Believing Vs Claiming to Believe

[The Reality Salesman01]

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I’ve always enjoyed how Jesus dove tails Socrates as portrayed by Plato in his works. He's almost the same character as Jesus right up to the death that he welcomes with open arms, it’s uncanny. And, it was written 400 years before Jesus was said to be born, fascinating stuff really. Either way, you and I have common ground here. Our standard for good is the same. Where we differ is where Socrates and Jesus begin to walk separate paths. Have you read The Apology? It's fantastic, and only about 30 pages. I recommend downloading the PDF online for free if you haven't. But, I digress...

I will read The Apology! Thank you!

I do still have one question that needs answered. I’m only trying to make sure I have a good grasp of what you’re saying. I think it’s better than pretending to know what you believe. Wouldn’t you agree?

Do you believe that God speaks to you? It seems as though you believe that God tells you things, and you believe with absolute certainty that it’s God. Correct?

Yes, on both counts.

It’s not necessary that you tell me the exact things you’ve interpreted as being God intervening for me to understand your perspective. I need only to understand the level of certainty to which you assign to it in fact being God.

I myself assign high levels of certainty to things I believe, so I can certainly relate to what it means to hold something as absolutely true. So if you would please specify how certain you are, I would be able to get an idea of the category of belief we are talking about.

Perhaps, 1-10? 1 being uncertain, and 10 being absolutely sure without a doubt.

Without a doubt 10. If I may...it can only be 10. At least for me.

I am genuinely interested in understanding your position. I intend to only ask questions, it is obviously up to you as to whether or not you choose to answer. My hope is that through your answers we may both understand something new. Your cooperation this far is graciously appreciated. I assure you that I do not intend on attacking you or putting words in your mouth.

And, I'm also interested in your perspective.... and the tough questions!

This is the best conversation I've had here in a long time! Thanks and Fire-away!

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I will read The Apology! Thank you!

Quite welcome.

I do still have one question that needs answered. I’m only trying to make sure I have a good grasp of what you’re saying. I think it’s better than pretending to know what you believe. Wouldn’t you agree?

Do you believe that God speaks to you? It seems as though you believe that God tells you things, and you believe with absolute certainty that it’s God. Correct?

Yes, on both counts.

Thank you.

Perhaps, 1-10? 1 being uncertain, and 10 being absolutely sure without a doubt.

Without a doubt 10. If I may...it can only be 10. At least for me.

Again, your candor is much appreciated. It’s easier to proceed when one is presenting such clear descriptions of their beliefs.

And, I'm also interested in your perspective.... and the tough questions!

Tough subjects tend to raise tough questions. I just want to reiterate that should I ask one that is too tough, you are not at all required to answer. I do not have the same perspective or knowledge on the matter of God as you clearly do. However, if you could somehow convey this knowledge, I am very eager to learn. It is my hope that you will be patient if something I say comes across as ignorant. When compared to a 10 on a certainty scale with regards to God, my knowledge is guaranteed to be nothing more than ignorance.

This is the best conversation I've had here in a long time! Thanks and Fire-away!

I am happy to hear that.

I’d like to start with a thought experiment. Hearing your answers to the conditions contained therein will provide me with an accurate understanding of the regard in which you hold your belief. I hope you’ll run with it with me. What do you say?