Robert Miller wrote:
>
> Hi Howard,
>
> It always comes down to definitions doesn't it? I will use the OED's
> definition as sufficient for my post.
GH: It's sufficient enough FAPP.
>
> Miracle - A marvelous event occuring within human experience,
GH: "God" is a scientific phenomenon which controls what we
refer to as "reality".
Reality it turns out, is variable in the individual,
and varies from person to person in the population.
There is an "absolute reality" but only God can see it,
and so far (legend notwithstanding) no human being has
ever seen it.
Today, thanks to Hammond and many others, including
Einstein, we know why that is, how it works, and can
rigorously scientifically prove all this
> which could not have been brought by
> human power or by the operation of any natural agency,
GH: This was popular belief before the discovery of
a scientific explanation of God.
> and must therefore be ascribed to the special
> intervention of the Deity
GH: That is the proper terminology. The scientific phenomena
that "controls human reality" has been identified as the
"Deity" of traditional religion, notably Christianity,
Judaism and Islam.
> or of some supernatural being;
GH: God used to be called "supernatural" prior to the
discovery of a scientific explanation of the phenomenon.
Now He would be properly referred to as "supremely powerful".
> chiefly, an act
> (e.g. healing) exhibiting control
> over the laws of nature
GH: Yes "God" by controlling "reality" does in fact control,
indeed "creates", the Laws of Nature.
The "laws of Physics" are only relations among a priori
existing entities (e.g. mass, length and time). Physics
cannot "define" them, it can only identify specimens of
them by common assent (Brass cylinder, Platinum rod, Cesium
clock). Mass, length and time "exist" a priori to physical
law. In fact, it is only proper to say that "God created
mass, length and time", just as he created the rest of reality.
Physics cannot explain reality, it can only describe it using
a priori existing quantities which originate by virtue of
the human mind and common experience.
> and serving as evidence that the agent is divine or
> is specially favored by God.
GH: True, the Good are favored by the divine dispensation
of a favorable change in reality, the Bad are punished
with an unfavorable change in reality.
>
> Intervene - To come in as something extraneous, in the course of some
> action, state of things, etc.
GH: Yes, "intervention" is correct. God punishes the wicked
and rewards the good; by controlling their individual
"realities" or Worlds, destiny, fate, fortune, luck, etc.
God is more clever than any human being. In the end we all
lose our game to God. Even a few humans in some cases.
>
> It seems to me that your discussion about Griffin's views does not answer my
> simple question about prayer.
> Can we sensibly pray to God about intervening in our life or our friends
> lives with the expectation that He will hear
> and answer our prayer?
GH: Absolutely, no question about it. "God" is aware of
every thought that passes through your head, and
responds immediately. God responds to your requests
much as a parent responds to a child. He does what's best
for you.
>
> Bob Miller
GH: George Hammond
-- BE SURE TO VISIT MY WEBSITE, BELOW: ----------------------------------------------------------- George Hammond, M.S. Physics Email: ghammond@mediaone.net Website: http://people.ne.mediaone.net/ghammond/index.html ----------------------------------------------------------- ========================================================== Note: http://people.ne.mediaone.net/ghammond/Creationcall.html ==========================================================
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