If, when you say “God”, you actually mean “universal ethical theorem for sentient life” or something other than “supernatural being that created/help create the world”, you’re probably best off coming up with a different word; the one you’re currently using has been hopelessly entangled in its present context, and continuing to use it for something other than that will only result in confusion.
But I don’t think a word can truly be “hopelessly entangled in its present context”. Apart from anything else, the present is a moving target, and people’s ideas of divinity are incredibly diverse already. I could talk about a mathematical god-as-theorem at a Quaker meeting for example, and nobody would raise an eyebrow.
While I’m here, as a matter of politeness, I will entertain the community consensus of god as “imaginary friend” if you like.
If, when you say “God”, you actually mean “universal ethical theorem for sentient life” or something other than “supernatural being that created/help create the world”, you’re probably best off coming up with a different word; the one you’re currently using has been hopelessly entangled in its present context, and continuing to use it for something other than that will only result in confusion.
I’m probably done using that word here anyway :)
But I don’t think a word can truly be “hopelessly entangled in its present context”. Apart from anything else, the present is a moving target, and people’s ideas of divinity are incredibly diverse already. I could talk about a mathematical god-as-theorem at a Quaker meeting for example, and nobody would raise an eyebrow.
While I’m here, as a matter of politeness, I will entertain the community consensus of god as “imaginary friend” if you like.