Proteus wrote:
This is not Jewish teaching.
What's to prevent the emergence of a legend?

I think I've made my point.

Time for me to move on.


Most of my theological reflection in recent months has been nearly, if not, atheistic.

First, we have the conclusion to the "Totally Simple" thread.  If I understand that correctly, G-d is not in any way personal, nor a person, nor a personality at all.

Then we have my notion of G-d as All.  Not quite in any way, shape or form the G-d most people think of.  A G-d who created existence must transcend it, and IOW both be and not be.  Exist and not exist.

Similar enough is my notion of G-d as What Is.  I need not detail.

Yet a recurring feature of recent worship services at my church has been my sense of what I'm powerless to call anything other than Spirit, both filling the entire worship space and permeating my own being.

First, it tells me for certain (as certain as I can be) that there is more to the universe than time, space and matter.

Second, it does NOT tell me that Christianity has any monopoly on truth.  Rather, it tells me that altruism is a transpersonal force largely independent of anyone's belief system.

Hi Proteus

It is easy to distinguish legends from truth in long ago events. Consider Atlantis. It is a legend from 360 BCE, but it isn't widely accepted as being true. Why is Atlantis considered false whereas G-d appearing to the Jewish nation considered true? It is due to their original sources. The legend of Altantis was created by one person, Plato. While the revelation of G-d happened to an entire nation. So while you can attempt to disbelieve or rationalize the whole thing as just a "disembodied voice", you can't negate the fact than an entire nation heard SOMETHING GRAND. A mere act of ventriloquism wouldn't be heard by 3 million people. Plus people are naturally skeptical, especially when they are told that they have to change their behaviours based on an event. A mere trick wouldn't have that power.

Your next point is that G-d isn't not in any way personal, nor a person, nor a personality at all. You are correct that G-d isn't a person nor a personality. However, G-d has the power to be personal to each of us. We reach out with sincere personal prayer and have instant contact with Our Creator. It's really not rocket science. However (thinking about your personal situation), G-d never promised fairness or equality to anyone. That you have a tough situation means that you are a tough person. Wanting to put your deity in a physical space won't help with your troubles.