Dear Tannhauser:

What a well written thread, well thought of, so well articulated in my experience of reading it. Thank you.

Of the reasons you stated for your conclusion that there is a such a thing as a god who wants a relationship with people; such a god who shows interest in the affairs of Earth and humanity, these are the ones I agree quickly (on first reading) and with strong emotion:

” The Holocaust, the ultimate filthy stain upon humanity and therefore upon its Creator.” (what a magnificent way of stating this point, one short, very powerful sentence). Another reason: “The sufferings of the animal kingdom, which had done no wrong against God…”

Another is: “One’s own suffering and pain…” And yet another: “God’s unwillingness to answer heartfelt prayers and petitions; his constant radio silence surely proves his non-existence more effectively than any theory or rationale could.” (Again, I am enjoying your writing skill and talent in stating this).

Adding my own: the suffering of children who have done nothing wrong, the innocent. One more thing, I am continuing part of your sentences you wrote with my own writing:

There never was a God. It was something we invented ourselves, a hangover from an unsafe childhood, a wanting for a loving parent with whom one can be safe forever more.

anita