Why would God Create the universe? What motivation could an omnimax being possibly have? Further, why would He Create humans?

My father always said, “God exists. If you would know His mind, study His works.” While I am hardly a scientist, my studies have revealed a very simple answer to the first question: God Creates for the sheer joy of doing so.

One thing I think we can all agree on, regardless of worldview, is that the cosmos is beautiful. From the breathtaking vistas of the galaxy to the theories of physics, there is an elegance so profound that many believe it could not have happened by chance, that there must be a designer. If a theistic God exists, He is a peerless artist.

We see this reflected in human nature. Many theists hold that we are Created in the image of God, and if there is one thing that sets us apart from our animal brethren, it is the artistic impulse. As far as we can tell, we are alone in creating things for no practical purpose, in our celebration of beauty, in our capacity for symbolism.

Which leads us to the second question: why would God want to Create sapient life specifically? It struck me recently that we might be His audience. In our exploration of reality, in discovering the inner workings of the cosmos, we deepen our appreciation of His art.

What say you?

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We do not fear the night, who have loved the stars so fondly.

I'm not at all sure that the universe was "created" as many think... Genesis first chapter was revealed for people who were interested in an explanation and that served for awhile. The language of the time was limited and the only one chosen to convey the message...

The universe in todays terms or ideas would more likely be seen as a process on unfolding...We're still trying to figure it out and only just scratching the surface.. We're still learning about "dark matter" and so on... Does this mean there is no "Creator" ...? Again the terms "Creator" and "creation" maybe antiquated and too simplistic.

Some form of the universe was already around in some form or other and order from the process developed over time ... was this process beyond the Divine? I think not. The Divine is imminent but not easily measurable by today's standards.

"In our exploration of reality, in discovering the inner workings of the cosmos, we deepen our appreciation of His art."

Sounds good...

The explanation in the Baha'i Writings is that God created us to know and worship Him.


- Art

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"it benefits us to be thoughtful, not of the glory of our minds, but rather, above all else, of the glory of God."
- Johannes Kepler

Oh, I don't believe in a theistic Creator God, myself. I just enjoy musing on such topics.


I don't see the relevance of Genesis to the OP. I tried to keep it as generic as possible. Did I fail?

I agree with you, but this particular thought experiment uses the traditional model of God as supernatural Creator.


How does our ignorance regarding dark matter imply that there is no Creator?


Again, I actually agree with you. This is just a thought experiment.

My problem with this answer is that it strikes me as very petty on God's part, and also counter to the evidence. If our purpose is to know and worship Him, why does He not make Himself known? Why would He leave us to rely upon second-hand revelation?

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We do not fear the night, who have loved the stars so fondly.

Hello Storm..

You posted above:

"My problem with this answer is that it strikes me as very petty on God's part, and also counter to the evidence. If our purpose is to know and worship Him, why does He not make Himself known? Why would He leave us to rely upon second-hand revelation?"

Thanks for your reply..

I was adding what the Baha'i Writings state about the purpose of God from my belief. Is it a "second hand revelation"? For me it is pretty first hand. Is it "petty" not in my view.

But anyway if you're not familiar with Baha'i views on the "creation" you are welcome to explore that..

Abdul-Baha presented it this way:

Know that it is one of the most abstruse spiritual truths that the world of existence--that is to say, this endless universe--has no beginning.

Nonetheless we still refer to God as Creator and believe there was never a time when the creation did not exist.

- Art

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"it benefits us to be thoughtful, not of the glory of our minds, but rather, above all else, of the glory of God."
- Johannes Kepler

Thank you for starting all of the treads, Storm, I really appreciate it.

One thing stood out as I was reading your thread was the line about humans create things for no practical purpose. I'm not sure what you are referring to. I think art is record keeping and and expression of the Divine within. I think all art has a practical purpose.

We create toys and they are useful for playing and skill building.

What items to we create that have no practical purpose?

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How can the writings of another be your first-hand revelation?


I meant no offense, but I honestly don't understand how the notion that God Created us for the sole purpose of having someone to worship Him can be seen as anything but pettiness and vanity. Perhaps you can explain how you see it?

That's all fine and good, but it isn't really the topic. The topic is why you think God Created the universe, and us specifically. I am not interested in anyone's writings, but your personal thoughts.

You say God Created us to know and worship him. OK. My personal distaste for that idea aside, I would like to know WHY you believe it, not simply that you do. Why does that make sense to you?

Relevance?

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We do not fear the night, who have loved the stars so fondly.

Symphonies, for one.

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We do not fear the night, who have loved the stars so fondly.

Wouldn't symphonies be an art form and an expression of higher consciousness? Some might say it is a spiritual experience to listen to a symphony. If something is entertaining and relaxing and gets us in touch with something deeper, is that no practical purpose? It also gives people jobs.

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You're using a much broader meaning of "practical" than I am.

Symphonies do not provide food, shelter, or anything else necessary to survival.

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We do not fear the night, who have loved the stars so fondly.

I see what you mean. However, I think creative expression is very important to survival.

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