At some point, though, we’re supposed to get beyond the convenient personification of God as “Father in the sky” and experience him in more mature form. God as Love. God as Good(ness). God is not *a* being — God *is* being.

It is more mature to say God is love or goodness, instead of being a father in the sky? I’m not sure how making into a vague God a concept is more mature.

(I bet the sampling was not controlled for spiritual maturity.)

As a researcher myself, I’d love to know how you would control for spiritual maturity or how you would measure that in the first place. Thoughts?

“We can say a lot of doctors are doing a lot of good, whether religious or not,” said Dr. Farr Curlin, one of the authors of the study, published in the Annals of Family Medicine.

…

Curlin, who attends a nondenominational church, said the findings disappointed him.

“Caring for the poor is an expression of faithfulness and commitment,” he said. “But many religious physicians don’t make the connection.”

Kudos to Dr. Curlin for his honesty. Rather than trying to negate what the limited study indicates, he does a good turn by acknowleging the results for what they are.

A more thorough study might show what percentage of time doctors volunteer outside of their office. This would show who is going out looking for people to help, rather than simply helping those who come in asking for it.

I’m not predicting what the outcome of such a study would be, but I think that would be more telling data than is presented in this story.

The problem with most Chrsitian/Atheist dialogue is that most atheists have as incomplete an idea of who God is as most Christians do. They argue over the existence of an idea that we expect most Christians to grow out of by adulthood. The “God” they so predictably fight over is a developmentally-appropriate version of God for children. We’re supposed to grow deeper in our understanding, but rarely do so.

Personification of God is a convenient shorthand – a way to apply words to something that is way beyond words. A “handle” we use to relate to a transcendant reality. We first start with God as a person because we are persons and we relate naturally that way.

At some point, though, we’re supposed to get beyond the convenient personification of God as “Father in the sky” and experience him in more mature form. God as Love. God as Good(ness). God is not *a* being — God *is* being.

By my faith, God made atheists too and the impulse to love is written on their hearts just like anyone else’s. Why would we be surprised that a sample of atheists would be more charitable than a sample of Christians? (I bet the sampling was not controlled for spiritual maturity.)

I know Atheists that are Good. I know Atheists who Love. I know Atheists who are masters of being who they were created to be. So yeah, they don’t say “Lord, Lord” all the time, but by their fruits I can know them. Some of the best Christians I know don’t go to church.

Just a thought.