God looks like Lunatic Goofballs.

or does God look like you!
Things that don't exist can't exhibit characteristics.

Things that don't exist can't exhibit characteristics.

My atheism doesn't hinder my imagination. :(

So tell me what you think!

It is recorded in the holy bible that God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” It is self-evident that the image and likeness mentioned do not apply to the form and semblance of a human being because the reality of divinity is not limited to any form or figure. Nay, rather the attributes and characteristics of God are intended. Even as God is pronounced to be just, man must likewise be just. As God is loving and kind to all men, man must likewise manifest loving-kindness to all humanity. As God is loyal and truthful, man must show forth the same attributes in the human world. Even as God exercises mercy toward all, man must prove himself to be the manifestation of mercy. In a word, the “image and likeness of God” constitute the virtues of God, and man is intended to become the recipient of the effulgences of divine attributes. This is the essential foundation of all the divine religions, the reality itself, common to all.

'Abdu'l-Baha, Foundations of World Unity (Wilmette: US Bahai Publishing Trust, 1979 sixth printing) P. 93

I think the scriptures say what they mean and mean what they say. God made man in his own image. God therefore has a body that is like ours in form, but perfected and glorious. However Jesus said to his disciples "what manner of men ought ye to be? verily I say unto thee, even as I am." and in another place, "be thou perfect, even as thy father in heaven is perfect". thus making it clear that He intends for us to strive for perfection, so the rest of your post stands fair.

Things that don't exist can't exhibit characteristics.

I certainly respect your right to share your opinion on this topic, but there seems little point in my responding to this because the whole point of the post was to discuss a totaly different topic. Namely our understanding of the physical and/or spiritual aspect of God.

I think the scriptures say what they mean and mean what they say. God made man in his own image. God therefore has a body that is like ours in form, but perfected and glorious. However Jesus said to his disciples "what manner of men ought ye to be? verily I say unto thee, even as I am." and in another place, "be thou perfect, even as thy father in heaven is perfect". thus making it clear that He intends for us to strive for perfection, so the rest of your post stands fair.

The word image can have many different meanings. You take it to mean a physical body. I think that the concept of God is too large to be confined to a physical shape no matter how large that person might be. When Jesus was speaking to his disciples He was not asking them about the physical shape that they should strive for but the spiritual shape of their characters. He was asking them to be spiritual giants amongst physical men. And they were. They took the spirit of Christ and spread it into the entire world.

Of course I look like myself, how can I not? :p

Of course I look like myself, how can I not? :p

:p

If I look like god I'm beginning to worry...

If god look like me he should stop thinking about how punish sinner and start thinking about lose some weight... (And also I should compliment with him for the nice hairs...)

Well, If we take the bible as truth then god has no set form:

Exodus 14:14 - What if the Egyptians tell the people who live in this land? LORD, they have already heard that you are with these people, that they have seen you with their own eyes, that your column of smoke stays over them, and that you go ahead of them in a column of smoke by day and in a column of fire by night

Exodus 19:18 And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly.

I'm sure I could find other appearances if I looked hard enough but it would appear that god could assume any appearance he chooses but seems to prefer that of fire.

But it does say that god created man in his image. Man is made of clusters of cells, which are made of molecules which are made of atoms. Nucelii with electrons orbiting bound together in odd shapes and clusters which are in turn held together in a greater form. Much like planets orbit suns and stars form clusters and clusters of stars form Galaxies. Could god be creation itself?. This way all creatures and all things are created in gods image. A day in our time is a mere 24 hours but what of a day in the life of the universe?. Could have been very very short to begin with as it rapidly expands (let there be light) and rotates very fast. Then lengthens as the rotation slows and the "day" becomes longer. Thus god could have created the world in seven days but not days as we know them.

You have to understand this is pure conjecture, I just think about these things to stretch my imagination. :) no offence to any of our more devout friends intended.

Well, If we take the bible as truth then god has no set form:

Exodus 14:14 - What if the Egyptians tell the people who live in this land? LORD, they have already heard that you are with these people, that they have seen you with their own eyes, that your column of smoke stays over them, and that you go ahead of them in a column of smoke by day and in a column of fire by night

Exodus 19:18 And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly.

I'm sure I could find other appearances if I looked hard enough but it would appear that god could assume any appearance he chooses but seems to prefer that of fire.

But it does say that god created man in his image. Man is made of clusters of cells, which are made of molecules which are made of atoms. Nucelii with electrons orbiting bound together in odd shapes and clusters which are in turn held together in a greater form. Much like planets orbit suns and stars form clusters and clusters of stars form Galaxies. Could god be creation itself?. This way all creatures and all things are created in gods image. A day in our time is a mere 24 hours but what of a day in the life of the universe?. Could have been very very short to begin with as it rapidly expands (let there be light) and rotates very fast. Then lengthens as the rotation slows and the "day" becomes longer. Thus god could have created the world in seven days but not days as we know them.

You have to understand this is pure conjecture, I just think about these things to stretch my imagination. :) no offence to any of our more devout friends intended.

Isn't it also true that humans are made up of more that just atoms, cells and molecules? Have we not been told: I think therefore I am. Are we not made up of thoughts, ideas, attributes, feelings and more. Is the human condition only physical? Does the spirit count for nothing?

Isn't it also true that humans are made up of more that just atoms, cells and molecules? Have we not been told: I think therefore I am. Are we not made up of thoughts, ideas, attributes, feelings and more. Is the human condition only physical? Does the spirit count for nothing?

Never said it didn't, I'm a very spiritual person and believe in a "soul" if that's what you want to call it, I just don't believe in a divine creator. I follow my own very personal belief system which many people have said matches most closely with Buddhism. I do particularly like the apparent dry wit of many of the Masters especially in Zen, but I don't take the same nihilistic view that many do.

Incidentally someone once tried to "measure" the soul. I forget who it was or when it was done but they did manage it. Upon the moment of death there is a minute change in mass of the body as if something is "gone".

Never said it didn't, I'm a very spiritual person and believe in a "soul" if that's what you want to call it, I just don't believe in a divine creator. I follow my own very personal belief system which many people have said matches most closely with Buddhism. I do particularly like the apparent dry wit of many of the Masters especially in Zen, but I don't take the same nihilistic view that many do.

Incidentally someone once tried to "measure" the soul. I forget who it was or when it was done but they did manage it. Upon the moment of death there is a minute change in mass of the body as if something is "gone".

I appreciate your reply; and my response was not meant to refute your answer, but merely to continue the thought. I seem to remember some thing about the soul being measured as you mentioned. But I don't know if it is a urban myth or actual science.

I appreciate your reply; and my response was not meant to refute your answer, but merely to continue the thought. I seem to remember some thing about the soul being measured as you mentioned. But I don't know if it is a urban myth or actual science.

I never took it as a dismisal, only a query :) as for the measurment of the soul or detection of it, I remember seeing it recently in a program on Discovery Science channel (or maybe National Geographic). So I think the chances are it actually took place and that the results were recorded, as to whether it can be called science is up for debate (but not by me and certainly not tonight) but I do think its a curiosity :) and "why not?".