Is there a GOD?

The question is trivial. Perhaps, unnecessary. Because, MAN wanted GOD. He has created HIM. May be in his thoughts.

But, let us see how essential is GOD to Man. Man and all of his tribe occupy just a dot on this big universe. Who gave Man the capacity to think? Who gave the Man a structure? (body). (According to Darwin, it is by evolution process). Who created the self lubricating, self repairing system called Man? Man is not yet sure that there are no superior and intelligent inhabitants anywhere in the Universe. How far can Man go, if he were to traverse the Universe. Even with the fastest flying machine, it will take all of his lifetime and more to reach the nearest star. Then, how can he find out whether there is God or not?

You can discuss a topic with your peers if you want intelligent discussion. Otherwise, it is only argument and counter argument. No results come out. You can perhaps discuss with Man's superiors (in intelligence etc.) if you can meet them. When Man has not found one such species so far, how can he decide? Only from religious books written by him or his ancestors?

Logic then arrives. Since the Universe is so big and immeasurable in size, could not ONE entity have created it? Man thinks that, yes, some ONE must have created it. Man finds, by introspection, that he is not the ideal creation. He has hatred, anger, jealousy, pride, greed, lust as his qualities. Man decides that that the superior ONE must not be having these attributes because these are not the desirable or desired qualities in him. Therefore, he concludes that the CREATOR of the Universe should be above all these qualities. Since sex means procreation, he has also observed the CREATOR is neither male nor female, has neither beginning nor end, neither is born nor dead. Omnipresent, omniscient etc. IF the CREATOR was (logic tells us that there must have been a CREATOR) pure in all concepts, HE must be called by some name. Perhaps, Man invented the word GOD.

LAWS of Physics tell us that you can neither add nor take away any material from this Universe. All that Man can do is to change the form. Evidence of this we are seeing when we see chemicals created by Man, atomic weapons created by Man et al. On the contrary, GOD creates, preserves and destroys effectively. Nature has ample examples on this. (HuMan cloning is going on; where it will lead is anybody's guess. We have reminders of Man's capacity to split atom and its consequences). He has created plastics but does not yet know how to dispose it.

It is up to one to accept the existence or GOD or not. But GOD does not depend on Man's acceptance or otherwise. The CREATOR IS GOD. GOD is the CREATOR.

Man needs GOD in times of stress, strain and despair, which are so commonplace on this earth. Who will provide that comfort and solace to the needy ones? (Not we, the participants in this discussion, at least.)
Why does Man suffer? Who created the sufferings? A little thought will reveal that Man himself has created the sufferings. Therefore, only Man should find the solution or answer. No use blaming God or any other entity, the existence of which Man is not sure.

Introspection, thinking in solitude will provide the answers to every huMan being. But each huMan has to find his own answer. No two answers are likely to be similar or same. If a Man has found an answer to such a difficult question, then, he need not go in search of an external GOD. Because GOD is there already in Man himself.
Letter from GOD.

My Dear Children, (and believe me,m that’s all of you).

I consider myself a pretty patient guy. I mean, look at the Grand Canyon. It took millions of years to get it right. And evolution? Boy, nothing is slower than designing that whole Darwinian thing to take place, cell by cell, and gene by gene.

I’ve been patient through your fashions, civilizations, wars and schemes, and the countless ways you take Me for granted until you get yourselves into big trouble again and again. I want to let you know about some of the things that are starting to tick me off.

First of all, your religious rivalries are driving Me up the wall. Let’s get one thing straight: These are YOUR religions, not Mine. I’m beyond them all. Every one of your religions claims there is only one of Me(which by the way is absolutely true). But in the very next breath, each religion claims it’s My favourite one. And each claims its bible was written personally by Me.

Okay, listen up now. I’m your Father and Mother, and I don’t play favourites among My children. Also, I hate to break it to you, but I don’t write. My longhand is awful, and I’ve always been more of a ‘doer’ anyway.

So all of your books were written by men and women. They were remarkable people, but they also made mistakes here and there. I made sure of that, so that you would never trust a written word more than your own living heart.

You act like I need you and your religions to stick up for Me or ‘win souls’ for My sake. Please, don’t do Me any favours. I can stand quite well on my own, thank you. I don’t need you to defend Me, and I don’t need constant credit. I just want you to be good to each other.

And another thing: I don’t get all worked up over money or politics, so stop dragging My name into your dramas. The thing is, I want you to stop thinking of religion as some sort of loyalty pledge to Me. The true purpose of your religions is so that you can become more aware of Me, not the other way around.

Believe Me, I know you already. I know what’s in each of your hearts, and I love you with no strings attached. Lighten up and enjoy Me. That’s what religion is best for. What you seem to forget is how mysterious I am.

You look at the petty differences in your Scriptures and say, “Well, if this is the truth, then that can’t be!” But instead of trying to figure out My Paradoxes and Unfathomable Nature, which by the way, you never will, why not open your hearts to the simple common threads in all religions.

You know what I’m talking about: love and respect everyone. Be kind, even when life is scary or confusing, take courage and be of good cheer, for I am always with you. Learn how to be quiet, so you can hear My still, small voice (I don’t like to shout). Hold back nothing from life, for the parts of you that can die surely will, and the parts that can’t, won’t. So don’t worry, be happy (I stole that last line from Bobby McFerrin, but who do you think gave it to him in the first place?)

Simple stuff. Why do you keep making it so complicated? It’s like you’re always looking for an excuse to be upset. And I’m very tired of being your main excuse. Do you think I care what you call me? Do you think I care which of My special children you feel closest to?

You can call Me and My Special Ones any name you choose, if only you would go about My business of loving one another as I love you. How can you keep neglecting something so simple? I’m not telling you to abandon your religions. Enjoy your religions, honour them, learn from them, just as you should enjoy, honour, and learn from your parents. But do you walk around telling everyone that your parents are better than theirs?

Each religion is unique for a reason. Each has a unique style so that people can find the best path for themselves.

If you really want to help then commit yourselves to figuring out how to feed your hungry, clothe your naked, protect your abused, and shelter your poor. And just as importantly, make your own everyday life a shining example of good humour.

I’m not really ticked off. I just wanted to grab your attention because I hate to see you suffer. I want you to be happy.

Your One and Only,

GOD

(Neale Donald Walsch in his book ‘Conversation with God’)