Dealing with pantheists?

[AdriannaJean]

Hey Everyone,

I’ve been having some problems with how to talk to pantheists. I know we can prove the existence of God, but how do we prove that He is personal and an intelligent being, not some impersonal, unintelligent “force” (every time someone talks about “the force” controlling the universe, I can’t help but think of Star Wars). Would the sufficient cause (nothing can every be greater than the sum of its causes so humans cannot be more intelligent than “the force” that created them) argument do?

Any other ideas would be much appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[Cluny]

Well, don’t look for a magic bullet–the ONE phrase or argument that will suddenly convert them. (This can apply to any non-Christian.)

All you can really do is explain politely why you believe what you do, and if you don’t have an answer, don’t be afraid to say so.

 

[reggieM]

The universe is imperfect for a reason. It was created that way as something transient, limited, finite – with potential for fulfillment in the total perfect Good.

If a god was in the universe, created by the universe or the same as the universe – that god would be imperfect, flawed, limited, and dependent.

 

[VociMike]

The universe is imperfect for a reason. It was created that way as something transient, limited, finite – with potential for fulfillment in the total perfect Good.

If a god was in the universe, created by the universe or the same as the universe – that god would be imperfect, flawed, limited, and dependent.

I think this is the right approach. Can their theology explain why the universe is filled with suffering, death and imperfection, and is in fact itself dying?