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How do we know there's a God? What is he like?

If God desires, is he therefore imperfect?

Postby Scape211 » Thu Jan 07, 2021 10:11 am

Hey Jim! Hope you are doing well in the new year. Been a while since I posted something, but Ive been poking around here and there as usual and reading from yours (and others) wisdom. Hope 2021 treats you well.

Had a comment I have heard somewhat regularly that I am curious to the best way to address. Namely this:

If God had a desire to create, then that means he was lacking something. He was incomplete in some way, and an incomplete being cannot meet the definition of perfection.


Normally I try to separate the idea of desire (want) from lacking something important (need). God does not NEED us in the sense of lacking perfection, but he WANTS us so it has nothing to do with the idea of perfection or lacking something. Rather its a being whose needs are fulfilled but desires another expression of love. Is this a good approach or is there something better? What would you say in to this type of comment?
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Re: If God desires, is he therefore imperfect?

Postby jimwalton » Thu Jan 07, 2021 2:20 pm

Yeah, I've heard this before, and I have never bought into this theory. Not all desires are founded on or driven by lack or need. Some are, by contrast, a matter of further joy. For instance, a couple who has three children may want another one, not because they feel a lack (mostly the lack they feel is a lack of sleep, lack of time to themselves, and a lack of confidence in their own ability to keep caring for three children :lol: ), but rather because they have more love they want to share. If I give away a million dollars ( :shock: ) and it makes me feel good because of how it helped someone, I may do again, not because I have any kind of lack, but instead because I get great joy from blessing other people.
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Re: If God desires, is he therefore imperfect?

Postby Scape211 » Fri Jan 08, 2021 11:06 am

Yea sounds like I am in the same camp of thinking here. Just didn't know if this was the best kind of explanation to go with. Thanks!

BTW - I have 3 kids and lack sleep too! :lol:
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