And this killing machine is the invisible entity I'm supposed to 'worship'? All these gods and none to actually be found anywhere.
It is writen 'You shall have no other God before me" as well.
It is "also written" that the Christian God is a "jealous God." - "Jealous" is defined as 'feeling or showing envy of someone or their achievement or advantages.' - Beckons the question as to why an Omnipotent God would be, or possess "jealousy."
We are jealous in a sinful way. God is not.
That^ doesn't explain why an almighty, Omnipotent God would be, or possess, 'jealousy' of anything, or anyone.
And there are people - some even educated - who actually worship this genocidal biblical god. Makes you wonder, doesn't it?
"It's his painting, and He can do with it as He damn well pleases" works for a lot of believers. For non-believers/skeptics; not so much to explain away the genocidal slaughter of little babies and children by a self-declared "fair and just" God.
Also interesting that god condones infanticide too. Not to mention unleashing plagues upon a population because of one individual.
Then why does god take issue if we worship other deities? Seems like god doesn't like to share the proverbial stage with anyone.
Because that one individual had the power to stop it...he refused...
Either god has bad aim when smiting or he doesn't care who gets caught in his retributive blast radius.
THat does not explain why the entire populace had to suffer. They did nothing wrong. That's like blaming the victims.
Because exclusive allegiance to His sovereignty/laws is essential so that order and peace can become a reality for His creation...Jehovah's jealousy is pure, not selfish in any way...His jealousy is solely for the benefit of His creatures/creation and their devotion brings Him no profit whatsoever...
He was their ruler, he was responsible for them...
God sound codependent then. Or narcissistic. Or jealous.
Then he should bear the brunt of the blame. Not the general populace or the first born kids. Or were those first born his "little enemies" too?
Holding the people accountable for the actions of their leader was the way of the world. Still is in many ways.
? Did they elect him?
The Israelites were polytheistic until after the Babylonian captivity. That there were other gods besides Yahweh is never contested in the Old Testament. Instead what we find is Yahweh asserting his supremacy over the other gods.
Is the Biblical scripture in the Old Testament declaring "there were other gods besides Yahweh" correct/truthful/factual?
Are you asking if there is a real life pantheon?
I'm asking for a Yes or No response to the above question posed.
Is that supposed to be some kind of justification?
That might depend on the religion.
That's nice. Prove it!