Hmm…I am willing to modify my beliefs thanks to some of your help, James.
If God exists beyond time, then it is true that the universe, which is the only place in which time matters, must have always existed, though it is dependent on God. I recall reading something like this in Aquinas years ago.It would be silly for God to sit alone for aeons when such a measure of time means nothing to him. So, either the universe has existed for an infinite period of time as infinitely existing matter, or the universe is eternal through the existence of an eternal God.
I guess the core problem remains the same, but this clarifies the initial terms.
There is still a huge, irrational fear that morals can somehow be dis-proven (or highly discredited) by disproving the existence of God. I am seeking to remedy that.
I should not have to change any of the wording of my paper due to the above notion, but I will add a note, in the part about “God as the alternative to the infinitely existing universe” that the universe in the God-created universe is eternal, as well (it’s just eternal-contingent rather than eternal proper).
Oh, we should let them partake in all of the wasteful rituals they wish. However, we shouldn’t spread it any further. Eventually it will die on its own if religious civilizations stop promoting and protecting low intelligence.
God does not need or want praise. I can say this with certainty to any person of any religion.
A thing that does not exist “in time” cannot change, and has no needs. It is also incapable of caring for you (at least in the way that you’re used to being “cared about”).
People argue and say that “the praise is for OUR benefit, not God’s.”
Well guess what? Sitting around and theorizing about God as the “greatest possible being” is praise! It’s even better praise than mindlessly chanting lyrics whose meaning nobody considers! I would think that God would be much more pleased with the endeavors I’m making with this investigation than with anyone who never considers such questions and simply “praises.”
People who “praise” don’t even know what they are praising. It’s such a waste of energy!
The best thing you can do with your energy is to ponder this unanswerable question as often as possible. All other answers to all other questions will come more easily, as the importance of these axillary questions will pale in comparison to the big one.