God's qualifications

[ReliStuPhD]

Well, Satan could be lying, or he could be trying to make you think for yourself, rather than giving you a pat answer. I'm not sure I believe all the propaganda about Lucifer being driven out of heaven, or was he sent by God to tempt and test people? I also entertain the same idea about Judas, did he betray Jesus, or was he assigned his task by Jesus?

Could be. I'm not really the person to ask. Do you have a view on this ReliStuPhD?

That's a lot of conjecture there, thedoc, so I'll stick with Christian orthodoxy. The orthodox Christian view is generally that Lucifer straight-up rebelled, was cast out, and does what "he" does out of his own personal motive to thwart God's plan (of course, Christian orthodoxy also holds that God's able to turn all those frowns upside down, beating Lucifer at his own game). Lucifer would, by nature, declare himself to be God (ignoring the "evidence" to the contrary). On the other hand, I seem to recall a Bible passage that declares even Satan recognizes God supremacy (can't find it atm). If I'm remembering correctly, then Lucifer would say whatever he felt like would dissuade you from declaring your allegiance, as it were, to God. So he would plainly lie if he thought it would work (e.g. presenting himself as God to prove your suspicions that God's an ass) or he might tell the truth if would work (maybe you resent God for taking your favorite hamster). There are all sorts of clever thought experiments to be had here. Orthodox views would definitely not be that God is using Satan to test everyone and it's some sort of clever conspiracy. Even Job is explained in a way that it's clear that God takes Satan up on his bet just to prove a point.

That's the best I've got at the moment without things narrowing down a bit more.

[thedoc]

Well, Satan could be lying, or he could be trying to make you think for yourself, rather than giving you a pat answer. I'm not sure I believe all the propaganda about Lucifer being driven out of heaven, or was he sent by God to tempt and test people? I also entertain the same idea about Judas, did he betray Jesus, or was he assigned his task by Jesus?

Could be. I'm not really the person to ask. Do you have a view on this ReliStuPhD?

That's a lot of conjecture there, thedoc, so I'll stick with Christian orthodoxy. The orthodox Christian view is generally that Lucifer straight-up rebelled, was cast out, and does what "he" does out of his own personal motive to thwart God's plan (of course, Christian orthodoxy also holds that God's able to turn all those frowns upside down, beating Lucifer at his own game). Lucifer would, by nature, declare himself to be God (ignoring the "evidence" to the contrary). On the other hand, I seem to recall a Bible passage that declares even Satan recognizes God supremacy (can't find it atm). If I'm remembering correctly, then Lucifer would say whatever he felt like would dissuade you from declaring your allegiance, as it were, to God. So he would plainly lie if he thought it would work (e.g. presenting himself as God to prove your suspicions that God's an ass) or he might tell the truth if would work (maybe you resent God for taking your favorite hamster). There are all sorts of clever thought experiments to be had here. Orthodox views would definitely not be that God is using Satan to test everyone and it's some sort of clever conspiracy. Even Job is explained in a way that it's clear that God takes Satan up on his bet just to prove a point.

That's the best I've got at the moment without things narrowing down a bit more.

Yes, if you're going to stick with Christian Orthodoxy, that's where you'll end up, but I don't hold much to the Orthodox view, in case you haven't noticed. My own beliefs are a blend of science, Buddhism, and Lutheran Christianity, you just need to not hold anything too tightly. FYI I get really annoyed with people who declare that they "Know" what they really just believe.

[ReliStuPhD]

Yes, if you're going to stick with Christian Orthodoxy, that's where you'll end up, but I don't hold much to the Orthodox view, in case you haven't noticed. My own beliefs are a blend of science, Buddhism, and Lutheran Christianity, you just need to not hold anything too tightly. FYI I get really annoyed with people who declare that they "Know" what they really just believe.

Philosophical "believe" or folk "believe?"

As for Satan and propaganda, is it science, Buddhism, or Lutheran Christianity that informs you there? Because only one of them has much to say on this point, especially insofar as you've referred to "Lucifer," "Jesus," etc. So maybe Christian orthodoxy is more relevant than you've let on here. Of course, if you're just shooting the breeze, that's fine too.

[Greatest I am]

If you applied for the position of God, what would be in your resume and cover letter?

PhilX

I would basically show that I read the scriptures and end with this opinion and should therefore get the position for honest and straight thinking.

“The God of the Old Testament is arguably the most unpleasant character in all fiction: jealous and proud of it; a petty, unjust, unforgiving control-freak; a vindictive, bloodthirsty ethnic cleanser; a misogynistic, homophobic, racist, infanticidal, genocidal, filicidal, pestilential, megalomaniacal, sadomasochistic, capriciously malevolent bully.”
― Richard Dawkins, The God Delusion

The above is one of the reasons that I believe that the only God fit to rule men is a man.

Regards
DL