RE: All the problems with Christianity
November 12, 2013 at 5:25 pm
(This post was last modified: November 12, 2013 at 5:28 pm by ronedee.)
(November 12, 2013 at 1:42 pm)Tonus Wrote: Looking at it backwards (from my explanation above) would leave us with the view that faith is blind by definition. The child in my example would believe that his father was bringing home the toy even though there was no evidence to believe such, or even evidence to the contrary (such as the father's adamant insistence that he would not purchase it). In that example, his faith would seem misplaced.
If god revealed himself to a person in a direct manner, then the faith isn't blind. That person may have trouble convincing others that his personal revelation is genuine; mental institutions no doubt have hosted their share of Napoleons over the ages. Others have had no trouble convincing people that they heard voices, but I suspect that few people believe that David Berkowitz was heeding a divine call when he acted on his personal revelation.
As for what god might want from us, I suppose that if he was to provide a personal revelation, it would be useful to include that information along with the bright lights and dancing angels.
I wanted to address this separately because it brought to mind a question that is probably more philosophical than anything else. That is to say, I don't know if there is a wrong or right answer, or what it might mean.
What can I "do for him"? What happens to god if I do not demonstrate a need for him? If I do not obey him? Or respect, trust, or love him? Is he harmed in any real sense? Or is it more the sense of sadness like we would feel if someone bumped the tower we were building from playing cards just before we added the finishing touches?
Well... you seem to portray the child as some kind of victim.
In what sense is the child a victim (in your view)? Because he has "some" faith in his dad, but "not enough" to believe he'll bring home a T-Rex? If my earthly dad told me he was bringing home a T-Rex... I would've been widening the door!
If God revealed Himself to you, do you believe you would have a choice to move in any other direction after that moment in time?
If God's kingdom revealed, is the ultimate destination in life... what point is there going anywhere else? What would be the point of life "after" such revelation? And if it were just a "brush" with Him in a chance encounter, what purpose would it serve? Case in point....
I have 2 friends, and coworkers that were very nearly killed in the line of duty. One says it was "God" that saved him, and actually witnessed God, on what was to be his death bed. The other believes it was "luck".
Who was right in those 2 situations?
They are both happy to be alive. Both returned to duty. They seem to have very similar lifestyles and daily struggles. Neither person seemed to change, other than they are extremely happy to be alive!
Here's my point: Wouldn't God need to reveal Himself to all of us? And.... at the same exact time in order for all to believe He exists? Or do you think your ONE encounter with God will satisfy all your atheist friends? And, me to some measure?
What good would God revealing Himself to YOU...Do for Me? Or anyone for that matter?
Which brings us back to my first general question, and observation... Where would we ALL be if God indeed revealed Himself to us?
Keep in mind the sheer Power, and Glory that God revealed represents! Not man's lame versions! The true essence of what someone is like that created the Universe! This is panty soiling stuff!
Or, do you think that someone of this unspeakable magnitude would hop a bus to your house for a quick nod of assurance? Because its you?
No. We are "given" life. He will return one day, and we will have to account for what we did with that gift!
And until then? Widen the door my friend!
Quis ut Deus?
